Today will be the first time in about 10 years that I am not in the third floor 'World Room' of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism on its most important day.

Yes, at just past 3 p.m. today, Pulitzer Administrator Sig Gissler will unveil its most important announcement of the year - the winners of the 14 journalism prizes.

Even though the winners are soon posted on the Pulitzer.org Web site, Gissler has maintained some nostalgia with an in-person, on-site announcement in which he literally hands out packets with winners, finalists and other information and takes questions on all aspects of the competition.

It gives that moment some nervousness, even though most winners are not there and usually find out online. Knowing you are in the room where the most important secrets of journalism competition are revealed creates a strange vibe for all who attend, many with lap tops where they peck out the news within seconds.

The Pulitzers remain the most important journalism prize for many reasons. For one, they are limited to newspapers, and their Web sites. Although the Pulitzer Board last year expanded the pool of competition to include Web-only news outlets, no magazines, television or cable outlets or radio newsrooms can win.

The 19-member Pulitzer board also has complete say over the winners and the power to move finalists around, give no winner in some categories or more than one winner in a category. It also has no categories based on circulation, which means the tiny Grand Forks (N.D.) Herald must compete with the likes of The New York Times and The Washington Post.

That is one of the things that make the Pulitzers great and still the most coveted -- you do not win by accident.

But, with these recent expansions to allow Web-only outlets into the mix - and the recent appointment of Politico Executive Editor Jim VandeHei to the board - do not be surprised if some firsts occur this year.

This could be the year that we see a ProPublica, Politico or a clear Web-only outlet in the mix of winners. To its credit, the Pulitzers -- which gave an award last year to the St. Petersburg Times' online Politifact service and offered Politico a finalist nod -- have not let history stand in the way of its progress.

But even with the hype given to the National Enquirer for being allowed to enter its John Edwards coverage, do not expect it to win.

Still, either way, history will be made and like no other in this year's world of journalism.