UG Academy Awards FAQ

Send your Awards questions to: Awards@UGAcademy.org . * "Can we submit our Electronic Newsletter?" Yes -- use the same instructions and forms for the NEWSLETTER awards. You will need to still send 1) an electronic form via email, 2) two (2) printed forms, and 3) printed representation of the newsletter -- which can be the cover and sample pages. You'll need to also supply the URL where the newsletter can be accessed/downloaded, and it needs to be in a portable, readable format. Good luck. . * "Can any computer user group join?" Yes, come in, you're welcome. . * "Your information says for 'nonprofits' If we're incorporated but not chartered as an official nonprofit, can we still enter?" Yes. The intention is for community oriented user groups rather than commercial enterprises who are established for profiteering. . * "Can we get the Awards info send directly to us?" By all means just send "AWARDS REQUEST" to Awards@UGAcademy.org . * "Why are you charging? Why should we have to pay?" __ Many costs are required to run the awards program. We move the entries around the country and incur some shipping expense. The mounting and preparation for exhibit, as well as the actual production and shipping of certificates to the groups. __ Last year the award sculptures cost nearly $ 50.00 per award. The Certificates, mailing, mounting and transportation all cost money. Who should pay for this? __ One last thought: we do not know of any national awards programs that do not require a submission fee. The APEX awards cost $100 per entry whether you win or not. The Ad Club, and New York Art Directors clubs charge upwards to $500 per entry. We felt all groups could afford the $35.00 per group (no matter how many entries). If they cannot justify this expense, perhaps they can get a local business to sponsor them. . * "We can't decide which category to enter. Can you help?" Groups should enter the category they feel most appropriate. If the judges feel they would be better represented in a different category the entry will be moved. . * "Why do you need TWO copies of the newsletter?" One is for the records, and one is for scanning and display at the Awards event. . * "What if we can't come to the Awards?" No problem. Your award(s) will be sent to the President of the group, and the group is encouraged to hold their own award event and present the award on the Academy's behalf. Groups might want to do this even if they DO come to the national event. Hey... it's always best to get the award in front of your peers. . * "What if we want to give the award TO our President" No problem, we have a number of groups already doing just that. Just ask. Other officers or members will STILL be required to complete the proper forms. . * "Where are the Awards being held this year?" Apple Computer has graciously invited us to present the major awards at the Apple User Group Breakfast, held in San Francisco the first week of January. Additional awards and commendations will be presented at the "Soiree" (UG mixer/party, come-as-you-are, dutch, fun evening.) . * "Will you charge for the Soiree?" NO -- the Soiree is come-as-you-are, pay for your own food/drinks, etc. Although there is NO CHARGE for the party, we do have to know how many will be attending. The cut-off date is rapidly approaching so please respond to the RSVP no later than December 1, 1999. Make your reservations for San Fran now. . * "Is the event formal? Will I have to rent a tux?" No. Hey... we're family. We know you'll look good no matter what you wear! . * "Is there an archive of past activities?" Yes. Try: 1996, 1997, 1998, and the SORIEE for 1997/1998. No records were kept prior to 1995/1996 year. Sorry. . * "The President's Award is at the Presidents decision?" Yes. That means we are leaving the award winner selection completely in the hands of the groups President. He knows who deserves the award. We have suggested the President work with other officers in selecting the best candidate, and we do require three other officers or group members to sign as validation of the award nomination. Each and every Presidents' Award will be Awarded by the Academy. In other words, by the time we receive the correctly completed form, the candidate has already won. The President will be sent the award packet to give at a meeting. . * "Do you have a list of the sponsors and/or groups?" Everyone wants the list. NO -- you may not have a list of groups. We are SPAM-FREE, COOKIES-FREE, BANNER-FREE, and will NOT sell or loan the list. We are the last and ONLY user group support organization in the world to maintain this community oriented policy. If you want to get spammed, join one of the others. We will however distribute our list of Sponsors... whenever we get some. Don't hold your breath -- we haven't found any sponsors who would contribute without getting the list to spam. And you know our policy on that. . Additional questions will be added as they come in from the community. Questions & Discussion: * User Group TALK list send email to: talk-on@lists.user-groups.net * User Group CHAT: each Sunday Night at 9:30 ET in TalkCity