Copyright?

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