According to a number. of. sources, the Associated Press wants more say in how stories are linked, quoted, and generally attributed…the phrase clear standard has been used. We probably aren’t the best people to advise the AP that there really aren’t many standards for bloggers (RSS being the possible exception). Here at Thorn in the Bruin, we intend to fully cooperate with AP’s standards as long as they are reasonable, objective, and policed in good faith (that’s code for don’t send your lawyers to look for us if we accidentally mess up). With that in mind, we recommend that the AP include the following terms and disclaimers for use of their stories:
- Stories are not to be copied near fire, flames or open combustible materials.
- Stories are intended for indoor and outdoor use only.
- Stories should not be quoted while sleeping or unconscious
- Stories may not not suitable for protection against STD’s
- Stories may not be suitable for unborn children
- Stories should not be copied while operating heavy machinery
- AP is not responsible for any choking hazard caused by copied/consumed stories
For the record: We salute AP on making itself a news story.
