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July 12, 2007
Differences between me and "real news" personnel
When I went through security at the courthouse this morning, I had to leave my [excellent Tom Bihn] laptop bag [that my wonderful wife bought for me] with the guard, but he did allow me to carry my camera and laptop upstairs. Another guard who was working the metal detector asked me if I was "a newsman." I explained that I am an independent "newsman," a blogger, and she asked to see my badge. [I was wearing one, but it's my day job ID, not a press pass.] She then decided that I wasn't "a newsman."
Here's a question: should I join some organization that could get me a pass? I know that, for example, the Media Bloggers Association has gotten bloggers credentialed for major events in DC, like federal court cases. Is that the only route?
Is it that big of a deal? I don't know. The only fallout from today's episode (not being able to carry my bag) was that I forgot to pull an extra DV tape out, so I only had 30 minutes of tape on me during the Commission meeting. I was able to enter the "News Media Only" balcony without so much as a glance from the other guys and gals up there. (WDEF's cameraman was late and made a bit of noise while setting up. I, on the other hand, stayed in one corner and was very unobtrusive.)
One thing I'm going to do is order some business cards, but that's just to promote my site and make contacts.
About Blogs | By joe lance | 11:33 AM