Just wondering if there are different awards given for web sites or does everyone get the same one?

I do the Wayne - Pike region web site and have recieved this award for 6 years. Today someone mentioned that there are different awards . I'm not complaining just wondering if they are all the same or are there different ones for each site and if different what is the difference?. I work very hard to keep our site up to date.

Mark,

The web sites are eligible for the same type of awards as the newsletters. Those are (in ascending order):

Award of Merit
Award of Distinction
Award of Excellence

Then there is the Master Webmaster Award which is similar to the Master Editor awards for newsletter editors.

Mark,

Bruce is correct in that the web site awards mirror that of the newsletters awards. That is except there is no written official outline to follow like the Newsletter Achievement Awards Program (NAAP), which is for newsletters. However, Terry Bond, Vice President of the Internet Committee, posted the following guidelines in 2000. Every Vice President since then has followed them. Hope this helps.

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"First, each site linked to the AACA National site is evaluated by the AACA Internet Committee. The review is a year-long process that includes many site visits by committee members to evaluate them. Here are some of the areas we consider to be important:
- Functionality and ease of use
- Originality and creativity
- Presentation, graphics, design and appeal
- Content including a calendar of events, promotion of activities, promotion of AACA, articles, activity reports, photos, club info, etc.
- Timeliness of content and currency of info.
- Interest to the membership and prospective members.
- Value to the membership and prospective members.
- Is the Webmaster clearly identified and able to be contacted?
- Are the officers of the club identified and able to be contacted?

In short, a good web site mirrors a good newsletter. It must be current, active, and of considerable value in serving the membership, encouraging participation and must also serve as a recruiting tool for prospective members.

You don't need to register in advance to participate in the review process.

Everyone receiving an award of Excellence, Distinction or Merit received a special logo that can be displayed on the web site. ..."

Further down in his post, he added -

Merit - adequate. Meets the basic requirements. Clearly identifies the region/chapter and includes such important features as downloadable membershp application and contact information. Has good value to the region/chapter and supports the membership and recruitment objectives. Promotes events, provides sufficient info to facilitate participation. Is an interesting site that adequately describes the club, what they do, and how to participate. Supports National AACA. Is active and current.

Distinction - a very good to excellent site meeting all basic requirements detailed above. Has considerable value to the region/chapter and supports the membershp and recruitment objectives by actively encouraging participation. Reports on activities to encourage participation. Supports the hobby in a broader perspective and offers features and services beyond what is normally found in just a "bill-board" type of website. Is active and current.

Excellence - An outstandng site that is graphically appealing, navigatges extremely well, is active and does an outstanding job supporting the region/chapter and supports the membership and recruitment objectives. Offers outstanding reporting and promition of activities, encourages participation, offers features not normally found in "bill-board" style websites. Is always active and current and makes you want to visit again and again. Supportive of AACA's objectives and encourages participation on a broader scale. An exemplary site that you would refer others to as an example of "the best."

I always evaluate a site as though I were new to the area and looking for a club to join. What would make me want to do that? Is the info there going to make it easy for me to participate in some activities? Is it easy to contact people? Do I feel welcome? Sites also need to clearly identify themselves with a region or chapter logo and the AACA logo. A link to National AACA is critical as is the ability to download a membership application and find out how to become a member. Nothing about the site should be outdated, insufficient, or difficult.

HERE IS WHAT IS IN THE POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL:

3.5 POLICY FOR REGION/CHAPTER WEBMASTER CONTEST

3.5.1 Eligibility
The AACA Internet Committee sponsors this contest. Every AACA Region or Chapter that maintains a website
that is linked to the AACA website is automatically entered in the contest. No registration forms are required.
Websites will be evaluated for ease of use, readability, navigation, originality, presentation, content, interest, and
value. The Webmaster and Region/Chapter officers should be clearly identified.

3.5.2 Award Categories
In order of increasing precedence, the four award categories are as follows:

Award of Merit
Award of Distinction
Award of Excellence
Master Webmaster

A certificate bearing the name of the Region/Chapter or chapter website, and the names of the Region/Chapter
president and Webmaster will be awarded in each of the first three categories. Master Webmasters receive an
engraved plaque each year they achieve this distinction. Competition for Master Webmaster is limited to the
webmasters that receive the Award of Excellence.

3.5.3 Presentation of Webmaster Contest Awards
The Internet Committee will meet in December to select the winners in the four categories. The awards of merit,
distinction, and excellence are presented at the AACA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. Master Webmaster awards
are presented at the Annual Awards Banquet. Awards that are not picked up during these presentations will be
mailed to the Region/Chapter Webmaster.