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From: spencer_katt@ziffdavis.com
Sent: Monday, August 2, 2004 12:17 AM
To: eWEEK readers
Subject: Conventional stupidity; band of bloggers
When his eWEEK cronies wondered whod venture through the labyrinth of security surrounding Bostons FleetCenter to cover the Democratic National Convention, Spencer Katt said, “Send me.” When delegates and other attendees were trading floor passes and tickets to posh parties and concerts featuring the likes of James Taylor and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Spencer Katt said, “Send me.”
Navigating the high fences and razor wire surrounding the center, Spence found the media entrance and filed through airportlike metal detectors and X-ray machines. Rifling through his DNC-supplied media bag, Spence felt like the recipient of a government food program, as he found a box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, a bag of coffee, a bottle of juice, a Gillette razor and a bag of Craisins. “What, no 5-pound block of cheese?” Spence asked.
Bloggers with credentials got access to the event, but Spence noted they still have a long way to go before attaining mainstream press status. As correspondents from all the major media hung out in the centers luxury boxes, the Bloggers Pen was perched atop the last five rows of Section 320—the proverbial nosebleed section. Fortunately, wireless access was available to the “bloggerazzi,” so Spence plunked down and checked his e-mail.
The Mouser noted a missive from a crony claiming BEA Systems must be reeling since wunderkind Adam Bosworth left to work for Google. Obviously not wishing to comment on the situation, BEA officials suddenly canceled press meetings arranged weeks before the defection. While Bosworth, a visionary whose résumé includes Borlands Quattro, Microsofts Internet Explorer and BEAs WebLogic has kept mum on his Google role, the buzz is that he wasnt feeling challenged at BEA. The crony commented that several Redmondians, well aware of Bosworths talents, are concerned about how the move may impact Microsofts recently escalated search initiatives.
“Whats a blogger?” a delegate demanded while eyeing an empty seat in the Bloggers Pen. “If you have to ask, you cant sit here,” replied the Puss.
Just then, the shrill tone of the KattPhone produced a pal who informed Spence of the soon-to-be-announced International Council for Internet Communications. The informal workgroup will comprise high-level executives and attorneys from eight countries who aim to forge a private-industry road map of cooperation by sharing their knowledge of spam and Internet law regarding their respective countries.
“Now, if they can figure out who told everyone in Nigeria that Im an honorable businessman, Ill be impressed,” quipped the Kitty.
Spence gazed around the center as he bid his phone pal adieu, and it suddenly struck him that there are few sights more disconcerting than 5,000 delegates trying to look cool while dancing to “We Are Family.”