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    Mar, 2020
Short article on making your own press pass or press badge.

Can I make my own press pass? Can I make my own press badge? We actually get these questions quite a bit from either prospective members or others that are simply curious about being able to cover an event they may be interested in. 

It's really not a difficult question to answer or to understand. 

While you may have the chops to create a really good looking press badge of sorts, the question is "what good will it really do"? Your press ID, press badge, press pass itself is not really what is going to get you considered for things like being able to photograph a concert or event. The question those decision makers are primarily concerned with is, "what website or publication are you part of" and "what are the number of daily/monthly listeners, viewers or readers"? If you have some slick looking press badge that you've created but no outlet or an outlet with 400 monthly visitors, chances are you're not going to be considered or receive a media pass for that particular venue or event, as they are looking for a larger audience. Of course, if it is a relatively small or local gathering, there could be other considerations.

When it comes to the type of press pass that will be given to you if you are accepted, that would be a design that is unique to either the venue, event or management. And the answer to whether or not you can make one of those is "NO". That is forgery and it is illegal. It would be blatant misrepresentation and unauthorized use of any trademarked or copyrighted names, art, symbols or material. Keep in mind too, that there is also a significant difference between the credentials that are issued to photographers, writers, bloggers and other types of "all access" passes (backstage passes) etc. Attempting to forge one of those could land you in some serious trouble as well.

So to sum it up, sure you can create your own badge of sorts but you do not want to misrepresent yourself, anyone or anything else. 

If you have a (website, internet radio station, publication), use that name on your homemade badge.

Under no circumstances should you use the name, logo, symbol, artwork or anything else that does not belong to you.

When it comes to the primary consideration of most decision makers "the number of visitors, listeners or viewers you have", see how the US Press Association can help you satisfy most requirements.

The US Press Association can also customize business ID’s, press passes, press badges, event credentials, venue credentials, backstage passes, VIP passes for your business or event. Let us put two decades of experience making, issuing and tracking credentials to work for you.

Find out more HERE


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Airports are a hotbed of viral infections.

Airports are a hotbed of viral infections. This is concerning given the spread of COVID-19 aka Coronavirus and, specifically, the potential cases in the cities of Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina.
The Daily Counter was contacted by several Uber and Lyft drivers about Coronavirus concerns. These concerns were centered around the drivers picking up riders from Columbia Airport and Charleston International Airport. Columbia Airport isn't international but can have interchanges with international riders.
The Counter conducted a brief investigation into whether or not South Carolina's airports were ready for the incoming virus. As our reporter discovered the airports either took a lax approach to the virus or didn't provide much information.
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On Saturday at 11:49 AM, our reporter called Columbia Airport. In this recorded conversation, our reporter spoke with a representative from airport operations. This representative told our reporter, "Our janitor staff is cleaning twice as much." When asked what the airport specifically was doing to prepare for potential Coronavirus issues the representative said, "Well, we aren't an international airport."
According to USA Today, Columbia Airport may not be an international airport but it does take in and send out flights from several major US cities. These cities include Dallas-Fort Worth, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, and Charlotte. It wouldn't matter if this were an international airport or not. Given the potential opportunity of infection and the number of travelers this airport services every year, the potential for the spread of Coronavirus isn't impossible. It doesn't require an international traveler to carry Coronavirus if the virus is already present in the United States. There are suspected and confirmed cases in some of the cities that this airport services.
Today, our reporter contacted Charleston International Airport about precautions the airport is taking for the virus. The representative told The Counter that the airport was taking various precautions, is in contact with DHEC and other agencies and clean the terminals more thoroughly. From the tone of the representative, the reporter said that this airport was taking COVID-19 seriously. On the airport's website, the first thing someone would see is a picture showing how someone should wash their hands and COVID-19 updates. 
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For example, unlike Columbia Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW) screened passengers for Coronavirus. If the same airport that Columbia Airport receives and takes in travelers from is screening passengers for Coronavirus then why isn't Columbia Airport doing the same?
In January, Robert Redfield, Director of the CDC, said in a press conference that there would be screenings at just 11 airports. Our reporter asked the representative of Columbia Airport about the CDC contacting the airport. The representative said that the CDC never contacted the airport and this is even though this airport takes in passengers from areas that were specifically mentioned by Redfield.
ABC 17 reported that some Columbia Airport travelers were concerned about the virus. Yesterday, ABC 4 reported that SC DHEC is investigating suspected cases of Coronavirus in South Carolina. In Richland County, there was a suspected case of Coronavirus.
The Counter also got in contact with Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The representative from the airport directed our reporter to the CDC's website for updates on plans to prepare for Coronavirus. Recently, the airport and American Airlines announced additional steps and precautions that will be taken to reduce the spread and risk of people contracting the virus. This was more information than was given from the Columbia and Charleston Airports.
According to the CDC, entry into the US by foreign nationals from Iran and China is restricted. These two countries are listed as "Level 3." The CDC offered several recommendations from those entering from places like China or plan to travel to China.
Quoted from the CDC:

