Print Periodical Publishing Improvement

2010 CASE Circle of Excellence Awards
Judges' Report

General comments: The judges were impressed with the quality of many of the 47 entries in the category. Sometimes they were impressed with the quality of both the old and new iterations of a publication, making it difficult to remember that the point was to judge improvement from the old to the new. It is a very good thing to note, though, that there were no examples of the judges agreeing that the old version was better than the new; all entries, by consensus, showed improvement in some way.

In some cases there was radical change, with more modest improvement. A change from a well-done and attractive black and white publication to a well-done, attractive, and somewhat better four-color publication, for example, makes for a dramatic before-and-after impression, but not necessarily a large leap in quality. Same with a change from a small-formatted, inviting publication to a larger-formatted and also inviting publication.

One of the most commonly noted changes was an abandonment of coated stock for a thicker uncoated stock, often accompanied by change to a larger trim size. This was a common-enough redesign gambit that the judges were willing to pronounce it a trend.

Judging a competition such as this, with entries from all regions of the U.S., Canada, and some from Australia and the U.K., was a reminder of the tremendous amount of good work being done by writers, editors, and designers at colleges and universities. The judges agreed that spending some time immersing themselves in that work was a source of appreciation for the work and thanks for those who produced it.

Magazine Publishing Improvement

Gold Award: Auburn University, Auburn Magazine
The old design was fine-and yet this magazine raised itself to a radically higher standard still. Improving so much from an already fine product was quite a feat. More than one judge noted that he or she would purchase this magazine from a newsstand.

Gold Award: Regis College, Regis Today
The appearance of the photography and design, especially on the covers, was striking. Muddy, unfocused use of photography gave way to singular, striking images. Better at every level. A tremendous improvement.

Silver Award: The Ohio State University, Ohio State Impact
A below-standard development piece called Giving Update is transformed. Judges noted that the overall quality of the new Impact is still not top of its class, but its improvement over its old design raised it above most of its peers in this competition.

Bronze Award: University of Alberta, WOA Work of Arts
The redesigned and improved version of this publication of the Faculty of Arts moves its look from that of a pretty-good alumni magazine to an outstanding one that uses its design to appeal to its target audience. The judges appreciated the use of typography to communicate an edgier editorial stance.

Tabloid and Newsletter Publishing Improvement

Silver Award: Carleton College, Inside Carlton
A pedestrian tabloid was reborn as a stop-you-at-the-mailbox small newsletter. Excellent use of design in both photography and typography.