How Not to Get Ravens Media Credentials

One thing I can say about the Baltimore Ravens is that they will get back to you. If you’re a blogger like me, you’ll inevitably get rejected if you are asking for media credentials, but at least they take the craft seriously enough to provide you a response. I’ve been rejected twice in two years, with my recent Mutombo moment coming this past weekend.

The back story is that I wanted to cover Ravens home games to try and capture the essence of being a non-media company affiliated blogger in the press box. I have 10 years of journalistic experience, have written for several nationally regarded magazines, newspapers and websites, but I didn’t tell the Ravens PR staff all of that. Because between Buzz Bissinger and the fact that newspapers are dying, I genuinely thought that any franchise run by happy-go-lucky owner Steve Bisciotti would welcome bloggers like the press box was where caring happens.

But alas, the 2008 Baltimore Ravens will not be welcoming me as a media guest.

Here you can find the requirements for obtaining media credentials, but first, here’s what won’t get you into to M and T Bank Stadium on Sunday.

The RAVENS do not credential free lancers; the RAVENS do not credential colleges, except under extremely special circumstances. The RAVENS do not credential websites, except for national sites like ESPN.com.

Now, I’m not a freelancer, as I technically work for Fan-Sided as a lead blogger. I’m not a college writer, and I wasn’t aware websites could be limited to various boundaries and provinces.

Anyway, thinking that I technically didn’t meet any of the hateration listed, I proceeded to formally request more information on credentials.

My name is Jarrett Carter, and I am the lead writer for a Baltimore Ravens-themed blog, EbonyBird.com. I am interested in completing an application for media credentials to attend Ravens home games this upcoming season, and am seeking more information on the process.

I was not directed to a link or address where a version of the application could be completed. Is there another way I can submit the required information necessary to be considered for home game media credentials? Thank you for your time and attention to this request.

Not a badly written request, if I say so myself. So the Ravens responded with a well-written donkey punch.

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I wanted to make sure I had correct information for you. With so many new bloggers, it would be impossible for us to accommodate all who would like to attend Ravens games and blog about them. Currently, only bloggers associated with accredited media will be able to receive media credentials for home games when space is available.

Thanks for your interest in the Baltimore Ravens.

So there you have it. The basement will have to double as my own private press box until the Ravens come around to their senses. But at least they were nice about it.