A Novice Beginner:

It was in October, 1998, that I began reading articles about the Internet and decided to purchase my first computer. At that time, I was positive a computer would help my then 16-year-old daughter with her school work. But, after exploring the wealth of information on the Internet and viewing all different types of sites, the thought crossed my mind that I wanted to learn about building a website. So, off I went to Office Max to buy a website editor called Web Studio ... a simple drag and drop program by Sierra.

Between January and June, 1999, I went through a learning process with my new found toys (PC/Web Studio). Throughout this time period, I developed my first homepage called, "Jan's Jubilee", a simple 12-page website which I considered a masterpiece. Nevermind, that a 2nd grader could have done better than this grown adult. But, it was my creation.

In June, 1999, my newly created "Jubilee" went online. And to this day, I still don't know where the idea came from. I only know that it was a pitiful attempt to create a website. That same month I entered the "Jubilee" site in the Sierra (Web Studio makers) Site of the Month contest, which was restricted to beginners. Naturally, I did not win. And to this day, when I look at it online, I want to cover my head and hide.

Creating Circus World:

As I was gaining more experience with my newly formed webmastering skills, I thought of creating something totally different from what I was viewing online. More than anything, I wanted a website that would be family friendly, so children of all ages could view it. Using my imagination, I began writing the Circus World storyline.

My Introduction to Awards:

In mid-summer, 1999, I re-entered the Sierra SOTM contest with my new Circus World website. By the 1st of August, Sierra notified me that Circus World had won the contest for the month of July. When I opened the notification email, I was ecstatic. I actually pushed my chair away from the computer desk and jumped around the room. After calming down, I looked around the room to make sure no one saw me. Thankfully, I was by myself.

Not only did Sierra send me their winner's award badge, I also received $100 worth of products from their company. It was around this time that the "award bug" hit me square in the face. I started venturing out and applying for every award I could find. The whole idea of awards was so new to me. I did not receive many, but I was enjoying myself.

Thinking about the old saying, "tis better to give than receive", I made up my mind to try and develop my own award program.

Introduction to Award Graphics:

One of the first requirements, when opening up a new award program, is the actual award image. I will be the first to admit that being artistically inclined is not one of my virtues. I did not know where to start looking for help with this, but I really wanted to open an award program and was willing to do whatever it took to get the award graphics made. Having to make a major decision on what was more important in my budget (lights, water, phone, award graphics), I chose the award graphics. I was determined to pay whatever it cost to have the graphics made.

Now I was stuck. I had to find someone to help me, but who? One evening I happened to run across a listed site (AS! 4.5), and I really liked this individual's award graphic. I contacted her about making one for me. After exchanging several emails, a deal was made and I became the proud owner of the original Circus World awards. Though my original graphics are now retired, I have to thank Janet Morrow of Mountain Ash Web Works for using her artistic abilities in creating them.

Introduction to Award Criteria:

Criteria is the backbone of an award program. After my award graphics were made, I sat down with pen/paper and made a list of what I would look for when evaluating submitted applications. The list consisted basically of my likes and dislikes when viewing a website. Since I had the award graphics and the initial criteria, I was ready to go.

A word of caution for beginners who are comptemplating opening up an award program. Never copy someone else's criteria because 99.9% of the time, you will get caught. Believe me when I say, emails throughout the award community spread faster than a fire when someone is guilty of doing this.

In the Meantime:

Not only was I opening a new program but I continued to apply for awards. In September 1999, I applied for Rhonda's Otakou Creative Design Awards, a multi-tiered award program. At this time, not only did Rhonda run this program but she was the co-owner of the Starfire Awards. One Friday afternoon, I opened my email and discovered a letter from Rhonda along with an attachment. A major goal of mine was fulfilled, I had won Rhonda's award.

So proud, I quickly placed the award graphic on my website and proceeded to write an eloquent thank you note to Rhonda in appreciation for the "Starfire Award." Though no longer available, winning the prestigous Starfire Award was comparable to being crowned Homecoming Queen. Keep in mind that I was still really new to the awards scene.

