Anonymous 13, I'm happy to hear that your integrity is intact, but not all judges share those attributes. I've been in corporate meetings where volunteers were sought to become judges, and these individuals were advised to pay special attention to sister publications if any were included in the category they were judging. To suggest that a judge has nothing to gain by ensuring that their company does well is a bit na�ve.
I'd also like to see the judge who can discern competency of editorial pieces (for accuracy and service to sector vs. grammar and style) when topics can range from automotive technology to construction and engineering to human resources to medicine to travel, etc. An article might read well, but it would take a sector expert to know whether there are factual errors or other problems with the piece. And I would think that avoidance of errors and how applicable a topic is to a defined audience are just as important, if not more important, than worrying whether the style of language used matches what a judge determines to be "proper" grammar, style and format, especially since "proper" generally means that the style matches the preference of the judge in question.

I have also been a judge. So, let's get a few things straight. One, I have absolutely nothing to gain by choosing one mag over another. I choose the best articles and rate them in order. Two, there are some crappy writers out there. Stop submitting articles that are poorly written. Three, if the same people win it is because the same people are writing decent articles. I don't know the writers. I don't know the editors. I look at each article in its own right. Best one wins.

I was a judge a few years back and didn't think the process was flawed at all. One group of judges would read the entries in a specific category. We had absolutely no way of knowing the number of entries submitted across all categories. I think having a fee is a good thing. It forces magazines to be selective and put only their best work forward. Can you imagine how much crap the judges would have to read if there was no entry fee?

#9 - I meant the prize money. I think they may have reduced the amount now, but a few years ago, a gold prize would net you $1000. That's a fair amount of money for a trade magazine writer.

#3 and #6, it's not the best system, but it is the best that we have. If we don't complain about it, it will never get better. Seeing questionable judging (at times) and seeing some great work overlooked (again, on occasion), can only elicit criticism. But that's OK. If we didn't criticize it would mean that we didn't care. Clearly, that's not the case.
I think one of the biggest criticisms over the years has been that hard work and good work is often not enough.
And far too often, judges don't know enough about a publication's focus, audience and ability to be strong financially (which should be a factor since there's no sense in rewarding publications that look great but cannot afford to be or stay in business) to make decisions on much more than reputation, celebrity, personal taste or publication ownership.
There should be constant examination and continual polishing of the awards process to ensure that we are celebrating the Canadian industry while pushing for a stronger industry for all of us.

The porcess is flawed. The more you enter (and pay) the more chances you have to win. Its like a lottery. Best if the entries were free. You would get more people participating and a larger pool of talent would be evaluated and potentially recognized. And to number 5, no one I know has ever gotten more money for wining a KRW.

Yes, # 7, a "a fancy schmancy ceremony and dinner" are necessary. The whole concept it to celebrate the efforts of those who excel, and set and increase our industry standards and expectations. I'm sorry # 6, but I believe what the comments you refer to are not about the same people winning, but suggesting that perhaps the decision making process is not fair, and requires a review. But yes, you are correct when you say our industry is jaded. We've had too many years of challenging times and financial worries. Me? I just didn't get hugged enough when I was young!

you shouldn't have to pay (an entry fee) for recognition; nor is a fancy schmancy ceremony and dinner neccessary.

Such a jaded industry sometimes...why are we knocking this, when we are recognizing and awarding people in our industry. And if you are annoyed or angry with how it is all the same people winning, well maybe you should push yourself and strive to be better to compete against said people.

It means a lot to the people who win. Money + recognition from peers/boss.

That's a lot of money to win an award that means nothing.

Quit your whining and moaning and concentrate on making a better magazine. Then you might have a chance of earning an award.

LOL that made me laugh...the CA Magazine situation kind of erks me, yah no wonder you will win most of the design categories, the magazine is designed by Hambly & Woolley

Save your entry fee. Alberta Oil, CA Magazine and Marketing will win as usual. These awards are not relavent anymore.