With the National Rifle Association's 2008 Meetings & Exhibits in Louisville, Kentucky only wrapped up a couple of hours ago, it's not really possible for me to put a definitive "wrap" on the happenings. It is perfectly accurate, however, to say that while there weren't any world-changing products introduced, the importance of this year's meetings were absolutely not lost on anyone.

First, attendees seemed thoughtful and reflectively aware that when the next NRA Show takes place in Phoenix, Arizona, there's a chance the political and legal climate of the country may have shifted. The fervent hope of the 50,000 or so people in Louisville is that it will not have shifted to the left to the point they will feel that Phoenix may be a siege and not a celebration like Louisville. It was a common discussion topic from the celebrity and high profile attendees right down to the service folks cleaning up the eating areas.

The celebrities in attendance were fewer than in other instances, but one, Colonel Oliver North of Fox News seemed ubiquitous, appearing in sessions, speaking at dinners, and signing books. In the NRA world, there's not much doubt as to the most popular news-guy out there. Speaking with him, there's very little reason to wonder why. He is, quite simply, a thoughtful, mannerly gentleman who's concerned about his country.

He watched over us. Oliver North appeared in image and person throughout the NRA Show.

There were other celebrities in attendance, but the book signing lines proved pretty clearly that the NRA faithful considered Colonel North the favored spokesman.

Speaking of the NRA faithful, it would be absolutely wrong not to recognize a longtime figure in the firearms industry who has been perhaps the most faithful attendee ever. Roy Jenks, best known as the author and historian of all things Smith & Wesson was in attendance again this year. Jenks was attending his fiftieth NRA Show – there's little reason to wonder why he's widely regarded as one of the definitive experts on firearms, especially Smith & Wesson firearms.

Roy Jenks, 50 NRA Shows and counting.

But for me, it seems the group that most shows that the firearms industry may finally be "getting" the idea that traditional ways of reaching people might not be the best way of reaching the firearms audience of today – and tomorrow. During his remarks on dealing with the media, North encouraged the audience to "go check out the blogs – go see what people are thinking and saying." And it's true, the "blogosphere" was a phrase tossed out like it was nothing – and the NRA took what I think may be one of the most daring steps by the firearms industry to reach out to the new media.

There were plenty of main line media folks in attendance. But there were also credentials bearing accredited titles that were getting more than a few double-takes from attendees and fellow writers as well. After all, Snowflakes in Hell, Say Uncle and Bitter (won't write the whole title), were there this year as well. These were the bloggers who for the first time were welcomed as accepted media members.

It was exciting to see people who were enthusiastic, thoughtful, passionate and articulate about guns working in the media area. They were shocked that people wanted to talk to them because they were media members. The ones I spoke with (incidentally, I was honored to have a "Blogger" credential as well as a mainstream one) were some of the most refreshing people I've seen in the industry. Sitting around a table in the media center when they weren't working, it was obvious they knew how to collect, process and disseminate information to their spheres of influence. Universally, they were the first to arrive in the mornings and among the last to leave in the evenings.

The new journalists

Having met them, talked with them, and seen their ardor to support all our individual rights, there's little wonder why many of the new generation consider them to be the faceless voices of the "new firearms community." We're going to be working to keep you aware of these amazing folks in the future as well. Not to keep up with some of what they're saying (although their vocabulary is occasionally a little "colorful" without some editing) would be to ignore a critical segment of the shooting world. It's not all kids, either.

At this point, that's about all I can report. Today, while traveling, we'll be digesting the information and impressions for later.

As always, we'll keep you posted.