That very same evening I was getting ready for a football game that I had to attend. Before leaving to go to the game, I opened my email one last time. There it was! Two emails in one day from Rhonda and it was more than I could possibly comprehend. I was so excited thinking how great it was to receive another email from such a highly qualified website evaluator. I proceeded to open the mail and in this huge size 18 font, I was told to "Stop, you have not won the Starfire Award." Not realizing Rhonda was involved with 2 separate award programs, I had incorrectly thanked her for the Starfire award. I had the correct graphic (not the Starfire) online that she sent me but I had thanked her by using the wrong name. I knew I could not go to the ballgame until I notified Rhonda about my unwilling mistake. That night was the first and only time I was ever late for a ballgame in the 6 years my daughter was a cheerleader.

My First Applications:

The first applications started arriving and the review process began. I had 3 different URL's where the awards were individually located. If a Gold was won, the winner would be sent to the Gold page and the same way for the other 2 awards (Silver/Bronze). Within 2 weeks after my award program began, I received an email from a successful applicant. After opening the email and reading it, I knew at once I made a horrible mistake. She had won the Bronze, but in my haste I sent her to the Silver URL. Thank goodness she was very understanding and I never made this major mistake a second time.

Applying to Award Sites:

Here I was armed with criteria, award graphics, and a newly formed award program and no way to get it listed at Award Sites! because my website was hosted by Xoom. I really did not understand the concept of "why" I would not be able to apply for a rating. I sent an email to Award Sites management requesting information on exactly what I needed to do. Their response was to find an ISP which did not "block images."

Blocking images? Some servers don't allow images to be displayed on pages other than those pages which are also hosted by them - it's a form of bandwidth protection. For instance, it would be similar to not being able to view your images except on your very own website.

I was determined to find a host and do it quickly. Little did I realize that my own ISP offered a free hosting service for personal websites. Now I was ready and applied for a rating. Thus, an initial Award Sites rating of 3.5 was presented to Circus World's award program in October 1999.

On the Homefront:

I was on a roll, new award program, nice award graphics, and a 3.5 rating from Award Sites. By this time I was fully immersed in website evaluating and I started waking up in the early morning hours to see who had applied for my awards. Remember I had originally bought the computer system for my daughter so it was set up in her bedroom. On the weekends, I'd literally burst into her room and turn on the PC. I'm talking about as early as 6:00 A.M. and this was starting to irritate my daughter. I justified this by promising to keep real quiet, but she was not listening to any of my excuses even though I had plenty to offer. After a couple of weeks of this, she moved all her belongings to the spare bedroom in the basement. Now I sit in the room all by myself with only the computer system on the desk and a bookcase.

Applying for an Upgrade at Award Sites:

I waited 10 months from the initial rating before requesting an upgrade with Award Sites! I am a firm believer that website evaluators should wait until they honestly believe their award program qualifies before asking for a rating or an upgrade with Award Sites!

Anyone who is familiar with Award Sites! can describe the funny "fluttery" feeling they get in the pit of their stomach when they open their email from Award Sites after requesting an initial rating or upgrade. On August 16, 2000, it happened to me again, Circus World was upgraded to 4.0. Currently, I am in the midst of preparing for another upgrade request. Gaining experience as an award giver changes all the time because the technical aspect constantly acquires new traits and characteristics.

Personal Aspect:

I have made a lot of friends throughout the award community. These individuals are some of the finest people anyone could ever be in contact with and they know who they are without my having to mention their names.

As a LPN (licensed practical nurse) during the day and computer geek at night, I am continuing to enjoy what I discovered as a "Novice." Right now, I'm off to judge more websites.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jan Sopshier - Circus World
I begin my day sharply at 6:00 a.m. by turning the computer on, reading email, and dashing off to the many forums I frequent. Then it's off to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse in a busy doctor's office where I spend the next 8 hours (usually more). When the day is over I rush home to begin my nightly rituals on my computer.

My dream is to attend the local community college when time permits. More than anything, I would love to take classes in Web Design and HTML. Those classes will teach me the things I want to learn most. I will decide after those classes have been completed in which direction I will take myself. It might have to wait until I retire in the years to come, but I'll wait patiently. After all, the internet adventure for me has just begun!

(Special Note: Since this was written, Jan has achieved the top Award Presenter's Rating, 5.0!)