Proof That Neil Gaiman's Fans Are Actually The Best

It all started with his book, Stardust, and a single charity auction.

In 2008, Neil Gaiman donated a rare, signed ARC of his novel "Stardust" to a charity auction.

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The charity auction was Patrick Rothfuss’s "Worldbuilders."

But every single person who won the book for the last six years has donated it back, to continue benefiting the charity.

BBC / Via tv.com

Here's a timeline of the events, proving that Gaiman's fans are literally the best:

2008: Gaiman Donates Rare "Stardust" ARC to Worldbuilders

Via ladyreikos.tumblr.com

Amazing! They couldn't use the book that year because of mail delays, but the next year...

2009: "So we had this book. This beautiful book. This beautiful, *rare* book." –Patrick Rothfuss

Via blog.patrickrothfuss.com

Patrick, being awesome as usual, put the book in the lottery so that anyone who donated to Heifer International through the Worldbuilders team page would have a chance to win this jackpot.

But then, in an act of altruism that ignited a chain reaction, the winner gave the book back–they only asked that the book be auctioned off the next year so it could raise more money for Heifer.

2010: "Stardust" Raises Thousands for Charity

Paramount Pictures / Via naomipenn.tumblr.com

And the winner, inspired by the previous winner, returned the book to Worldbuilders. And the party escalated.

2011: To The Victor Go The Spoils?

Paramount Pictures / Via azirae.tumblr.com

Just kidding! The lucky winner gave "Stardust" back to Worldbuilders, continuing the streak of crazy generosity.

2012: Against the Odds

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Unbelievably, the same person won the "Stardust" ARC again the next year. They sent it to her, she got to hold it, and then she donated it back.

2013: "But when I see the way that mankind loves... You could search to the furthest reaches of the universe and never find anything more beautiful." – Yvaine, "Stardust"

Paramount Pictures / Via musingofmychoosing.tumblr.com

No matter how this thing ends, it's been a beautiful and wild ride. A numbered (28 out of 250), limited edition ARC of "Stardust" in its own slipcase, signed by Neil Gaiman, is up again in the Worldbuilders lottery. If you donate, you have a chance of winning it–not to mention hundreds of other awesome books and prizes. Hurry–Worldbuilders ends February 2nd!

Neil Gaiman's fans are everything.

CBS / Via avajae.tumblr.com