China is experiencing widespread community transmission of respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel.
Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions may be at increased risk for severe disease.
Travelers should avoid contact with sick people and clean their hands often by washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%–95% alcohol.
Travelers should stay home for 14 days after returning to the United States and practice social distancing.
Travelers that are sick with fever, cough, or have trouble breathing should call ahead before seeking medical care.


[Submitted by Dion McNeil]

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thedailycounter.com

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Queensryche hit Tempe again on "The Verdict" tour

Queensryche hit Tempe again on "The Verdict" tour

Photo Credits: Fred Kuhlman

   

There's one thing that is fairly certain about veteran progressive hard rock band Queensryche: they love playing Arizona.

After all, their show at Tempe's Marquee Theatre on Tuesday Jan. 28 marks the second time in under a year that they've visited us on their current tour supporting their latest album, 2019's The Verdict.

"We've been touring this album since March of last year", said lead guitarist and Queensryche founding member Michael Wilton a few hours before showtime.

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"We've worked hard over the past few years successfully rebuilding the band with our current lineup", which also includes original bassist Eddie Jackson, guitarist Parker Lundgren (since 2009), lead vocalist Todd La Torre (since 2012), and touring drummer Casey Grillo (since 2017).

When Queensryche hit the Marquee stage with Prophecy for a 90-minute, 17-song set, there was no stopping them. They meant business, and their loyal Arizona fans couldn't have been more welcoming.

Although the band utilizes video to enhance the music onstage, it's never a distraction. With Queensryche, the music always does the talking.

Fun fact: Prophecy was originally written during sessions for their 1984 album The Warning.

However, it wasn't recorded until 1986 during the Rage For Order sessions. It was eventually released as a bonus track on their self-titled 1983 EP that was re-issued on compact disc for the first time in late 1988. Confusing, isn't it?

Next up was the title track from 1988's landmark album Operation: mindcrime, widely considered Queensryche's finest creative achievement on record. Walk In The Shadows followed, while deep cut Resistance (from Empire, 1990) returned to their live set after a lengthy hiatus.

Speaking of deep cuts, the undisputed surprise of the night had to be No Sanctuary off The Warning. Truth be told, it hadn't been played at any Phoenix-area show since the Rage tour in Oct. 1986. That was also the first time they headlined here in the Valley of the Sun.

With momentum building onstage, it wasn't until the seventh song in the set when the current lineup was represented. Man The Machine, from The Verdict received respectable applause. La Torre was in fine form vocally, especially on new songs Bent and Dark Reverie.

Interestingly, on this night there were no songs represented from the band's two previous albums, 2013's Queensryche and 2015's Condition Human.

I asked Wilton if he could ever envison an entire live set with "La Torre-era" material, especially considering the demand from many fans online to feature more of it live. Not to mention they're already looking forward to writing the next album later this year.

Would a Queensryche show be the same without any material from the original lineup that also included guitarist Chris DeGarmo, drummer Scott Rockenfield, and vocalist Geoff Tate? I'll let "Whip" tell you.

"Ummm....no", Wilton said after a brief pause.

"The albums (from the original lineup) are the band's legacy", he continued. "We wouldn't want to stop playing those songs, no matter how many more albums we do in the future", Wilton stated proudly.

"Having said that, we wouldn't mind splitting new and old material 50-50 eventually. It's very gratifying that people are enjoying what we're doing today, so that would be the ideal scenario."

If there's one criticism I have of the current lineup live, it would have to be the length of their set. Considering the amount of albums they have, it would be nice if they would play 20 songs minimum.

As strong as the current lineup is, I know they could pull it off with ease.

Back onstage, Queensryche winds down the main set with a blistering version of Screaming In Digital. By all appearances, that's one song where one can tell they have a blast playing, and rightly so. It's nothing less than quintessential Queensryche.

Next, La Torre asks the crowd if they're ready to "go old school"? They immediately tear into Queen Of The Reich (which concluded the main set), from the aforementioned debut EP.

The crowd wasn't quite ready to head home yet, so the band happily obliged with a three-song encore of Light years (the fourth new song played from The Verdict), Empire, and the mandatory Eyes Of A Stranger to close out the night.

