This unconfirmed report of threats aimed at preventing people from talking to local bloggers, or else risk their ability to be written about in the N&O, comes from a reputable source. I do not know the reality of this situation, but it is sad that these claims seem plausible:

Speaking of the N&O (and let's just go ahead and throw in the TBJ since they have thrown themselves into this situation as well), I will inform all of you--especially those who are considering applying for a contributor position here--that it has come to my attention that both publications supposedly consider Raleighing to now be a threat to their business. Several of my best sources have pleaded with me to refrain from posting insider information as those publications have apparently stated that they will not feature content that has first been made public on Raleighing.com. I, of course, have not been able to 100% substantiate this information, but the fact that more than a few of my sources have independently approached me with the same request is quite curious.

I absolutely will not claim that our local news providers are taking such aggressive moves towards newsworthy items for our area. This would certainly not be what I personally would consider to be fair practices. I mean, come on, Raleighing has never been about making money from this information. We're just trying to keep all of you, my beloved neighbors, informed. We're just trying to do our (ok, my... for now) part in making this perfect city the kind of place we all know it is and can be.