snapped shot blog closed indefinitely - Threatened with legal action

March 1, 2008 :: 08:33 am · Filed Under 1st Amendment, Preposterous, bloggers, blogging 

Is this going to be a test case for “Fair Use”? “snapped shot” is often critical of the photographs published and has managed to build a library of what I call “skunk photography” submitted by the AP and other media. Photography that may show the same subject in different settings and subject matter. Clearly staged photographs. Could it be that “snapped shot” has stepped on someone’s toes and the AP is flexing their muscle?

The proprietor of the site has received a Cease and Desist letter from the Associated Press. “snapped shot” offers this description of his site:

Snapped Shot is a site that deals with the criticism of photojournalism. The industry is inaccurate in its reporting, it falls for terrorist propaganda too easily, and in general, the photos that you see presented as “news” on a daily basis are nothing more than fluff. This site has, from the beginning, intended to correct that by presenting specific instances of bias or inaccuracy along with commentary as to why said photographs are inaccurate. I have never drawn a profit from this website, and have never received compensation for any of the “copyrighted” works that are owned by the AP.

Furthermore, I have always been careful to give full credit to the wire photographers who have taken the pictures, and have even interacted cordially with a handful of them.

We have been informed that the Associated Press takes issue with our use of their images on this website, and until I’m able to resolve this matter with them amicably, I’m going to have to take the site offline. -=SOURCE=-

Greg at BVBL asks:

Just how does one provide commentary on the bias, or outright fraud that happens with photojournalists if you can’t provide your audience the picture you are commenting on?

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