Batesline too hard on World
February 15th, 2005I rarely read the Tulsa World, and have never purchased a copy of the daily newspaper that has dominated the city’s news reporting for so long. It’s not because I abhor the publisher, or feel it is unworthy of respect as a journal for the people it serves. I do. It’s just that I try to avoid patronizing arrogant business practices. But I also believe Michael Bates, of the blog Batesline, is being overly harsh in his criticism of the World’s attempt to squelch the First Amendment rights of thinking Americans. Bates takes issue, in part, with this demand in a letter he received from a Tulsa World big-shot.
The Tulsa World copyrights its entire newspaper and specifically each of the articles and/or editorials at issue. The reproduction of any articles and/or editorials (in whole or in part) on your website or linking your website to Tulsa World content is without the permission of the Tulsa World and constitutes an intentional infringement of the Tulsa World’s copyright and other rights to the exclusive use and distribution of the copyrighted materials.
Therefore, we hereby demand that you immediately remove any Tulsa World material from your website, to include unauthorized links to our website, and cease and desist from any further use or dissemination of our copyrighted content.
(signed)
John R. Bair
Vice-President [sic]
Tulsa World
Sure, this guy’s a jack-ass, but he’s only doing his job. Michael Bates doesn’t realize that Bair is a seasoned newspaper professional. Bair knows the tricks needed to deflect criticism of a publication that can’t stand on its own merit. Tulsa World’s management realizes they are not capable of judging quality news reporting themselves. They even hired a witch to advise them between good and bad.
News on 6 reporter Rick Wells introduces us to a unique position at the Tulsa World. Someone they call the “Word Witch”.
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She says she tries to represent the readers, making sure they can understand what the paper is talking about.
Come on, Michael, lighten up. The Tulsa World didn’t get to be the only daily in town through quality, unbiased reporting and openness to criticism. It took a lot of scheming and legal work to gain the extensive influence over local news the World enjoys today. And besides, they already get accused of more serious shenanigans like making up facts in covering elections. Executive Editor Joe Worley on those charges:
“Actually, we’ve spent a good part of our day looking into that very issue. We subscribe to the AP wire service, and that’s where those numbers usually come from, where they’re supposed to come from. However, as of right now, we have no idea where we got our numbers from.
If you support the right of Tulsa World’s efforts to preserve their professionally crafted opinion dynasty by denying First Amendment rights and criticism from regular folks, contact the paper’s ‘guiding lights’ and give them the support they justly deserve.
World Publishing Company is a privately owned corporation that has published the daily Tulsa World Newspaper every weekday and Sunday since 1905.
Corporate Officers:
Chairman and Publisher
Robert E. Lorton – robert.e.lorton@tulsaworld.com
President
Robert E. Lorton, III – robert.lortoniii@tulsaworld.com
Vice President
John R. Bair – john.bair@tulsaworld.com
Chief Financial Officer
Frank Hawkins – frank.hawkins@tulsaworld.com
Secretary
Harold S. Salisbury – harold.salisbury@tulsaworld.com
Main Office
318 S. Main
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: (918) 583-2161
And tell ‘em Mike sent ya.
February 15th, 2005 at 8:29 pm
Wow. They say you can’t even link to their site? You don’t have to register to see it, so why can’t someone link to it? Any legal scholars out there who can answer this one for us? I could see that if you had to register, and the link somehow got people around having to register, they could have a legitimate complaint. Otherwise, I just don’t see it.
February 15th, 2005 at 10:43 pm
If nothing else I’m pissed at The World for making Tulsa look so backward. It’s not we don’t already have to fight that stereotype and then somebody goes and sends a cease and desist over links! Gimme a break!
February 15th, 2005 at 11:10 pm
Oh yes, you do have to register to see the Tulsa World’s site (past the home page) – in fact, you have to have a paid subscription unless you subscribe to the print edition, which graciously comes with a complimentary pass to the website.
I sent an email to one of their ‘technology guys a couple of weeks ago asking if/when they were going to roll out a password-protected RSS feed. (Even the Daily Disappointment has RSS feeds, for cryin’ out loud.) So far I haven’t received a reply, and I really don’t expect to. They think the subscription site is the wave of the future.
February 15th, 2005 at 11:25 pm
azoidX dug up some good information on the legal aspects.
February 24th, 2005 at 3:55 pm
I think Fair Use applies here.
And regardless, it is the responsibility of Tulsa World, and not netizens, to secure content if they wish for it to be presented in a way other than what the http:// protocol was designed for.
I don’t usually agree with 90% of Batesline posts, but he does have a right to exercise his freedom of speech. It is only fair that he is allowed to quote the targets of his criticism and link to their content.
March 2nd, 2005 at 5:14 pm
I think this whole issue is informative and terribly interesting.
Thanks for the informative and interesting posts.