However, they bear all the hallmarks of an income - producing
awards program: a high entry fee (currently $ 95, increased from $ 75 for earlier entries; you also have to send two books), a laundry list of entry categories (30 in all); minimal prizes (winners and runners - up get a
medal, plus some
stickers and «
awards marketing material»); and the opportunity to purchase additional merchandise (more
stickers, extra
medals, duplicate certificates).
However, it was unanimous that the
awards reception, the
medal, and the ability to put a
sticker on their book was worth the entry fee, but not more.