Small publishing initiatives have always been at the questioning edge of dominant paradigms, pushed at
controversial issues and flirted with orthodoxy. Usually working from the fringes, these "alternative"
publications are less academic than "political" in lifestyle and world view choices. They contain
points of view that provoke and sustain radical thought and practice as well as contribute to personal
and social transformation. Though smaller and different from mainstream publishing in scale, message
and reach, their catalytic role in social, spiritual and developmental change should not be overlooked.
At the micro level, the alternative publication creates localised awareness, mobilises public opinion,
serves as a mouthpiece for peoples' struggles and oppressive regimes and challenges mainstream figures
and statistics. At the macro, it holds a critical mirror to the mainstream. Alternative media
radicalises issues and does not tolerate the demonisation of dissent.
Small publishing initiatives have always been at the questioning edge of dominant paradigms, pushed at
controversial issues and flirted with orthodoxy. Usually working from the fringes, these "alternative"
publications are less academic than "political" in lifestyle and world view choices. They contain
points of view that provoke and sustain radical thought and practice as well as contribute to personal
and social transformation. Though smaller and different from mainstream publishing in scale, message
and reach, their catalytic role in social, spiritual and developmental change should not be overlooked.