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A five grand bullseye aint much of a target.

Plus the fact that not all are as stupid as they are.

Getting your story and your publication mentioned on FR to hundreds of thousands of people who otherwise would never see it is a plus not a minus.

Indeed. However, aside from the initial advertising benefits that some at Free Republic may realize, please help me understand how this is not a complete disaster for the FAIR USAGE clause ?

Please explain to me how the penalties and remedies that Free Republic has been ordered to pay for losing this case can not be greatly enhanced and expanded next time ? There is no way of protecting Jim and others here from going through this nightmare again that a clear win for FreeRepublic.com would have ensured.

Please explain why freedom is not jeopardized because of this defeat ?

And in case I have not made this obvious, I am happy for Jim that he has had this burden lifted from him but saddened for the cause of freedom by this apparent loss.
Thanks in advance.

B/S. I've stretched the interpretation of fair use to its outer limits. In my opinion, fair use is a very sloppy concept to begin with and the entire copyright fiasco needs a complete overhaul. However, this case has absolutely no affect on those who continue to claim fair use under the commonly accepted interpretation. I can't see how this settlement would affect anyone who wants to issue a new challenge. Just be careful not to bugger up the case with any side issues. Open your website. Post full text copies of all the LAT/WP articles you can find, dissect them, criticize them, invite others to discuss them, but be careful to not ask for donations or do anything that a judge can use against you. Just make sure it's pure free speech and political discussion. You will probably win. You will risk your entire fortune and the rest of your life, but you will probably win - if the Supreme Court decides to hear your case.