BYTE MARKS
Webby Awards going online this year

By Burt Lum

In its seventh year, the Webby Award show (www.webbyawards.com) is the place to find the year's best among nominations for Web site of the year.

The annual show, in San Francisco, is a gathering place for Web designers and developers from around the world to witness and recognize the final winners.

Even amid some criticism by a minority for lacking vitality and relevance, the event continues. This year though, a new challenge faces the Webbys.

The show is going indoors, so to speak. According to a news release from the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, the awards will be presented online.

Fears of SARS, the war, terrorism and general travel discomfort has forced the decision to forgo the physical event.

One might argue: What better place to showcase a Web awards show than on the Web? But admittedly, the excitement, energy and catalyzing effect of real life will be a challenge to re-create online.

It'll be interesting to keep an eye on how the awards are presented on June 5. In less than a month, can the committee create the kind of buzz that would draw online attendees to the awards show? Short of a Victoria's Secret webcast, the future of the Webbys may rest on creating a compelling online experience.

So let's watch history in the making. You can participate in this event on several levels.

First off, the nominees are all listed, so check out the best of 2003. Categories such as Broadband, Community, Education, Fashion and others are a click away.

You can then participate in the People's Voice awards and cast your vote for your favorite nominees.

Voting is open until May 23.

The choices are varied. For starters you might take a peek at www.rottentomatoes.com, www.cbcradio3.com or www.japanesestreets.com.

Finally, revisit the site on June 5 to see the awards show.

If anything, success of the Webbys could hinge on how the event is presented. It could go out with a whimper or set the stage for things to come. ;-)

Burt Lum is one click away at burt@brouhaha.net.