It went well this morning. Lots of reporters there, at least 5 TV news cameras; most of the reporters needed to be walked through the story and (of course) what FR is. I think they all pretty much "got it" after a few questions.
Of course, they all wanted to know who MD4BUSH is; but Kristinn explained that it wouldn't be coming from FR without a subpoena and other court-type stuff. All members of FR have a right to their personal information being kept private - even when the Freeper has broken his Terms of Use Agreement with FR, as MD4BUSH did. Basically, if FR gives up MD4BUSH's identity without a fight, then any other Freeper's identity is fair game for "outing." Precedent, or some other legal term.
Kristinn made the point with the reporters that the Washington ComPost violated their own reporting Guidelines, in that they did not know (and are still saying that they do not know) the identity of their source, MD4BUSH. They had only one source for the story, MD4BUSH, and he was anonymous even to them. And, somebody else comes to them with "the keys to the backroom" of MD4BUSH's account on FR, and they take them and do a sneak and peek.
He also made the point that with the ComPost having the login information for the MD4BUSH account, who knows whether it was MD4BUSH or a ComPost reporter that was posting under that user name. Lots of other comments and questions, but I don't have a photographic memory. Maybe Unkl Mike can share his recollections from the press conference, too.
I have photos, but won't be able to upload them for a few hours.
Lead story on WBAL radio news right now.
I shared some of my thoughts a few minutes ago. I will try to write some more as time permits.
Ryan O'Doherty, Communications Director for the Maryland Democrat Party. He's been identified by WBAL, for those who care.