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The award process has had a tremendously positive effect on my web design and webmaster development. It was rather unexpected, surely. At first I thought applying for awards was a good idea because they would look good to potential web surfers and perhaps increase traffic to my site. Much to my surprise, the process had a much deeper effect on me and my website than anticipated.. As I applied for various awards, reading the criteria, and comparing them to my website, I became much more aware of all aspects of my design process and began to make changes at all site levels. This included putting myself through a serious (and steep) web design leaning curve which culminated in XHTML.

Of course, web design knowledge is open-ended, and I will continue my studies, but much of the intensity and application of the learning process likely would not have happened were it not for the push to win the awards. Now, the award process continues mainly for myself - I am still hungry for growth as a webmaster and web designer. If it encourages more "hits" and visitors to my website, that is a plus. But the real reason is e-spiritual. I hope to find web design nirvana, through self-understanding of the true nature of the inner webmaster. I want to become a true web master. All kidding aside, there is truth in my words, grasshopper. I believe that my struggle with web design and development, and my inner and outer struggles with myself as I come to terms with the design process is valuable. The awards process is the best way I have found to make this happen.