Once I receive your application, the process begins:

-- You will receive a confirmation email from me within seven (7) days, informing you that I have received your application.

-- I will then begin review of your site, checking first for any elements which might result in a disqualification.

-- On the application form, anyone who does not correctly enter the secret phrase to the question "Where are you from ?" will be disqualified -- You can find the secret phrase in the Criteria, and answering this question correctly tells me that you have thoroughly read the criteria.

-- If the site passes the initial inspection, you will receive a Nominee badge which you may place on your website, at your discretion -- this badge does not guarantee that you will be a Rose Award winner.

-- If the site does not pass the initial review, you will receive an email stating the reason(s) why you were not successful ... You may reapply in sixty (60) calender days from when this email is sent, and only after you have thoroughly read the Criteria and made necessary changes to your website.

-- If the site does pass the initial review and you have received your Nominee badge, you may be aware that I will revisit your website two (2) additional times, to thoroughly review your site -- Please note that the entire review process may take up to four (4) weeks to complete.

-- It is possible, with these additional visits, that I might find an issue or issues which will result in a disqualification ... If so, then you will receive an email stating the reason(s) why you were not successful ... Again, you may reapply in sixty (60) calender days from when this email is received (and after changes are made to your site which comply with my Criteria).

-- If you are successful in winning a Rose Award, then within four (4) weeks, you will receive your award graphic and laudation ! ... Please be aware that my decision is final when determining the level of Rose Award earned -- I will not engage in email "flame wars" ;-)

-- Platinum winners will be displayed with a screen shot, a link, a site description, and Evaluator comments .... Gold winners will be displayed with a screen shot, a link, and a site description .... Silver, Bronze, and Merit winners will be displayed with a link and a site description.

-- Successful applicants are asked not to resize the Rose Award graphic in any way, unless I have granted written permission to do so.

-- Also, I ask that the award graphic please remain as created, with no "additional" changes made by winners -- I retain copyright to the Rose Award graphics, and I will revoke any award from a site which tampers with my graphic.

-- Rose Award winners may apply for an upgrade after ninety (90) calender days, and only after making any necessary changes which would result in an upgrade.

-- Also please note that any unsuccessful applicant who reapplies before the required sixty (60) day waiting period will be permanently disqualified from The Rose Awards.