Zines have limited slots and thus require portfolios to determine which creators should be selected as contributors. I think Anon is mixing up zines with other types of fan events like Big Bangs and character weeks where it’s open to “whoever wants to participate”.
Eh. I think anon is surprised because they’re thinking of DIY culture zines.
Fandom’s current penchant for fancy art books produces beautiful stuff, but I do find it extremely offputting culturally.
Oldschool fanfic/art zines weren’t that different though. They didn’t require a portfolio, but they were often pretty snobby.
