Middle Tennessee Chapter 2009-2010 Competition
Judges Needed

Anyone with experience in the technical communication field, a publishing background, teaching experience, certifications by a professional organization, or related technical communication experience can be judge. Judges do not have to be STC members.

To volunteer, contact Betsy Smith (tennsmith@gmail.com/ 615-217-2574). Take advantage of this opportunity to review the work of others and possibly gain new ideas for your own projects.

Changes to the Consensus Meeting
Each judging team will conduct the consensus meeting at their own convenience using the method of their choice: face-to-face meeting, email discussions, conference call, or teleconferencing. A Team Leader will be assigned who will act as a liaison to the Competition Manager, lead the consensus meeting, and communicate award levels and any Best of Show recommendations to the Competitions Manager. The consensus meeting must by held by December 7, 2009.

How Judging Works

Step 1: Receive Entries, Forms, and Instructions
We will receive online and print entries from the Philadelphia Metro chapter and divide them among the judges. You will receive the entries you are to judge by mail or in person. The number of entries that you will judge depends on the number of entries we receive and the number of judges who sign up. You should receive the entries you are to judge by mid-October and no later than the chapter’s October meeting. You will also receive judging forms, instructions, and tips.

Judging instructions

Judging forms

Step 2: Review Entries
You will have two to three weeks to view your entries, document your comments, and compile the scores for each entry using the STC Judging Forms. Decisions are due Monday, December 7.

Step 3: Compare Notes and Award Entries
You will participate in your team’s consensus meeting by December 7, 2009. You will meet with the other judges who judged the same entries you did. Your group will discuss each entry, decide if an award should be given, and determine the level of award. If there are Distinguished award winners, you will determine if any should be recommended for Best of Show.

Your team will provide a statement summarizing why an entry deserves the Best of Show award. Entries recommended for Best of Show will be judged by a separate group of judges.

Thank you for your interest in the 2009-2010 STC Online and Print Competitions. Feel free to contact me with your competition and judging questions.

Betsy Smith
Competitions Manager
STC, Middle Tennessee Chapter

(last updated August 29, 2009)