FAQ |
What is the best way to reduce the size of my audio file so that it can be submitted electronically? Using your audio editing software, save the file as or export the file as an MP3. This technique uses a compression ratio capable of bringing file sizes down to approximately a megabyte a minute and contributes to the near-CD audio quality. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How can I produce a PDF file that is small enough to be submitted electronically?
The options listed below produce a smaller PDF file size. The file is suitable for electronic viewing by the judges, but may not be suitable for quality printing. The option that will work best for you will depend on the software that you are using to save your file into PDF format.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How can I shrink a huge PowerPoint file down to manageable size so that it can be submitted electronically?
Here are a few tricks for reducing the file size. Watch out for oversize image files. All images, photos and backgrounds placed in the PowerPoint presentation should be 72 dpi. PowerPoint 2002 and later can compress images and remove unneeded data. Here’s how.
Watch for embedded objects, pasted or dragged graphics. Embedded objects are easy to shrink. After you no longer need to edit the image (by double-clicking it), do the following:
Check the master slides. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If the category we are entering requires a PowerPoint presentation as the method of entry, how is it intended to be used? It is entirely up to the entrant's discretion as to how they want to take advantage of this method of entry. An entrant can cross-reference between their entry form narrative and PowerPoint slides, or make the PowerPoint a stand-alone presentation. The PowerPoint slides can include photos, audio, video, graphs/charts, illustrations, etc. What is added to the slides will likely determine whether the file can be sent electronically or must be mailed to the judging state. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On the entry form, what is the difference between a "division" and a "category"? Using the following example, "1. Excel" is the division. "1a) Over $50,000 with consultant" is the category.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If the category description does not specifically state "with consultant" or "without consultant," can a state enter an item that was developed through the use of a consultant? Yes. This response assumes that the entering state is involved in some aspect of the product's development. For instance, involvement might include providing copy, editing/review/approval, or oversight and administration of the consultant's contract. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If the item being entered was developed by a consultant under contract with the state, who will receive the award if the entry is selected as a winner? The state. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under what category should I enter a blog? This year there is a new category for Use of Social Media. Enter your Blog, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube applications, etc. under category 9d. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm entering a category that requires the submittal of a PowerPoint presentation. Do I need to use all 10 slides? No. Use as many slides (up to 10) that are warranted to support the narrative in your entry form and showcase your entry. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What's the best way to utilize a PowerPoint entry? Think of the PowerPoint as an electronic display board. Use it to feature key aspects of your entry. Referencing slides in the narrative of your entry form is a great way to assist the judges make the visual connections to your entry. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only limitation that applies pertains to the 10 slides. Beyond that, be as creative as you wish. The slides may include photos, text, graphs, tables, diagrams, graphic designs, sound, video, animation, etc. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When entering category 9a or 9b, does my entry need to reference an entire Web site or can it simply be a feature that is Web-based? The purpose of this category is to illustrate ways in which states are using the Web as a communication vehicle. Your entry can be a single Web page, series of pages or a Web-based feature. It could include a Webcast, blog, Webisode, online poll or survey instrument, Web seminar, simulation, camera feeds, e-learning, buy-sell feature, etc. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What should I do as a judging state if an electronic entry is received past the deadline? Notify the entrant that the entry missed the deadline and seek a plausible explanation. Unless there are compelling reasons or extenuating circumstances, the entry should not be judged. An example of this type of situation would be a documented rejection of the e-mail note or other system failure. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Judging states should open their electronic entries soon after receipt to verify that the entry has been sent to the proper state for judging. If not, notify the entrant so that it can be rerouted electronically to the proper location. The entrant is responsible for notifying the proper receiving state that the entry is being rerouted. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See the Contact Us section. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are there any tips for how to successfully compete in the contest? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I have already sent in my submission, can I still make a change? Contact the judging state. Minor adjustments may be approved at the discretion of the judging state. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When will I receive the judges’ comments? The judges’ comments will be mailed to the entrant following NTPAW. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When will we know if our entry was selected? The winners will be announced during the NTPAW awards ceremony and subsequently posted on the Subcommittee on Public Affairs’ Web site. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How will the entries be judged? See the judging process and criteria sections for details. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On the entry form, should I list my organization’s name or the name of the individual(s) who worked on the project? The goal of the competition is to give credit and recognition to the member organization, so list your department’s name. Contact Us For additional information about the competition, please feel free to contact the 2009 Awards Committee Chair Susan Watkins from the West Virginia Department of Transportation at 304-558-0103 or susan.m.watkins@wv.gov |
