Judges comments: The Market! Is a one-stop publication for businesses in the retail sector that want both information about trends in hot selling items and information about AmericasMart and its vendors. It's designed with the buyer in mind, including reader-friendly index tabs and quick-hit profiles of AmericasMart vendors.

Judges comments: Hospitality Upgrade packs a lot of useful takeaways into its pages, offering a nice mix of contributed content from its target readers and the IT folks that serve them. It's voice, sometimes amusingly irreverent, says to its readers: "We get you and want to help."

Judges comments: JustKids seems well attuned to it readers. The look and feel is neighborly and inviting, and the magazine includes loads of hands-on help and tools, pooling information in one publication for its niche audience.

Judges comments: The Georgia Travel Guide balances its mission of providing about-Georgia content with lots of resource lists and indexes. The look is clean and sleek, yet welcoming.

Judges comments: Takeaways, takeaways, takeaways -- not a page goes wasted in this great-looking magazine. Waterfowl & Retriever's beautiful photos and often fun design make maximum use of entry points to provide tips for its readers. I found it fascinating to read and browse, and I've never hunted.

Work, Live and Play

Judges comments: This clever tourism/economic development magazine achieves its goal: It makes you want to live or visit Jacksonville. Work, Live & Play's profiles are an especially savvy lure -- defining a place by the people who are its residents.

Judges comments: Best delivery on goals and objective and the most appealing design in this category.

Judges comments: Great relationship builder, fabulous design and strong editorial.

Judges comments: This profile is more than a collection of quotes punctuated with pretty pictures. The writer nicely uses the transition from film to digital photography as the backdrop for the profile's subject. This approach illuminates how the 30-year veteran feels about and has adapted to vast changes in his craft.

Judges comments: With just the right amount of humor ("English was still a problem, but they were both fluent in carÓ), this dual profile chronicles the friendship of two local business partners. It's a quick but effective read, with snippets of conversation between the two men revealing more about them than straight prose ever could.

Judges comments: Although relatively short on words, this profile still makes readers feel as if they know all six members of the featured family. Well-chosen anecdotes and a sprinkling of quotes from both parents and children make the article appealing to the magazine's broad readership. It leaves one wondering, "What happens in the next installment?ÓÑalways a good thing for a periodical.

Judges comments: An original blend of interview, flashback, travelogue, and pure imagination, this profile tells the story of a woman as well as the times in which she has lived. To borrow a phrase from the profile itself, the piece introduces readers to someone who received "the extraordinary gift of an ordinary life.

Atlanta Magazine - April 2007

Judges comments: With a lead-off 'Wham! Wham! Wham!' this article grabs the reader's attention and doesn't let go. The provocative writing promised in the magazine's mission statement delivers an off-camera look at a television personality that's informative, interesting, and sometimes a bit surprising.

Judges comments: Up-to-date news and blogs take advantage of the medium, making this a useful site for those in the industry. Users will appreciate access to the archives. The front page is a little busy, but is full of information. Expert blogs are a good idea but more fresh material would be welcomed by users.

Judges comments: Although on first impression the first page is busy, so is life as a parent. In this case, it works. Excellent blogs help create community and provide a sense of place. I'd recommend to your bloggers to shorten their posts, include more offsite links, and encourage more comments from users. Nice site.

Paste Magazine

Judges comments: Like the magazine, the site is hip and signals and up-and-coming magazine. The "news" on the front of the first splash page is useful but not as attractive as one might hope. Points for usability. Inclusion of games and multimedia take full advantage of an interactive medium. The blogs are clear but finding a favorite is a bit difficult. Great content and fits the magazine well.

Judges comments: The topic of what happens to our bodies after we die is usually one a reader would want to avoidÑjust turn the page in the magazine and think pretty thoughts instead. But Chaz Miller addresses the topic with both humor and gravity. This is a surprisingly entertaining, thought-provoking and solutions-based look at an otherwise "scaryÓ topic. He removes our fears and leaves us instead inspired.

