 Westeros.org, one of the main "A Song of Ice and Fire" fansites with about seventeen thousand registered members , was co-founded in 1999 by a Swedish-based fan of Cuban descent, Elio M. García, Jr., as well as Linda Antonsson, who introduced him to the series; their involvement with Martin's work has now become semi-professional.The Brotherhood Without Banners, an unofficial fan club operating globally, was formed in 2001.Their founders and other longtime members are among Martin's good friends.