The William Blackfox Awards

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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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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