In the publishing arena of Web design books, Peach Pit Press/New Riders and Friends of ED (an Apress company) are probably the names most recognized on a bookshelf, but Packt Publishing, more than any other publisher I am aware of, makes as much of an effort to support the open source community as it does the authors of its books.

For example, for each book that Packt publishes on an open source product—of which Content Management Systems (CMS) are their most popular topics—a percentage of total book sales goes directly to the developing team of said product. For potential authors who adopt a loving affection for a given CMS, this revenue generator that Packt offers to the development end is a nice way for authors to float two boats at once.

Reflecting yet a stronger show of support for open source projects, Packt recently launched their Open Source CMS Awards competition, where the development teams of three top finishers will divvy up $10,000U.S. ($5,000, $3,000, and $2,000, respectively).

“If you’re a fan of a particular CMS or if you’re part of a CMS project team, then we’re looking for your nominations. We want to compile a list of open source Content Management Systems that will be put forward to win $5,000 and the title of Packt Open Source CMS, 2006. The five CMS’s that receive the most nominations will go forward to the final round. First runner-up and second runner-up will not go away empty handed, taking away $3,000 and $2,000 respectively.“

—Packt Publishing, Packt Open Source CMS Award 2006

The competition begins with the public nominating their favorite CMS. Upon closing of the public nominations period, a panel of preselected judges will ultimately decide upon three systems that made it into the second round.

This article comes a bit tardy, but not too late. The nomination period began 24 July and will close 1 September 2006. Anyone can nominate a system, but only one nomination per person. Help tell the world what a valued system Textpattern is and nominate Textpattern now ...hurry! Even if Textpattern doesn’t win, a strong show of nominations will make an impact with the publisher and open the doors for future authors of Textpattern books. Do the right thing: nominate Textpattern. I already have.

Complete details:

• Announcement and rules
• CMS Nominations (Do it now; deadline is 1 September 2006)
• Award timeline and distribution
• Prize judges

Ammendment: It appears there will in fact be two public voting periods, and this bodes even better for Textpattern. However, the details about the second voting opportunity are a little confusing to say the least (see them at the bottom of the award timeline page) but it appears the public will have a vote for the finalists too. In any case, if Textpattern makes it to the second round, you know what to do, again!