Return to list of all Blackfox awards
Greetings –
This is my third year administering the Master William Blackfox awards, and the first year we have made it very clear that electronic newsletters are eligible for these honours. I hope to see more electronic newsletters nominated in the future, as I know that many groups are looking to this type of newsletter to help save costs, yet continue to publish a high-quality newsletter. I have singled out three entries for special commendation as electronic newsletters or features. Next year, I expect to add three categories for electronically-distributed newsletters or features, and we may look into expanding the awards into websites with the assistance of the Society Webminister.
Every year, I see some familiar newsletters appear once again amongst the nominees, but I always am surprised to see a newsletter I’ve never seen before. I am also always pleased when a new kingdom participates in the Awards their first year, as Gleann Abhann has done. This year, as I did last year, I have chosen a winner and a commended entry in each category. Winners will receive a Blackfox token, a certificate, and the right to use “Master William Blackfox Award Winner, (category), AS XL” in their newsletters along with the Blackfox logo. Commended entries will receive a certificate as well. Please help me congratulate this year’s winners.
Nicolaa de Bracton
Society Chronicler
Best Overall Newsletter
The newsletter which best meets the needs of the local group or guild for which it is published. It should accurately reflect the status of the group and be a valuable tool for growth and promotion of SCA goals and ideals. Awarded to the newsletter and the Chronicler.
The winner: Baronial Banner, Barony of Starkhafn [Caid], Baroness Aoibheall an Sionnach, Chronicler.
Commended: The Unicorn’s Tale, Shire of Trinovantia Nova [Ealdormere], Lady Dionegia Melanesi and Lady Muirne Ultach, Chroniclers.
The remaining nominees:
- Ansteorra
- Quoth the Raven, Barony of Raven’s Fort, Lord Devin Phelan O’Donnabhain, Chronicler.
- An Tir
- The Squirrel Press, Caonton of Akonebir, Ragnhildr Thorisdottir, Chronicler.
- The Leaf Lette, Shire of Myrtleholt, Mor Ron ingen Cennetig, Chronicler.
- Atlantia
- The Talon, Barony of Hawkwood, Lady Muriele of Aberdeen, Chronicler.
- Caid
- The Tydes, Barony of Lyondemere, Lord Tighearnan Cearrbhach O’Faolain, Chronicler
- Drachenwald
- Hwita Stjerna, Barony of Styringheim, Lady Asvni Botvidsdottir, Chronicler.
- Silversparren, Principality of Nordmark Lady Uvhild Ingesdotter Skragge, Chronicler.
- The Baelfyr, Crown Principality of Insulae Draconis, Pomestnitsa Marina Olganova vlye Thoting Gravenel, Chronicler.
- Storm Tidings, Shire of Adamastor, Master Guntram von Wolkenstein, Chronicler
- .Ealdormere
- The Ursus, Barony of Septentria, Lady Naja Kesali, Chronicler.
- East
- The Cascadian, Shire of Glenn Linn, Leuca ferch Robert, Chronicler.
- The Ironstar, Shire of Eisental, Kagiyama Shinobu, Chronicler.
- Gleann Abhann
- Bayou Tapestry, Barony Axemoor, THL Ifor de Leycester, Chronicler.
- Midrealm
- Thunder’s Quill, Shire of Donnershafen, Lady Maebh, Chronicler.
- The Citadel, Barony of Cynnabar, Lady Hannah Schreiber, Chronicler.
Best Layout and Design
For the best-looking newsletter. Awarded to the newsletter and the Chronicler.
The winner: Storm Tidings, Shire of Adamastor [Drachenwald], Master Guntram von Wolkenstein, Chronicler.
Commended: The Citadel, Barony of Cynnabar [Midrealm], Lady Hannah Schreiber, Chronicler.
The remaining nominees:
- Æthelmearc
- Full Tilt, Barony of Delftwood, Lady Helene al-Zarqa, Chronicler.
- An Tir
- The Squirrel Press, Canton of Akornebir, Ragnhildr Thorisdottir, Chronicler.
- The Leaf Lette, Shire of Myrtleholt, Mor Ron ingen Cennetig, Chronicler.
- Atlantia
- Il Tempo, Barony of Ponte Alto, Lady Courteny de Houghton, Chronicler.
- Drachenwald
- Hwita Stjerna, Barony of Styringheim, Lady Asvni Botvidsdottir, Chronicler.
