• Ars Technica, Thursday, October 16, 2008 11:15 AM

You might think covering an Apple event is all glitzy glamour and complimentary iPods, but not so. It's a journalistic cattle call, complete with pushing and shoving and "poop-stained towels," apparently. But don't dare miss it, or your site will lose out on millions of page views and advertiser dollars. Today, Ars Technica lets its readers in on the experience.

The whole thing starts with maybe five days notice, giving you just enough time to pay exorbitant fees for last-minute flights with multiple stopovers. Then when you arrive, you have to deal with gobs of security, fascist PR people, and worst of all, fellow journalists who will happily break your spine for a chance to enter the exhibition hall 15 seconds ahead of you. The highlight comes after the inevitable Steve Jobs presentation when you get to handle the new device-and have your questions deflected by the PR troops.

Which is not to say it isn't a good time. "Even after being delayed, shoved, slighted, and sent home sick five or more times a year, getting that reader e-mail saying 'Great job! Thanks a lot!' makes it all worth it." Aww.

Read the whole story at Ars Technica »