Judges comments: It's not easy to make a political argument in print that doesn't offend some peopleÑand that also uses a personal experience as the basis for the statement about a public issue. Murali Kamma's essay is a passionate, moving, and thoroughly convincing argument about why AmericansÑand that includes recent immigrants, such as, in his case, Indian AmericansÑdo lead good, privileged lives. His essay is an affirmation of American life.

Judges comments: Ty Treadwell is a brave man. According to what he writes in his essay, every time he visits his neighborhood playground in the middle of the day with his infant daughter, Sophie, he feels akin to the lone cowboy who has ridden into a not-always-hospitable town on the open prairie. This is a fun and funny commentary on the ways that domestic life has changed in AmericaÑa father who works at home and takes care of the child while his wife works downtown. He stands his ground.

Judges comments: In a short amount of space, H. Brandt Ayers is able to relate not only the life and work of a great editor and writerÑWillie Morris but he also evokes a place, a region (the American South), and the friendship he shared with Willie. One of the hallmarks of a great essay is its ability to convey so much information and mood in a limited number of words. Even if a reader were to know nothing about Willie Morris beforehand, he or she would come away understanding and admiring this person.

Georgia Trend - October 2007

Charlotte Magazine - June 2007

Judges comments: Here is an ideal example of personal history as American history. David Childers' essay is as much an autobiography as it is a biography of a town and a way of life that once existed in the American South. There is something both joyful and melancholy in his description of a particular day in the life of his hometown. The event he writes about is long past, but it remains relevant and vivid in his essay.

Judges comments: The new look Pro Bullrider has immediate high impact. Inventive layouts and graphic illustration sustain this high energy level throughout the magazine. The cover is notably gutsy and original.

Atlanta Magazine

Judges comments: The new Atlanta magazine is fresh and modern. A great choice of contemporary fonts combined with bold color graphics create a rich and engaging read. Careful craftsmanship is evident from start to finish.

In the Mix - Winter 2007

Judges comments: This beautiful photography does everything right, using an opening shot that enhances the headline, suggesting flames in the background to add heat, and employing warm, gem-like colors that are, happily, not the expected holiday red and green combo. I also like the small how-to shots that accompany the recipe.

Professional Phtographer - March 2007

Judges comments: Susan Stripling's amazing wedding photography is fresh, sophisticated and fun-destroying the notion that event photography must be posed and static. Her photographs elegantly capture the wide range of emotions of the day, and the travelogue aspect of the work is a beautiful and refreshing twist. I would love to see a travel magazine dedicate a June issue to destination weddings around the worldÑshot by Stripling, of course!

Habitat World - September 2007

Judges comments: Mikel Flamm's photographs give the viewer a chance to see into the world of leprosy. The photographs lend a sense of valiancy to the subjects' character, despite their condition.

Judges comments: Thomas Allen's photographs are stunning. I was pleasantly surprised by the tiny worlds he created. Playing off the "3-D" world in the 2-D medium of photography Allen take the "pop-up book" to the next level.

The South Magazine - December, 2007/Jan, 2008

Judges comments: The photographs by Colin Douglas Gray in this story about homeless in Savannah speak to a broad audience. The technically perfect lighting leaves only the reality of the well-worn faces.

Professional Phtographer

Judges comments: This retrospective look at photographic styling and the evolution of photography in the last century had this judge hooked from beginning to end. Compelling, focused, relevant and a treat to read, even for one who still struggles with a point-and-shoot.

Charlotte Magazine

Judges comments: Charlotte Magazine's look at the city's crime data and law enforcement structure went beyond the statistics and talking heads typical of issues-based stories by putting human faces on those responsible for citizens' safety. Then, to wrap the series, voila: a call to action. Insightful, provocative work. Bravo.

Atlanta Magazine

Judges comments: The new format is used with confidence. Atlanta magazine's design is bright and full of life. Layouts are bold and vibrant, and at the same time layered with subtle, assured detailing. The use of photography and illustration is strong and imaginative.

Professional Phtographer - May 2007

Judges comments: Well written, provocative story idea that is very well executed. It goes into tremendous detail from a variety of viewpoints and offers the reader a wealth of ideas to pursue, from the very practical to the more esoteric. Well done!

