As we all know, blogs (and sometimes Craigslist) are the sole reason print journalism is in decline.  And because of all this blogging, they've had to get creative.  Not in doing better research, or having the best writers, but in... let's euphemistically call it "finding alternative revenue sources". 

LOOK WHAT YOU MADE THEM DO JESSE:

""Underwriting Opportunity: An evening with the right people can alter the debate," says the one-page flier. "Underwrite and participate in this intimate and exclusive Washington Post Salon, an off-the-record dinner and discussion at the home of CEO and Publisher Katharine Weymouth. ... Bring your organization's CEO or executive director literally to the table. Interact with key Obama administration and congressional leaders."

The flier promised the dinner would be held in an intimate setting with no unseemly conflict between participants. "Spirited? Yes. Confrontational? No," it said. "The relaxed setting in the home of Katharine Weymouth assures it. What is guaranteed is a collegial evening, with Obama administration officials, Congress members, business leaders, advocacy leaders and other select minds typically on the guest list of 20 or less. ...

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0709/24441.html#ixzz0K81w6sSD&C"

Let's be clear about this, they are saying that for a $25,000 bribe, the Washington Post will 'alter the debate' in lobbyists' favor.  However, they don't use profanity, unlike those foul mouthed bloggers.  And isn't civility what really counts?

(After getting caught, they're cancelling the event and pretending it was all a big misunderstanding.  Also interestingly, despite the promises no Obama administration officials had actually agreed to attend.)