I couldn't help but notice that Wilton seemed to be the proud papa onstage. When it comes to delivering the goods onstage, there's no question that Queensryche intend to continue doing just that for the forseeable future. Don't miss them when they pass through town.

-Val Tapia

Author's note: On Jan. 10, 2020 the music world received the sad and shocking news that Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart had passed away on Tues. Jan. 7 after a three-year long battle with brain cancer.

Knowing that Rush was a prime influence on Queensryche in their formative years, I asked Wilton to share his thoughts on this.

"Yeah, we definitely lost one of the greats in Neil", Wilton said somberly. "The music of Rush is just so amazing, it's so hard to pick  a favorite memory."

"I will say that I really loved Clockwork Angels though. I missed that tour unfortunately, which I really regret now", Wilton continued.

"They truly went out at the top of their game. He'll definitely be missed."


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The marvelous Miles Davis finally gets a way cool biopic that exhumes the truth about the legendary man of jazz and more. Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool directed by Emmy Award-winning Director Stanley Nelson tells the true tale behind his music and legacy

The marvelous Miles Davis finally gets a way cool biopic that exhumes the truth about the legendary man of jazz and more. Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool directed by Emmy Award-winning Director Stanley Nelson tells the true tale behind the music and legacy of the renowned horn player and composer who Socially Sparked® our lives.

The movie’s New York City debut weekend of August 23rd thru August 25th held special event screenings in the form of Q & As with various affiliates of the film and bandmates of the jazz master. The screening I attended had Director, Stanley Nelson, Miles’ nephew/bandmate Vince Wilburn, Jr. and bandmate James Mtume present.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE FROM STANLEY NELSON

“An elegant man who could render ballads with such tenderness yet hold rage in his heart from the racism he faced throughout his life. At times his persona eclipsed his music. He was known as a ladies man and abusive womanizer. An intellectual and a junkie. A good friend and a bad father. Glamorous, reclusive, and vain.” — Stanley Nelson, Director, Miles Davis: Birth of The Cool

Miles Davis: BIrth of the Cool is a documentary that paints the portrait of a hardworking, educated, middle class man honing his craft. It also portrays a  troubled soul who repeatedly — with each journey re-invented himself — simultaneously setting new trends that turned the jazz world upside down and inside out. He was notorious for his out of the box genius thinking – marrying jazz with the unthinkable — other music genres.
The central theme of Miles Davis’s life and this biopic was his restless determination to break boundaries and live life on his own terms. It made him a star—it also made him incredibly difficult to live with for the people who loved him most.
Nelson’s directorial take simply educates us as to how each of MIles’ experiences and journeys along with his different collaborators influenced his trumpet playing that changed jazz forever.

The marvelous Miles Davis has been making music for 50 years. This biopic gives you a glimpse into the genius work he created in the late 60’s, 70’s and 80’s – which is all very different. Jazz historians,, musicologists and fans say the spotlight shines brightest on Kind of Blue (1959), the biggest selling jazz album of all time and Bitches Brew (1970), the electric years.

Initially shown in New York City, next stop is Los Angeles at The Landmark (8/30-9/5)  before opening in more cities around the country. For a complete list of cities and dates visit www.milesdavismovie.com. 

One of the things which makes this Miles Davis film version so unique is that it’s narrated by Miles (sort of).  The actor Carl Lumbly, who has a raspy Miles-like voice reads from Miles’ own words.  The effect: his voice interspersed with footage of different historical moments create the feeling that Miles is narrating his own life. This tactic works extremely well in this case – you get a keen insight into what the magnificent jazz artist was feeling and thinking at the time.  It’s completely believable. It’s Way Cool. It’s the Marvelous Miles Davis. -- Abbe is Socially Sparked! — Abbe Sparks, Socially Sparked News
[Submitted by Abbe Sparks]

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Boost


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    Sep, 2019
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With a relative resurgence in pop culture, new generations are being turned on to the sounds of bluegrass and traditional music.

With a relative resurgence in pop culture, new generations are being turned on to the sounds of bluegrass and traditional music. Bluegrass in its modern form is capturing those seeking out both its traditional and a more modern jamband style of the genre. Enter Songs From The Road Band.

 

Songs From The Road Band is an Asheville, NC based band whose members each have an impressive musical background. In their current form, the bands members are Charles Humphrey III, Sam Wharton, Mark Schmick and James Schlender. Their roles are as follows: Charles Humphrey III (bass), Mark Schimick (mandolin), Sam Wharton (guitar), James Schlender (fiddle) and Ryan Cavanaugh is a guest on the album playing banjo.

