Big Name Fan

Among science fiction and fantasy, comic book, and media fans, a Big Name Fan (BNF) is a member of a fandom who is particularly well-known 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. Some BNFs have also contributed to the franchise itself (Doctor Who is noted for being primarily written and produced by people who were BNFs of the series before it was brought back in 2005). They may have fans of their own, who praise them and seek out their work.

BNFs may have their autographs requested at conventions;[citation needed] 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. The term originated in science fiction fandom, and dates to 1955 or earlier.[1] It was recorded in 1955, in Bob Tucker's The Neo-Fan Guide;[2] other early references include 1959's Fancyclopedia II[3] and Donald Franson's 1962 work A Key to the Terminology of Science-Fiction Fandom.[4] In its original sense, 'BNF' referred to "one well known within the world of science-fiction fandom".[5]

  1. ^ Coppa, Francesca (2006). "A Brief History of Media Fandom". In Hellekson, Karen; Busse, Kristina (eds.). Fan Fiction and Fan Communities in the Age of the Internet. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company. pp. 41–59. ISBN 978-0-7864-2640-9.
  2. ^ Tucker, Bob (1955). The Neo-Fan Guide. Archived from the original on 14 June 2006. Retrieved 2006-06-22.
  3. ^ Speer, Jack (1959). Dick Eney (ed.). Fancyclopedia II. Archived from the original on 2001-10-06. Retrieved 2006-06-22.
  4. ^ Franson, Donald (1962). A Key to the Terminology of Science-Fiction Fandom. Retrieved 2006-06-22.
  5. ^ Southard, Bruce (1982). "The Language of Science-Fiction Fan Magazines". American Speech. 57 (1). Duke University Press: 19–31. doi:10.2307/455177. JSTOR 455177.