Plagiarism on This Site - Writers Forum

mach5 · 01-03-2006, 07:41 PM

How do you guys protect yourselves from plagiarism on this site? I assume little can be done when asking people to look at your work on the internet.

Icywind · 01-03-2006, 07:44 PM

Actually, I believe that most everyone on this site are honest, and fair writers.

But of course, there are some bad apples in the batch....so here's my suggestion.

If you have something that you're about to send to a publisher or contest...don't post it.

But if you have a write that isn't going to be needed soon.....post it, and maybe somone will help you critique it.

Talia_Brie · 01-03-2006, 07:54 PM

If you're really concerned about protecting work that will potentially be published, there is a protected section a little further down the page (Writers Workshop). Apply for membership there. It'll mean there's limited access to it, and it only stays on the board for 30 days.

Ben · 01-03-2006, 07:57 PM

I could be wrong, but anything you post up here is automatically copyrighted. Your work is protected, I think. Though maybe someone else should clarify that...

Icywind · 01-03-2006, 08:07 PM

Actually, anything a writer has written in the U.S is immediately copyrighted.....a weird, but possibly helpful law.

But to be safe...if you truly value the work....then have it registered at a copyrighting site....I don't know the URL though..

cellardoor · 01-03-2006, 11:40 PM

yeah, copyright is nice enough, but if someone takes your story and gives it to their english teacher, what can you do? just a risk you gotta take.
and NO, we shouldn't put up any weird security measures. let the kid turn in your work, just hope he tells you the grade.
haha. i might be the only person who would be ok with that.

Dresdor · 01-04-2006, 01:49 AM

I'm not worried about it. If the case is ever argued, I know far more about the world and characters of anything I write than anyone has a right to know or anyone stealing the work would know. I'm fairly sure I could convince the court that the work is mine.

That said, I also show almost everything I write to my family and friends, so they can verify that I have indeed written it.

CompassRose · 01-04-2006, 02:39 AM

I recently found a Web site that searches the Internet for copies of any Web page. It's called CopyScape and can be found at http://www.copyscape.com

Type in any URL and it searches the Net for other Web pages with the same text. Very useful for helping protect original content. If your stories have been posted anywhere online, you can check to see if they've "accidently migrated" elsewhere.

For information on US copyright law, vist http://www.copyright.gov/

Joanne
http://www.compassrose.com

Stewart · 01-04-2006, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CompassRose

For information on US copyright law, vist http://www.copyright.gov/

Let's not forget we are probably more interested in international copyright law.

CompassRose · 01-04-2006, 01:17 PM

You're right, Connor Wolf; and international copyright is usually handled by treaties:

http://depts.washington.edu/uwcopy/C...ht_Law/Key.php

This shouldn't be taken as legal advice, but my lawyer once told me a good way of establishing date of authorship is to mail yourself a copy of the manuscript, either complete or in stages as you work on it. Don't open it when it's returned to you; the postage cancellation stamp can serve as evidence in your favor.

Mike C · 01-04-2006, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Connor Wolf

Let's not forget we are probably more interested in international copyright law.

In which case refer to the Berne Convention (but set aside 3 days to read it).

mammamaia · 01-05-2006, 02:01 AM

Quote:

This shouldn't be taken as legal advice, but my lawyer once told me a good way of establishing date of authorship is to mail yourself a copy of the manuscript, either complete or in stages as you work on it. Don't open it when it's returned to you; the postage cancellation stamp can serve as evidence in your favor.

sorry, but if your lawyer told you that, he shouldn't be practicing law!... or should at least admit he knows nada about literary law... that is an old wive's tale that should have died a well-deserved death long ago... it is not accepted as proof of anything in a us court, other than that you wasted the postage and paper... however, it IS a good idea to save your earliest notes and first draft, in case anyone does claim authorship of your work, as you'll be the only one who can show the development of the piece from idea to finished product...

for info on that and all the REAL skinny on copyright law go to:
www.copyright.gov

CompassRose · 01-05-2006, 12:27 PM

Quote:

sorry, but if your lawyer told you that, he shouldn't be practicing law!... or should at least admit he knows nada about literary law...

Hi Mammamaia,

Thanks for your post. Like I said, just passing on what I was once told (admittedly, it was ages ago). The lawyer had successfully defended an associate in a copyright lawsuit down in Texas, so I never thought to question the statement. After reading your post, I looked it up online and a "poor man's copyright," as it's often called, doesn't hold much water in the US if it's the only proof you offer, but it may work in other countries. Still, best not to trust it then, eh?

poetrykid16 · 01-05-2006, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cellardoor

yeah, copyright is nice enough, but if someone takes your story and gives it to their english teacher, what can you do? just a risk you gotta take.
and NO, we shouldn't put up any weird security measures. let the kid turn in your work, just hope he tells you the grade.
haha. i might be the only person who would be ok with that.

In that case want to do my term paper for my college classes? If you don't care?J/K!

mammamaia · 01-05-2006, 07:28 PM

rose... it does hold some weight in the uk... but, as i said, none in the us, as you can see on the government site... m