Wholesale Theft of Literotica Stories

[Teenage Venus]

This is where you're wrong. Our stories are not public doman. Read up on copyright laws.

Again, you are absolutely right, Cloudy. But - as in the quoted instance - if you leave property you own where others can steal it, chances are it will be stolen. (It may be your property, and you may have a 'bill of receipt', but that will not stop somebody stealing it - any more than 'copyright' will.)

In the case of the 'Walkman', you would put it down to your carelessness, and probably forget it, and be more careful in future. If it was your Rolls Royce somebody nicked, you would persue it. (And you would surely have taken some precautions to stop it's being stolen in the first case).

The same can be applied to your stories - if they have no great value, and - in effect - you leave them lying around, then it's no great loss, but you may take more care next time.

If your story is a hard-grafted book of 150,000 plus words, you would be more likely to think before you placed it anywhere open to theft. If it was stolen despite reasonable precautions, you would attempt to retrieve it.

Leave your car unattended for weeks in a free, open park - and expect it to get stolen.

Leave your story on a free, open site - ditto.

In BOTH instances you accept the person's generosity in allowing you to park your property.

In both instances you should be aware of, and accept the risks.

In both instances, the chances of recovering them a low.

It is NOT an ideal world. We have to accept that, and weigh up the pros and cons of accepting a 'free lunch'.

"Laurel" is in it to make the site at least pay for its self. Expecting her to 'cut her own throat', by putting in adequate precautions to protect everything, and thereby decimating any income, is unrealistic. It's really a case of 'Don't look a gift horse in the mouth', and 'Looking after your own valuables'.

 

[MarksCorner]

Being an ass

I am not being an ass, I am not an author and I am not very good
with words, and I hope you can understand that.

Now if we was involved in electricity for example I would be in a
different situation cause that is in area I specialise in.

All in all if I sound like an ass please forvive me as I am not trying to be one, I am actually trying to help you all.

Mark

 

[Guest]

If your story is a hard-grafted book of 150,000 plus words, you would be more likely to think before you placed it anywhere open to theft. If it was stolen despite reasonable precautions, you would attempt to retrieve it.

Yep, when you put it like that, I completely agree with you.

I am very careful what I put on "open" sites, even what I post on my own. If it is something I think might be even remotely publishable in print, or whatever, it does not go anywhere near the 'net. I do keep what I consider my best stuff under relative lock and key. For example, there's no way I'd put my novels anywhere online. As soon as they've seen the light of day on the net no publisher would touch them, precisely because they'd be "thievable".

I know, I'm a dreamer, but I do like to hedge my bets.

Lou

Edited to add: that doesn't mean I don't get a smidge tetchy if somebody does take what isn't rightfully theirs, including any of my stories that are online.

 

[MarksCorner]

And showing proof

Now say FOR EXAMPLE I stroll up to litrotica see a story posted
And I send the admin of lit a email and tell him that there is a story posted on his site that is mine and I want it
removed. Is he going to remove it or make me prove it? Keep in
mind he dosent know me from Adam just an email he gets!

As far as the pd goes I personally dont know rather lit is pd or not
but I can browse with no restrictions or even giving an email addy
to gain access. It seems perty public to me!
Mark

 

[Guest]

Re: And showing proof

Now say FOR EXAMPLE I stroll up to litrotica see a story posted
And I send the admin of lit a email and tell him that there is a story posted on his site that is mine and I want it
removed. Is he going to remove it or make me prove it? Keep in
mind he dosent know me from Adam just an email he gets!

As far as the pd goes I personally dont know rather lit is pd or not
but I can browse with no restrictions or even giving an email addy
to gain access. It seems perty public to me!
Mark

Mark, you are arguing around in circles here. Legally, copyrighted stories (as everything here is at Lit, and elsewhere for that matter) are NOT public domain material, so should be treated as such, by all. Ok, it isn't treated with the respect it should be, but that isn't us writers' fault.

Think about it this way, we are providing a service to all, for free. We don't expect to be taken advantage of.

You were in the wrong, you graciously admitted that and rectified the situation. Why do you feel the need to carry on justifying yourself? In my opinion, all you are doing is digging yourself into an even bigger hole.

