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.
Boating at a Crossroads: How to Live Long and Prosper
Topic for BWI Miami “Newsmaker” Panel; Plus $17,000 in Writing Contest Awards
With the recreational marine industry suffering its deepest recession in memory, journalists who cover it have a vested interest in and a boatload of ideas regarding strategies needed to reenergize boating. To kick-start the conversation, Boating Writers International (BWI) will present, “Boating at a Crossroads: How to Live Long and Prosper,” during its annual General Membership meeting beginning at 8:00 a.m. on February 12 during the Miami International Boat Show.
BWI’s Annual Writing Contest award ceremony will launch the program during the meeting’s first hour as the winners of top stories written in 2009 will be recognized and $17,000 in awards presented.
Click here for a PDF with additional details.
SASS WINS SY/LEGACY WRITER'S AWARD
FOR TOP BOATING ARTICLE
Freelancer and author earns $5,000; 3 others cited
November 2, 2009 - George Sass, Sr., a freelance writer, author and former advertising creative director, has won the top award Boating Writers International gives to a journalist -- The SY/Legacy Writer's Award. Sass, of Annapolis, MD, received the award, consisting of a $5,000 check and a crystal trophy, at a formal presentation during the BWI membership meeting at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show on Friday (October 30).
BWI President Kim Kavin (left) presents George Sass, Sr.
with BWI Grand Prize Writer's Award.
Sass’ story, “Big-Water Boats – How to Choose the Right Vessel for Offshore Cruising,” was published in the 2008 Ocean Explorer Handbook. It’s a reflection of the writer’s extensive knowledge of cruising sail and power boats made engaging by personal reflections from seasons of blue water experience, including an 8,000-mile voyage with his family completing the Great Loop. Copy explains in illustrative and human terms why such factors as stability, weight, efficiency, engine choice and outfitting will determine both the seaworthiness of the boat and preparedness and comfort of the crew. The article was first recognized in the Technical Writing category earlier this year, one of 48 award winners in the 2008 BWI Annual Writing Contest. The top three entries in each of 16 writing categories were considered for this grand prize.
Judges said of Sass’ entry, “After a gut-griping lead, this article turns into a beautifully structured and nicely written example of explanatory journalism. It is interspersed with anecdotes, narrative description and lively quotes – so as to not get bogged down in textbook prose. Throughout, the writing is crisp. This is good, clear, informative writing at its best. Educational? Yes! Engaging? You bet! A winner all the way!” Click here to read the complete story. (PDF)
Judges for the Grand Prize Award are associated with Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and have had careers in newspapers, magazines, broadcasting and on-line enterprises. They include: David Nelson, Professor of Media Management and Ethics; Michele Bitoun, Senior Director of Undergraduate Education and Teaching Excellence; and Professor Marcel Pacatte, Managing Editor of the Medill Reports website.
Several additional entries were cited by the judging team for excellence in writing:
-- “Limulus Lately” by Wendy Mitman Clarke in Chesapeake Bay: “This piece is a fine example of the best elements of journalism … reporting, interviewing sources, gathering information … then comes the architecture structured to compel the reader to move on. The topic is interesting and all in all this makes the article a riveting read.”
-- ”You Can Go Home Again” by Tania Aebi in Cruising World: “This is a magical story of personal transformation. When finished with it, the reader is likely to say: ‘Wow.’ Sharing the story with her readers broadens the impact way beyond family.”
-- “Fishing for the Future” by Dick Russell in Northeast Boating: “A comprehensive picture of the challenges and benefits of ocean fish farming, or ‘aquaculture.’ The author clearly knows his stuff, yet without technical jargon veering him off course. His well written account is akin to those in any science magazine.”
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.
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