Big Name Fan

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Among science fiction, comic book and fantasy fans, a Big Name Fan (BNF for short) is a member of a fandom who is particularly well-known, liked and celebrated for their writings in fanzines, semi-professional magazines and (more recently) blogs; or for other contributions such as art and (in some communities) fanfiction. They may have fans of their own, who praise them and seek out their work.

Ideally, a BNF is an intelligent, well-spoken individual who has earned the respect of other fans. BNFs may have their autographs requested at conventions; they are often invited as Guests of Honor at conventions, and in some fandoms may be paid to speak as guests at commercial shows which pay for appearances. One cannot proclaim oneself to be a BNF, as to do so might invite derision or ridicule.

The term was recorded in 1955, in Bob Tucker's The Neo-Fan Guide ^[1]; other early references include 1959's Fancyclopedia II ^[2] and Donald Franson's 1962 work A Key to the Terminology of Science-Fiction Fandom ^[3]. In its original sense, 'BNF' referred to "one well known within the world of science-fiction fandom" ^[4]

Fans report ambivalent feelings towards BNFs. The title BNF also carries a negative connotation of being arrogant and self-important. Accordingly, many people who are deemed BNFs resist using that designation.

[edit] References

1. ^ Tucker, Bob (1955). The Neo-Fan Guide. http://www.efanzines.com/NeofansGuide1/index.htm. Retrieved on 2006-06-22. 
2. ^ Speer, Jack (1959). Dick Eney (ed.). ed. Fancyclopedia II. http://www.sff.net/people/Diccon/CYINDEX.HTM. Retrieved on 2006-06-22. 
3. ^ Franson, Donald (1962). A Key to the Terminology of Science-Fiction Fandom. http://fanac.org/Fannish_Reference_Works/FandBook/FandBook.html. Retrieved on 2006-06-22. 
4. ^ Southard, Bruce (1982). "The Language of Science-Fiction Fan Magazines". 'American Speech' 57 (1): 19-31. doi:10.2307/455177. http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0003-1283%28198221%2957%3A1%3C19%3ATLOSFM%3E2.0.CO%3B2-3. Retrieved on 2006-06-22. 

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