Bloggers at ABNDP Convention? Egads!

Okay, like, OMG.

So, the following Alberta NDP news release went out today to at least a few Alberta Bloggers.

Yup, bloggers (and tweets too!) get full and free access as media observers to "#ANDP09" (as the hashtag the release proclaims) - the NDP's annual convention, being held in Edmonton this year.

Yesterday, our pal over at St. Albert Diary sagely noted that the Wildrose Alliance was also up to the same thing - though bloggers will be charged $30 to enter (WTF? Would they charge real journalists too?).

We at the Alberta Report have just one question remaining:

How long before bloggers become like the regular hacks?

(No offense Graham, really).

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Social media invited to attend Alberta NDP Convention

Bloggers & Tweeters encouraged to provide alternative media coverage

EDMONTON – For the first time in Alberta, the provincial NDP are opening the doors of their annual convention to non-mainstream social media bloggers, tweeters, and citizen journalists.

“This invitation is designed to help kindle interest in the inner workings of a democratic political party like the NDP,” said convention organizer and blogger Katharine Hay.

“Political discussion is increasingly happening through social media. More and more people are using Twitter, Facebook, and blogs to become engaged in the political process, which the NDP supports,” she added.

Free social media kits for the convention – known as “#ANDP09” on Twitter – will be available to bloggers and Tweeters during convention registration.

Event:	Alberta NDP Convention
Date & Time:	Sept.11 to Sept.13 (Registration 4 p.m. Friday, adjourns 1:30 p.m. Sunday)
Location:	Crown Plaza / Chateau Lacombe 10111 Bellamy Hill Edmonton