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.

Example of imaging used to lure and entice prospective members.

Stand with us. Become a member today...

Looking for content for your website or blog? Consider the USPA as your source to provide rich, industry specific writing, photos, video and other content for your company, website or blog.

With thousands of members globally, you are sure to find the perfect match for your specific niche!

Simply click the link below to answer a few simple questions that will help us find the right matches for you. 

Are press passes free?

This is actually a very good question. It can also bring to light other details regarding various definitions and details about (press passes, press credentials, media passes) and the like. 

Press passes can be both free or have some sort of fee associated with them either directly or indirectly.

If you are speaking about a press pass or press credential that is issued by the possessors employer, this type of press pass would be issued to the holder in all probability at no charge as they would be using such a credential/identification in the course of their job function(s).

A press pass and or press credential can also be issued by an organization or association (trade group/website). This type of press pass would likely be issued as part of their association membership which usually has a professional fee or membership cost associated with joining. 

If you are referring to a press pass, media pass, VIP Pass, venue pass, backstage pass, this type of credential is typically issued for free by (venue management, managers, artist management, PR) or other individual or group that is in charge of the venue or event. This issuance of this type of media pass is usually dependent upon the individual requesting the pass having a pre-existing press pass or media credential. It is the possession of a press pass, media pass that lets the individual or group that issues event type passes know that the inquiring individual has some establishment of a role in media/new media.

The US Press Association "USPA" issues a press pass to it's members as part of it's proprietary industry membership packet. USPA credentials and press pass are issued to a member regardless of the membership packet an individual chooses.

With the recent run on TP, we decided to review and make some recommendations for what could become a new household item for a lot of US homes. We're talking about "The Bidet". 

While just a few short weeks ago many people would have dismissed this idea, today it is being given much consideration. We decided to test out a few and make some recommendations. We won't bother with names or descriptions of failures we found, after all they are just C**p!

If you are trying to watch your budget, we recommend the Bio Bidet SlimEdge

At under $40 it's hard to go wrong with an item that costs less than 2 24 packs of commercial brand TP!

We found the installation to be simple and the product itself to be of decent quality. While it isn't something that will last decades, it appears like it will be able to tough it out for a few years making it worth the under $40 investment. The spray is ample and the hydro clean will surely cut down on TP usage. Get yours here

If you have a bit more in the budget we recommend the Tibbers Home Bidet

Much like the previously mentioned option, the Tibbers Home Bidet offers easy enough installation. There is better pressure and longer spray duration with this model. The material and construction are good and you should get many years of use.

You can get yours here

We urge everyone to follow the directives of your local authorities whatever they may be (self quarantine, shelter in place, social distancing). And now, more than ever it is extremely important to have your press credentials and be able to present them to allow the access you need to be able to cover newsworthy stories and events. Be safe! Maintain social distancing recommendations and do not create a situation or become involved in a situation that puts yourself or others at risk.