Atlanta Life Magazine - October 2007

Judges comments: This story takes a different angle on an all-too-common problem, and presents information ina very informational--yet highly empathetic--way. It was well resourced and written, and held appeal both from an employer standpoint or that of a "silent sufferer" of a mental illness. Provocative topic.

Atlanta Magazine - April 2007

Judges comments: This article is everything service journalism should be--lively, provocative writing that can't be ignored (or even just skimmed), plus tons of useful information. The article managed to be extremely thorough without becoming ponderous or boring, and the writing was perfectly offset by the division of topics. A brilliant job!

Professional Phtographer - January 2007

Judges comments: With its exceptional photograph and elegant typography, the art director lets the cover become more than the sum of its parts. The animated subject of the photo energizes the staid layout and the combination of high energy and timeless design is a winner.

Habitat World - June 2007

Judges comments: With its startlingly beautiful photograph of a single sunlit building rising from the ruins of the surroundings, the Habitat World cover smartly and succinctly illustrates the featured story. Wisely avoiding trite typography or other tricks, the cover shows the future of the former Soviet Union cast off countries using a single, focused image.

Atlanta Life Magazine - June 2007

Judges comments: Capturing the exuberance of a world-class city in one cover is difficult but Atlanta Life Magazine manages to do it aptly. Show casing the history, color, culture and vibrancy of one of America's most dynamic cities, Atlanta Life does the city well.

Judges comments: If all hunters looked as good as the cover model, I'd buy a gun tomorrow. Garden & Gun elevates its subject matter and harkens back to a day of genteel hunting in the countryside. The attitude and approach of the photography and typography is seamlessly beautiful and it addresses its customer base with aplomb.

Paste Magazine - April 2007

Judges comments: Inventive and arresting, the April cover with Modest Mouse floating in a pool of cool shows what print can still do better than anything on the web, catch your eye using a killer image and great typography. Paste Magazine continues on its original course for success using superb photography, contemporary typography and genuine talent.

Industrial Engineer - March 2007

Judges comments: Well written expository feature that should be of interest to the industrial engineering community at which the magazine is aimedÑand would probably even interest the general public. Excellent blend of anecdotal and straightforward information and statistics.

Professional Photographer - July 2007

Judges comments: Very pleasant writing style that flowed nicely throughout the story. Not the most difficult subject to cover, but the interesting flow-through of the writing style mixed with the technical elements for the audience made it attractive.

Habitat World - June 2007

Judges comments: "Rising from Ruins," written by Shala Carlson, beautifully complemented by the photography of Steffan Hacker and packaged by astute Habitat for Humanity's editors, results in a portrait of global history and personal anecdotes that flow gracefully together. With its well presented sidebars, personal anecdotes, and organized presentation, this article reflects a can-do attitude. Focusing on structures to live in, this feature tackles an intricate political and social miasma in an area that most of the world can make little sense of since the fall of the former USSR in a clear, logically presented and thoughtful way.

Atlanta Life Magazine - July 2007

Judges comments: Writer Joshua H. Silavent's no-holds-barred first-person account as a self-described "non-believing AngloÓ in the midst of the Al-Farooq Mosque in Atlanta unveils disclosure of truths concerning practicing Islamists in the 21st century American South. Silavent paints a real picture from his unique point of view, based on solid research, interviews and his own experiences. The ending sidebars add to the breadth of the feature.

The Georgia Review - Spring 2007

Judges comments: Historically, the famous pens of author(s) and editor, specifically under editor Stanley W. Lindberg's reign, from 1977 Ð 2000, have been recorded and cherished in this feat of packaging. Although inevitablyTGR pays homage to itself, those accolades feel beside the point; the goal instead is the focus on the at times ineffable, at times excruciatingly detailed workings of the world of great magazine publishing, with all its insecurities, bruises and triumphs. This feature is to be heralded not so much for allowing the reader to share TRG's "bangs," but for having the courage to divulge its "whimpers."

