If you’ve read my blog before, you might remember a post where I liken blogging to a raid on my unmentionables. Even though there’s nothing to find in my secret drawer, I think the process lends an air of vulnerability. Especially as we sift through our personal and professional lives trying to find those golden nuggets of writing wisdom.
So, I’m bringing back this reference because my mom and sister have both expressed concerns about the possible thievery from my readers. My family worries that someone will come to my blog and steal my words right out from under me like Lindsay Lohan at a jewelry shop. I appreciate the love and concern. Yes, Ma, I’m eating my veggies (pops a FunYun into my mouth) but I’m not sure how much I should worry about this panty drawer thievery.
It’s not as if I’m posting huge chunks of my book. I have silly blogs about my opinions on writing and my writing exercises—photo challenges. I can't even get my stuff published. So how would anyone else?
To humor them, I did a bit of research. I’m not a research gal, so I didn’t get too far into copyrights, internet searches, blah, blah, blah. That kind of talk needs to be written in crayon for this girl to understand—green preferably. I have kind of a lackadaisical attitude about this, but maybe I should take it seriously. Maybe I should stand guard, slap that hand before it reaches inside my drawer.
What do you think? Do my mom and sister have valid concerns? Have you thought about it before?
10 comments:
Good post! You know, I wouldn't be as concerned about your blog (though yes, if your ideas are amazing then maybe limiting what you post is a good idea) but I would be very cautious with who you choose as a beta tester. I've seen some bad things happen from that perspective. Good luck:)
No worries, Lindsay. I don't have amazing ideas. lol. When I get some, though, I'll keep those suckers to myself like Gollum and his ring. "My precious!"
I wouldn't worry too much. Yes there are those that have others repost their entire blog, but if you use google alerts you can find them. And I don't think it's all that common. As for your work? I personally don't post my own stuff online UNLESS I am putting it there knowing it's only for the internet. Not really because of thievery, but more because of what's considered "published" work and a few other things. I'm babbling. :D
I think if you would spend half as much time writing your book as you do blogging and twittering those last 10,000 words or so would be done. Oooh, I know hearing that stings! By the way, send me some stuff to look at!
Wyatt, ouch...salt in my already gaping wound. Thanks. hahaha. You busted me.
Just so you know D, I think I am a bet tester no? I will do everything in my power to publish your books in my pen name. I will keep that undwraps for now. Oh and I do not plan on sharing all your, oh I mean my riches with you. Mwaaaahahahaha...ah
I wonder how the publishing thing works with blogs. Can they take your stuff if it's already considered published on your blog?
I haven't really given this much thought either. I would think that others here would just be supportive and know how hard we all work and do their own work. But I know that there are some people out there looking for the quick bucks.
I looked this up not too long ago when I was looking into copyrighting my book. Even without a copyright the laws do protect you as the writer so if someone were to cut and paste your work you do have legal recourse.
What I usually do is post part of the first chapter and keep the details on the main plot line vague as I blog. Especially if the plot ideas and details are epic. :)
Good post and an interesting discussion. At least one can prove a blog posting by date etc and do the old 'cease and desist' thing! I will post the odd short story but other more major WIP will be excerpts and a few hints.
Post a Comment