copyright fear of sharing ideas. w/o copyright

[mcvicar]

New to the forum. I was thinking of opening a site just like this, but then figured it would be best to see first if there was one already out there! (duh)

This forum encourages the sharing of ideas, which is GREAT..I love to discuss my projects..especially with those who share an interest in writing with a passion (not something my circle of friends is interested in, so I don't get to discuss it often)

But here is MY thing. I have this constant fear that when I share an idea I'm working on, it will get "borrowed" anyone else feel this way? I would be terrified of posting the concept/premise of my project for that reason alone.


*edit* Whoa..newbie mistake..I guess I should've known this isn't an uncommon fear.

http://indietalk.com:/forum/viewtopic.php?t=951

 

[indietalk]

If you have a brilliant idea, and you are afraid of someone borrowing it, don't share it. Keeped it locked away! If you are looking for feedback, then maybe you're not so sure about your idea, and you will gain something by sharing.

 

[Tine]

I posed the same topic called "reluctant to share" in this section of the forum, the opinions of some people are written there...
I am going to finish my script, and copywrite it before I share it.

 

[wcmartell]

First - you can't copyright an idea (only the *execution* of the idea, ie: the script, story, novel, etc.).

If you don't feel comfortable talking about your idea before you've written your script - that's okay. It's probably better to talk about what *is* (finished script) than what might be, but is still in that dream state.

As far as ideas go - make sure you have a great one. Something that's unique, and also unique to you (ie: personal). The best way to make sure you have an idea that's original and tough to steal is to dig into your own problems and emotions. That doesn't mean write something autobiographical - you need to tell a lie to really find the truth. A story too close to your life is going to be difficult to write honestly. A story that's imaginative and unusual is a safe place to be completely honest - no one will ever guess the Aliens symbolize your parents.

Make sure your idea really is unique, yet also universal enough that we can all understand the emotional situation your protagonist is in.

Here are a couple of articles on ideas:
http://www.scriptsecrets.net/articles/D-h-ina.htm
http://www.scriptsecrets.net/articles/Magnify.htm

- Bill

 

[film8ker]

Something to think about. According to US Copyright law, anything created in “fixed format” which means printed onto paper is covered under law even if it is not registered with the Library of Congress. So, if you have an “idea” that you want to collaborate on, write a short treatment covering what your idea is. Then print it out and keep it, or copyright it for $30, or mail it to yourself certified mail (which is almost as expensive as copyrighting it). Then your idea is covered. Look at the copyright website for more info.

 

[film8ker]

Well, you're mostly right hereticblue. According to the US Copyright website (http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html), "The way in which copyright protection is secured is frequently misunderstood. No publication or registration or other action in the Copyright Office is required to secure copyright. . . There are, however, certain definite advantages to registration. . . Copyright is secured automatically when the work is created, and a work is "created" when it is fixed in a copy or phonorecord for the first time." This site has more information than you ever wanted to know about copyright. Look it up, it's a great resource.

Chris