Who, What, Where, When, Why and How: Conventions, Meet-Ups, Travel and Thou

Submitted by GreyHawk on January 2, 2008 - 06:49

The typical tools for writing a good news story, as imparted years ago in elementary school, were to develop the key answers to six basic questions:

Who did the story involve,
What happened,
Where did it (or will it) take place,
When did it or will it occur,
Why did it happen (and why should anyone care) and
How did it happen (and how does that change or affect anything)?

ePluribus Media is

... a cooperative of citizen volunteers dedicated to researching issues of common concern and encouraging the highest standards of ethics and journalism.

The ePluribus Media community is chartered as 501(c)(4) tax-exempt, non-partisan organization. We are a board run cooperative of citizen volunteers dedicated to researching issues of common concern and encouraging the highest standards of ethics and journalism. Our incorporation papers are public and available upon request.

(from the About Us page)

As such, it behooves us to do our best to cover what events of significance that we can -- directly, if possible. We have done and continue to do this, with our efforts to bring people reports in a variety of ways, using a variety of sources and methods. One of the old tried-and-true methods: on-the-scene reporting and representation.

There are two items coming up in the relatively short term which we should discuss having representation at: the Democratic National Convention in Denver, and Netroots Nation in Austin. We may also want to consider the Republican National Convention, if it isn't closed to "non-members" (i.e., all Americans who haven't sworn a loyalty oath).

Use the comment section below to indicate whether or not you will be attending any of the above, and whether or not (and how) the issue of credentialling ePluribus Media representatives for possible representation at national party conventions can and should be accomplished.

As citizen journalists, we are the future of journalism -- that's not only something we must believe, but strive to achieve. So, let's make sure we put our ducks in a row and spread our eggs across several baskets.

Who can attend (and who can help get the credentialling ball rolling, in general and specifically for the DNC),
What will we hope to achieve (and what needs to happen to enable that),
Where will we be going,
When will it happen (and when should any credentialling efforts begin?),
Why should we try to ensure representation at certain events (and what other ones should we shoot for?) and
How are we going to accomplish these goals?

citizen journalism, Blogging, conventions, meet-ups, travel, credentialing, Democratic National Convention, Netroots Nation
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Comments

TXsharon

January 2, 2008 - 07:23

I'm going to Netroots Nation. I was credentialed (press) at the last Democratic Convention as were all bloggers. Those credentials got me a seat at the Press Table for the speeches and access to the wireless connection.

We should get credentials as Press.

If you guys need anything/help re: NN, let me know.

Bluedaze

Bluedaze

GreyHawk

January 2, 2008 - 07:27

contained at the link above -- it goes to the blogger credentialing site.

There are state and national blogger credentials available, but not sure how much longer they'll be available (I will re-check shortly).

It would certainly help to get credentialed for any representation there!

GreyHawk

January 2, 2008 - 10:14

From their page on the credentialling process, they provide a link to a pdf "for complete information regarding blogger credentialing and how your blog can apply."

The following two-part blogger credentialing process was developed with the
consultation of members of the political blogosphere:
2008 DemConvention State Blogger Corps

Recognizing the growth of more localized blogs, this pool is designed for those covering state and local politics. To qualify as a state blogger, the applicant’s blog must have been in existence six months prior to requesting credentials and have at least 120 politically related blog posts. Bloggers must submit their daily audience and list their authority based on Technorati stats. Bloggers may also provide examples of posts that make their blog stand out as an effective online organizing tool and/or agent of change.
Once the state bloggers have been identified for the DemConvention State Blogger Corps, the applications of those not selected for this program will all be transferred for consideration for the general blogger pool.

General DemConvention Blogger Pool

This pool will consist of local, state and national political bloggers as well as niche bloggers whose main focus is not politics but who do write about politics or the issues around politics. The general blogger pool is also open to video bloggers in 2008.

For bloggers who represent their states or write ntionally, this is the way to go.

For those interested in being credentialled as press (media), the application process is a little different.

It does appear, however, that both processes run from December 10, 2007 through April 15, 2008.

GreyHawk

January 2, 2008 - 10:21

To be credentialed as press, check out the Press Logistics page -- this is different than being credentialed as a blogger, at least in terms of expected and applied logistics, as far as I can tell.

Here's how they break down the press categories:

Press credentials and workspace:

Applications for press credentials and workspace began on December 10, 2007.

The U.S. Congressional Press Galleries, in conjunction with the DNCC Press Gallery, will accept workspace and credential requests for all media organizations.

Please contact the respective Gallery listed below to begin your application process.

DAILY PRESS GALLERY: all daily newspapers (including foreign dailies), news wire services, and on-line daily news organizations.

