Is it true that as soon as a post a piece of my poetic work it is automactically mine?

Question

I really love the poetry section but I am afraid to post my work for fear that it may get stolen, since my work is not copyrighted. I have my work in a notebook with dates. PLEASE HELP!

Answer 1

In this day and age, don't worry about your work being "stolen."  In fact, if it happens that someone makes millions off of one of your poems, rest assured knowing that you were the one with the creative genius.  But what are the chances, really of someone "stealing" your poem?  Slim to none, and much closer to the none side.  And still, you and I both know full well that writing poetry isn't a top-dollar paying job in America 2008...

93,

--DH

Answer 2

As a writer and one time top contributor in Poetry, I agree in part with Dragonlady.

   With no offense to you or any who do post there, since I still do, you may notice some balance between people who enjoy the craft and post, hoping...People who do well in the craft, and some who need education in the craft of poetry.

   The category exists, certainly as a place to show ones work, also a place to learn about the forms, the methods, etc., but is also not strictly a place for the MEEK. It is a place where many are critiqued, though usually with validity. If you handle rejection well, your ego doesn't bruise easily, and you can learn from any valid suggestions, then by all means post there. It is not strictly a place where "Scouts" hang out looking for the next Pulitzer winner.

   The issue is pretty simple, albeit immoral, Plagiarism exists. Does that equate to many having poetry stolen? Probably a very low percentage, and the greater issue even if it happens, is tracking any theft, or thief, and doing something about it.

   With tongue in cheek I offer this quote,,,Not mine originally.

   "There is no money in poetry, but then there is no poetry in money either."

Wolf

   Added thought,,, an opinion,,, also as a song/lyric writer.

Song lyrics certainly are "designed" most often to be accompanied by music. A Poem, though also, often lyrical, might be difficult to sing in an original format. That would apply more to poetry that does not end in rhyme.

Answer 3

I go back and forth with it. If it is in your writing and when you post it, it is your poem. The copyright is basically there in the small chance someone tries to steal it. If they do then you would then have the right to sue that person for stealing copywritten work