BNF

from Fancyclopedia 2

Big Name Fan. One of importance and influence in fandom; well-known and with a solid reputation. Fans who last long enough or are active enough eventually find that their names are known to other fen all over the country. The status is usually achieved by participating in fannish affairs for a long time, or publishing a top fanzine, producing quality writing and/or illustration, or in any number of ways which keep one's name before the fans in a responsible manner. The term must be earned; it cannot be appropriated or purchased (Acts 8:18-21), nor conferred on yourself or your friends. When newer fans gasp in awe on seeing you, you are a BNF. If they just gasp period you're making progress.