This is a design award for the most part, though content will still remain a primary consideration. I look for flowing layout and style of the site, original graphics, and a pervading theme that shapes a site ambience unlike any I've experienced. In short, the layout and content must combine for an unique, exquisite, and awe-inspiring site. Style comes in all kinds of flavors, from the graphics intensive to the JV intensive, but the elements of extraordinary good style is consistent despite all the superficial differences.

Content is what makes a site interesting enough to return to. Depth of information or pertinent data to the site is good style. While breathtaking artistry is in itself a treat, something to see and read at the site can only enhance the effect. Generally speaking, a site must have a central theme that is developed in a logical, interesting fashion. I don't care for a smattering of loose odds and ends all placed in one page. Consideration will not be given to sites that are tainted with pornography, offensive pictures or text, or excessively violent content. Since text is still the primary means of communication to visitors on most websites, it is important that a site has something to say, something to show, and not merely display text to offset graphics.

I've been on the net for a long while and I am always appreciative of original ideas in concept and design. The most compelling sites find a happy medium between content and graphics, but any site worth visiting must have something original about it, whether it be the approach to the topic or personal input. A boring site shows little thought and creativity invested in them, and they invite the visitor to close the browser window very quickly. Sites must hold my attention or provide an original perspective to win.

This award is not given out lightly, and only truly awe-inspiring sites will be considered. So it is only logical that sites heavily under construction will not be considered for the award. All good sites are constantly under construction, and if the site is so entrenched in construction that it has to warn visitors, it is not ready for this award.

Quality is the harmonic combination of all the elements that set apart average sites from truly superior sites. Every detail must must be balanced, and balanced well: clear navigation, clarity of writing, distinctive graphics, original ideas, and good content are a must for a site of good quality.

This is the one factor that you cannot control. I look for evidence of good work in the makeup of a site's design and content, and this award will reflect that. However, even someone as eclectic as I with regards to this genre of websites have my own likes and dislikes. The final decision about what to award the applicant, if any, will rest solely on whether I liked it or not. If I don't award you, it doesn't necessarily mean your site is lacking or bad. Remember that this is more like a personal thanks to those who have worked to make their sites a memorable place to visit.