We know that Google can usually differentiate which content was out there first, so we should still get credit for our original work posted before the copy. But, that isn't a guarantee. Also, some sophisticated setups are getting the copy automated from our feeds, thus it appears within a very short hour or so. Whether we are getting the search engine clout from our writing or not, we do not want copies out there just on principle.
You can register your blog posts with MyFreeCopyright.com, assuring a dated protective entry is made to document your first rights to the work. Here's how it works:
- You write and publish the post in your blog.
- MyFreeCopyright.com gets the RSS feed and the copy.
- A digital fingerprint of the entire text is created.
- A unique number is assigned to the fingerprint and recorded.
- You receive an email with the recorded number, fingerprint and text.
Remember, this is all automated, so you're only doing what you did before, writing your post. What does this digital fingerprint number look like?
7292db00ce68e4aed034cb5bc37b8381f650dfef5d942971587641668e146e3e
All of the detail of your post, date, time and text is coded within this number. You should set up a rule or filter to automatically save the email you receive in a safe place. Once your posts are being tracked, you can get the code to display an image on your site like the one you see here. If a visitor clicks on the image, they are taken to the site and can verify your copyright for every post.
This site doesn't enforce your copyright, nor do they provide legal services. It's just a recording of your rights. However, you'll find that many people don't understand the law, thinking that giving you credit allows them to copy your work. That is not the case, and sending them a notice with a link to your recorded copyright will get them to remove their copy in some cases. After that, it's a lawyer, I'm afraid. Protect your blog copyright now.
