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The Financier - (The Financier)If I post my poems online can someone steal my work and what do I do?
When you post your poems online, there is a possibility that someone may attempt to steal your work. However, there are several measures you can take to protect your poems and respond effectively if theft occurs.
1. Understand Copyright Law: Familiarize yourself with copyright laws in your country to understand your rights as a creator. In many countries, your work is automatically protected by copyright as soon as you create it. However, registering your work with a copyright office can provide additional legal protection.
2. Display a Copyright Notice: Clearly indicate that your poems are protected by copyright by including a copyright notice on your website. The notice should include the symbol ©, the year of creation, and your name. For example: "© 2022 Your Name. All rights reserved."
3. Watermark your Poems: Consider adding a visible watermark to your poems when you post them online. This can deter potential thieves and make it more difficult for them to pass off your work as their own. Watermarks can be created using image editing software or online tools.
4. Monitor for Unauthorized Use: Regularly search for instances of your poems being used without your permission. You can use search engines or specialized plagiarism detection tools to identify potential theft. If you find unauthorized use, document the evidence by taking screenshots or saving webpage URLs.
5. Send a Cease and Desist Letter: If you discover someone has stolen your poems, you can send a cease and desist letter to the infringer. This letter formally requests them to stop using your work and may serve as a warning of potential legal action if they fail to comply. You can find templates and guidance for writing a cease and desist letter online.
6. Take Legal Action if Necessary: If the infringer refuses to stop using your poems or fails to respond to your cease and desist letter, you may consider taking legal action. Consult with a lawyer specializing in intellectual property law to understand the options available to you and to determine the best course of action.
Remember, while these measures can help protect your work, it's essential to be proactive and vigilant in monitoring your poems' online presence. Regularly check websites, social media platforms, and other online sources to ensure your work is not being misused.
References:
- United States Copyright Office - https://www.copyright.gov/
- Plagiarism.org - https://www.plagiarism.org/
- LegalZoom - https://www.legalzoom.com/
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User Comments
Kelly A.
5 days ago
Hello. Most writers are very careful if they are influenced by someone's poetry, and use them as inspiration; but I've gotten my poems stolen, and my short stories, by people in the writing community. There are several people. particularly a woman that finds my work, and copies my stories, poems, and personal experiences. I have since left ALL writing communities/venues because I feel violated. My advice would be, think and feel for yourself, without taking someone else's creative expression. Date all your work, too! And take screen shots. That way, you can prove you've written it first. "They" feel everything online is free game, and they can take what they want. I've had 300 poems stolen off of twitter in 2018, and I'm still finding them in various places. It's frustrating, and sad for me, because they were personal things that happened to me, and about past relationships. Bottom line is, plagiarism is theft. Follow the 3 word rule. You cannot copy 3 words in a row. I found this: Not my words below, it was on a academic site: "If you use three words in a row from another source without proper citation, it is generally considered plagiarism, even if it's a small amount; most academic institutions would expect you to use quotation marks or acknowledge the source for even a short phrase like that." Be careful in posting work online; especially if you have a unique way of writing. Some people just want the praise, and not do the work. Best, Kelly.