Ok need help.. how do I copyright things like storys and poems ??

Question

Ok I ask this in the book section and I'm getting no help. So people how can I get my stuff copy-writen so I can publish my books and poems that I'm working on . ???
And does anyone know if the poor man's copyright still is leagle and binding..?? (by poor mans' copyright I mean get a self addressed envolpe and send the material to yourself ) <<
Please Help !!!!!!!

Answer 1

You can do this at the US Copyright Office – see the last 2 links in the source box. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per application.

Despite what others state, a "poor man's" copyright is NOT the same as registering it. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say:

"The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a 'poor man’s copyright.' There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration."

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

In 1964 if I thought about owning the Moon and mailed that Idea to myself and kept that letter until 1969 when man walked on the moon, would they be walking on my Moon? I don't think so. Sometime people have the same ideas so it's BEST to have a patent on your Idea.

Damn I wish I owned the Moon. lol

Answer 3

I did a quick Google search -

http://www.copyright.gov/register/

That should help. It's the government's copyright office.