I totally disagree. Are bloggers press? YES. If they want to be! If your blog is pointed, with a position, or a purpose that informs and reference and serves to provide insight into SOMETHING, then yes, bloggers are press.

In reality though (back down here on earth), it is true that bloggers are having a more difficult time being recognized as press. A reason for this is that corporations and legislative groups have designed the rules of credentialing individuals on a basis that meets the needs of the group covered. Another reason is fear of the unrestrained (read: unpaid) voice. Even bloggers recognize the need for “qualifying” applicants for press passes. Here is a quote from a fantastic article on the credentialing of bloggers for state legislature reporting:
“A known, credible blogger on the floor is better (and far less dangerous) than an unknown anonymous blogger in the gallery,” Smith says. She suggests considering a blogger’s education, experience and even legislative background when deciding who is “qualified.” Bloggers deserve consideration, Smith says, if for no other reason than their power.

http://www.ncsl.org/programs/pubs/slmag/2007/07SLJan07_Bloggers.htm

I would imagine I could get a lot done IRL with the hours I spend playing MMOs on a nightly basis, but they are my true hobby and not one I plan to give up anytime soon.

Thanks for the great response Kevin.

“…bloggers are not “press”. At least not most of us. I don’t think the answer resides with us actually, I think it resides with the MMO companies themselves. Do they see us as press or not? However inclusive (or not) they want to be in their own definition of “press” will determine whether we, as bloggers, are counted as press for things like betas, conferences, “insider trips” to dev headquarters, etc.”

This directly goes to what you are saying, that there has to be some external recognition. In our context as MMO bloggers, that external recognition would be from developers, publishers, and other gaming sites that we probably do consider press.

If I walk into a hospital and claim to be a doctor, even if I believe it to be so, does that make it true? No. There are educational and licensing hurdles I must have met, and the hospital must recognize my status as a doctor. Those would all be external confirmations of my status as a doctor within the context of the medical profession.

In the context of blogging, I think it’s great if someone aspires to be press. And for some people that may become a reality. But I don’t think we really are unless the game devs, publishers, or gaming “press” think we are as well. Otherwise it just seems like wishful thinking. Is being “the press” a profession, or can it just be a hobby (as most blogging is)?