In his Cars! Cars! Cars! Weblog today Brooklyn Bob commented on a Detroit News critique about the "show behind the show." The reporter was referring to auto show media previews in which journalists are plied with lavish free meals and drink and given attractive handouts as each manufacturer endeavors to gain favorable reviews for its products.

All that is true. But as one of those journalists I can assure you there's another side to the story, one that balances the scales. Because media days are not fun, not even with the opportunity to view fabulous cars and interview designers and corporate management in supposedly hassle-free conditions.

The discomfort begins on the outside where Detroit's cold, wind, and snow can make getting to and from one's hotel a miserable experience. Inside, the hall is far more crowded than you might think, packed as it is with journalists from around the world plus automotive executives and their many show helpers. Each manufacturer is allotted time for a presentation on their own display stage but the number of seats is limited and unless you arrive early you'll be jammed into the SRO area with hundreds of other writers and photographers, straining to see and hear and avoid being pushed aside by someone looking for a better vantage point.

Trouble is, if you remain behind for a closer look at the just-launched vehicles plus a few words with the key executives, there's no time to grab one of those chairs at the next manufacturer's presentation. After a while, comfort becomes more important, for these events weigh you down. Halfway through the day your back's tired, your legs ache, and all you want is to get out of there and grab a couple of stiff ones at a nearby pub. Three days in a row of that and you're ready to hunt for a new career.