Big Name Fan
Encyclopedia
Among science fiction
, comic book
, media
and fantasy
fans
, a Big Name Fan (BNF) 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.
BNFs may have their autograph
s 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.
The term dates back to 1955 or earlier. It was recorded in 1955, in Bob Tucker
's The Neo-Fan Guide; other early references include 1959's Fancyclopedia II and Donald Franson's 1962 work A Key to the Terminology of Science-Fiction Fandom. In its original sense, 'BNF' referred to "one well known within the world of science-fiction fandom".
s were instituted in 1953, one of the categories was "#1 Fan Personality", which has also been referred to as the "BNF Award." This award, which was not revived when the Hugos became institutionalized in 1955, was given to Forrest J Ackerman
. (According to an interim report issued by the Philcon II convention committee
while voting was still going on, the next most popular candidate at the time was Harlan Ellison
; but at the time Ackerman was given the award, he actually physically declined it in favor of Ken Slater
, to whom the trophy was later forwarded.)
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
, comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
, media
Media fandom
Media fandom refers to the collective fandoms focused on contemporary television shows and movies. Media fandom has a focus on relationships and is distinct from science fiction fandom, anime fandom, book fandom, music fandom, soap opera fandom, sports fandom, and video game fandom.-History:Media...
and fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
fans
Fandom
Fandom is a term used to refer to a subculture composed of fans characterized by a feeling of sympathy and camaraderie with others who share a common interest...
, a Big Name Fan (BNF) 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
Fan art
Fan art or fanart is artwork that is based on a character, costume, collage, item, or story that was created by someone other than the artist, such as a fan, from which the word is derived from. The term, while it can apply to art done by fans of characters from books, is usually used to refer to...
and (in some communities) fanfiction. They may have fans of their own, who praise them and seek out their work.
BNFs may have their autograph
Autograph
An autograph is a document transcribed entirely in the handwriting of its author, as opposed to a typeset document or one written by an amanuensis or a copyist; the meaning overlaps with that of the word holograph.Autograph also refers to a person's artistic signature...
s 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.
The term dates back to 1955 or earlier. It was recorded in 1955, in Bob Tucker
Wilson Tucker
Arthur Wilson "Bob" Tucker was an American mystery, action adventure, and science fiction writer, who wrote professionally as Wilson Tucker....
's The Neo-Fan Guide; other early references include 1959's Fancyclopedia II and Donald Franson's 1962 work A Key to the Terminology of Science-Fiction Fandom. In its original sense, 'BNF' referred to "one well known within the world of science-fiction fandom".
Discontinued Hugo Award
When the Hugo AwardHugo Award
The Hugo Awards are given annually for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year. The award is named after Hugo Gernsback, the founder of the pioneering science fiction magazine Amazing Stories, and was officially named the Science Fiction Achievement Awards...
s were instituted in 1953, one of the categories was "#1 Fan Personality", which has also been referred to as the "BNF Award." This award, which was not revived when the Hugos became institutionalized in 1955, was given to Forrest J Ackerman
Forrest J Ackerman
Forrest J Ackerman was an American collector of science fiction books and movie memorabilia and a science fiction fan...
. (According to an interim report issued by the Philcon II convention committee
11th World Science Fiction Convention
The 11th World Science Fiction Convention, also known as Philcon II, was held in September 1953 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. It was the first Worldcon to present the Hugo Awards. The supporting organization was the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society. The guest of honor was Willy Ley. ...
while voting was still going on, the next most popular candidate at the time was Harlan Ellison
Harlan Ellison
Harlan Jay Ellison is an American writer. His principal genre is speculative fiction.His published works include over 1,700 short stories, novellas, screenplays, teleplays, essays, a wide range of criticism covering literature, film, television, and print media...
; but at the time Ackerman was given the award, he actually physically declined it in favor of Ken Slater
Ken Slater
Ken Slater was a British science fiction fan and bookseller. In 1947, while serving in the British Army of the Rhine, he started Operation Fantast, a network of science fiction fans which had 800 members around the world by 1950 though it folded a few years later...
, to whom the trophy was later forwarded.)