A distribution source for independant publishing (like zines), indie
music labels and other diy crafts. Some of the more established distros include Pander Zine Distro and Moonrocket, though there are literally hundreds of distros worldwide. Generally speaking they don'
t turn much of a profit as stocking and
selling their products is a labor of love, much as it is for those who create what they sell.
Additionally, the process for being distributed (or distro'ed) is much less formal than with conglomerate publishers - sometimes zinesters can just send in a note and a copy of their zine and, if the owner of the distro likes it, they'll agree to sell any number of copies.
Currently, the most up-to-date listing of distros can be found in Stolen
Sharpie Revolution, put out by Microcosm Publishing.
I just received the new Brainscan and Doris zines from Pander the other
day, and so
far they're great!
Katie's
zine is so great, she's had tons of distros asking to carry it since the first issue!