Daily Press Gallery:
Jerry Gallegos, Superintendent
U.S. Capitol, H-315
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-3945
www.house.gov/daily/hpg.htm

PERIODICAL PRESS GALLERY: all magazines (including foreign magazines), newsletters, newspapers of less than daily circulation, and any website updated less than daily.

Executive Committee of Periodical Correspondents
C/O House Periodical Press Gallery
Robert Zatkowski, Director
U.S. Capitol, H-304
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-2941
Email: periodical.press@mail.house.gov
http://periodical.house.gov/

PHOTOGRAPHERS’ PRESS GALLERY: all photographers representing news organizations and news services. Freelance photographers must be on assignment from a news organization.

The Standing Committee of Press Photographers
P.O. Box 15273
Washington, D.C. 20003-0273
Attn: Jeff Kent
202-224-6548
www.senate.gov/galleries/photo

RADIO-TV GALLERY: all independent radio and television stations, groups or programs, domestic and foreign. Foreign broadcasters please work directly with the Radio/TV Gallery or with a domestic network. Contact the Radio/TV Gallery with any questions.

Radio TV Gallery:
Olga Ramirez Kornacki, Director
Room H-321
U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202- 226-5715
Email: rtvconventions2008@mail.house.gov
radiotv.house.gov

Press credential requests from news organizations that are not handled by any of the U.S. Congressional Galleries should be directed to the DNCC’s Press Gallery.

DNCC PRESS GALLERY: all other news organizations including blogs, community newspapers, the publications of membership organizations, quarterlies, college media, production houses and media service organizations. Please click here to apply for media credentials through the DNCC Press Gallery.

DNCC Press Gallery
1560 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80202
Phone: 720-362-2008
Email: dnccpressgallery@demconvention.com
www.demconvention.com

One reason for referring to this as "logistics" is the reference to getting accommodations in place. Here's the key info they provide for planning ahead on that front. Note that some key starting dates have already passed, but the overall process is ongoing at this time:

Media housing information:
All media requests for housing for the Democratic National Convention during Convention week and including pre- and post-convention week stays can be made beginning on Tuesday, November 13, 2007.

To begin your DNCC online housing application process, please go to the media housing website at www.ambassadorsevents.com/dncc/media

There is a three step process for reserving hotel rooms:

1. Fill out an online application on the media housing website to request the number and types of room(s) your news organization requires for the Convention.

2. Confirmation and hotel room assignments will be sent via email, starting in February and will continue on a rolling schedule.

3. Complete the process of reserving rooms by paying a deposit and supplying credit card information.

For more information about media housing at the Convention, please go to the Media Housing FAQ at www.ambassadorsevents.com/dncc/media

Key media dates:

• Begin making your housing request online beginning November 13, 2007
• Begin making press credential and workspace requests December 10, 2007
• Early decision housing request deadline is December 13, 2007
• Early decision housing assignments confirmed by February 13, 2008
• Room block lists and room deposits due by June 24, 2008
• Media Convention party is August 23, 2008
• Distribution of press credentials is August 24, 2008
• Democratic National Conventions runs August 25 – 28, 2008

Thoughts or comments....?

Roxy

January 2, 2008 - 15:44

these conferences/conventions, but would love to hear "on site" reporting!

-----
ePMedia ... get the scoop with us!
If it's true that our species is alone in the universe, then I'd have to say that the universe aimed rather low and settled for very little. ~ George Carlin

GreyHawk

January 2, 2008 - 16:18

I suspect we could talk a few folks into swimming out there for an ePluribus Media / Citizen Journalism shindig.

;)

Roxy

January 2, 2008 - 17:00

sounds like loads of fun ... :)

-----
ePMedia ... get the scoop with us!
If it's true that our species is alone in the universe, then I'd have to say that the universe aimed rather low and settled for very little. ~ George Carlin

cho

January 2, 2008 - 17:47

What do you need me to bring?

Roxy

January 2, 2008 - 19:54

I'll fatten the pig and you bring the apple.

-----
ePMedia ... get the scoop with us!
If it's true that our species is alone in the universe, then I'd have to say that the universe aimed rather low and settled for very little. ~ George Carlin

GreyHawk

January 2, 2008 - 20:09

I'm not sure I can swim that far without resting.

:)

Roxy

January 3, 2008 - 12:46

The wind usually blows in from the direction of the mainland.

*[see Castaway]

:)

-----
ePMedia ... get the scoop with us!
If it's true that our species is alone in the universe, then I'd have to say that the universe aimed rather low and settled for very little. ~ George Carlin

GreyHawk

January 8, 2008 - 09:36

The Isles, or the big chunk of land off to the east of it?

...or both, depending on the location in the great big puddle?