Lou

 

[Teenage Venus]

I am very careful what I put on "open" sites, even what I post on my own. If it is something I think might be even remotely publishable in print, or whatever, it does not go anywhere near the 'net. I do keep what I consider my best stuff under relative lock and key. For example, there's no way I'd put my novels anywhere online. As soon as they've seen the light of day on the net no publisher would touch them, precisely because they'd be "thievable".

Hmm! Judging from some of your stuff posted, you must have some real treasures under lock and key

Sites CAN be made quite safe - mine is. Several of the members, including me have posted stories for crit, then sold them with no problem. Only one ladies' mag editor queried it. I suggested they try themselves, and get others to try view any protected story on my site, or search for them on searchengines. If he succeeded, I would cry shame on myself - if he couldn't he had to publish. I've since had four stories published in that mag.

As a matter of interest, Lou, if you change the title and one word of the original story freely posted on the web, before submitting it for publication, it is classed as an original work.

 

[MarksCorner]

Again I am not good with words
I am in no hole I am just giving examples of what could happen
as I said I am trying to learn and/or help.

 

[cloudy]

<snip>...As a matter of interest, Lou, if you change the title and one word of the original story freely posted on the web, before submitting it for publication, it is classed as an original work.

No, this isn't right either.

"False. U.S. Copyright law is quite explicit that the making of what are called "derivative works" -- works based or derived from another copyrighted work -- is the exclusive province of the owner of the original work. This is true even though the making of these new works is a highly creative process. If you write a story using settings or characters from somebody else's work, you need that author's permission."

 

[oggbashan]

Copyright warning

I include my own copyright warning on most of my stories and Literotica adds its own.

Most of my 'stolen' stories are stolen complete with the copyright information left on.

Even this post is protected by my copyright rights.

Would I prosecute if you quoted it?

No.

Would I prosecute if you stole one of my stinkers?

No.

Would I prosecute if you tried to pass my stories off as yours?

Yes - if you were trying to make money from them.

Og

 

[Guest]

No, this isn't right either.

"False. U.S. Copyright law is quite explicit that the making of what are called "derivative works" -- works based or derived from another copyrighted work -- is the exclusive province of the owner of the original work. This is true even though the making of these new works is a highly creative process. If you write a story using settings or characters from somebody else's work, you need that author's permission."

Cloudy, I think Teenage Venus meant if I was to change the title and one word of my own stories, not if somebody else was to do it. I really haven't heard of this before, but it is an interesting fact, if it's true.

Then again, I have read in a lot of T&C's on publishers sites they implicitely state that, "No previously published work, whether in print, or on the internet - unless on your own personal site - will be accepted, even if an earlier version was previously published." Words along those lines anyway. I'll have to do some more research.

Teenage Venus, thanks for what you said about my writing!

Lou

 

[Teenage Venus]

False. U.S. Copyright law is quite explicit that the making of what are called "derivative works" -- works based or derived from another copyrighted work -- is the exclusive province of the owner of the original work. This is true even though the making of these new works is a highly creative process. If you write a story using settings or characters from somebody else's work, you need that author's permission."

You 'misundercastumbled' me Lou. (or I didn't make myself very clear):

I meant that if YOU post a story (for critique on a writers' site) on the web. YOU then change the title and one word, it is classed as 'an unpublished work'. (The ORIGINAL is classed as a part work submitted for critique). YOU retain copyright of both - just as I do on the answer I'm posting now - however, where the original posting can NOT be classed as 'previously unpublished work', the SECOND one with the modifications is. (All, providing you did NOT post that on the web too.

If ANYONE ELSE nicked either and changed 75% of it, THAT would still be considered yours UNLESS you gave permission to the 'new' author.

 

[Teenage Venus]

Teenage Venus, thanks for what you said about my writing!

Credit where it is due - if it was crap I'd tell you so .

 

[Teenage Venus]

I include my own copyright warning on most of my stories and Literotica adds its own.

Just a little tip:

If you submit work to an editor for publication, NEVER add your copyright notice to it.

ALL work - emails, this, your note to the babysitter are automatically your copyright - adding a copyright notice immediately marks you as an amature to editors. They are less likely to give it more than a cursory glance.

Before setting my site up a few months back, I contacted a total of 18 editors, and several publishing houses to get info for myself and prospective members. I also contacted a dozen or more published authors for their views. It pays to not only KNOW the law, but how those that use it are likely to interpret it.

