Winners: Frank R. Smith Outstanding Article Award.

The Frank R. Smith Outstanding Article Award recognizes the authors of exceptional articles that appeared in the Society journal during the previous calendar year. Established in 1966, the award was renamed as a tribute to Frank Smith, during whose 18 years as editor this journal became established

Judges base their decisions on the content and form of the presentations. Content is judged on the degree to which it represents contributions to new knowledge, new perspectives, or practical communication applications or techniques. Form is judged by the degree to which it embodies effective and appropriate organization; apt language and effective syntax; relevant and meaningful tables and illustrations; and a spirit of vibrancy, intensity, conviction, and enthusiasm in transmitting information.

This year's judging panel consisted of Michael Hughes, associate fellow, Atlanta chapter; Jody Heiken, fellow, Puget Sound chapter; and Jean-luc Doumont, senior member, Belgium chapter. The journal editor provided guidance for the selection committee but did not participate in their deliberations.

STC is pleased to honor the following authors and their work.

OUTSTANDING ARTICLE OF 2003

"The rhetoric of typography: The persona of typeface and text"

May 2003

Eva Brumberger

This article is as an exemplar of rigorous research methodology whose results are reported through clear, accessible writing. The author takes a topic normally dominated by hunches and passions, and provides a strong empirical case for the notion that readers ascribe personality attributes both to typefaces and to text passages. The content is germane to all communicators who rely on the printed or displayed word as their communication channel.

AWARDS FOR DISTINGUISHED TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION

"Lessons learned from discount usability engineering for the U.S. federal government"

May 2003

Colleen Pettit Jones

This case history serves as a practical "how to" for other readers wanting to do a similar usability study. In addition, its findings can be applied to many different kinds of Web communication.

"The technical editor as diplomat: Linguistic strategies for balancing clarity and politeness"

February 2003

Jo Mackiewicz

Kathryn Riley

This article provides a good balance of research, practice, and instruction. It will especially resonate with editors and technical communication supervisors who find themselves drawn between quality of output and constructive leadership style.