The BOBs are back

Deutsche Welle has officially kicked-off the sixth edition of its international Weblog award - The BOBs. Internet users can now nominate their picks for outstanding blogs in 11 different languages at www.thebobs.com, making this the most international of all Weblog awards.

There are two new additions to The BOBs this year: a special category for Weblogs and podcasts dealing with climate change and a new award for blogs in Bengali.

The BOBs' also have a new international jury. Chinese artist and blogger Ai Weiwei is among the experts joining the BOBs' prestigious international panel.

"Blogs have been the most efficient tool for the democratic movement in China," Ai Weiweis said. "Blogging is an extension of individual freedom, a calling for social justice."

For countries where freedom of expression is restricted, Weiwei added, blogs offer "kind of virtual democracy."

International importance

The BOBs has established itself as the most important of all international Weblog awards. The competition showcases the rich diversity of the global blogosphere.

"We are initiating a multilingual dialogue for this form of media," said Marc Koch, editor-in-chief of Deutsche Welle's radio and online services.

He pointed out that it is especially important to support bloggers in countries that have limited freedom of the press.

"In many parts of the world, blogging is one of the only ways to freely express your opinion," Koch said.

How the contest works

After receiving the suggestions from Internet users, the jury will officially select a group of finalists. Winners will be selected from this group of finalists from March 15 to April 14 - there will be online voting and a jury selection.

On April 15, winners of the best blogs and podcasts will be announced at the re:publica Internet conference in Berlin. The awards ceremony will take place at the Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum in June 2010 in Bonn. The three-day conference will focus on climate change and the media.

Author: Kate Laycock

Editor: Sean Sinico