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How many of you submit copy with your COPYRIGHT NOTICE on it?

by gjabiz
8 replies
I'm befuddled.

But that is easy for me, I'm old and get easily confused.

I rec'd copy that had a copyright notice, in fact, one full page of the whole shebang copyright notice you might find in a book...all in the Copywriter's name...

Is this the standard practice these days? I'm out of touch???

Not only that, but a good deal of the copy was already written and used.

I can't remember, but I am old, of ever submitting copy to a client with a MY copyright on it...

So, clue me in...is the newest thing or have I been Ol Rip Van Snoozle??

I'm baffled? HELP PLEASE.

gjabiz
#copy #copyright #notice #submit
  • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
    Banned
    Originally Posted by gjabiz View Post

    I'm befuddled.

    But that is easy for me, I'm old and get easily confused.

    I rec'd copy that had a copyright notice, in fact, one full page of the whole shebang copyright notice you might find in a book...all in the Copywriter's name...

    Is this the standard practice these days? I'm out of touch???

    Not only that, but a good deal of the copy was already written and used.

    I can't remember, but I am old, of ever submitting copy to a client with a MY copyright on it...

    So, clue me in...is the newest thing or have I been Ol Rip Van Snoozle??

    I'm baffled? HELP PLEASE.

    gjabiz
    Its the calling card of an amateur. Copyright is automatic in all countries where the Berne Convention applies (i.e. the "civilized" world). There is no need to stake a claim to copyright. In literary works you might put a reminder - the "c" enclosed by a circle ©.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Once I've submitted to a paying client, that's their copy. They own it. They can rewrite it, throw it away, sell it or use it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tricerra
    When I release material written for a client it is their material. Often when I do a document or report for them I will include a copyright notice if they want it or if the current convention for their niche expects it.

    It seems a little strange that you get a copyright notice on material that you had produced for you and you paid for it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Scott
    Usually when you write for a client the work becomes theirs, not yours.

    I've heard of people "licensing" their copy, but it's not a model I've ever worked with. I figure if you pay me, you deserve to keep what I deliver.

    So what you're going through is, as I understand it, pretty rare. But maybe that's just due to the circles I run in.

    -Daniel
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    • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
      Thanks Daniel,

      But this was copy as part of my copycub wanted...so in fairness to this copywriter, he wasn't paid, I actually rejected his copy...but I think I can see his point of view, sort of.

      Since he wasn't being paid, and in this case the copy he may have felt he needed to protect himself...

      I don't know, just found it odd...I almost didn't even read the copy...but I did, and although it was well written, it lacked salesmanship, that is what I told him.

      Part of the confusion stems from the fact it had so much of my original, or a good deal of it...of the original promotion... I wonder how he came to the conclusion he had to copyright it...

      Anyhow, thanks for all the feedback everyone...

      and as of this evening, we have two pieces we're going to test out of the 10 pieces we've rec'd so far.

      gjabiz



      Originally Posted by Daniel Scott View Post

      Usually when you write for a client the work becomes theirs, not yours.

      I've heard of people "licensing" their copy, but it's not a model I've ever worked with. I figure if you pay me, you deserve to keep what I deliver.

      So what you're going through is, as I understand it, pretty rare. But maybe that's just due to the circles I run in.

      -Daniel
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  • Profile picture of the author WordsofWorth
    Originally Posted by gjabiz View Post


    Not only that, but a good deal of the copy was already written and used.
    This part of what you'd said struck a chord with me. Our business is providing copy for clients' websites, and thus copy has to be unique. Any copy that has been used elsewhere wouldn't do, and we wouldn't accept that (as Google wouldn't accept it either).

    Did you specifically request unique, original copy?
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    • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
      Very little was given.

      The product (which in my mind should have been enough)

      And two examples of copy (neither one the control) and left it at. I don't have a problem with borrowing the copy and pictures, and even using some of the copy, but in my original posts about it, I did ask for unique...not spinning.

      Today, I learned some guy was just playing around with his copy, he sent me a rough draft...wasted my time and his and then challenged on whether or not it should be tested.

      ONE think I've learned through this process is Warrior Copy Cubs have high opinions of themselves...even though their work may suck...

      HEY, I don't know what works...but like most experienced guys who have been around for awhile, we can spot what won't or the red flags that inexperienced put in which draw the attention of the alphabets...FTC, ETC.

      Wild unsubtantiated claims, undocumented or cited research... that stuff flies in the WSO section...but not in the real world.

      I've offended several cubs...but I said up front I'd be brutal. If they accept the rejection, I'm willing to show them the errors. But if they ATTITUDE, well, I just wish them luck.

      It was a chance for a newer person to copywriting to have a way to get their copy tested and to make money if it worked. So far, only two ladies are in the copy rotation and about 10 guys have been rejected...who'd have thunk for an automotive product?

      Most are rejected because of HYPE. And maybe that is what is being taught...I don't know.

      Thanks for taking your time to post.

      gjabiz



      Originally Posted by WordsofWorth View Post

      This part of what you'd said struck a chord with me. Our business is providing copy for clients' websites, and thus copy has to be unique. Any copy that has been used elsewhere wouldn't do, and we wouldn't accept that (as Google wouldn't accept it either).

      Did you specifically request unique, original copy?
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
    I actually have a bit of a charge on this subject... because not only is the copy owned by the client, but the writer's name shouldn't be tied to it at all.

    If I'm writing sales copy for Joe Blow AS Joe Blow and take credit for the work (like including it in my portfolio that Google can crawl), it can undermine his marketing campaign and credibility.

    A copywriter is very often helping their clients develop, refine and redefine their business model and method of communication. If they're being presented as the expert and authority in their market (as they should), but there's someone taking credit for the work (including branding, development, services, etc.) it could seriously damage their reputation.

    This isn't like being hired by Pepsi and using your advertising copy in your portfolio.

    I'm talking about working for solopreneurs who NEED every single ounce of credibility they can muster.

    When you're paid for copy, let it go.

    It's not yours any more.

    And if you want to show it in your portfolio, make sure you ask the owner of the copy whether or not that's okay with them...

    By the way, when you ask if you can exhibit THEIR copy as a demonstration of your work, make sure you help them understand the negatives of doing so. Some clients are so grateful for what you accomplish that they'll give you anything you want... without thinking it through.
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