rich brown's definitions

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

deadwood

In science fiction fandom, someone who joins an amateur press associaton, pays dues but does not contribute and thus receives a full year’s mailings without providing input or feedback. Alternatively, someone who remains a member of an apa by paying dues and meeting only the absolute minimum activity requirements, usually badly and at the last minute.

"Jim is deadwood in FAPA."

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 8, 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

afficionado

A non-fanatical enthusiast.

He was an afficionado rather than a fan.

by rich brown August 11, 2004

DNQ

Acronym used in sf fandom for Do Not Quote; see DNP. Something given to you with a DNQ attached means the information is for your eyes only and is not even to be talked about to your best friends.

"I want you to consider this DNQ."

by rich brown August 11, 2004