I've talked occasionally about the fact that the lines between mainstream media (MSM) and consumer generated media (CGM) are blurring. Recent news shows that sometimes the two are not always good bedfellows.

The Associated Press recently sent take-down notices to a few influential blogs such as the Drudge Report stating that content which included more than four words of original AP copy be removed from the site as it was in breach of their ‘fair use’ clause and of copyright. When four or more words are used the AP requested that bloggers pay $2.50 per word.

Bloggers fought back, suggesting that use of headline and linking to an article on the AP was driving readership for the company and that the AP was foolishly biting the hand that feeds.

Bloggers pushed for a boycott of news content from the AP, others suggested removing links to AP pieces, reducing AP site traffic, others listed AP pieces that had used their content and suggested billing the AP for the content.

The fracas drove great publicity for the blogging community and bad publicity for the AP. See a great roundup by the Washington post here “AP, bloggers clash over wire content use”. The AP also posted a release suggesting that an agreement had been reached. Unfortunately, the headline includes more than four words so I won’t be referencing or linking to it...oh, ok here it is. And that it is clarifying guidelines for permissible use of its coverage.

It’s clear to see that not only does CGM content challenge copyright issues and business models which can’t keep up with the pace of the online environment, but that bloggers do have a voice, the kind of voice that can effect reputation and affect change.