If I put my original writing online, is that considered 'published'?

Question

Say, for example, I put up my original fiction, such as poetry or a short story, on a website such as livejournal or myspace, is that considered 'published' writing? Or is it only considered 'published' if it's out in print, like a book or something?

The reason I ask is because of a writing contest says it doesn't want unpublished works, and I'm trying to figure out if the poems on my LJ are published or not. >.<

jak

Answer 1

Nope.

Answer 2

I don't think this is what the contest wants, but ...

Publishing is the process of production and dissemination of literature or information – the activity of making information available for public view. In some cases, authors may be their own publishers.

Traditionally, the term refers to the distribution of printed works such as books and newspapers. With the advent of digital information systems and the Internet, the scope of publishing has expanded to include electronic resources, such as the electronic versions of books and periodicals, as well as websites, blogs, and the like.

Publishing includes the stages of the development, acquisition, marketing, production – printing (and its electronic equivalents), and distribution of newspapers, magazines, books, literary works, musical works, software and other works dealing with information, including the electronic media.

Answer 3

Your statement about building the Church on the bible fails because there was no bible other than the septuagint OT that Christ and the Apostles used. The bible wasn't put together until the 4th cent. The Rock was Peter, you can't change Christs choice in that matter. Christ never wrote a book, or instructed anybody to read one, that is a protestant innovation. They are the ones who decided to build their churches on the bible. The oldest writing that has survived the persecutions is a letter by Ignatius of Antioch, I believe. Around the year 107, he wrote about the already strong and living Catholic Church, and he called Her by name. These answers about wandering Jews and early protestants are simply fantasy that bear no resemblance to actual history. Pax Christi Edit; You are correct, the Church described in the NT is still here, still breaking the bread on the first day, and still accepting the reality of the real Presence. The Romans and the Jews first called us Christians, they intended it to be a derogatory named but we took it anyhow. We are the pillar and bulwhark of truth that St Paul described to Timothy, the Holy Catholic Church.

Answer 4

Writing contests usually address that in the rules. Some consider that "published" and some don't. Sometimes they make a difference between publishing it on your own web site or having it published on a "fiction" web site with lots of other authors involved...

Contact them and ask for clarity.

Answer 5

Yes it is considered published unless your journal is friends only.

ALSO, mailing yourself your manuscript is a poinltess effort. See quote below:

Myth #6: "Poor man's copyright" is an acceptable alternative to registration. Writers are often told that sealing a copy of their work in an envelope, mailing it to themselves, and retaining the envelope unopened (a.k.a. poor man's copyright) is a reasonable alternative to official copyright registration, since it proves both ownership and the date of creation.

However, while this might possibly be useful in a court case (though more likely not, since poor man's copyright is so easy to fake: you could have mailed the envelope empty, and filled and sealed it later), it does not provide legal protection in countries where official registration is a prerequisite for filing an infringement suit. Where registration is an option, there is no substitute. Don't waste your time with poor man's copyright

SEARCH: copyright myths . . . there are a lot of websites and they all say the same thing. Mailing yourself your writing is a waste of time, energy, and postage.

Answer 6

This is a little off the topic, but I wanted to give you the information about copyrighting just in case you didn't know. If you want your poems to be copyrighted, mail them to yourself, and do not open the envelope. The stamp that they put on it at the post office is the date of the copyright, and that way you have proof that your work is original and if anyone tries to steal your work, you have the evidence to support your claim.

Answer 7

no hun that would make you a budding author your just placing it out there for people to see but its a start you could also get protection on your writing to be safe from copy write with a licence but there is a website that can help you publish you writings in a book
http://www.lulu.com i hope it works for you

Answer 8

Technically? Yes and no. Yes, you are published "online", but no you're not *published* in real-life.

Answer 9

Short answer: No, not technically and in the traditional sense.