I was wondering if the writers among us who already have a website up and running can give me any recommendations on
how to handle copyright issues when posting writing samples on a website. I'd like visitors to my website to be able to click on a tap and access
samples of my published articles, but I'd prefer these articles not to be copied at random (as if there is really any stopping people). Your
thoughts?
Deborah K. Rich
Member going to too few meetings
5/6/07: Response from member Anita Alan:
I suggest selecting portions of your articles
rather than printing the entire piece. Give just
enough of the story to keep the interest of a possible
agent, editor or publisher. There seems to be no
certain way to prevent someone from borrowing what you
place on the web. Best to keep the surfers guessing
about how your story ends.
Also, place copyright statement at the base of your front page.
That way if someone tries to make money on your idea, you have a documented history and
can perhaps handle the situation with a "cease and desist" letter drafted by yourself
or an attorney. If you hear of other means to protect intellectual property, please post
them here. It would be useful for all writers.
Here is one of dozens of sites covering the IP issue.
I have no personal knowledge of it, but the
information looks sound and interesting:
http://www.bpmlegal.com/
Be sure the site you choose is based in the US.
There are IP sites worldwide, and no two countries
offer the same protections. You might use this on your
site, and update it each year: Copyright © 2007,
Deborah K. Rich. All rights reserved. Note: This is just
what I have found helpful. By all means consult an
attorney if you have specific IP issues.
Anita Alan
5/12/07: Additional response from member Mari Lynch Dehmler:
Posting your copyright notice serves as a
reminder that the material is rightful property, not
up for grabs. However, unless you also register your
work with the United States Copyright Office, your
ability to recover damages and attorney's fees in
event of infringement will be limited.
(Federal law requires that this registration take
place prior to infringement.)
The Authors Guild (http://www.authorsguild.org)
and the National Writers Union (http://www.nwu.org)
are two organizations whose web sites offer reliable information on copyright and contracts.
Mari Lynch Dehmler
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