 

[oggbashan]

Just a little tip:

If you submit work to an editor for publication, NEVER add your copyright notice to it.

ALL work - emails, this, your note to the babysitter are automatically your copyright - adding a copyright notice immediately marks you as an amature to editors. They are less likely to give it more than a cursory glance.

Thanks for that tip.

I only use the copyright notice on work published on free internet sites - to tell other people that it is my work.

Any work submitted to editors is bare of anything except the story (and is in the format they require - even if I think they are seriously weird in their requirements).

Og

 

[MarksCorner]

Scripts to prevent

There is also scripts available FREE that the admin of literotica
can put in the header or his .htaccass file that stop all copying
of images and or text. He can also hide the source code to
avoid exposer that way as well!!! Point is I dont see any of
this on literotica, 0 protection.
The script can be adjusted so that it doesent affect the members
section where you post and need them utilities when posting.

I do understand that folks shouldnt have to do that and the
copyright at the bottom of a page should be sufficent but we all
know how easily that can be overlooked or ignored completly.
And even the script wont stop it all it will greatly reduce the thefts
and what the hell its free and extremly simple to install.

Again I am not pointing fingers at anyone. So if I worded this wrong
please forgive me it is just something you might want to bring up
to the staff that run litrotica.
Mark

 

[Guest]

Re: Scripts to prevent

There is also scripts available FREE that the admin of literotica
can put in the header or his .htaccass file that stop all copying
of images and or text. He can also hide the source code to
avoid exposer that way as well!!! Point is I dont see any of
this on literotica, 0 protection.
The script can be adjusted so that it doesent affect the members
section where you post and need them utilities when posting.

I do understand that folks shouldnt have to do that and the
copyright at the bottom of a page should be sufficent but we all
know how easily that can be overlooked or ignored completly.
And even the script wont stop it all it will greatly reduce the thefts
and what the hell its free and extremly simple to install.

Again I am not pointing fingers at anyone. So if I worded this wrong
please forgive me it is just something you might want to bring up
to the staff that run litrotica.
Mark

That's useless. I can rip code off pages encrypted with that with ease, and I'm no hacker.

Also, failing that, all that has to be done is for the surfer to hit "print screen".

Lou

 

[Teenage Venus]

He can also hide the source code to

For anyone with a website: The simple script below will stop at least 95% of surfers being able to 'RIGHT CLICK' to check your code OR steal pics or anything.

Just copy and stick it immediately below the first 'BODY' tag. Where it says 'Sorry, you do not have permission to 'right click', you can leave it blank or put any other polite wording like "Fuck off Jack"

<SCRIPT LANGUAGE="**********1.1">
<!-- Begin
function right(e) {
if (navigator.appName == 'Netscape' &&
(e.which == 3 || e.which == 2))
return false;
else if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer' &&
(event.button == 2 || event.button == 3)) {
alert("Sorry, you do not have permission to right click");
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=right;
document.onmouseup=right;
if (document.layers) window.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
if (document.layers) window.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEUP);
window.onmousedown=right;
window.onmouseup=right;
// End -->
</script>

Edit to add: MOST surfers are Americans Lou, and most can barely read, never mind actually figure anything out

 

[MarksCorner]

I said it wont stop it but reduce it. Yes their are ways around it
but you cant hit print screen and print it to another website!
A locked door only keeps an honest man honest.
Besides its more protection than you currently have and just a suggestion
Mark

 

[Guest]

For anyone with a website: The simple script below will stop at least 95% of surfers being able to 'RIGHT CLICK' to check your code OR steal pics or anything.

Just copy and stick it immediately below the first 'BODY' tag. Where it says 'Sorry, you do not have permission to 'right click', you can leave it blank or put any other polite wording like "Fuck off Jack"

<SCRIPT LANGUAGE="**********1.1">
<!-- Begin
function right(e) {
if (navigator.appName == 'Netscape' &&
(e.which == 3 || e.which == 2))
return false;
else if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer' &&
(event.button == 2 || event.button == 3)) {
alert("Sorry, you do not have permission to right click");
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=right;
document.onmouseup=right;
if (document.layers) window.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
if (document.layers) window.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEUP);
window.onmousedown=right;
window.onmouseup=right;
// End -->
</script>

Yeah, that would stop a few, but not many.

