This is the most important part of this program, please read all points carefully before proceeding to the application. There are four points covered here and each one is equally valued.
Design
- Originality - Have I seen this before? We would like to see some kind of cutting edge technology, or something that sets your site apart from the other billion sites online.
- Compatibility - The site should be easily viewed in either I.E. or N.N. It doesn't have to be perfect or the same in both but it must be similar and functioning.
- Serenity - Please no annoying music (unless it can be turned off), we don't all have the same taste in music. I like heavy metal, when was the last time you heard a heavy metal midi? No more than 1 pop up per site. No obnoxious color combinations in backgrounds or fonts.
Content
- Spelling - This is obvious, why would you want to put something online for the world to see without hitting spell check? The exception is when a site misspells words on purpose as part of a theme.
- Resources - Does your site offer something? This could be, but not limited to articles, tutorials, news, graphics, or games. What good is a site if we don't walk away with something?
- Updates - Your content should be updated in some way, at least once a month. You should be able to swing 12 updates a year, I don't feel that's to much to ask for. There should also be a spot or page on your site to tell of your updates.
Navigation
- Accessible - Site must have a load time under 1 minute (I'm still in the stone age on my 56k modem). I can't navigate your site I it takes 2 minutes to download the flash interface.
- Functional - All on site links must be working. With a good layout and navigation having to scroll down a page more than three times is unnecessary. If for some reason it's needed there should be #top links.
- Logical - Site interface must make sense. I shouldn't get lost navigating your site. A menu on every page is a plus, if not back buttons are a must. No dead ends!
Graphics
- Originality - Original graphics for your design are a great plus. If the graphics are not your own you must give credit to the creator. I'm not overly impressed with sites that are cookie cutter, if it's your choice to use a template you better have some great content.
- Cleanliness - I want images to be optimized, I know it decreases load time. What I do not want is images that are so optimized that the image looses clarity. Also clean up those jagged curved edges!
Can you honestly say that you understand the criteria and that your site complies with most of them? If so then you can now move on to view the awards. If you have any questions or concerns about the criteria please feel free to e-mail me and ask.
<< Back Top Next >>
Purpose | Rules | Criteria | Award | Test | Application | Winners