Q: There are already so many journalism contests. Why is this one any different?
A: The Online Journalism Awards will recognize quality Web journalism from around the world. The awards are administered by the Online News Association. ONA is the world's premier networking group for online journalists.

Q: How will the judging take place?
A: A two-step process will determine the winners. A set of screeners, working remotely, will narrow down the entries to five finalists in each category. These screeners are online journalists from around the world. Then the judges of the Online Journalism Awards, a group of distinguished journalists, will meet in person to pick the winners.

Q: Who is eligible to participate?
A: The awards are open only to Web sites — or areas of Web sites — where journalists have originated the content or selected and amplified it. The primary purpose of the site must be to inform rather than sell products or promote a business (online retailers and advertising sites are not eligible). Search services and portal sites, as well as wire services, may submit content they created that fits the eligibility requirements.

Q: What are the dates of eligibility?
A: Only work first published on the Web between July 1, 2007 and May 31, 2008, will be eligible for the 2008 OJAs.

Q: Can individuals enter?
A: Yes, individuals and organizations may enter the contest. Self-nominations are welcome.

Q: My content is behind a subscription-only site, so how do I enter?
A: Enter just like everyone else, but make sure you provide a username and password that our multiple judges can access (include it in the additional remarks section of the entry form).