Why should I join The Mermaid Club?
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What is The Mermaid Club?
The Mermaid Club is a community, a newsletter/magazine about global folklore and popular culture, and a live events hub. It is a way to support my emerging, original research on global water spirits. We’re starting with a program of live Zoom calls with authors, filmmakers, and mermaid experts who are ready to engage with you. The series begins in January 2025.
Why did you start The Mermaid Club, Ali Maaxa?
I have been a practicing researcher and professor of folklore and anthropology since 2005. I conceived The Mermaid Club as a way to build a community around people who love to learn, read, and talk about folklore, water spirits, identity, anthropology, and creative life.
I’ve also been a journalist of popular culture, with writings in SPIN, The Rumpus, The Sf Bay Guardian, Southern Cultures, The East Bay Express, and many more. For me, mermaid culture is playful, radical and open. It’s also deeply collaborative, meaning that it is based in engaged conversations with experts and practitioners all over the world.
This open-ended model to supports my work in media-making and writing in a way conventional publishing does not. In addition to these writings, podcast and event series, my first major project will be a book about how global mermaid figures have guided my journey to belonging as an adoptee.
I have so many ideas about new angles on mermaid research, writing and media. I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas as this work takes shape.
How does The Mermaid Club make money?
Through paid monthly/yearly subscriptions and via founding memberships, as well as occasional commission from sales with our partners. We may also make a fee from sponsorships, events and merchandise. Your financial support is much appreciated, but not required, to be in The Mermaid Club.
It is important to shout out the person whose work inspired this approach, Tamara Palmer, whose Music Book Club is the model for The Mermaid Club. I was so inspired by her approach to her projects that I used her approach for mine. Please support her Substack, buy her *brilliant* books, invite her to DJ, and/or consider hiring her for creative coaching!
How are books, media, and interviews selected?
The Mermaid Club begins with my personal picks and will grow to include recommendations from members of the community.
Where do you find the folklore figures you feature here?
The Mermaid Club features people, projects, and places - and figures of global folklore - I’ve encountered over the past 8 years of research toward my book-in-progress on the topic, The In-Between People. Along the way, I have encountered dozens of experts on global water spirits who have weighed in with their own suggestions.
What is the difference between free subscriptions, paid subscriptions and founding memberships?
Some content is free to consume, and paid members get access to thew entire catalog and additional perks. Paid subscribers at all levels can comment and participate in discussions. Yearly subscribers and founding members also get one printed Mermaid Club zine per year (release date TBA) with their name in it, and founding members get a gift e-copy of the book (release date TBA). Monthly subscribers get to vote on which events and guests will come through the Club.
Can I participate if I haven't had the chance to read the book/see the film/visit the place profiled?
You are welcome to join us whether of not you have experience with the topic. The idea is to being new questions/approaches.audiences to the work!
What are the upcoming The Mermaid Club events?
We are starting strong! Consult the Mermaid Club Calendar for the most updated information on live events.
Will there be a listening aspect to The Mermaid Club?
Yes! We have a podcast and music mixes we’ll be posting as we go.
Who designed The Mermaid Club logo?
I do the design and branding work myself, and take on freelance work in branding and web design. Reach out!
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