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So where would copyright power help you most? Scenario: You write a story. A publisher decides to pick it up as a hard copy book, or a movie studio decides to make a movie of it. But someone else claims authorship. If your item was properly registered with the copyright office you'd have far fewer problems fending off thieves.
Another scenario: Somebody (without your permission) takes your material and reworks it into something far different than you intended. The more recognizable your original work remains in the knock-off, the more power a registered copyright may give you to stop or minimize distribution-- or else sue for getting the profits made from the knock-off. At least in most cases except for parodies and the like, which are protected forms of expression regarding knock-offs I believe (How else do you think shows like Saturday Night Live have stayed on the air for decades?).
Copyright notice example for text:
"Copyright © 2005 by John Doe. All rights reserved."
For graphics or photos you would use the above statement too. But if posting such graphics on the web, you might also want to add your web site address, like "johndoe.com". For an example refer to the photos of Shadowfast here.
For real legal teeth to your copyright you must also complete and send in paperwork to the government, along with a copy of the work (two copies if it's already been published).
We can go ahead and link to your material here regardless of the paperwork situation, but please at least consider including the notices in your items.
You can find out by clicking here...(and also send FEEDBACK)