AP backs down on blogging policy

Summary: Looks like the AP has completely backed off on its idea of holding bloggers to account for quoting their news articles. AP now appears content to have "provided information" to Drudge Retort.

By Richard Koman for ZDNet Government | June 20, 2008 -- 09:36 GMT (02:36 PDT)

Looks like the AP has completely backed off on its idea of holding bloggers to account for quoting their news articles. AP now appears content to have "provided information" to Drudge Retort. Full statement, via PaidContent:

"In response to questions about the use of Associated Press content on the Drudge Retort web site, the AP was able to provide additional information to the operator of the site, Rogers Cadenhead, on Thursday. That information was aimed at enabling Mr. Cadenhead to bring the contributed content on his site into conformance with the policy he earlier set for his contributors. Both parties consider the matter closed.
"In addition, the AP has had a constructive exchange of views this week with a number of interested parties in the blogging community about the relationship between news providers and bloggers and that dialogue will continue. The resolution of this matter illustrates that the interests of bloggers can be served while still respecting the intellectual property rights of news providers."

Topic: Browser

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AP backs down on blogging policy

While it's important that bloggers respect the intellectual property rights of those we quote, it's of equal importance that AP and others recognize the fact that we help drive viewers to their sites by quoting their articles in our rantings and ravings (as long as we provide a link - which I do and we all should).

But!......... Bloggers need to recognize that there is a difference between "quoting" and outright copyright infringement. A paragraph (with a link to the story) is one thing, but just pasting a whole article into your blog is wrong on a variety of levels.

Personally, I don't mind it overmuch on the (somewhat rare) occasions that I find whole pieces from my blog posted without my prior consent. As long as it's in context and a link to my blog is provided, no harm has been done. But I'm not in it for the money. I don't pay my bills with my blog. AP on the other hand is a commercial news service. The articles you find there are their bread and butter. Other sites (Fox, CNN, etc) pay good money for the right to republish AP content. If you wish to republish entire AP articles, then it's only fair that you pay the same as everyone else.

neverhome

20 June, 2008 11:49

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RE: AP backs down on blogging policy

Actually, unless Matt Drudge also has a site for a "Drudge Retort", his site is the "Drudge Report" isn't it? If he doesn't, perhaps he should! ;o)

Red In Blue

20 June, 2008 13:09

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