crifanac

In science fiction fandom, mean CRItical FAN ACtivity. Some aspect of an activity in sf fandom deemed more important than others, i.e., meeting minimum activity requirements in an amateur press association at the last possible minute. Coined in the late 1940s by Charles Burbee and usually (but not always) used with satirical intent.

He didn't stop to eat; he was involved in crifanac.

by rich brown August 11, 2004

gafia

Acronym standing for Getting Away From It All, used in science fiction fandom and coined in 1940 by Dick Wilson. When it was first coined, it meant a fan who was getting away from mundane persuits to engage in fan activities, but in a very short period it flip-flopped in meaning and was thereafter used to mean leaving fan activities behind to pursue real-world endeavors. See also: "gafiate".

I was gafia while attending college.

by rich brown August 08, 2004

apa

Acronym for amateur press association. In sf fandom, it is a bulletin board-like system conducted through snail mail that produces actual artifacts in the form of apazines. For each edition (called a "mailing" or "distribution"), members contribute preprinted personal informal fanzines (apazines), many of which include or consist mostly or entirely of comments on the contributions published in the previous mailing or distribution. The contributions go to an Official Collator (OC) or Official Editor (OE), who makes up mailings/distributions consisting of one copy of each zine and gives or mails them out to each of the members. To remain a member, generally one must meet minimum activity minac requirements, usually defined as a certain number of pages of original material within a given timeframe, plus (in most instances) pay dues to defray the costs of bulk postage for the mailings/distributions that are not handed out and the publication of an Official Organ (OO) which accompanies them.

"He started a new apa to discuss politics."

by rich brown August 11, 2004

bydcomz

An sf fan apa term, the letter "M" being underlined, being an acronym for "But You Didn't Comment On My Zine! (so I'm not going to comment on yours)". The parenthetical comment is implied.

"You published some interesting comments -- BYDCOMZ!"

by rich brown August 11, 2004

croggled

Surprised/dazed/brought up short.

"I was croggled when you said you suggested using corn cobs inin lieu of toilet paper."

by rich brown August 11, 2004

colophon

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, a colophon is "An inscription placed usually at the end of a book, giving facts pertinent to its publication." As is often the case, sf fans got it backward and so generally put the colophon in the front of their fanzines. Wherever it's placed, it contains the editor/publishers' names, address(es) (sometimes telephone and/or fax numbers and/or email address(es)), the name of the fanzine, the issue number, copyright notice (if any) and anything else the zine editor may want to put in it.

"The idiot forgot to put a colophon in his fanzine!"

by rich brown August 11, 2004

5 by

Short for "5 by 5" meaning "loud and clear." Also used to mean "I'm okay" per Faith (Eliza Dusku), the dark slayer on Buffy: The Vampire Slayer.

"I hear you five-by-five."

"I'm five-by-five with that."

by rich brown August 13, 2004