New Media differences

Jennifer posed this question to the blog:

Hi, I am a little unclear on the difference between the "best use of an interactive feature" and "best multimedia project" categories. Specifically, the interactive feature description mentions "multiple ways for users to interact and participate in the story" -- does that mean participate as in submitting their own comments/photos/information, or would databases and photo galleries (in which users can click around and filter results, but not submit their own information) also fall into that "interactive" category? We have a few sections online that include a number of elements -- multiple stories, photo galleries, videos, a database in one case, a blog in another case. I am just trying to determine where to enter those sections.

Also, if I enter an online section (for interactive or multimedia) that includes multiple print stories and other elements, none of those stories or photos can be entered in other categories, correct? Sorry this is such a long series of questions!

Thanks for the question, Jennifer. These categories are only in their second year, so it’s easy to get confused about them. Let’s see if this explanation will help…

First, notice the difference in wording between the “interactive” category and the “multimedia” category. The first contemplates some part of your Web site (or a subsite) that offers a variety of ways for the user to be involved. That could include databases, comments, photos and much more (perhaps even a game). The category isn’t about a “news story,” but it should involve one topic. Judging here should focus on both the quantity and quality of the interactive features and their effectiveness.

Best Multimedia Project does involve a “news story.” And it is about more than what appears on your Web site. The concept involves how you integrated your coverage of a news event between your printed product and new media. Again, both quantity and quality count here. The bigger variety of media used to tell the story the better. But we’re pretty sure that judges will heavily weigh how good the material used is in making their decisions.

On your last question, you are correct. What you enter in these categories cannot be entered elsewhere. The exception to that would be items entered in the “Special Awards” competitions, such as Public Service, Community Service and the Hugh Morton Award.

Hope this helps.