- Silversparren, Principality of Nordmark, Lady Uvhild Ingesdotter Skragge, Chronicler.
- Ealdormere
- The Ursus, Barony of Septentria, Lady Naja Kesali, Chronicler
- East
- Quid Nunc, Barony of Ruantallan, Lord Wynfred aet Hurtandune, Chronicler.
- Gleann Abhann
- Bayou Tapestry, Barony of Axemoor, THL Ifor de Leycester, Chronicler.
Best Art
For artwork on the cover or interior of the newsletter. Awarded to the newsletter and the artist.
I have chosen to recognize one color and one black-and-white entry.
The winners (tied):
Cover, (September AS XL), THL Felicia of the Truelayne, Leaf Lette, Shire of Myrtleholt [An Tir]
Artwork throughout, May 2005 edition, Lady Muirne Ultach, The Unicorn’s Tale, Shire of Trinovantia Nova [Ealdormere]
The remaining nominees:
- Æthelmearc
- Cover Art (April/May 2006), Lady Colette de Paris, Fewmet, Barony of Thescore.
- Ansteorra
- Cover Art, Lord Charles the Grey of Mooneschadowe, Mercurius Provincialus, Province of Mooneschadowe
- An Tir
- Cover Art, Lady Lasairiona inghean Uilliam na Seoltadh, The North Wind, Barony of Lion’s Gate
- Cover Art, Lady Fjorlief in Haga, The Looking Glass, Barony of Glymm Mere.
- Atlantia
- Cover Art (Vol. 23 Issue 5), Baroness Nastsiia Rosenzweig, Edicts and Epistles, Barony of Black Diamond.
- Ealdormere
- Cover and interior art, Lady Gudrun of Tor Brant, Skraeling Althing Chronicle, Barony of Skraeling Althing.
- East
- Cover Art, Lady Adrienne d’Evreux and Lord Iain of Malagentia, Jan/Feb 2006 issue, The Moonstone, Province of Malagentia.
- Midrealm
- Cover Art (June 2005) Duchess Sabine de Rouen, The Gryphon’s Tale, Barony of Flaming Gryphon.
Best Special Issue
For Arts & Sciences issues, or other limited-focus issues of a geographic group (Canton, Shire, Barony, etc.). Awarded to the newsletter and the Chronicler.
The winner: Across the Hills, Baronial Election Issue, Barony of Endless Hills [Æthelmearc], Lady Deianeira, Chronicler.
Commended: The Moonstone, Scribal Arts Edition, Province of Malagentia [East]. Master Maxton Gunn, Chronicler.
The remaining nominees:
- Æthelmearc
- Baronial Election Issue, Across the Hills, Barony of Endless Hills, Lady Deianeira, Chronicler.
- Ealdormere
- A&S Issue, Skraeling Althing Chronicle, Barony of Skraeling Althing, THL Iudith the Quiet Seeker, Chronicler.
- Gleann Abhann
- Sir Francois du Vant Memorial Issue, Ardanrunes, Shire of Ardanroe. Dana Quarrier, Chronicler.
- Midrealm
- Guidelines April Fool’s Issue, Fox Tails, Shire of Foxvale, Master Thorvald Redhair, Chronicler.
- Northshield
- Baronial Directory, Song of the Tower. Barony of Caer Anterth Mawn, Dame Idonia Tayt, Chronicler.
Best Special Interest Newsletter
This category recognizes guild newsletters, research newsletters, and Arts & Science focus newsletters (such as lace-making). Awarded to the newsletter and the Chronicler.
The winner: Tisane (East Kingdom Herbalists and Apothecaries Guild), Lady Johanna le Mercer, Editor, East Kingdom
Best Regular Feature
For those cartoons, articles,and columns which appear regularly in the particular newsletter. Awarded to the creator or feature writer and the newsletter
The winner: All Things Great for Smalls, Lady Siobhan na bhFeadh, The Tydes, Barony of Lyondemere [Caid]
Commended: Dining with Doc, Master Edouard Halidai, The Gryphon’s Tale, Barony of Flaming Gryphon [Midrealm]
The remaining nominees:
- Æthelmearc
- Crossword Puzzle, Lady Marija Kotok, Sylvan Glen’s Purgatory Press, Shire of Sylvan Glenn.
