2012 Category Descriptions

What is a “podcast”? Here’s what Wikipedia says:

A podcast is a series of digital media files (either audio or video) that are released episodically and downloaded through web syndication.

The mode of delivery differentiates podcasting from other means of accessing media files over the Internet, such as direct download, or streamed webcasting. A list of all the audio or video files currently associated with a given series is maintained centrally on the distributor’s server as a web feed, and the listener or viewer employs special client application software known as a podcatcher that can access this web feed, check it for updates, and download any new files in the series. This process can be automated so that new files are downloaded automatically. Files are stored locally on the user’s computer or other device ready for offline use, giving simple and convenient access to episodic content.^[1][2] Commonly used audio file formats are Ogg Vorbis and MP3.

Researchers at the Center for Journalism and Communication Research at the University of Texas at Austin in the USA are proposing a four-part definition of a podcast: A podcast is a digital audio or video file that is episodic; downloadable; programme-driven, mainly with a host and/or theme; and convenient, usually via an automated feed with computer software.^[3]

Best Speculative Fiction Story: Small Cast (Short Form)

• Short stories containing elements of science fiction, fantasy or horror
• Storytelling uses narration as its primary means to convey scene and action
• Story audio length (minus intro/promo) of 2 hours or less.
• Uses only 1 or 2 people for the story presentation
• Work completed within the eligibility year
• Audio samples only, no video

Best Speculative Fiction Story: Small Cast (Novella Form)

• Intermediate length stories containing elements of science fiction, fantasy or horror
• Storytelling uses narration as its primary means to convey scene and action
• Story audio length (minus intro/promo) between 2 and 7 hours
• Uses only 1 or 2 people for the story presentation
• Work completed within the eligibility year
• Audio samples only, no video

Best Speculative Fiction Story: Small Cast (Long Form) 

• Novel-length stories containing elements of science fiction, fantasy or horror
• Storytelling uses narration as its primary means to convey scene and action
• Story audio length (minus intro/promo) over 7 hours
• Uses only 1 or 2 people for the story presentation
• Work completed within the eligibility year and have not competed in a previous year
• Audio samples only, no video

Best Speculative Fiction Story: Large Cast (Short Form)

• Short stories containing elements of science fiction, fantasy or horror
• Storytelling uses narration as its primary means to convey scene and action
• Story audio length (minus intro/promo) of 4 hours or less.
• Uses more than 2 people for the story presentation
• Work tells a complete story
• Work completed within the eligibility year
• Audio samples only, no video

Best Speculative Fiction Story: Large Cast (Long Form)

• Novel-length stories containing elements of science fiction, fantasy or horror
• Storytelling uses narration as its primary means to convey scene and action
• Story audio length (minus intro/promo) over 4 hours
• Uses more than 2 people for the story presentation
• Work tells a complete story
• Work completed within the eligibility year and have not competed in a previous year
• Audio samples only, no video

Best Speculative Fiction Audio Drama (Short Form)

• Short audio presentations containing elements of science fiction, fantasy or horror
• Storytelling is effected through the dialogue of its characters and sound effects/scenery presenting action and scene as it’s primary mechanism.
• The audioplay may be an adaptation of a narrative work or an original creation for the dramatic presentation
• Total season’s complete running time for dramatic content only (excluding host commentary, listener e-mail, behind-the-scenes editions, etc.) under 4 hours
• Audio samples only, no video

Best Speculative Fiction Audio Drama (Long Form)

• Long audio presentations containing elements of science fiction, fantasy or horror
• Storytelling is effected through the dialogue of its characters and sound effects/scenery presenting action and scene as it’s primary mechanism.
• The audioplay may be an adaptation of a narrative work or an original creation for the dramatic presentation
• Total season’s complete running time for dramatic content only (excluding host commentary, listener e-mail, behind-the-scenes editions, etc.) over 4 hours
• Audio samples only, no video

Best Speculative Fiction Video Story

• Video podcasts tell a speculative fiction story
• Work completed within the eligibility year
• Video samples only, no audio

Best Speculative Fiction Magazine or Anthology Podcast

• Podcasts that regularly present short stories from different authors containing elements of science fiction, fantasy or horror
• Sample must include samples of more than 1 story
• Each story must be less than 7 hours in length
• Podcast at least 10 episodes within the eligibilty year
• Audio or Video samples

Best New Speculative Fiction Podcaster/Team

• This person or team is new to speculative fiction podcasting in the past Parsec eligibility year, becoming a significant voice that has contributed to the community as a whole.
• The majority of the podcast episodes must have been released during the eligibility year.
• Podcaster or Team must have released more than 5 episodes
• Audio or Video samples

Best Speculative Fiction Fan or News Podcast (Specific)

• News and commentary podcasts created by and for the fans of a given type of literary or entertainment work or series of works that have elements of speculative fiction (e.g. podcasts focused on H. P. Lovecraft, Buffy The Vampire Slayer or the World of Time).
• Podcast at least 10 episodes within the eligibility year
• Audio or Video samples

Best Speculative Fiction Fan or News Podcast (General)

• News and commentary podcasts created by and for the fans of speculative fiction. (e.g. Anime, Gaming, General Spec Fic)
• Podcast at least 10 episodes within the eligibility year
• Audio or Video samples

Best Podcast about Speculative Fiction Content Creation

• Podcasts about the creative process and/or the technical aspects of speculative fiction podcast creation.
• Podcast at least 10 episodes within the eligibility year
• Audio or Video samples

Best Fact Behind the Fiction Podcast

• Podcasts that explore the facts that influence the fictions – the science, history, culture, and mythology that inspire these stories.
• Podcast at least 10 episodes within the eligibility year
• Audio or Video samples

Best Speculative Fiction Comedy/Parody Podcast

• Whether they make fun of bad movies or or poke fun at our own geekdom, these podcasts keep us laughing.
• Podcast at least 10 episodes within the eligibility year
• Audio or Video samples

Best Speculative Fiction Music Podcast

• Podcasts discussing and sampling music about, set in, inspired by or spoofing speculative fiction. (e.g. Filk, Rock, RenFair, Rap, Techno)
• Podcast at least 10 episodes within the eligibility year
• Audio or Video samples

Best Youth Driven Speculative Fiction Podcast

• Podcasts produced and performed by youth
• Parents may be involved in the production and posting of the content, but are not the primary creative force
• Podcast at least 5 episodes within the eligibility year
• Youth participants aged 16 or younger at the time of recording
• Audio or Video samples