Reader Mail

Subject: Writer's Chat

I came across your chat room and found it very informative and easy to use, unlike the few others I have "tried". I spoke to a young person with a dream to be an artist or writer and he/she was discouraged. I hope our conversation helped. I think you are providing a great service. Thanks.

Kitt
renegade@primenet.com

Dear Kitt,

Thank you for offering encouragement to other writers in our onlne chat community!

Subject: Copyrights/Plagiarism Question

I am worried about submitting my work to an online venue-- how can I be sure it won't be stolen and just posted somewhere else? If someone does steal it, do I have any protection if it's on the Internet??

J. Rudell
Boston, MA

Dear J. Rudell:

One of the common misconceptions about copyright law is that it is fundamentally different when dealing with Intenet issues. The protections of U.S. copyright law extend to all work, whether it is printed or published on the Internet. Only the medium is different. You own the copyright to your article and have the right to pursue violators under U.S. law (including informing the offender's Internet Service Provider of the violation), whether the violation occurs in print or on the Internet. You own the copyright to your work, unless you have sold it. Writers Write, Inc., for example, takes a very aggressive stance against copyright violators; we have absolutely no tolerance for people who steal another writer's work. These two articles can help you with the subject of copyright. Click here to read "Basic Copyright Concepts for Writers" and click here to read "A Novice Writer's Guide to Rights".

-- The Editors

Return to the May 1999 issue of The IWJ.