How do I fix my works with a "modicum of creativity" in a "tangible medium"?

Question

Do I have to go to a plublisher? Can I do it from home?

Answer 1

I take it you are looking to copyright something that you have written or are planning on writing/recording/filming.

Modicum of Creativity = at least a little creative and not a total snoozefest

Tangible = something that can be touched

Medium = paper, CD, DVD, 16mm, 8mm, and VHS tape are all examples of Media (Media being the Latin plural of Medium)

Broadcasting something live over the radio without recording it would not be considered as having fixed what was broadcast in tangible medium no matter how creative the content. While printing a copy of the Declaration of Independence in 12pt Times New Roman on standard white paper would not be considered as having a modicum creativity. (Now if you did it on stone carved in calligraphy and added etchings of the signers' heads around the margin - that would be creative.)

So, be original, but not boring, as to what you write and put it on paper with ink (by hand or by File > Print). Of course you could also dictate it into an audio recording device. No matter what you do, a good suggestion, if you don't use a digital format that provides a date stamp, is to make a copy and mail it to yourself via the post office and then when you get it back - don't open it - the sealed envelope is proof as to the work existing before a certain date as indicated by the postmark.

Related Trivia - J. K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter series in long hand! Last year when they had all those restrictions on carry on items and she was flying home to the UK she threaten to return by boat if they didn't let her carry on her only copy of the last Harry Potter book manuscript. Most writers are not so brave as to have only one copy of their work. Back up often or at least photocopy.

(c) 2007 - An Episcopalian+Anglican
;-)

Answer 2

The definition of "fixed" is in the U.S. Copyright Laws (i.e., Title 17 of the US Code).

--A work is “fixed” in a tangible medium of expression when its embodiment in a copy or phonorecord, by or under the authority of the author, is sufficiently permanent or stable to permit it to be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated for a period of more than transitory duration.

A work consisting of sounds, images, or both, that are being transmitted, is “fixed” for purposes of this title if a fixation of the work is being made simultaneously with its transmission.--

http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#101

In short, the term "fixed" may include any media. Examples include paper, CDs, DVDs, film, and the like.

A work does not need to be published to be considered "fixed." Unpublished works are also entitled to copyright protection.

Answer 3

save the file and it is fixed. make it something more then a list, such as you will find in a phone book, and you have a modicum of creativity.

not really a high bar to cross.

Answer 4

A painting? Already done.
A book? Already done?
Music? Either write the score down on paper or record the music.

Richard

Answer 5

Do the changes at home but any amendment at the publisher must be registered at the Copyright Office so that your work will be protected.