C is for Copyright

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobsters

It really gripes me when people copy my blog posts, even when they give credit to me. Whether I have a copyright notice or not, it's my intellectual property, and there are definite copyright laws that define "fair use". Stealing my words to make your blog look smart isn't fair use by any stretch of the imagination. Some of my blogs like the Blood-Red Pencil, because they include more than one author, carry this copyright notice:

© 2008-2011 Blood-Red Pencil Authors

The contents of these pages, including text and images, are the sole property of the authors and may not be used, reproduced, or reposted in any manner without written consent. All rights reserved.

What I'd really like to say is more akin to this:

You steal my text or pictures, I'll have my attorney send you a bill. I don't run cheap. If you don't pay up, I'll send Guido to take care of the problem. Get my drift?

But that brings up another C-word. Civility. Be glad I have manners.