 

Waiting On A Ride is their fifth studio album. They say “every good story has a good beginning, middle and end”, well Waiting On A Ride has a great beginning, middle and end! From the moment I started listening to their new album, I knew this was something new and fresh yet at the same time familiar and comforting. Waiting On A Ride begins with the track Any Highway. This song sets the scene for the album and draws you into the music without delay.

 

To me this is the mark of great music, when you hear new songs yet it’s as if you’ve been familiar with them for years. The composition and arrangements bring bluegrass and Americana into the present without abandoning the traditional roots of this great music.

 

The lyrics are smart, witty, easy to relate to and thread a constant theme throughout the whole album. Whether you are or have been a musician playing out on the road or not, I believe you’ll find yourself nodding in agreement with the heartfelt lyrics and delivery of these songs. The album also contains some instrumentals, of which “Thunderstorm Serenade” is nothing short of brilliant and could easily be a memorable cinematic score.

 

In addition to picking up this album, I’d highly recommend catching a show if you find Songs From The Road Band anywhere near your town. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you find them delivering tight, seamless jams and improv.

 

To me it’s a pretty safe bet that Songs From The Road Band and Waiting On A Ride, will surely fill in some spots on your favorite playlist.

Glenn DePretis
Picker Magazine

Buy Waiting On A Ride

Find A Tour Date Near You...


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David Crosby takes the stage on the 50th anniversary of playing at Woodstock

On the eve of the 50th anniversary of his playing at Woodstock, Davis Crosby and the Sky Trails Band put on a memorable performance at the 58th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival.

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The crowd at the Philadelphia Folk Festival was eager to see the two time Grammy winner perform. Crosby was engaging and offered up conversation as well as his signature sound for all to enjoy. Crosby and the band mesh well and deliver a sound that to long time listeners and fans is both familiar yet fresh.

Crosby treated everyone to a classic setlist of songs. You can check out the setlist here - https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/david-crosby/2019/old-pool-farm-schwenksville-pa-b9fcd26.html


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    Jun, 2019
No Encore!

No Encore!

Musicians Reveal Their Weirdest, Wildest, Most Embarrassing Gigs

Drew's book features never-before-told stories, No Encore! takes you on tour with over sixty iconic musicians as they relive their weirdest, wildest, most embarrassing gigs.

No Encore! is an unflinchingly honest account of the shows that tested the dedication to a dream—from Alice Cooper’s python having a violent, gastric malfunction on stage to Lou Barlow’s disastrous attempt to sober up at Glastonbury, from Shirley Manson’s desperate search for a bathroom to the extraordinary effort made to awaken Al Jourgenson as Ministry was taking the stage. As Hunter S. Thompson famously wrote, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.” 

You can pre-order Drew's book now on Amazon - https://amzn.to/2N3rQNE


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    Mar, 2019
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Stock photo reporter image(s) courtesy of depositphotos.com

Stock photo reporter image(s) courtesy of depositphotos.com

The only official USPA - US Press Association websites are https://uspressassociation.org and https://uspressassociation.com

The US Press Association was started in an effort to leverage rights, privileges and accessibility of freelancers with that of the more well know networks and main stream media outlets.

The concept of having strength in numbers was the underlying theme and vision for the organization. The Freelance Press Association was started that same year, but has since merged with the US Press Association. Some of the earliest members of the US Press Association were able to access and report from venues, events and scenes of breaking news that were once commonly restricted for freelance journalist. 

Recognizing the importance that "NEW MEDIA" was going to have on the world we live in, the US Press Association had and still has the vision that freelance journalists of all types need an outlet for their stories "YOUR STORIES", and an organization that will be there to help and support them every step of the way.

Members are free to submit stories, photos, video and other forms of media for website submission. Having the member ID, 24/7 online and phone confirmation of membership along with having a profile listed in the USPA database help to increase odds of maximizing the impact of the news event members want to cover by being granted certain privileges. 

This ID clearly identifies you as a member of our organization and your profile information is able to be verified in our domestic or international database of members.

Beware of the deception of other sites calling themselves USPA!

We are THE USPA

Don't subject you or your computer to the risk of some of these websites. Many of these illegitimate sites are full or malware, spyware and trojan horses that can severely damage your computer, compromise your online safety and contribute to identity theft. Worst of all they prey on the aspirations of both freelancers and professionals alike with their slickly produced websites and webs of fake agencies and publications. We urge you not to be deceived by some of the offers that are out there. In this day and age it is easy to fall for misinformation and scams that are available on slickly produced websites. Try to contact or call these websites, if you can find a number.

