50 in 1958). Spurred by this, the 1958 Eastercon held in Kettering held a discussion on the whole future of British fandom. It was agreed that both British fanzines and science fiction conventions had become inward-looking and had moved so far away from science fiction that they were not attractive to newcomers. It was decided that the way forward was a new national organisation devoted to the serious study of science fiction that would also carry material in its publication about fandom. After considerable debate on the name ("science fiction" was considered a stigma in dealing with the Press), the BSFA was formed, and by its first anniversary it had over 100 members. Publications The BSFA is responsible for four publications: Vector – the critical journal of the BSFA, launched in 1958. Published two to three times a year. Focus – the BSFA's writers magazine, launched in 1979. Published twice a year. The BSFA Review – a digital only magazine, launched in late 2017. Published approximately four times a year. Fission – a digital only fiction anthology, launched in 2021. Published once a year. Previous publications include: Tangent – a fiction magazine, published in 1965 and 1977–1978. Paperback Inferno (initially Paperback Parlour) – a review magazine which ceased publication in 1992 with issue 97. Matrix – a news magazine which ceased publication in 2007, with issue 186. The Quantum – a newsletter which succeeded Matrix and lasted for six issues, ceasing publication in 2012. References Weston, Peter: "Behind the Scenes: Origins", Vector #250, November/December 2006. External links The BSFA Vector: The Critical Journal of the BSFA Index of BSFA magazines The Roots, Birth and Early Days of the BSFA by Rob Hansen Science fiction organizations British science fiction Organizations established in 1958 1958 establishments in the United Kingdom Clubs and societies in the United Kingdom