Yup, the AP will be dead to us, save the occasional link, and that’s that…

That’s ridiculous.

For what it’s worth I think that pricing guide has already been there prior to this latest AP “I hate bloggers” episode.

Thanks for that link, Mike.

And here’s a really great irony - that Tech Dirt article you noted had a link to an AP article out today that mentioned the AP is committed to working with some blogger representative group (that I’ve never heard of) to sort out this issue.

Now - I’d quote from that article, but hell… I didn’t pay for it.  And I could give you a link to read it yourself, but it doesn’t say much… and frankly, screw them. 

“blogger representative group”

Man, I never know there was a rep for us. Now I know where to take all my various complaints about my blogging workplace conditions and other grievances.

The AP doesn’t have the authority to charge bloggers for using small excerpts of articles.  It is covered under US copyright law (and I believe Canadian too) as far use.  The AP has no legal standing to make the claim, it is actually kind of hilarious that they would even try to make the claim.

I’m not handing out legal advice, but if I ran a blog I would just ignore the AP’s threats.

Nice to see a mention of CSTB. After all, the man behind it is also the man behind bringing the best rock band this side of the Beatles—Pavement—to us.

Sure, some other label would’ve snatched up that tape regardless, but hey, he did it, so he gets credit.

Since it’s all on the internet, if someone is really that interested in citing AP stuff, maybe they could repeatedly email them a scanned image of a one dollar bill.

Since no paper is involved…

The AP must be talking with the music industry lawyers on what best way to serve your customers and make them happy.

This move by the AP is the last desperate move of a dying industry.  The AP cannot handle the fact that bloggers help the consumer control their own content and make up their own mind.  The AP grew up in a world in which they owned the content and they decided what you would see and hear.  Those days are over...and they don’t know what to do.

It’s time to start using 4 word quotes.

As John from Austin points out, bloggers can argue that they fall under the “fair use” provisions of sections 107-118 of the Copyright Act. But there are some gray areas in there (which should go without saying since lawyers came up with this stuff).

The AP would probably argue that most bloggers are not reporting “news” so they aren’t using the quoted material as a “summary of an address or article, with brief quotations, in a news report.” Eventually, some judge will have to rule on what is or isn’t acceptable.

Until then, I like Alanah’s approach: screw AP...and the sites that use them.

Okay so what i remember in my brief stint in News Media class (when i wasn’t drooling). I believe i remember that news agencies could quote an ENTIRE article without even giving AP recognition.

Obviously no one does this, however, the question is IF news agencies can quote without “paying” to quote why not bloggers.

Anyhow doing this will create such a major can of worms no one would be able to enforce it.  AP would be spending more money and time trying to track down all their quotes then writing it.

Anyhow doing this will create such a major can of worms no one would be able to enforce it.  AP would be spending more money and time trying to track down all their quotes then writing it.

I like that.  I’d almost be tempted to use AP more, just to see how much poking they’d be able to take.

Heaven forbid bloggers actually drive traffic to the original source.  Bloggers should develop licensing that demands credit and/or compensation for AP stories that take their sources from bloggers.

I find it’s easier just to make stuff up. Everybody knows bloggers are full of crap anyway.

I like that.  I’d almost be tempted to use AP more, just to see how much poking they’d be able to take.

And use four-word quotes, too.  I like that idea.

They wouldn’t know what hit them if they provoke too many bloggers.