Find answers to common questions about the fund. If you have another question that we haven't answered here, please feel free to contact us by email and we will do our best to reply promptly and add it to the list.
Who can stand for EFF?
EFF is open to any fan active in European fandom for over 2 years (meaning prior to January 2023). “Active” is considered to mean participating in common fannish activities such as attending conventions, producing fanzines or writing blog posts, or participating in local science fiction groups. As per the Fund rules, candidate should come from a country different than the Eurocon hosting country and different than EFF race winners from the last two years. It means this year it is open for fans from countries other than Finland, Bulgaria or Poland.
Who can support the nomination for an EFF candidate?
Similarly to candidates, nominators must be active in fandom since at least the start of 2023. Please note that the choice of nominators may impact how the voting will go, as people who don’t know enough about a particular candidate may be voting partially based on the nominators. Fans willing to nominate may of course approach potential candidates and propose the nomination to them.
How can I find nominators in another country?
You might already have friends in fandom in a different country but if that is not the case there are a few options. You may know or find someone through your activities in social media. You may also find someone through your blog, fanzine or a mailing list you participate in. EFF administrators can help with putting you in touch with people, but you still have to convince them you are a good nominee. The more you know your nominators the more likely they are to actively encourage other fans to vote for you.
Who can vote in EFF?
Anyone active in fandom before the start of 2023. If a voter thinks they might not be known to the administrators, they can include brief information that would help verify their fannish activities (e.g. name of a fannish friend they have in common, link to their blog, information about their fanzine, photo of convention badges etc.)
What is the “platform”?
A 300-word platform for each candidate is printed on the ballot forms, along with the names of their nominators. The content of the platform is up to the candidate, but broadly speaking it should explain who the candidate is and what is their involvement in fandom. Platforms should be strictly 300 words or under, which does not need to include your name. Of course candidates are encouraged to write more about themselves on their blog, social media, fanzine etc.
Why must a “bond” be paid?
It might seem counter-intuitive that candidates must pay a fee to become a candidate when the fund is for sending them to convention, but this small financial commitment is intended to act as a guarantee that, in all reasonable circumstances, they will make the trip if they win.
How exactly does the nomination process happen?
To stand, you must fill in and submit the form on the left above, in the Apply section. Then, you must submit your bond by using the PayPal button on the right. Alternatively, you can use your own PayPal account and send the bond to europeanfanfund@gmail.com by PayPal, making sure to use the same email address you used for the registration, or put it in the notes so that we can match the payment to the nomination. We will then reach out to the three supporters you have listed in the form in order to confirm your nomination and verify your credentials as a fan according to the rules. From that point onwards, you can be considered a candidate and eligible for the voting.
Should I openly ask people to vote for me?
Yes! Both you and your nominators are encouraged to campaign. EFF welcomes many forms of campaigning, including in person at conventions and other events, or online, in fanzines, and in other media.
If I can afford to go anyway, should I stand for EFF?
The purpose of the EFF is to create and strengthen bonds between European fans and fandoms. It is not about money but about the willingness to connect fandoms in different countries. You can stand for EFF whether you would be able to afford the trip or not. Of course, if you feel that a fellow fan that has difficulties attending should have more chances, you can abstain, too. We leave that up to the fans themselves.
Where does the money come from?
There are a few main sources of money:
- Everyone who votes in the race pays a voting fee.
- The hosting Eurocon may support the trip in a given year
- After their trip, each winner is expected to find ways to raise funds, including producing a trip report for sale.
- Like other fan funds, EFF runs auctions and other fundraising events at major conventions to raise both awareness and money towards future trips.
- The delegate is generally expected to leave the fund in a similar or better state to that in which they found it. Yet there will be fans willing to help you in that!
What happens on an EFF trip?
EFF aims to send fans to Eurocon in order to allow them to meet other fans. The whole idea is about building bridges between fandoms in different countries. Eurocon is a great opportunity to get to know people, tell them about your local fandom and learn about fandom in other places. As you will be an ambassador of your local fandom this can involve helping out as much as possible at the convention, which can include taking part in the programme, possibly presenting an award, helping with fundraising for future EFF trips, and generally being as visible and friendly as you can.
How long is the trip?
EFF is a young fund and cannot offer trips as long as are known from TAFF, GUFF, and some other fan funds. The trip should last for the length of the Eurocon, but if there are opportunities to stay with nearby fans for longer this is encouraged.
How long is the trip?
Once the trip finishes the winner becomes the co-administrator of the EFF. It means the winner is responsible for managing two next races. It is also their duty to raise and manage the EFF money for future trips. Although it may sound difficult, there are other fans willing to help with both fund administration and money-raising. The two years after the trip is also a time when the winner is expected to either produce a trip report or make a fanzine together with fans met at the Eurocon in order to help other fans understand more about the experience.
Person X is standing. There’s no way I could beat them. What should I do?
One of the important fundraising methods for EFF is the money people pay to vote. A strong field of candidates will encourage fans to vote. Encouraging voters may help you to become a winner. It is historically known that some fans won in races against more well-known fans. There is always a possibility to convince voters to support you: just show them why you would make a good candidate.
But isn’t it just a popularity contest?
Popularity and well-established fannish connections certainly help, but it might not guarantee winning. Active campaigning and great ideas for building bridges across fandoms in different countries may be a deciding factor in any race.
How many people can run?
As many as they wish! There is no limit to the number of applicants. The more candidates run, the more interesting the race is and the more votes and contributions it is likely to get (which is very important!). Fan funds are about fannish collaboration, and competition between candidates is and should be friendly.
Can my partner and I run on a joint ticket?
Although in the past many fan funds have been won by couples (or friends) running on joint tickets, EFF cannot provide such an option this year. This depends on the fund’s financial status, and as this is the second race we need to be cautious about that. Yet we hope to be able to offer such an option in the future.
