A look at 3GSM: We don't do bloggers

After writing that I was wavering about going to 3GSM, I thought perhaps I should have a look and see if there’s the possibility to attend 3GSM as a blogger and do some coverage.

Lucky I checked. There was no way I was going in the first place!

Here’s the gossip from the Registration & Accreditation page.

So first off, there’s some details about print & newswire reporters. I didn’t quote that as it’s obviously not relevant.

But then this line jumped out at me!

Online Publications:
Only journalists with commercial news websites qualify for the 3GSM World Congress Barcelona press registration. Websites must be previously established and updated regularly with original and current wireless industry news. Blogs, personal website writers, fan sites, designers, editors or web creators do not qualify for press registration.

Gosh! I think that’s me. I’m a blogger, right?

Gosh!

In this day and age? No blogs, baby? Nokia welcomed us with open arms. Gosh.

Perhaps there’s a look-in for mobile blogs via the Online Reporters section?

Online Reporters:
To qualify as media, online reporters must provide:

A copy of your business card with name, editorial title and publication logo.

Ahh, I’m ok. I’ve got some absolutely GORGEOUS business cards, rated highly by Alex of the Irish Independent no less!

A copy of your online publication with your name and title appearing in an editorial capacity, including a by-lined, industry-related article from your publication written by you and published within the last six months (the copy must clearly show the name of the publication and your by-line).

Hmm, well that’s just a link to some recent stuff I’d imagine, right?

Please note that online media must meet all criteria below:

The website must have a paid reporting staff of two or more

Ah now that’s a problem.

The website must post original, dated, industry-related news at least once per week

Aye got that.

Website content must extend beyond newsletters, links, forums, personal diaries, opinion or personal analysis

Oh dear, I think that’s me stuffed 😉 Depending on how you look at it, that’s a no. Or a yes. It really depends on your viewpoint.

I’m not going to bother emailing and wasting anyone’s time.

Ok well, maybe more luck with the Freelance category?

Freelance Reporters/Editors:
Please note: Freelance writers from unqualified media outlets will not be admitted.

Ah, so er, is that a no right away then?

Qualification of all media outlets will be determined by the GSM Association.

Oh, not necessarily.

To qualify as media, freelance journalists and photographers must provide:

A letter from a publisher, editor or producer (on company letterhead) stating that you are covering the 3GSM World Congress on assignment for their news organisation.

Oh I suppose I could do this?

A by-lined industry-related article from the publication you’re representing written by you and published within the last six months (the copy must clearly show the name of the publication and your byline).

Yup got that.

But if it doesn’t explicitly say ‘mobile industry bloggers’, looks like we’re not invited. I don’t want to ‘try it on’.

No press access for bloggers. I could definitely go incognito. But it was just not that, you know, it really wasn’t turning me on in the first place.

Any other event, I think I quite possibly would pay for a ticket and go. But nah, not when there’s a no blogger policy.

I was umming and ahhing and that’s helped make my decision.

I am not going! 😉