Copyright?

ThorneHopeThorneHope Posts: 40
I've been thinking about this thread for a little bit now. I'm surprised with all the talented people on this board,no one has addressed it yet. A few years ago I went through the process of copyright as a learning experience more than anything. I had been posting stuff on my aol webpage for a couple years and I guess the thought never crossed my mind that somebody could rip me off. Nobody did.... as far as I know. But I had a brother-in-law who was in a band who had some of his songs stolen. And it got me to thinking. So I did it so I would know some of the process and how long it took. For "Footprints" it took nearly 9 months before I got my official paperwork. I also learned that its better to copyright a "collection" rather than one poem at a time. You pay the same for one poem as you do for a "collection". I figured I'd visit the copyright office to see how much it is nowadays. Here is the link ---> http://www.copyright.gov <---The fee is set to go up in July. If you've been toying with the idea lately, I'd suggest you get a "collection" together and submit it ASAP. It will keep other people from slapping it on a greeting card or something... Visit the website at any rate. You will learn something even if you decide not to copyright. The bottom line being you get paid for your stuff. I've noticed there are alot of "lurkers" on this board too. You never know who's looking on. My brother in law was surprised to hear his lyrics in somebody else's song...but there wasn't much he could do about it. My dad used to do things the "cheap" way. He would send himself (he was an inventer) a registered letter and not open it. You have some copyright just by putting your stuff on this board because of the date and time stamp. But if you think you have some really good stuff, its best to mail it off (get the postmark) and share a few days later. All of the stuff I've posted here is stuff that's already been seen or has copyright on it. I guess if something of mine got nicked I would be torn between wow, you thought that was good enough to damn, you coulda had that for a little something to pay my bills. I think I'm pretty safe being able to prove its mine though. Its all about money. Anyway the more informed, the better off you are.
~ThorneHope
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • ThorneHopeThorneHope Posts: 40
    Thought I'd bump this up again just in case anyone missed the info...
    ~ThorneHope
  • Biggest WaveBiggest Wave Posts: 686
    ThorneHope wrote:
    Thought I'd bump this up again just in case anyone missed the info...
    ~ThorneHope

    I don't think anybody really cares. Hence no responses.
  • JamalJamal Posts: 2,115
    ThorneHope wrote:
    Thought I'd bump this up again just in case anyone missed the info...
    ~ThorneHope
    Thanks, I had already read it, but still.

    I wonder though if it's worth registering(at least what I wrote/am writing).
    You know ?
    Surf little waves big... Charge big waves hard

    - Antwerp '06, Nijmegen '07, Werchter '07
  • ThorneHopeThorneHope Posts: 40
    Well right now it costs $30 and is set to go to $45 next month. Bottom line is do you think your stuff could get ripped off? If there's something you're extremely partial to, I would do it. This way it not only ensures you get paid, but also gives you credit for writing it. I would do a collection though. Its cheaper.
    Good Luck!!
    ~ThorneHope
  • Nothingman54Nothingman54 Posts: 2,251
    I post everything on poerty.com and its copyrighted in my name.
    I'll be back
  • JamalJamal Posts: 2,115
    I post everything on poerty.com and its copyrighted in my name.
    You did say something about that, but I checked it out...
    Think it's kind of expensive

    but hey, you're a really good writer/poet, so maybe it's worth it for you.

    Maybe, the people on this board should check it out as well
    Surf little waves big... Charge big waves hard

    - Antwerp '06, Nijmegen '07, Werchter '07
  • Nothingman54Nothingman54 Posts: 2,251
    Its free. Does not cost a thing to post your poems on poerty.com
    I'll be back
  • JamalJamal Posts: 2,115
    Its free. Does not cost a thing to post your poems on poerty.com
    Ow, crap, I was checking out "poetry.com" .....
    Surf little waves big... Charge big waves hard

    - Antwerp '06, Nijmegen '07, Werchter '07
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