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From: bsherman@mthvax.cs.miami.edu (Bob Sherman)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.misc
Subject: Re: Press policy at MacWorld Expo
Keywords: press, freelancers, no coverage
Message-ID: <1990Jul4.060616.19026@mthvax.cs.miami.edu>
Date: 4 Jul 90 06:06:16 GMT
References: <12233@asylum.SF.CA.US>
Distribution: na
Organization: Not much!
Lines: 54

In <12233@asylum.SF.CA.US> sharon@asylum.SF.CA.US (Sharon Fisher) writes:

>If you're exhibiting at MacWorld Expo in Boston, you may find that you'll
>get less press coverage than you might normally expect.  Why?  Because
>Mitch Hall Associates, the sponsors of the convention, have decided that
>*no* freelancers can obtain press credentials.  Instead, each magazine gets
>a limited number of press passes, which it must distribute to its staffers
>and contractors.  Press who attend the show without such a press pass in
>hand must be prepared to pay admission.

>Now, *many* computer magazines make heavy use of freelancers and stringers,
>especially small magazines located in different geographic areas than a
>show.  Consequently, there's likely to be less MacWorld coverage than in
>recent years.

Excuse Me!! Are you saying the price of an admission ticket would stop
a stringer or freelancer on a legit assignment from entering the show???

Legit publications provide those on a true assignment with an expense
account, so they purchase the ticket, and get it paid back on their
expense voucher.. As a matter of fact, a good number of legit media
organizations no longer accecpt "freebies". They insist on paying, that
way they owe no favors.. For example, the Associated Press accepts NO
freebies.. In fact, many of the legit media accept no free software or
hardware (for review or otherwise). They insist that it be returned to
the sender after the review is finished.. The reviewer is NOT allowed
to keep it, however they may purchase it at regular market value if they
desire.. Hopefully, those vendors that do not know of such policy will
read this and stop let themself get "shaken down" for freebies by those
media folks that have less than high morals. Trade shows seem to draw
more than their share of phony media types that goe mainly to fill up
their bags with freebies. On top of that, many even have the nerve to
use the pressroom, regardless if it makes a legit reporter wait for
access to the computers, phones etc.

In the "real world" freelancers without legit assignments (and proof of
them) do not even get credentials..

What would the sidelines at an NFL game look like if every freelancer
and stringer that wanted free sideline passes got them?? It does not
work that way.. The media organizations get the tickets, and THEY give
them to those that are covering the event, and even then, the number are
very limited.. There is nothing wrong with a publication across the
country getting the tickets, and sending them to the staffer, stringer
or freelancer of their choice to cover MacExpo, and it should not hinder
"real" coverage of the event.. Remember, a freelancer on assignment is
a contractor, and you did say the tickets were for freelancers and
contractors..

Bravo to the show promoters for taking a major step in eliminating the
abuses that abound in the usage of "press credentials". 

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