Here’s the thing: Awards can be awesome and I am so appreciative but I also want you to know that many times they can also be meaningless. 

Sometimes they are popularity contests – whoever gets the most likes or endorsements has an advantage or wins. That also drives traffic to the host of the awards so consider the agenda there.

Sometimes they are a way for websites to gain traffic by choosing winners who have a large number of followers. I’ve often received emails worded similarly to: We’ve named you a top blog/video/etc. Post this badge on your site and please share this link on our site to our page, and when I don’t I get follow up emails “reminding” me.

Sometimes they are chosen by unqualified or bias judges who know the finalists and either like or dislike them and will vote according to personal feelings. 

I am so very thankful for the awards and recognition’s I have been given but I am also very aware of the things mentioned above and have experienced it first hand. If you are an advocate feeling like your work is going unnoticed please remember the things I just said and also realize that if you are doing work that makes positive change in the lives of others that is the best reward there is. <3