It's BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Nomination Time

   If you have watched television over the last month, then you probably know it is the beginning of the awards season.  I love award shows with the exception of the MTV awards, because they make me feel really old.  I’m a big fan of  the Emmys, the Oscars, People’s Choice, and the Hero Dog Awards!  I watch them all and usually end up crying at the acceptance speeches.  Bentley was curled up beside me as I cried through the first World Dog Awards show last night.  Some of the rescue stories were incredibly moving.  It was not a sad show though and several parts made me laugh.  I think the show was a wonderful endorsement for shelter pets.  We even knew nominee Tillman the Skateboarding Dog from last year’s BlogPaws conference!  I won’t say who won in case you haven’t watched it.  The boys will have a run-down on the show this Monday for BFTB NETWoof News.  Our friend Sugar the Golden Retriever’s mom was one of fifteen members of the press and the only dog blogger invited to attend the show!  You can read her backstage experience here.  It sounds like she had a great time.

   Do you ever watch award shows and think how cool it would be to attend one in person?  Do you wonder how it would feel to be an actual nominee?  I think that most of us have had such visions of grandeur.  At least, I hope it’s not just me.  Let BlogPaws make your dream come true!  The nominations are open for the most prestigious awards ceremony in the entire pet blogosphere!

   I am talking the fourth annual BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Pet Blogging and Social Media Award nominations!  It is time to nominate your favorite pet blogs in a variety of categories.  ANYONE can make a nomination in one or more categories.  Nominations are accepted January 15 through January 31, 2015.

What are the BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Awards?  They are the only award program for pet bloggers and microbloggers where judging is based on expertise, performance, and creativity.  It is different from many awards because it is not based on “popular” vote.  Nominations are used to determine the finalists and winners based on criteria developed by BlogPaws.  An independent panel of distinguished judges scores all categories.

When are the winners announced?  An elegant red carpet affair will be held the final night of BlogPaws 2015 conference on May 30 at Nashville’s Sheraton Music City Hotel.  Whether you are a finalist or fan, the Nose-to-Nose award ceremony is media covered event that you don’t want to miss.  We had a wonderful time last year.  The dogs and cats were red carpet ready too.  I can’t wait to get Bentley a tuxedo!

What are the categories?  Here are the categories along with a brief description.  You can get more detailed information by clicking here.

Best Pet Blog Design ~ Any pet blog can be nominated.  Judges will consider the overall visual appeal.

Best Written Pet Blog Post ~ Judges will be looking at grammar, punctuation, writing style, storytelling, etc.

Best Pet Humor Blog ~ Content makes you laugh out loud, chuckle, or grin and be appropriate for pet parents.  *Humor should include pets.

Best Dog Blog ~ Based on original, creative writing and visual content about dogs.  Design counts and blog must focus on dogs.

Best Cat Blog ~ Based on original, creative writing and visual content about cats.  The design counts and blog must be focused on cats.

Best Unconventional Pet Blog ~ Once again this category will be based on the same criteria as the dog/cat blogs.  The Unconventional or “Other” pet blog is open to any animal that is NOT a dog or cat.  That means guinea pigs, goats, chickens, pigs, ferrets, horses, snakes, lizards, and…well, you get the idea.

Best New Pet Blog ~ This category is judges on “intent” and accomplishment for a pet blog that has not reached its first blogiversary.

Best Cause Blog For or About Pets ~ Judging criteria includes passion and persistence as well as accomplishments.

Best Pet Video on a Blog ~ Videos will be judged on creativity, focus, sound/visual quality, and length.  It should be purposeful and must include pets.

Best Pet Photo on a Blog ~ You must nominate a specific photo.  It will be judged on creativity, focus, visual appeal, use of color, and purpose.  It is great if the photograph tells a story on its own.

Best Pet Microblog ~ A microblogger is a platform that includes Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and Instagram.  It will be judges on the overall look and feel, audience participation, and the blogger’s involvement in conversation.

Best Use of Social Media by a 501c3 ~ Judges will consider creativity, purpose, effectiveness, and the ability to convey and support their cause.

   Okay, now that we have covered all of the categories, you are ready to make your list of nominees.  There is some information that you will need in order to complete the nomination form.  *I am using my information as an example, you will use the information for the blog that your are nominating.

Direct link or URL of blog ~ http://www.mkclinton.com

Name of Creator of work ~ M. K. Clinton

Email of Blogger ~ thereturns7@gmail.com

BlogPaws Community Profile ~ http://community.blogpaws.com/profile/MKClinton

Facebook page ~ https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Returns/371351659623434

Twitter Account ~ @mk_clinton

   You can probably find most of the information on your favorite blog’s sidebar, but if not, don’t hesitate to ask them!  Once you have submitted your nominations, make sure you buy your ticket to this year’s BlogPaws Conference 2015.  It will be a sell-out and you don’t want to miss your chance to cheer on your favorite blogging friends!

   It’s Friday and that means it’s time for our Pet Parade!  Don’t hesitate to join in the Pet Parade.  Remember, you don’t have to play an instrument or twirl a baton…there’s not even any marching in straight lines required!  It is just fun to share your favorite post with others.  As always, I am joined in the co-hosting duties with Rascal and Rocco, Basil the Bionic Cat Blog, Love is being owned by a Husky, and Jan’s Funny Farm.  Hop along with the link up below.

I am adding this blog post to BlogPaws Pre-Conference Blog Hop.  Visit these others blogs for more conference tips and information.  Check back often for additional posts.

This is a Blog Hop!