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What You May Not Know About Science Fiction and Fandom

Science fiction magazines are some of the last bastions of the pulp era. Close to 40,000 people read a monthly science fiction magazine.

Of all the print science fiction magazines, Analog has consistently had the greatest circulation over the last four decades.

The first magazine devoted to publishing science fiction, Amazing Stories, debuted in 1928. Analog debuted in January 1930 under the name Astounding, and today is the oldest continually-published magazine devoted to science fiction.

The American and international movie audience cannot get enough of science fiction and fantasy. When it comes to movies, science fiction and fantasy are the most popular genres around. As of 2008, nine of the ten highest-grossing films of all time fall into the genre.

Fans of science fiction have been gathering at conventions for the better part of a century. The first science fiction convention took place in Philadelphia in October 1936. The first World Science Fiction Convention was held in New York City in 1939 to coincide with the World’s Fair.

The World Science Fiction Convention has been held all over the world, including in places such as the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, and Japan. The 2009 “Worldcon” will be held in Montreal.

The Hugo Awards have been given since 1953 by the members of the annual World Science Fiction Convention. The Nebula Awards have been given since 1965 by the members of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. The two awards are considered the most prestigious awards in the fields of science fiction and fantasy.

The Hugo Award trophy is always a stylized rocket ship sitting on a base; each year, the bases are designed anew. The Nebula Award trophy is a Lucite block filled with decorative stones and an embedded glitter spiral nebula.