Have a question about the SXSW Interactive Awards? Chances are, it can be found here. Scroll down and find your question, and click on the question to reveal the answer.

1. What kind of work can be entered into the SXSW Interactive Awards?

Work that has been launched or completely redesigned in the 2011 calendar year is eligible for entry in the 2012 competition. The "Classic" category is the exception to this rule. Check out the Categories page for more information.

2. Can I enter a particular project in multiple categories?

Yes, you can enter one piece of work in multiple categories. However, a separate application fee is required for each category your work is entered in.

3. Can I submit multiple projects in the competition?

Yes, you can submit multiple projects in the competition. But with each piece you submit, a separate application and application fee are required.

4. My website is password protected, can I still enter it in the competition?

Yes, password protected sites are accepted. If your site is password protected, send detailed information to access the site to interawards@sxsw.com. Keep in mind that the site will remain private during the judging period, but we'll need a site fit for public consumption in January (when the finalists are revealed).

5. What information do I need to provide in the online application when I enter?

For the online submission process we require the site title, URL, launch date, competition categories and your complete contact information. There are also fields designed to provide additional details on your entry.

6. What are the deadlines to enter my website or digital work in the competition?

The early entry deadline for the 2012 SXSW Interactive Awards is Friday, September 30, 2011. The final entry deadline is on Friday, November 18, 2011.

7. Are late entries accepted?

Yes, late entries will be accepted until December 31, 2011, however late entries will be charged an increased entry fee. Entries submitted after December 31 will be considered in the following year's competition. If you have a late entry you wish to submit, please notify us at interawards@sxsw.com beforehand.

8. What type of payments are accepted for entries?

Application fees are accepted online by credit card via the online application. To request payment by check or money order, contact interawards@sxsw.com.

9. How are submissions judged?

All entries are judged in four criteria:

• Visual Design: The appearance of the site.
• Creativity: Is the website unique? Does it offer something new or never before seen?
• Content: The meat and potatoes of the site. Is the subject matter worthwhile?
• User Experience: The user’s interaction with the digital experience: how it is perceived, learned, and used.

Each category is narrowed down to five finalists by a panel of industry peers and experts. A second round of judging determines the winner in each category.

10. Yeah, but what can I win?

In addition to the glory and bragging rights among your industry peers, the "Best of Show" and "People's Choice Award" winners receive premium prize packages with numerous tech-related goodies. Finalists in each category receive two complimentary registrations to the SXSW Interactive Festival. Winners in each category receive a unique trophy and prize package at the SXSW Interactive Awards Ceremony.

Keep in mind that just by entering the website competition, you are given the option to register for SXSW Interactive at the lowest rate until February. We will send you complete details on your discount registration options after your application is processed.

11. When will I know if my website or digital work is a finalist?

Finalists for each category will be notified in January.

12. When are the awards presented to the winners?

Awards will be given to the winners of each category at the SXSW Interactive Awards Ceremony during SXSW Interactive. The date and location for the 2012 ceremony have yet to be finalized.

13. What night will the event take place?

The date and location for the 2012 ceremony have yet to be finalized.

14. What happened to the mobile and kiosk/installation categories?

We felt that tablet and mobile apps and websites and kiosk/installations have become so ubiquitous in the online landscape that they no longer required their own category. Instead, we felt that these projects fit into the broad scope of the current SXSW Interactive Awards categories.

15. The final entry deadline is November 18, what do I do if my project launches after November 18?

You can enter your project at any time during the entry process, the only requirement is that your project must be up and running (fully functional) by the time 2011 turns into 2012. So if you have a project that launches in December, you can enter it at anytime from August through November 18, just make sure to drop a note on your application letting us know that your work isn’t totally ready yet.

16. How much does is cost to enter the SXSW Interactive Awards?

The regular entry fee for the SXSW Interactive Awards is $30 per entry, per category.

17. I read somewhere that I get the early registration price for a SXSW Interactive badge. Is that right?

Yes, by entering the SXSW Interactive Awards, you're entitled to the early registration price for a SXSW Interactive badge. If you would like to register before finalists for the SXSW Interactive Awards finalists are announced in January, know what we do not process refunds in the event you are named a finalist. You can save the complimentary registrations you receive for being a finalist for next year, or you can transfer your current registrations to a co-worker. To receive your early-bird registration coupon for a SXSW Interactive badge, email interawards@sxsw.com

If you didn’t find an answer to your question, feel free to e-mail interawards@sxsw.com with your question and we’ll try to respond as soon as possible.

Photo of Gregory Brothers performing at the 2011 SXSW Interactive Awards by Julia Marino