Something similar may explain the apparent decorum of the Pulitzer board. The self-perpetuating body — in which existing members elect their replacements — follows parliamentary procedure, according to Gissler, with someone moving to select a title, another member seconding the motion, and the members simply voting yay or nay. (In the rare case that a majority doesn’t agree on the best book, the board awards no prize in that category.) Call it clubby, call it collegial, but the board’s continuity does seem to foster consensus.
making books. literary prizes, and the near-impossible task of picking (washington post, 17.04.05 – via mediabistro: GalleyCat)