I want to put some written works on a web page, how can I protect my intellectual property?

I want to publish some stories but I thought that putting some shorts on a web page would be a great way to help develop interest in myself. I was thinking over the complex problems associated with protecting my work so that no one can steal it. Keep in mind I would prefer a simpler method over the more complex ones, but I would also want to keep my own work protected.

> Something I read that Stephen King does in order to cheaply copyright his work is mailing it to himself.

this method has no legal standing whatsoever, and Stephen King can certainly afford the best attorneys to advise him.


OK, here is the answer:

You can't absolutely keep people from copying it, you can only hope to deter and prosecute if infringed upon.

So register the copyright if that is important to you, and monitor for infringements.

see copyright,gov and chillingeffects.org for details.

I would assume anything with a date stamp and your name as author would work to prove authenticity if you have issues later with someone stealing it. Perhaps an email of the story with yourself labeled the author. Or possibly a notarized copy stating your the author of the works you wish to place on your website.

Something I read that Stephen King does in order to cheaply copyright his work is mailing it to himself.

This way, your work is officially postmarked and dated by the government. It proves it is yours, and there is a record of it. Then you can post it wherever you please.