General Technics is a loose organization of science fiction fans who are interested in do-it-yourself technology. GT was founded in 1975 and still thrives through such activities as convention parties, Berserker Weekend gatherings, an electronic mailing list, and our fanzine, Pyrotechnics.
Originally discussed by Tullio Proni, Steve Johnson, Jeff Duntemann, Gus Flassig, Bill Colsher, and Mike O’Brien, they made specific plans at Windycon 2 and were organized by the end of the year. The name comes from John Brunner’s novel Stand on Zanzibar and Brunner gave permission to Johnson to use the name.
Membership, while loose, quickly became national with the first national meeting held at MidAmericon. Beginning the following year at Confusion, the club had an influx of Michigan Tech students and alumni who had been part of the Permanent Floating Riot Club, which eventually absorbed GT, while keeping the GT moniker.
