A science-fiction zine, Rataplan included editorials, fiction, fanzine and book reviews, convention reports, and letters.
It published works by, among others, Justin Ackroyd, Christine Ashby, Diane Bangsund, John Bangsund, Rory Barnes, Bernie Bernhouse, Damien Broderick, Ed Cagle, Elton Elliot, Leanne Frahm, Bob Gerrand, Bruce Gillespie, Ron Graham, Lee Harding, Jack Herman, Lesleigh Luttrell, Marc Ortlieb, Russell Parker, R.D. Symons, and George Turner.