| rdfs:comment | - A Big Name Fan, commonly called a BNF, is a member of a particular group in fandom whose work, or knowledge about the fandom in question, is very well known. Commonly, Big Name Fans might start off a popular Fanon idea, act as a pillar of stability, and so forth.
- Or "BNF" for short. A Big Name Fan is someone who, while not officially associated with the company that produces a given series -- say, for the purposes of this article, Star Wars -- is still widely known in the Star Wars fan community, and possibly by the producers of Star Wars themselves. This can get a little weird for some BNFs, who often still think of themselves as "just another fan." Some will let it go to their heads (even before they've truly hit the big time), some will freak out, some will just take it in stride. Examples of Big Name Fan include:
- A Big Name Fan, commonly called a BNF, is someone who, while not officially associated with South Park Studios is still widely known in the South Park fan community. Maybe the BNF created a fan website that has become the source for information on South Park. Maybe they created a South Park Fanfiction or other amateur derivative work that is so well-done, everyone in the fandom has seen it. Regardless, everyone in the fandom now knows their name... or at least their Internet handle. Commonly, BNFs might start off a popular Fanon idea, be a pillar of stability, and so forth.
- 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.
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| abstract | - Or "BNF" for short. A Big Name Fan is someone who, while not officially associated with the company that produces a given series -- say, for the purposes of this article, Star Wars -- is still widely known in the Star Wars fan community, and possibly by the producers of Star Wars themselves. Maybe the BNF created a fan website that has become the source for information on Star Wars. Maybe they created a Star Wars Fanfic or other amateur Derivative Work that is so well-done everyone in the fandom has seen it. Maybe they just got posted on YouTube waving a lightsaber around like a spastic monkey. (Most BNFs are known for more positive things.) Regardless, everyone in the fandom now knows their name... or at least their Internet handle. This can get a little weird for some BNFs, who often still think of themselves as "just another fan." Some will let it go to their heads (even before they've truly hit the big time), some will freak out, some will just take it in stride. It's arguable where the line is between Big Name Fan and just plain fan is, of course. However, when they're invited to speak at a Star Wars convention, or hired by Lucasfilm to continue what they were already doing for free, any doubt that they've become a Big Name Fan goes out the window. The recognition is great, but remember that Celebrity Is Overrated: BNFs are easy targets, and are often singled out for torment by jealous fans. This may extend to their friends. Thankfully, the anonymity factor helps their life from getting too crazy: the vast majority of BNFs today did whatever they became famous for on the Internet while older ones did so through fanzines and mail, so their faces (and/or real names) are often unknown to most, making them indeed just another fan in the real world (even if they're gods on the Net). Not to be confused with BMF, nor a Big Name / Important Person who turns out to be a Fan - otherwise known as One of Us. Compare/contrast with Promoted Fanboy. Examples of Big Name Fan include:
- 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 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. One cannot proclaim oneself to be a BNF, as to do so might invite derision or ridicule. 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" Fans report ambivalent feelings towards BNFs. The title BNF also carries a negative connotation of being arrogant and self-important.[citation needed] Accordingly, many people who are deemed BNFs resist using that designation.
- A Big Name Fan, commonly called a BNF, is someone who, while not officially associated with South Park Studios is still widely known in the South Park fan community. Maybe the BNF created a fan website that has become the source for information on South Park. Maybe they created a South Park Fanfiction or other amateur derivative work that is so well-done, everyone in the fandom has seen it. Regardless, everyone in the fandom now knows their name... or at least their Internet handle. This can get a little weird for some BNFs, who often still think of themselves as "just another fan." Some will let it go to their heads (even before they've truly hit the big time), some will freak out, some will just take it in stride. The recognition is great, but remember that being a celebrity is overrated: BNFs are easy targets, and are often singled out for torment by jealous fans. This may extend to their friends. Thankfully, the anonymity factor helps their life from getting too crazy: the vast majority of BNFs today did whatever they became famous for on the Internet while older ones did so through fanzines and mail, so their faces (and/or real names) are often unknown to most, making them indeed just another fan in the real world (even if they're gods on the Net). Commonly, BNFs might start off a popular Fanon idea, be a pillar of stability, and so forth.
- A Big Name Fan, commonly called a BNF, is a member of a particular group in fandom whose work, or knowledge about the fandom in question, is very well known. Commonly, Big Name Fans might start off a popular Fanon idea, act as a pillar of stability, and so forth.
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