BWI is a non-profit professional organization consisting of writers, broadcasters, editors, photographers, public relations specialists and others in the communications profession associated with the boating industry. Members include active marine journalists across the U.S., in Canada and Europe, supporting marine manufacturers and service entities, and associates in communication roles.
Member Survey Offers View of Media & Freelance Issues
BWI wrapped up a survey in early May that provides a sketch of the typical boating writer member, his or her work, interests and concerns and suggestions to help them grow in a difficult media environment. Among the highlights:
· 65 percent members are freelancers who earn the majority of their income from magazines covering boats 80 feet or smaller.
· The things members want BWI to help them learn, in order of preference, are social networking and new technologies, copyright laws and legal issues, how to build a website, how to blog, how to sell magazine articles, and how to write for online publications.
· More than half of members have a website or blog -- and nearly half don’t.
· More than half want online forums and ask that they be open only to BWI members (see item below on the establishment of the BWI LinkedIn site).
To see additional survey results, click here.(PDF)
LinkedIn Launch: 135 Members Sign on in First 2 Weeks
In the recent BWI member survey, members requested an online Forum where they can communicate about current media issues and other topics. To provide that Forum, BWI has created a group on LinkedIn, a well-known social networking website. 135 members have already signed on, and those who haven't are encouraged to do so. It's free, it is secure and only BWI members can participate. Go to www.LinkedIn.com, follow the instructions and help us grow this into an important new benefit for BWI members.
A few highlights:
·Extensive Blog about Blogging by Pete McDonald
·Useful Discussions on Writer's Contracts and Freelance Opportunities
·News Feeds of Interest
·Profiles of Participants
·Supporters are welcome to use "News" tab for firm news and new products.
BWI is also working to establish a Member Blog listing ... if you are writing a blog, please send its title and location so a directory file can be established. Send that to info@bwi.org.
Boating Media’s New Economic Realities
Boating media panelists in Miami included (from left) Glenn Hughes, Duncan McIntosh, Efrem Zimbalist, and moderator Michael Sciulla.
The financial challenges currently buffeting the marine media were aired during a panel discussion held at the 2009 Miami Boat Show during the annual meeting of BWI. Three top publishers who control dozens of marine magazines, websites, television shows, book production companies and events offered a sober assessment of the current economic climate and its harmful effects on their operations. Yet the publishers saw a bright light in enthusiast-focused publishing concerns like theirs. Click here for the complete story.
EXCELLENCE IN BOATING JOURNALISM RECOGNIZED
BWI Annual Writing Contest salutes 89 stories, awards $16,000 in cash prizes
MIAMI BEACH, FL, February 13, 2009 -- Top marine journalists in the U.S. and beyond were recognized in an annual writing contest conducted by the membership of Boating Writers International. Presentations in 16 contest categories representing $16,000 in awards were made to first ($500), second ($300) and third ($200) place scorers. Certificates of Merit were presented to writers of another 41 articles which scored within 95 percent of third-place tallies in each category. The top-three stories move into a "Phase II" competition which culminates in a single selection honored with a “Grand Prize Writer's Award” and four-figure cash prize at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show this fall. Click here for the full release (PDF).
CONNECT TO BOATING WRITERS – FREE!
Need help with a writing project? Boating Writers International's free online database lets you find navigation experts in New Jersey or outboard techs in Oregon and literally all kinds of specialized boat writers, U.S.-based and offshore. To access the database, click on Writer’s Directory in the menu bar on the left side of this page.
BWI Rolls Out Speakers' Bureau
A new service for members, the boating industry and public, BWI has established a Speakers' Bureau to share the expertise of boating writers in a wide range of marine, communication and promotional topics.
Looking for a speaker? Click here for a roster of BWI members available for engagements. (PDF)
BWI Members interested in participating in the Speakers' Bureau, click here for more details.
Boating Writers' Code of Ethics
After a resounding vote of support in the summer of 2002 for BWI's journalistic Code of Ethics, a number of boating magazines and industry members are supporting adherence to the guidelines. To view the principles of the "Code", click here. To view the list of supporters, click here. BWI members are expected to follow recommendations in the Code. Anyone wishing to join the honor roll should contact BWI executive director Greg Proteau at 1+.847.736.4142 or email info@bwi.org.
BWI Members Judge Innovation Awards
Boating Writers International (BWI) has partnered with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) to provide judges for NMMA’s Innovation Awards program, which is held at two tradeshows and one consumer show each year. Volunteer members of BWI including editors, staff writers and freelancers bring to the judging process a thorough working knowledge of boats and boating products as well as general marine industry expertise. Awards are presented in various categories at these 3 events, including MAATS, the Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show in July, IBEX the International Boat Builders’ Exposition & Conference in October, and the Miami International Boat Show in February. BWI judges are volunteers donating their time and knowledge and work within a set of guidelines developed by the NMMA. Click here to view categories at the three shows, a basic overview of the awards and recent winners.
Contact BWI
