Ban the AP


Apparently, the AP does not get digital.

They do not want people quoting their stories, despite the fact that such activity very clearly falls within the fair use exception to copyright law. They claim that the activity is an infringement.

A.P. vice president Jim Kennedy says they will issue guidelines telling bloggers what is acceptable and what isn’t, over and above what the law says is acceptable. They will “attempt to define clear standards as to how much of its articles and broadcasts bloggers and Web sites can excerpt without infringing on The A.P.’s copyright.”

Those that disregard the guidelines risk being sued by the A.P., despite the fact that such use may fall under the concept of fair use.

Now, following on a very good post by Jeff Jarvis (FU AP), TechCrunch has announced a new policy on A.P. Stories:

So here’s our new policy on A.P. stories: they don’t exist. We don’t see them, we don’t quote them, we don’t link to them. They’re banned until they abandon this new strategy, and I encourage others to do the same until they back down from these ridiculous attempts to stop the spread of information around the Internet.

Michael, I'm with ya 100% and I encourage everyone to do the same.

Ban 'em ... Stop using the Associated Press until they wise up.

An alternative is what Jeff's suggests:

So let’s fire back. I urge bloggers everywhere to go to the AP and reproduce a story at length in solidarity with Cadenhead and Drudge Retort.

Also fine with me, but I think

FU AP and AP, hole, dig
Jeff Jarvis

Here’s Our New Policy On A.P. stories: They’re Banned
Michael Arrington, TechCrunch

The Associated Press to Set Guidelines for Using Its Articles in Blogs
Saul Hansell, NYTimes.com

AP faces copyright row with bloggers
Jemima Kiss, guardian.co.uk

Associated Press: In a hole, still digging
Matthew Ingram

Here's where it all started ...

Oh No They Didn't!
On the Media
April 25, 2008
Eight of Ohio's top newspapers are sharing content in a cooperative effort called the Ohio News Organization, or OHNO. The arrangement will allow the papers to sidestep the AP. Could this system be a lifeline for struggling news organizations? Is it the end of the scoop as we know it? Cleveland Plain Dealer Editor Susan Goldberg explains the papers' decision to collaborate.