What a difference a year makes.
Last year, the organizers of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) refused to issue press credentials to bloggers. This year, they’re welcomed with open arms. I have my press pass already and will be at CES for four days.
A note to PR people trying to arrange meetings with me: It really helps if you make at least a slight effort to personalize the pitch. I’ve already received a half-dozen requests to set up meetings to see and discuss:
- A handheld MP3-based karaoke stick.
- Four amplifiers for automotive sound systems.
- A kiosk system for retailers that want to add photo printing to their lineup of services.
- An in-depth discussion of why one company’s batteries are better than the competition’s.
I think I can safely say I won’t be writing about any of these topics after CES.
Update: Looking for press credentials? Apply here.
Ed Bott 
Very cool Ed. Would love to get the contact to try and get a press credential myself if you had a second.
But Ed, I was looking forward to your review of the handheld MP3-based karaoke stick complete with podcasts of your rendition of Macarena and other karaoke classics. Surely I’m not the only one of your readers who’d want this.
Jim, I think there’s a book idea there! Podaoke, anyone?
I have got my pass too, I got the exact same emails as you!
So far not one Media Center/PC company.
I can buy you a beer Ed!