[creat0]

If Craigslist can assert copyright protection over classified ads and can make people grant exclusive licenses to the ads they submit, then why didn't newspapers do this before the web? Shouldn't there be a nice line of precedent for Craigslist to cite in its Complaint?

I think those web developers who actually think they "own" UGC may be in for a rude awakening if something like this ever goes to trial. As a UGC site they are providing access, and that's all. There may soon come a day when users will not need third party websites in order to provide access to data they want to make public. Web developers should consider themselves lucky if they are running a UGC site and managing to make people believe they, not the users, own the content. Cease and desist letters alleging copyright infringement claims that have no legal basis (where is the case law that says anyone can copyright classified ads?) will only work for so long.