It certainly wouldn't stop the determined "rippers". There are many ways around it, for example, all you'd have to do is highlight the text, then hit "Ctrl C". I don't mean to be alarmist, just realistic.

I hope you've got other measures in place, as well as that, if you consider your pages to be completely secure. You must have an embedded instruction to divert the bots from the pages, I presume?

Lou

 

[MarksCorner]

Its More than you got now... So what if it dont stop everyone even
10% would put a huge dent in your thefts!

 

[Guest]

Its More than you got now... So what if it dont stop everyone even
10% would put a huge dent in your thefts!

My thefts? I don't run Lit, hon.

I don't get why you've got such a bee in your bonnet about this. Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying this thread, but... but... the biggest theft that I've ever known of material from Lit ended up on your site.

Colour me confused.

But, please, don't stop.

Lou

 

[Guest]

. . . MANY merely change the name of the story, so you can hunt from now until kingdom come - and never find all illegal postings of even one of your stories. (Most will not have your name on it to trace.). . .

Yes. Many do change the names. But then again, many post them with author's name intact. Bizarre.

At any rate, I always google an unusual sentence or two from my stories. Thieves can change the title and the author but unless they change the entire story I'm going to find it.

 

[MarksCorner]

Maybee that has been discovered I dont know.
My site has only existed for about 6 monthes and I know that lit
has been around a long time before that. And as far as me being
a bee in a bonnet, I personally was put in a very uncomfortable
situation that I dont care to get in again.
Point is I am just trying to help! Cant you accept that????
Mark

 

[Teenage Venus]

I hope you've got other measures in place, as well as that, if you consider your pages to be completely secure. You must have an embedded instruction to divert the bots from the pages, I presume?

Nothing is completely secure. I have an uncle who makes his living hacking into Government sites. (They pay top dollars to his team to continually test hack, then 'fix' loopholes.)

Even CIA and the Whitehouse get hacked at times. It's a continual battle. However, I would say this: Anyone skillful enough to break into my private secure site is MOST unlikely to want to bother. It would be easier to break into most of the bank sites and make some money - either by illegal transfer, or legitimately - by informing the bank of the hack loophole, and fixing it for them.

Whilst NO site is 100% secure, VERY simple precautions will stop bots, and probably 99.95% of the normal computer literrate public from getting access to material.

In my case my site 'trips out' if a portion other than on my gateway page is highlighted. (They have to get past two 'safeguards' to even highlight.) A trace is put on the hacker's origin at the first hack. Any hacker worth his salt will immediately be aware he is being traced, and know his time is limited. At best he will get a few stories, so what's the point!

Now an admonishment Lou. You should never give details of how others can copy from badly protected sites, or any other information to help others steal material or information. Shame on you If they want stuff, let 'em pay, or write it themselves.

 

[Lisa Denton]

Maybee that has been discovered I dont know.
My site has only existed for about 6 monthes and I know that lit
has been around a long time before that. And as far as me being
a bee in a bonnet, I personally was put in a very uncomfortable
situation that I dont care to get in again.
Point is I am just trying to help! Cant you accept that????
Mark

Wow Mark, I been real busy and haven't even looked at this thread lately. If you were not so nice you would be in trouble. You really don't seem to know what you did was not legal, maybe you should check into it.

In one of your earlier posts you said anonymous posted the stolen stories, you are under the mistaken impression that everyone thinks you are not anonymous.

Also in one of your earlier posts you said some of the stolen stories had the copyright left intact.

Your lawyer would shoot you before trying to defend you. Your responsibility, (YOUR RESPONSIBILITY) is to not post copyrighted material on your site.

Lit provides security and open access to our stories. If I copy one of Tatelou's stories and send it to a girlfriend saying "read this, she is hot, go to Lit and check out her stuff and vote on this story" that is access. She could prosecute me, but would not "Would you Lou? Lou? Uh Lou? Come on Lou?" If I copy her story and post it on a site and have on file a signed statement from her that it is o.k then I have followed the law and she cannot prosecute me.

She could do all kinds of things I might like but prosecution without foreplay doesn't sound fun.

You want to help us? You want to help Lit?

Perhaps you should be asking for help.

I am only being nice because you were.