This is a story that is an object lesson for mainstream news organizations as well as new media watchers.The fundamental lesson; don't mess with bloggers.The Associated Press sent a letter to several bloggers last week threatening to sue them over AP's definition of "fair use" under the copyright laws of the United States. To say their idea of fair use was narrow, silly, and insulting to bloggers would be an understatement. What AP never bargained for was a war. With lightening speed, petitions have circulated around the internet calling on bloggers and site owners to boycott AP stories. So far, hundreds have signed on with many big bloggers joining smaller ones in the effort.Jeff Jarvis, new media analyst and philosopher, gives it to AP right between the eyes:In Saul Hansell's NY Times report on the AP affair, they only dig themselves deeper, saying they don't want us to quote their stories but to summarize them. That, you see, is the AP way: the mill. That is not our way:...(Read Full Post)