The Print Quality Contest is designed to be more than a contest; it is also a valuable learning experience for all entrants. Feedback is provided on the print quality of newspapers in six different areas including black ink laydown, color ink laydown, color registration, halftone quality, page alignment and overall print alignment and overall print appearance.

Five independent and trained judges evaluate each newspaper entry, the highest and lowest scores are thrown out, and then the remaining scores are averaged. Judges are specifically trained on how to evaluate the entries and are experienced production workers. Newspapers are divided into circulation divisions including under 25,000; 25,000 to 50,000; 50,000 to 100,000 and over 100,000.

Participants submit eight copies of their newspapers (less inserts) for a particular week in November, for judging and do not know in advance which day will be selected for judging.

In 2008, we will feature an entire morning of sessions focusing on print quality issues including color photography and color management, best practices of stretching and print to standards such as GRACOL and SNAP. (Click here for Print Quality session info.) Immediately following the session, awards are presented. All divisions include first, second and third place award winners, although depending upon number of entries in a division, judges reserve the right to present less awards. A Best of Show Award is presented to the newspaper with the best score across all circulation divisions. In addition, the top 25 percent of scores will be recognized as America East Blue Ribbon papers.

All newspapers receive their marked newspapers and a detailed evaluation of their entry, and America East attendees can schedule an appointment with the judges for a review of their newspaper at the conference. All entered newspapers will be on display throughout the conference