Silver Inkwell AWARDS - Rules & Judging Criteria
Winners will be named for an Award of Excellence (first place) or an Award of Merit (runner up) for each category (see complete list for details). In addition, one overall winner may be named as the Best of the Best Award as the very finest that our profession has to offer.
Silver Inkwell judges comprise senior communicators and accredited communicators in the D.C. Metro area. They will evaluate both the work sample and the statement of objectives and results portion of the entry form. Each accounts for up to 50 percent of the final score. Specific judging criteria appear on the list of categories (also listed below).
The judges reserve the right to issue more than one award in each category, or to issue no award at all if no entry proves suitable or there are insufficient entries in a category for an award. The judges may also transfer an entry from the category in which it was entered to one that is more suitable.
CATEGORIES
Includes any print publication, whether or not part of a series. Judges will consider how text and design work together to present a unified message. Submit entries in manuscript or typeset form with evidence of publication or use.
Electronic and interactive social media
Includes Internet and intranet work samples and other communications materials intended for online use. Judges will consider how visual direction and sound (when relevant) interact to enhance the intended message. Submit digital work samples for all electronic materials. Optional: submit links to top five to ten electronic samples.
Communication plans and campaigns
Demonstrates a strategic focus with clear specification of objectives, giving appropriate attention to measuring results, as well as evidence of audience/situational understanding, appropriateness of messages, solid tactical design, and plan implementation. Submit communication plans and sample campaign materials.
Reputation management and crisis communications
Demonstrates a strategic focus on managing a corporation's reputation, media response, or crisis communications activities ,including attention to measuring results, situational understanding, and tactical design. Submit print, electronic, or other appropriate samples.


