Picture the scene. It's Thursday night, and two very unsuspecting Fools are suddenly thrust into the world of glitz, glamour and show biz. Arriving at Planit 2000, a club on the east side of the City, the Fools bravely don their belled hats and enter the world of the rich and famous. They were soon rubbing shoulders (and hats) with stars such as Robbie Williams, Caroline Aherne (aka Mrs Merton) and the Brookside mob. Trying to be discreet as possible amongst such company, they quietly sipped champagne whilst trying to throw themselves in front of every television camera they could find.
This was the 18 Creative Freedom Awards. They are a celebration of British art, media and entertainment, and honour those people who exercise and promote their freedom of speech in all areas of creativity. The Motley Fool had been nominated in the Electronic Media category, up against such illustrious sites as Bravo, Uploaded, FHM, Chris-Morris - Media Terrorist, and Urban 75.
Taking our seats at table 8, the award ceremony quickly got under way, presented by ex-Blue Peter front man Richard Bacon. As he lined up the jokes, the Fools chatted to some of their fellow nominees, each of us convinced that none of us were going to actually win the award.
Mo Mowlem deservedly won the Female Personality award, seeing off stiff opposition from Sporty Spice, Zoe Ball and Kate Winslet. Then a hush came over the 600 people present as the nominations were read out for the Electronic Media category.
"And the winner is...
The Motley Fool!"
Planit 2000 erupted in spontaneous applause as a shocked Bruce Jackson made his way to the stage, to collect the award. Showing his inexperience at 'luvvie' events, he forgot to kiss Joanne Guest as she presented him with the coveted gold plated statue. In a totally unprepared speech, he thanked all the people who voted for us, our wonderful readers and contributors, and fellow Fool staff. Meanwhile fellow Fool Toby Mason received the accolades of table 8, and adjoining tables as they rushed to congratulate him. Melinda Messenger was one of the first there, and sportingly posed for the cameras, complete with Fool hat. As for Chris Eubank, he was happy to sign autographs and shake hands, but when it came to Fool hats, he wasn't having any of it. That was perfectly OK with us....
In the programme, the Motley Fool site was described as "Learn how to play the stock market. DIY personal finance site irritating independent financial advisors and fund managers by cutting them out of the loop."
It seems Thursday is our lucky day. This award follows on from winning last week's stupendous and prestigious New Media Age award for Best Finance Site. Two awards in two weeks -- let's see if we keep that rate up....
