4th Annual People's Media Awards: Content of the Year

With over 450,000 pieces of content published in 2009, it wasn't easy to choose just five items to honor with the title, "Content of the Year," in the 4th annual People's Media Awards. As with so many things we do at AC, the best solution was to turn things over to our vibrant community. We allowed contributors to nominate any piece of content on AC with just two clicks.

When nominations closed, over 1,000 pieces of content had been singled out by the community for consideration. In the end, five of the amazing pieces rose to the top. Each honoree not only represents the best content of 2009, but stands up amongst the best content we've ever had the privilege to publish.

Winners are listed in no particular order; all of our Content of the Year winners will receive $500 and lifelong bragging rights. Contributors of the year can be congratulated here.

Galapagos Islands Threatened by the Wrong Kind of Tourism -- Brad Sylvester

This article takes on an unusual, compelling subject and its author goes above and beyond in his research. Brad Sylvester interviewed an expert and seamlessly incorporated the interview into his article. Readers will come away from this piece well-informed about a topic that hasn't been covered by mainstream media. It's a long piece, but captivating enough to leave viewers wanting more.

Speech, speech!

Confessions of a Bone Collector -- Rochelle Connery

Talk about unique! This is a quirky personal narrative that you wouldn't find anywhere else on the web or in print media. Rochelle Connery takes readers on a funny, slightly grotesque tour of her unusual hobby. Put your lunch down before reading this one, and beware: You might find yourself using Rochelle's tips for new bone collectors to start a gruesome collection of your own!

Speech, speech!

Challenge for Metro Detroit Charities: Fewer Donors, More People in Need -- Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson's news writing is on par with that found in any major newspaper. In this piece, he took to the streets and interviewed a Salvation Army Major as well as a longtime bell ringer for the iconic charity. Thompson ties their insights together with statistics and his own analysis, with the final product standing as a striking snapshot of working America during a recession.

Speech, speech!

A Widow's View on the U.S. Health Care Debate -- B.L. Boitson

Is the Canadian health care system a more compassionate and logical choice than privatized care, or is it a boondoggle of waiting lists and subpar doctors? Is the U.S. health care system the best in the world or a cutthroat mechanism for delivering care only to the wealthy? B.L. Boitson shares painful memories of her late husband's battle with cancer, and in the process illustrates that the health care debate isn't a matter of black and white or good versus evil.

Speech, speech!

Coping with a Child's Cancer Diagnosis -- Maria Roth

Maria Roth is a witty, upbeat writer with a knack for defusing tense conversations and cheering up community members who are down on their luck. When her daughter began cancer treatment in August, 2009, her friends and followers in the AC community rallied around Maria and her family. Maria has written several articles about her daughter's leukemia, but this selection was particularly poignant and useful to other families in the same situation. Far from being morbid or depressing, Maria's writing about her daughter's cancer treatment showcases the Roth family's strength and positivity.

Speech, speech!

But wait!

There's more!

I know I said we'd chosen five pieces as Content of the Year, but there's still a sixth award to announce.

Say Yes to Happiness -- Betty Malone

Betty Malone, a contributor who was very active and much loved in our community, sadly passed away on November 17, 2009. We're honoring her memory and her impact on our community with a special memorial award. Betty never got to write the biography she'd often talked about, but this article stands as a testimony to the challenges she overcame and her unique insight into the human condition. We'll make a donation in her honor to BeTheMatch.org and we're gathering loving memories of Betty from our community to share with her family. If you'd like to share your favorite special memory of Betty, please send a private message to me (AC Jelena).

Congratulations to all the winners, and here's to a great 2010 in the AC Community. Don't forget to check out our contributors of the year, too!