What the AP and The New York Times' Hansell don't seem to realize is how hostile an act it is to send lawyer letters to individuals. They have armies of attorneys. We bloggers don't. The mere act of sending us a letter can cost us money out of our own pockets. Sending a lawyer letter is an assault.

Saul tweaks me about having a conversation first: "Mr. Jarvis, in particular, often talks about blogging as a conversation. It seems like the A.P. wants to talk, and many bloggers would prefer a temper tantrum to a discussion." Saul, I don't think you're cut out for a career as a playground monitor, for you don't have the most basic skill of the job: recognizing who started it. The AP sent its lawyer letters. It declared war.

And so, Saul, I'd say you should pose this to the AP: Why didn't it start a conversation an open conversation before starting war?

Patterico also defends the flanks.