Free Lance Media Credentials

[wordman]

I am having trouble getting free lance credentials through MLB. Any advice on how to go about it or is it just certain teams that don't credential individuals?

 

[The Big Ragu]

Did the publication/editor you are working for put in the request?

 

[wordman]

I have requested them to do so. I was wondering if there was another way. I am new to free lancing and was wondering if there was a way to expedite the situation. Also have a sports photographer who ohas their own studio but doens't work for the paper that was wanting to be credentialed. I didn't know if everyone that is credentialed had to be officially tied to an organization or not.

 

[Moderator1]

Yes. I use a lot of freelancers and I request for credentials for them and detail the assignment. I can't think of any pro organization, or college for that matter, that will credential you just because.

 

[Stitch]

I have requested them to do so. I was wondering if there was another way. I am new to free lancing and was wondering if there was a way to expedite the situation. Also have a sports photographer who ohas their own studio but doens't work for the paper that was wanting to be credentialed. I didn't know if everyone that is credentialed had to be officially tied to an organization or not.

If they want you to cover a team, the SE needs to get on the ball and do it. If the organization requesting credentials is known by the team's media relations staff, getting credentials could be tough.

 

[Azrael]

Why is Lance incarcerated?

Mail fraud? PEDs?

 

[da man]

Yes. I use a lot of freelancers and I request for credentials for them and detail the assignment. I can't think of any pro organization, or college for that matter, that will credential you just because.

Moddy, I am huge in the freelance market here (if I do say so myself) and I annually get full-season credentials from two of the local pro teams because they know me and they know I'll have an assignment for pretty much every game.

But I only have that because I am very well established here. For someone just starting out, like wordman, you'll have to get credentials through the outlet that's hiring you.

 

[Versatile]

They won't credential the Fredericksburg, Va., newspaper?

... As da man said, the only way freelancers traditionally get credentials without a media organization's assistance is based on reputation and standing with the team.

 

[Whatwhat]

What if you're starting a blog and want to be credentialed?

 

[SFIND]

What if you're starting a blog and want to be credentialed?

Cover the NHL. Not the MLB.

A couple of years ago when I started out as an SE at a weekly paper, I expanded the sports coverage to include a few feature stories now and then from regional sports team in order to appeal to readers who aren't into the local high school or college scene. The MLB has an online credential request system for each team, and the team you're covering has to create an account for your publication to verify your organization. A couple of phone calls and a few tear sheets late, my publication had an account, and we covered the occasional game.

The local NFL team did not service weeklies.

 

[Stitch]

What if you're starting a blog and want to be credentialed?

Get cable or satellite, and get the Extra Innings or MLB.tv package, plus a comfy chair.

 

[Armchair_QB]

Why is Lance incarcerated?

What if I want a Free Tiffany?

 

[txsportsscribe]

i've seen a freelancer credentialed for a single game basis but they never got another credential if they didn't show a tearsheet after the fact from the first game.

 

[playthrough]

Thought this was going to be a debate about taking free peanut butter crackers.

 

[Smasher_Sloan]

Thought this was going to be a debate about taking free peanut butter crackers.

You're killing me, you *******!

Side note: Lance took over Archway cookies, which went kaput, and they've done a typical Lance downgrade of that once-respected brand name.

 

[Point of Order]

Steroid free Lance.

 

[JRoyal]

I thought this thread was going to be about getting credentials to cover jousting without paying for them.

 

[Smasher_Sloan]

I am having trouble getting free lance credentials through MLB. Any advice on how to go about it or is it just certain teams that don't credential individuals?

Show them your WORDMAN vanity plate.

 

[BillyT]

I thought this thread was going to be about getting credentials to cover jousting without paying for them.

JR: I know the guys from several of the jousting groups, and I can getyou credentials for any of them.

 

[geddymurphy]

I thought this thread was going to be about getting credentials to cover jousting without paying for them.

JR: I know the guys from several of the jousting groups, and I can getyou credentials for any of them.

Has anyone seen that show about jousting? It's like The Ultimate Fighter, but with jousting. Really strange.

In any case -- if you can start a blog and demonstrate regular coverage before getting credentialed, it might boost your case. Other than that, you really need an assignment. Most credential applications I've seen ask for the name and number of an assigning editor.