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One way to help distinguish these fake sites is their use of stock photography throughout the site.

One site uses an image of a so called "reporter" standing just steps away from Air Force One to give the impression that one of their so called "reporters" was able to obtain this level of access.

The use of stock photos on these sites is plentiful and examples of where the images come from can be found at websites like: SHUTTERSTOCK - 123RF - iStockPhoto & Getty Images just to name a few.

Do your research! Track where YOUR MONEY is going!

You may be surprised to find where your money will be headed, and maybe more surprised to discover it's not even in the United States. If you choose to obtain one of the many so called "Press Passes" that are being sold simply to attempt gaining backstage access to a concert, or attempt to interview a celebrity let us offer you a better solution, "Join the US Press Association".

Unlike fake websites and bogus agencies, we WILL make every effort to help you in a genuine pursuit to cover a great story or event. We offer the support you need, and answer any questions you may have.

Become part of a legitimate movement, a legitimate organization.

We are a member and volunteer based organization and we are passionate about news and media, and we want to help YOU in any way we can. 

IF YOU ARE A PROSPECTIVE MEMBER OR SEEKING INFORMATION, FEEL FREE TO CALL OUR TOLL FREE NUMBER OR USE OUR LIVE ONLINE CHAT SUPPORT.


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Hot New Fashion on Georgia's Mach & Mach Show - MBFW Tbilisi 18-19 May 3

"Without question - sexiest yet most stylish fashion show I've seen - Mach & Mach - if I hire a designer in the future or suggest to a girl I'm dating, a designer - this one is my first and top pick." - Michael R. Vanderpool US Press Association. Comments on Mach & Mach - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week TBILISI F/W 18-19
[Submitted by Michael Vanderpool]

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K2xEA_JfUg

https://steemit.com/mbfw/@astrologer007/mach-and-mach-mercedes-benz-fashion-week-tbilisi-f-w-18-19-may-3-location-circus-tbilisi-georgia

https://www.facebook.com/pg/michaelrvanderpoolapa/photos/?tab=album&album_id=921139234725581


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From the moment of our inception, a troubling trend has emerged—imitation websites attempting to pass themselves off as us.

From the moment of our inception, a troubling trend has emerged—imitation websites attempting to pass themselves off as us. We'd express flattery if the consequences weren't so detrimental! These deceptive websites craft elaborate facades, weaving interconnected webs of "press agencies" peddling counterfeit credentials labeled as "press passes." They showcase so-called "publications" to lend an air of legitimacy, creating the illusion of a "pseudo media conglomerate." However, their true aim is to attract individuals, exploiting their work to create an appearance of activity. This is never the ethos of the US Press Association (The USPA).

At the core of our mission is the commitment to drive visitors, viewers, and listeners to your site or social media profile. Joining our organization isn't about us; it's about bringing out the best in you.

The reality is, these imitators lack expertise and understanding. While they may convince some to purchase their deceptive products and showcase a handful of members on their site, these numbers pale in comparison to the vast member base that has chosen to trust us—the original, the authentic, The US Press Association. These sham sites and their operators are eager to uncover our operational secrets.

Why the curiosity? The answer is simple—our dedication to serving and assisting freelance and professional journalists, spanning close to two decades. In contrast, these pop-up websites have a fleeting existence, with some managing to deceive for only a few years.

The surge in these fake "press agencies" is leaving a lasting mark on the integrity of freelance and professional media organizations. Many of these websites are essentially one large web controlled by a few individuals. They establish a business structure and register an office in a state like Nevada, while operating from locations outside the United States, such as Germany, Russia, and others. While residence in other countries is not an issue, the problem lies in the deceptive web they cast to ensnare unsuspecting individuals.

These fraudulent sites entice people with alluring phrases like "get your backstage pass," falsely suggesting that possessing writing, video, or photo access automatically grants backstage privileges. At the US Press Association, we believe in honesty. We educate our members, especially those starting out, about the expectations when securing press passes for specific places or events.

"We need to take a stance against this type of deceptive practice."

We refuse to engage in luring, lying, or cheating to gain members. Our community is built on solid, informed decisions by individuals who chose an organization aligned with their values. Stand with us, and rest assured—we always have the best interests of our members at heart.

Stand with us. Become a member today.

Stand with us. Become a member today.


     

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ROBBIE WILLIAMS HEADLINES DAY ONE OF CALABASH 2025

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Bulls and Sharks Shine in European Knock Outs

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     The US Press Association Press Pass & Credentials - The Standard For New Media Freelancers And Professionals