A Remarkable Achievement

A few months ago, I decided to submit my blog for a Webby Award. “Why not,” I thought at the time as I filled out the nomination form and submitted my registration fee. Then I forgot all about it.

I received an email yesterday: “The wait is almost over! The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences will officially announce the Nominees and Honorees for The 17^thAnnual Webby Awards tomorrow, April 9th, 2013. All official Nominees and Honorees will receive a notification email tomorrow and packets via postal mail within a few days of the Academy’s announcement.”

“That’s right, I do remember I submitted my blog,” I said to myself. “Yes, I did submit a nomination…but I’ll never win. The competition is fierce. No way will I stand a chance. That was a waste of time and money. Could have bought a new handbag or a new pair of shoes with that money.”

I received an email today.

Are you ready?

Are you sure you’re ready?

Are you really, really, really ready to hear what the email said?

Absolutely, positively want to know who was an honoree? Do ya? Do ya? Do ya?

Drum roll please. Another drum roll please. Excuse me, please bring in the marching band too.

I opened the email today and here’s what it said:

“It is my pleasure to inform you that A Baby Boomer Woman’s Life After 50 has been selected as an Official Honoree in The 17th Annual Webby Awards in the Personal Blog or Website category.”

My blog is a 2013 Webby Award Official Honoree in the Personal Blog or Website category.

“In recognition of the exceptional quality of submissions received this year, the Academy has acknowledged outstanding entries as Official Honorees, alongside our Nominees. With  11,000 entries received from all 50 U.S. states and over 60 countries, the Official Honoree distinction is awarded to the top 15% of all work entered that exhibits remarkable achievement. Congratulations – this is an outstanding accomplishment for you and your team!”

Twist and shout, twist and shout! Scream out loud! Twist and shout! Wow-o-wow! My little blog…Judi’s little blog…is an Official Honoree in The 17th Annual Webby Awards (click on the link to see my listing). While I didn’t make it into the top five nominee spot this year, getting into the top 15% truly is a remarkable achievement.

Why am I so excited to be honored? The Webby Awards is the Internet’s most respected symbol of success. Honorees are selected for recognition based on excellence in criteria ranging from content, structure and navigation, visual design, functionality, interactivity and overall experience to content, creativity, engagement and quality of craft.

Winners are chosen by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences a global organization whose newest members include Tumblr founder David Karp, New York City Chief Digital Officer Rachel Sterne, Lauging Squid founder Scott Beale as well as CEO of Rovio Mikael Hed, co-founder of Instagram Kevin Systrom, as well as director Darren Aronofsky, Martha Stewart, Huffington Post Media Group President Arianna Huffington, Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, musician David Bowie, Internet co-creator Vint Cerf, Virgin Group Chairman Richard Branson, and R/GA Chairman and CEO Bob Greenberg.

I have a new little black dress for The Webby Awards Gala.

Will I get to go to the gala awards event at Cipriani in NYC in May and mingle with the The Webby Award winners and media moguls of the worldwide web?

I don’t know if I’ll be invited. But if I am invited, I already have my little black dress. I bought my little black dress several years ago and I knew I would eventually wear it to a special occasion. It is a strapless form-fitting dress with a big frou-frou flower on the shoulder. If I go to the awards event, I’ll be sure to tell you all about it. And if they let me, I will be bringing my teammates from Cataleno & Co. and BTwoDesign, who helped me create my blog and continue to support my work.

Okay, bring on the applause. I’m ready boomer girls. Life after 50 is grand. Ain’t it?

Judi