DavisWiki Press Pass

Sample Press Pass

I'd like to put forth the idea of a DavisWiki Press Passes. The general idea being that they are totally symbolic, but that sometimes in this world a little bit of symbolism goes further than common sense. We are after all a collective press; and we've struggled with censorship both corporate and community.

I'm picturing a traditional style press pass where any Dwikian (Thanks for the term PopeChristof) could come to this page, add their name, download the pass, add their picture, print it out, and optionally even go to the lengths of getting it laminated. Buying a brimed hat to stick it in and an old style camera are of course optional.

2005-07-22 15:57:31   Good idea. I'm working on something now (but I encourage other designs too). —BrentLaabs

2005-07-22 16:00:21   I'm so confused. What is it for? Is the idea that you would present it to try to get special access? —MikeIvanov

2005-07-22 16:19:36   I think it's just something to make us all feel special. —BrentLaabs

2005-07-22 16:22:18   I think these are best for that :-) —MikeIvanov

2005-07-22 16:35:20   The suggestion was a reaction to the way one of the Daviswiki photographers was treated recently at a business. —JasonAller

2005-07-22 16:49:19   You should tell us the story. —MikeIvanov

2005-07-22 17:05:06   Here's what I've come up with using the crappy computer at work. It's stored as an attachment to this page, and it shouldn't really have a '.jpg' suffix. Considering my web space is down due to catastrophic power failure, I'm doing the best I can. I have a meeting now, so take a look and feel free to suggest/make improvements in the time I'm gone. —BrentLaabs

2005-07-22 17:12:12   The story isn't mine, but it is at the bottom of this page. —JasonAller

2005-07-22 17:28:21   I am neutral about the press pass idea, but in the case of the Nugget incident, it seems like having a wiki press pass could possibly have made things worse. —MikeIvanov

2005-07-22 21:00:33   Ok, after further consideration maybe just having a stack of wiki-cards in the old camera bag is better. As with the press pass the trick to using the wiki-cards is to know WHEN to use them and when not to. —JasonAller

2007-02-09 21:49:14   Unfourtantly you cant just make a press pass. You have to be approved by a legit buisness and then refered to the police department. They run a full background check and then issue (or give permission) to issue a pass in your name. This is mostly because a press pass can give someone access to crime scenes. —JohnNash

• Not quite true. You can print up all the press passes you like without consequence. The only downside to the press pass not being issued or endorsed by a LEA is the whole crime scene thing you mentioned. Private entities remain free to accept or reject passes issued by other private entities. This is the situation at commercial sporting events. —WilliamLewis

2007-02-10 06:32:35   Keep in mind that Davis Wiki is a legitimate non-profit corporation. This may be something the board has to actually approve, as it invokes the organization itself, but then, that's why there is a board... for the oddball cases like this where you actually need an "legit buisness"(sic). —JabberWokky

2007-02-10 10:10:01   If I ever see anyone with a "Wiki Press Pass" I'm going to fucking stab them. —JoshFernandez

2007-02-10 11:54:31   Personally, I'd like to see JasonAller with a Press Pass. His coverage of the plaques is great... can you image his coverage if he was granted access to closed door meetings and crime scenes? —JabberWokky

2008-04-12 22:25:36   Ah finally, I've been looking forward to a good neck stabbing. Now's my chance to start shankin'. —JoshFernandez