Valleywag
At CES 2008, respectable press and barely-tolerated bloggers were separated into groups with different badges but mostly similar levels of access. At Macworld 2008, there was, theoretically, only one badge for all types of press. In reality? Some hacks were more equal than others.
- The lowest level goes to bloggers and reporters from sites with few readers — they get onto the show floor for free, but don't get entry into the all-important Steve Jobs keynote.
- The standard press badge, pictured above, gives access to all the floor and the special media section of the keynote.
- The truly special press have the VIP ribbon (left) affixed to their badge. We spotted one on John Markoff of the New York Times, Newsweek's Steven Levy, and Walt Mossberg of the Walt — sorry, Wall Street Journal. A Macworld veteran told us they're reserved for "geezers."
When the doors opened for press to enter the keynote, broadcast media were let in first — but Mossberg used his clout to cut in line. "I'm VIP," he said, waved his badge and walked past. The rest of us had to deal with security guards with a small Apple logo emblazoned on their black shirts like we were paparazzi waiting to get into a restaurant where Britney Spears was eating.
We didn't rate VIP status, but we had something better: Fake Steve Jobs!
Comments
Note to the guy walking around with my badge on: You owe the NY Times 1200 words, Slate wants a rewrite, and don't miss your two scheduled briefings for PC World, at which you're expected to take copious notes and relate your week of hands-on testing. Oh, and Owen's pissed that you're not posting more. Step it up, son.
Also, Jordan keeps messaging "yt" because he probably lost the key to your condo. After you let him in, he'll complain that you think you're special. Have fun.
anyone can start a blog and be read by a resonable audience, does it make you a journalist ?
All this generalisation of the VIPness, going backstage, it's a contradiction.
Excellence needs selection, nobody is equal anyway.
also Steven Levy from Newsweek should lose weight.
Having dealt with Mossberg at another conference, I can confirm that he firmly believes he is a VIP who can get away with being a giant dick. Probably because he can.
I saw Mossberg in the Four Seasons Carlsbad elevator for the All Things D conference.
It was just the two of us. I had my one and only chance to ask him, "Please disclose your relationship with Apple. Also, please please please refrain from saying Macs are virus proof... idiot."
Alas, my chance came and went with a couple of blips of the elevator. I did say "how are you doin'" and he replied, "fine, thanks."
You can get those VIP ribbons from any well-stocked office supply store. I'm just sayin'.
I saw all those little ribbon things. Goldman (CNBC) had one.
They kind of reminded me of something you'd use for a dog show. (Not that i'd know - I'm not that Gay)
Still, even if I was offered one I think I would have passed, could've thrown off my whole out-fit ;-P
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