Hmm, Mr Google can't find anything about the National Press Association in Washington (after a quick check) and the site is hosted on a Yahoo server. Doesn't mean its a scam but doubt I'd get into anywhere free with one, also I didn't see the price? will take another look
I'm sure for your $85 they will print out your ID card and send you the lamination materials. In that respect it isn't really a scam. I'll print you one too and send you the lamination sheets as well - call it $45.
However, the one I'd print up will be just as useful. As soon as anyone asks you what the pictures would be used for, you are left with no legitimate answer - it isn't a press association, it isn't a paper, it isn't a magazine etc. So legit maybe, useful probably not.
I'd steer clear.
Can anybody read the telephone number on the card? would love to get hold of the freephone number on the back as well, probably a teenagers cell phone and when it rings he says "yes, its a legite press card".
I've read about this before - basically you're buying membership into a powerless agency whose credentials won't get you into most places anyway. Scribble "PRESS" onto a piece of paper with a Sharpie and stick it in your hat for about the same effect :)
I was at the Gold Coast Indy last year. I wandered into the Indy area, they have that whole section of the Gold Coast fences off. I simply walked through a side gate, past security, and as I was clutching an SLR with a large white lens they must have assume I was press. I saved myself over $100 on the entry!
Why did I look so confident and managed to bluff my way in?
Because I had no idea I had even managed to get in, I was expecting the ticket styles to come up just after *laugh*
Unfortunately, 15 minutes later I had wandered out again without realising I had passed through a security point and as I did not have a ticket could not get back in. I've been kicking mjyself ever since *laugh*
