Since our inception there have been websites popping up attempting to pass themselves off as us. 

We would say "we are flattered" if it wasn't so damaging!

The facade that is put up by some of these websites is very elaborate. There are interconnected webs of "press agencies" offering to sell you a fake card they call a "press pass". They list their "publications" in an effort to give the site legitimacy. The fact is, these "publications" are just a lure to get people to think they could actually be part of a "pseudo media conglomerate". All this type of site wants to do is attract enough people to use their work to make it look like they are actually doing something. That is never the issue with the US Press Association, THE USPA. We focus on driving visitors, viewers and listeners to your site or social media profile, because joining our organization is about bringing out the best in you not us.

Fact is, these people have no idea what they are doing. Sure, they have convinced enough people to buy their bogus product and if you go to their site you'll see some members. 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 bogus sites and their operators desperately want to know he we operate.

Why do they want to know? Well the answer is simple, we have been dedicated to serving and assisting freelance and professional journalists and others involved in media for close to two decades now. These pop-up websites have been around for weeks, some have managed to deceive their way into a few years of operation. 

This surge in fake "press agencies" is creating a lasting mark on the integrity of freelance and even professional media organizations.

So many of these websites are really just one big web owned and controlled by a few people.

They create a business structure and set up a registered agent office in a state like Nevada, meanwhile they are nowhere to be found within the United States, instead they reside elsewhere in countries like Germany, Russia and several others. Of course, being a resident of these other countries is not an issue, the issue lies within the deceptive web in which they cast to catch unsuspecting individuals.

These fake sites tend to lure people with tempting phrases like "get your backstage pass". Any practicing journalist, photographer, videographer can tell you that simply having writing, video, photo access does NOT give you backstage access. We believe in being honest with our members and try to educate those that may just be starting out in the field about what is expected of them when we help them secure press passes for specific places or events.

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

We won't lure, lie or cheat to obtain members. Our members are here because they made a solid and informed decision about the organization they wished to become part of. Please stand with us and you can rest assured that we will always have the best interest of our members in mind. 

Stand with us. Become a member today.

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Are you a blogger, photographer, or journalist seeking press credentials to cover events and access exclusive resources? Look no further than the US Press Association.

Our press credentials, Press ID, Press Card & Journalist Pass, are the most trusted in the industry. As a member, you'll have access to our extensive media database, press release and distribution services, and exclusive events.

We offer membership options designed to fit the needs of every professional, whether you're a freelancer or a traditional media journalist. And with our new columns covering food, restaurant, movie, concert and product reviews, there's never been a better time to join.

MAYOR Aubry Hocog said in an interview on Thursday that there were no injuries, casualties, or major damage reported on Rota, despite Super Typhoon Mawar's 140 mph winds.

“We are very blessed,” she added. Based on the preliminary assessment, “We had some fallen trees and other debris that were blocking road access. We immediately cleared that to ensure that our emergency personnel would be able to transport any of our Rota residents to the hospital if need be.”

She said they have been closely working with the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. so “access to water is available now. Also, CUC is offering up to 50 gallons of water for every family to utilize but has issued a boil water notice. The power division will be mobilized once the ‘all clear’ signal has been issued to focus on restoring power to the island."

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, the mayor said they had “21 people sheltered [at the Office on Aging] who are just awaiting the ‘all clear’ signal to be issued to return home.”

She added, “We have [Department of Public Works] personnel out [there] clearing the secondary roads for residents to be able to move freely. The port of entry is our main priority…. [The Commonwealth Ports Authority] is awaiting the signal so that authorized personnel will be allowed on-site to assist with the debris removal. This way, we can anticipate the arrival of supplies and equipment needed that will be utilized towards our recovery efforts.”

Hocog said Rota is “so grateful to our Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, [CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Special Assistant Franklin] Babauta, all the government departments, autonomous agencies, private sector and federal partners for their support and assistance in ensuring that our people will get all needed resources to be able to begin our recovery phase from this super typhoon.”

At the same time, Rota is sending “our prayers and support to our brothers and sisters on the neighboring island of Guam as they too will be recovering from Super Typhoon Mawar. There were more reports of damage and flooding on their island. We know our people will come together and share resources and support and we are very fortunate that our federal partners are ready to assist however they can.”

In a separate interview, Rota Municipal Council Chairman Jim Atalig said his house was damaged by the typhoon and some power poles were taken down by the strong winds, but he is grateful that his family and friends were fine.

“For eight hours straight the wind was blowing so hard,” he added.

For his part, American Red Cross-NMI Chapter Executive Director John Hirsh said they will send their responders to Rota hopefully today, Friday, May 26 or when the first charter flight to the island will be available.

He said the Red Cross will also ship essential supplies to help the residents of Rota. These include bottles of water, emergency medical kits, hygiene kits and cleaning kits to name a few.

[Submitted by Robert Mendiola]