Fans who get press passes

State wrestling this year had the usual assortment of "media" credentials being worn over top of team gear. (To be honest, that doesn't bug me as much as it used to, as long as they're not overly obnoxious. I asked one of them to shoot for me last time I was there and she did a good job, so we used her shots again this year.)

The father/(grade school) son who were chowing down on their free food at my seat at the press table when I got there to cover the medal-round matches, not so much.

 

Yes, the issues are not wanting others' slobber and food remnants on my cameras, laptops and electronics. And if I someone ever drops pop on my stuff, or if they bring it to press row and an errant ball knocks their cup on my stuff, they will not leave the arena with any dry clothing.

 

When someone asks me for a press pass for anything, first question is always what kind of story they intend to file. They're shocked to think press row/box is a working area and something is expected from them.

I think I mentioned this on the Dimwit thread, but I covered a Raiders game in Oakland once when the writer sitting next to me somehow got a pass for a friend, who was clapping and cheering after every play. A couple of writers on the front row looked back in our direction, so I nodded my head in their direction, knowing what was coming. And it did the next play: Writer turns around and yells "HEY, NO CHEERING! "

 

Should I ask what the consensus is about teams who have a "Bloggers' Row?"

 

Is it in the basement?

 

So no one has ever done this to you, but the idea that it might happen is the issue?

 

Since this thread has been somewhat derailed into an office-food-ethics conversation, I would just like to say: Please don't eat nachos at your desk. Or slurp soup. Or anything that will have your mouth making crazy-loud obnoxious noises. Thank you!

EDIT: And, also, to movie theatres, please stop selling nachos and chips! And who the hell eats nachos or chips while watching a movie? How do you hear it? Please and thanks!!!!

 

I've worked with people than can make eating anything sound disgusting. I think the universal rule should be, "Don't eat at your desk if you can't do it without being gross."

 

Seen and heard press box cheering multiple times -- one at an Oakland Raiders game and another at a 49ers game. It didn't take the team's media relations peeps long -- less than two minutes -- to kick out the offenders.
Was also in press box the day Terrell Owens snatched a pom-pom from a 49ers cheerleader after he scored a TD. Howls of laughter were heard in the Candlestick Park press box.
Moments later...49er media person gets on microphone and says half-heartedly "no cheering in the press box." More laughter.

 

I've encountered the usual idiots who ask if we can get them a pass to something like the Sugar Bowl. I laugh and tell them I can't even get passes to that because of the restrictions the bowl games put on them.
We've also been lucky, though.
We have a guy who's a State U. fan and also a pretty good amateur photographer. His wife works for the paper as a part-time reporter. A few years ago he asked if we could get him photo passes for football season. He'd shot some high school games for us and did OK, so I got them and made very clear the ground rules he'd have to abide by. It's worked out beautifully. Last year he shot every home game and an in-state road game, which was especially nice since we dropped our wire service for photos. He's planning to shoot a couple of baseball series for us this spring. He's more reliable and better than at least 70 percent of the professional photographers that have worked for us over the years.

 

I think the LA Kings were among the first to do this. As long as they behave professionally, don't have a problem.

That said, the absolute worst fanbois I've come across have been on the regional mixed martial arts circuit. At the local casino, we're usually the only print outlet there and it's like being in a high school cheering section. Have never covered UFC, but hope it's better.

 

I covered a small MMA show in Boise last summer, which was broadcast on an obscure cable channel, but broadcast nonetheless. I was there to cover a local fighter, whom I wrote a feature on earlier in the week. I was placed at a table on the lower level with a great view, along with a couple of guys who were covering the show for their MMA blog.

They were total pros. Didn't cheer, didn't do anything other than watch the bouts, post updates, and shoot a few highlight videos. I was surprised. Nice guys to chat with, too.

Then there was covering the local NAIA football team and sitting next to the radio guys, one of whom brought his wild kids to the press box. In and out of the box, in and out, the door hinges were begging for mercy. And the kids were always wanting something. I'm hungry. I'm thirsty. Dad! Dad? Dad! I need a dollar! I need to go to the restroom! Dad! Dad? Can we go home now?

I fantasized about jumping out the window, but the fall wasn't far enough to escape the nagging. Dad! Dad dad dad dad!?!