Perhaps you are wondering just who makes the decisions for these awards.  I'll be happy to tell you about the one and only judge for the Internet Beacon Awards -- me.

My name is Vance Elderkin.  I live in the United States of America, more specifically in the state of North Carolina (on the southeast coast of the USA).

I am an Instructor in Communication at Alamance Community College.  Before that, I taught electronic communication at North Carolina State University for 18 years.  (No, you do not call me Doctor.  I do have a Master's degree, if that impresses you.  It's in Radio, Television and Motion Pictures, with a minor in Journalism.)   I am also a freelance voice actor and writer.

My background has no doubt shaped my philosophy about web sites, in that I believe that they are most useful as tools to convey information rather than as showcases for the dazzling technical skills of the webmaster.  (My background also explains why I am so picky about writing!) 

Prior to entering academia, I had a 25-year career as a professional radio and television broadcaster.  I have been an on-air personality (we used to call it disc jockey), a news writer, a news anchor, a sports director, a program director, a chief engineer, and probably some other things.

I am a self-taught webmaster.  (I believe strongly in self-education.  After all, learning should be a lifelong, never-ending process.)  I am a Certified Internet Webmaster Associate (Prosoft CIW™ certification).

I have operated the Internet Beacon Awards since 2000.  I was also honored to serve as Site Of The Year evaluator for A Scoff an' Scuff Awards, as well as an evaluator for the Talking Hands Award.