- An Tir
- Ask Vlad, THL Vladimir Andreivich Aleksandrov, The Portcullis, Barony Shire of Cold Keep? Onora Beccan ingen Cennetig, The Leaf Lette, Shire of Myrtleholt.Profiles in Arms, THL Ian MacKynnes, The Flames of the Dragon, Barony of Dragon’s Laire
- Caid
- Dame Abigail, Anonymous, Baronial Banner, Barony of Starkhafn.
- East
- Crosswords, Frigga Halladottir, The Cascadian, Shire of Glenn Linn.Word Search, Lady Svea the Short-sighted, The Sandpiper, Shire of Barren Sands.
Best Article
Recognizes the author of an outstanding article. Awarded to the writer and the newsletter.
The winner: “Don’t Fear the Fabric Store (Part 1),” THL Rosalyn MacGregor, The Citadel, Barony of Cynnabar [Midrealm]
Commended: “Astronomy for the Citybound—A Guide to the Pennsic Skies,” Morwenna Darward, The Masthead, Barony of Dragonship Haven [East]
The remaining nominees:
- Æthelmearc
- “Sunscreen Was Invented By Vikings,” Baron Malcolm Fraser, The Vigilance, Shire of Heronter.
- An Tir
- “Notto Scale: Mapmakers to Popes, Princes, and Peasants,” THL Rycheza z Porska, The Flames of the Dragon, Barony of Dragon’s Laire.
- Atlantia
- “Documentation and How To Do Well in Arts & Sciences Competitions,” Lady Aislinn ingen Niall, Edicts & Epistles, Barony of Black Diamond.
- Caid
- “About the Cotehardie,” Johanna von Nurnberg, The Tydes, Barony of Lyondemere.
- Ealdormere
- “Period Thorn Needles,” Dragul Vodnikov, Skraeling Althing Chronicle, Barony of Skraeling Althing.
- “My First A-Frame,” Lady Thorfinna gra’feldr, The Tankard, Canton of Ard Chreag.
- East
- “How The Middle Ages Influenced American Independence,” Scotti mac Curraugh, Knightly Knews, Shire of Montevale.
Best Poetry or Short Fiction
Recognizes the author of an outstanding poem or piece of short fiction. Awarded to the writer and the newsletter.
The Winners (tie):“Eight-fingers’ Tale,” Master Hector of the Black Height, The Eoforing, Canton of Eoforwic [Ealdormere]”The Advent of the Amber Drake Maiden,” Duchess Natalya de Foix, The Tydes, Barony of Lyondemere [Caid]
Commended:“A Kingdom Baptized by Storm,” THL Peregrine Fairchilde, Water Spark, Shire of Lagerdamm [Gleann Abhann]
The remaining nominees:
- Æthelmearc
- “A Gentle in Delftwood,” Clarice Roan, Full Tilt, Barony of Delftwood.
- Artemisia
- “The Beast,” Lord Darius Coligny, Moose Call, Barony of Arn Hold.
- Ealdormere
- “Dragons Ode to a Heavenly Bean,” THL Isabella Oakwood, Skraeling Althing Chronicle, Barony of Skraeling Althing.
- East
- “The Tyger Roars,” Baroness Selena D’Ambra, The Masthead, Barony of Dragonship Haven.”Godfather’s Lullabye,” Lady Chiara da Montepulciano, Wyrm Woods, Barony of Dragon Dormant.
- Gleann Abhann
- Untitled poem, Adrienne Goodwine, The Bayou Tapestry, Barony of Axemoor.
Special Commendations for Electronic Newsletters and Features:
Best Overall Electronic Newsletter: The Tydes, Barony of Lyondemere [Caid], Lord Tighearnan Cearrbhach O’Faolain, Chronicler. This newsletter is a past winner for Best Overall and Best Layout. It’s now in electronic form and better than ever.
Best Online Layout: Il Tempo, Barony of Ponte Alto [Atlantia], Lady Courtney de Houghton and Lady Cassandra Arabella Giordani, Chroniclers. A nice example of a good wholly online newsletter.
Best Electronically-Distributed Feature: Crossword Puzzle, Lady Marija Kotok, Sylvan Glen’s Purgatory Press, Shire of Sylvan Glenn [Æthelmearc]. Distributed electronically as well as published in the newsletter, this feature is being used by more than one Chronicler.