Paste Magazine - November 2007

Judges comments: It is poignant and important that Linford Detweiler, part of the musical group Over the Rhine, begins this slice of autobiography at a festival not "in America," but in The Netherlands. After all, how many Americans are truly 100% American? Detweiler's writing about the birth of the group's newest [at the time of this writing] album, The Trumpet Child, reveals in this short feature as many of those ingredients that are the unique accompaniments of being raised in the South as some of our most revered southern authors. PASTE proves yet again this year to grasp a new relevancy to old standbys, with an insight that is at once delightful to read and worthy of pondering.

Industrial Engineer

Judges comments: Industrial Engineer takes a subject area that could become pedantic and dull and makes it just the opposite. Its lively and entertaining content offers insights and helpful information for its target readers while also striving to entertain them.

Convention South - November 2007

Judges comments: Convention South uses a unique approach to draw event planners to southern locations: It gives them loads of tips about how to host great events. The magazine is fun to read and makes smart use of teased out information to entice readers. Even if you weren't planning to hold your event in the South, you'd stlll walk away with some worthwhile pointers.

Newnan-Coweta Magazine - January/February 2007

Judges comments: A richly photographed fox hunt combined with moving and charming stories about a variety of animals make this issue readable, memorable, and ambitious. Thankfully, the issue's pet theme didn't displace the magazine's effective people stories.

Skirt! Magazine - November 2007

Judges comments: Despite the stock it's printed on, make no mistake: this smart magazine has true professional gloss. It serves its readers with intelligence, humor, and backbone. Stylish design and writing complement an editorial attitude that has a big heart Ð and makes a reader smile.

Lake Oconee Living - Summer 2007

Judges comments: Lush photos, serene and smart design, a rich buffet of choices, vivid storytelling Ð even when describing a golf course, for heaven's sake. This is a gem of a magazine.

Paste Magazine - July 2007

Judges comments: Stylish and slick without giving in to demographically correct pabulum, Paste at age 5 is true to its roots and a genuine work of magazine craftsmanship. This anniversary issue continues Paste's remarkable feat of defining a cultural niche that went undefined until this magazine came along.

Industrial Engineer

Judges comments: The magazine's diverse readership is reflected in its range of topics, with articles covering projects and industries all over the world. It fulfills its mission to provide thought-provoking content-covering, for example, the story of a convicted felon among its readers, the logistics of tsunami relief, and the business implications of obesity. Each issue has a good mix of articles, columns, and news departments, lightened up with numerous photos.

Professional Photographer

Judges comments: A magazine named Professional Photographer should look good. And it does, thanks to anything-but-stock images, adherence to a grid that still allows creativity, and generous amounts of white space. In addition to looking good, the magazine delivers the editorial goods: colorful features and profiles combined with technical tips, product reviews, and financial management strategies to help readers better manage their businesses.

Newnan-Coweta Magazine

Judges comments: Newnan-Coweta Magazine does exactly what it sets out to do by consistently delivering diverse, county-specific features and evocative photographs that remind readers why they decided to "live the good lifeÓ in the area. The Local Heritage and Meet a Reader columns bolster the sense of community the magazine works so hard to foster, while special issues like the Sept./Oct. 2007 art issue reinforce the message by highlighting the many inspirational and talented men and women who call this part of Georgia home.

Skirt! Magazine

Judges comments: Passionate, outspoken, and frequently irreverent, Skirt is a magazine by women for women. Its focused single-topic issues pack a powerful punch thanks to poignant personal essays, fresh graphics, and memorable regular sections, such as 24/7 With, 7 Ways, and Girl Power. Witty and exuberant (with an oversize trim size to match), the overall package offers a refreshing take on standard women's magazine fare.

The Georgia Review

Judges comments: Smart and thought provoking, The Georgia Review offers its readers a consistent diet of what it does bestÑpowerful, tightly written short stories, poems, and essays by some of America's best known writers as well as up-and-comers with literary talent to spare.

Paste Magazine

Judges comments: As a determined-and eclectic-champion of music, film, and culture, Paste Magazine achieves what so many publications aspire to. It manages to be edgy without being alienating, and opinionated without being snobby. Paste's masterful use of graphic design, type, and illustrations not only buoy the fine writing on its pages, but help to create a tangible magazine personality that readers can't help but embrace. And, the Paste Magazine CD sampler is the kind of brilliant value-added feature every editor wishes he or she had dreamed up.