picture this....

[pixelmonkey]

i've been thinking about something. when you post code, about everyone and their brother can view it, hack it, alter it, chew it up / spit it out, impress their friends, and lie to the world! ahhh the joys of the www! i was watching a movie the other night and found an interesting point of a poor man's copyright that if used right can destroy! what i'm talking about is after completing an online program (html, javascript, java, php, cgi, anything!) print a hard copy of the completed code and mail it to yourself! the mailing date proofs the copy to be your own <just dont open it!> and when you are out and about surfing the web and you see microsoft using your code almost line for line, DO what any rights happy american does and visit a court! the one sad part is the simple fact that most of the hacked and re-used code on the web is on such sites that arent worth anyones time!

the dilema continues
chris<pixelmonkey>:monkey:

[JohnM]

Actually, I heard that American Copyright doesn't protect layout or design, just content....not sure if it's true.

[Jacob]

I've heard of this same practice being done chris (printing out a copy, mailing it to yourself as proof)

I'm trying to remember where I heard it from... hmm...

[Dave Swift]

People using other people codes against their wishes don't always know that they are doing wrong, though.

For example, if someone takes a code off someone's site, removes all the identity of the person who wrote the code and then uses it on his/her site.

This person is doing wrong, and he/she knows it. But say that person then gives the script to a friend, claiming he/she wrote it, and the friend puts the code on his/her site, would that friend be in the wrong?

[Dr. Web]

With todays litigitious-prone society, I would be sure that lawyers would help anyone to sue for rights protected websites (provided there was a lot of $$$ to be made).

However, car designers have long since copied each others makes and models......

vw jetta=audi something or the other...
honda passport=isuzu rodeo
eagle talon=dodge lazer=mitsubishi eclipse

I think content however is a much more legit issue. Writers often use the 'mail to myself' method as ONE way to try to protect themselves. They also register their work with certain agencies.

Just imagine trying to surf through, and police up all the 'copycats' you found? No thanks!

Most of you here are trying to do such a good job on your work, that anyone doing a quick copy of it will only end up with a cheap 'frontpage' imitation anyway. Let the results speak for themselves!

[TheKman]

Copying is the highest form of flattery!

[pixelmonkey]

Originally posted by TheKman
Copying is the highest form of flattery!

i now know who the Kman really is!!! he is Larry Flint!


the monkey is right! isnt he?
chris<pixelmonkey>:monkey:

[TheKman]

NOT!

[whkoh]

Yes. You can copyright your site. But the problem is finding the code when the person uses it(without authorisation).