The Encyclopedia of Fandom
Fancyclopedia is an editorial reference site for the history, language, people, publications, conventions, awards, and community traditions of science fiction fandom.
Starting points for understanding how fandom became a culture of its own.
A guide to tuckerization, the practice of naming a fictional character after a real person, especially a fan, friend, or auction winner.
A focused guide to the Big Heart Award, the Worldcon-associated fandom service honor, including its origin, meaning, recipients, and community value.
A history of fanzine reviews as a form of fan criticism, community feedback, bibliographic memory, and publishing conversation.
Freshly edited articles from the reference archive.
A guide to famous convention hotels in science fiction fandom, including how hotels shaped Worldcon, regional conventions, parties, and fan memory.
A guide to how science fiction conventions were planned before the internet, using mail, phone calls, fanzines, progress reports, clubs, and volunteer networks.
A history of Noreascon and Boston Worldcons, including Noreascon I, Noreascon Two, Noreascon 3, and Noreascon 4.
A history of Disclave, the Washington Science Fiction Association convention held near Washington, D.C., from 1950 to 1997.
A guide to MidAmeriCon, the 1976 Kansas City Worldcon, including dates, venue, chair, guests, toastmaster context, attendance, and Hugo Awards.
A guide to the convention role of toastmaster, including ceremonies, banquets, Hugo events, introductions, humor, and fan tradition.
A guide to the origins of cosplay in science fiction convention costuming, from 1939 Worldcon futuristicostumes to masquerades and later media fandom.
A history of science fiction convention masquerades, from early Worldcon costuming to stage presentations, craftsmanship, rules, and fan tradition.
A guide to science fiction convention traditions, including panels, con suites, masquerades, filk, art shows, dead dog parties, bids, and fan tables.
A guide to influential Worldcons, including early conventions, international milestones, Hugo turning points, and conventions that changed fan culture.