These publications could not be called eager, idealistic or naïve

In many ways, the post-punks modelled themselves on the culture of beat writers of the 1950s. They wrote about being set apart from a rigid society, not following the ideals of the time but instead focusing on art, music and literature.
The zines they produced were more cynical than those of the 60s. They realized that money controlled the mainstream media, that there was corruption rife in society and social injustices were a part of everyday life. They realized that they could do little to change this and so attempted to create their own alternative away from it. These publications could not be called eager, idealistic or naïve. Realizing that there was little chance of them changing anything, the founders of the zine appearing at this time were aiming to set themselves apart, creating the stereotype of the ‘slacker’. This was often presented as a façade of detached cool. This served to set them apart from the culture around them and eventually found itself feeding into it when it found popularity. The followed a bohemian ideal rather than a political one. Celebrating the artist, the musician and the menial job which left time and brainspace for formulating new ideas and community building. This was reflection rather than action.

uit: DIY : the rise of lo-fi culture - Amy Spencer

____