I don't place too much emphasis on the Scalian literalist interpretation of fannish terminology. I've been amazed at some of the conclusions people have drawn from the "World" in "Worldcon", when all that Sam Moskowitz originally meant by the name was that it was being held in conjunction with the World's Fair.

But it is true that fans primarily involved with conventions and clubs rather than fanzines have been running for, and winning, TAFF since the very beginning. (Remember Robert Madle? Don Ford?) They're certainly eligible. The question is how, in an era of fragmented fandom, they can get the word out about who they are and what they've done without simply campaigning among their friends. There have been a few US TAFF candidates I'd never heard of before they ran, and I felt a little deflated to learn afterwards that they were BNFs in their circles. I'd have preferred to learn it earlier.

So it may be a good sign that I heard someone at Corflu ask who you were, and get a good answer.