Copyright Instruction Guide-1

How to Copyright Your Work – FREE Downloadable PDF

How to copyright your work and obtain a FREE downloadable PDF, is a great question.  One often considered by anyone who wishes to protect their intellectual property.  Work completed?  The priority is to keep it safe. The good news is that copyrighting is fairly simple. The U.S. Government  produces a set of forms for this very purpose. These forms guide the creator of the intellectual property through a step-by-step process.  All this makes their work as legally secure as possible.

What Is the Purpose of a Copyright?

A copyright is the artist’s best recourse or weapon for unlawful usage of their property. It is a strong deterrent and often the only defense against infringement.  However, copyrights aren’t protection against theft though.  Surprised?  It is a fact!  Examples of these occurrences are plentiful.  The Vanilla Ice’s 1991 hit song, “Ice, Ice, Baby” included a part of “Under Pressure,” a David Bowie’s song.   Mr. Bowie didn’t receive credit for his rhythmic music.  He sued Vanilla Ice for its usage.  Under the law, these incidences are  illegal acts and often result in financial penalties. The case  settled out of court privately for an undeclared amount of money.

What CAN YOU Protect?

The following list from the United States’ government website,  are the allowable categories of properties:

literature copyrights
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How to Copyright Your Work - FREE Downloadable PDF
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Literature Works (Paper Form TX)

Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Articles, Periodicals

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Performing Arts (Paper Form PA)

Music, Lyrics, Sound Recordings, Scripts, Stage Plays

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Visual Arts (Paper Form VA)

Artwork, Illustrations, Jewelry, Fabric, Architecture

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Digital Content

Computer Programs, Databases, Blogs, Websites

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Motion Pictures

Movies, TV Shows, Video Games, Animation, Videos

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Photographs

News Photos, Selfies, Wedding Photos, Family Photos

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These categories have evolved over time. Categories have expanded based on a demand created by creators of intellectual properties. If you do not see a category that represents your work, call the U.S. Copyright Office and see what they suggest for your property.

U.S. Copyright Office

101 Independence Ave. S.E.

Washington, D.C. 20559-6000

(202) 707–3000 or 1 (877) 476–0778 (toll free)




Copyright Instructions

On-line registration for copyrights at $35 versus downloading or requesting forms and sending them in by mail at $85. Not very long ago, the mail-in options were only $45. The price disparity is unfair for those who do not wish to use the internet.  In their effort to save the environment, many companies are doing away with paper.

First log onto to the U.S. Copyright Office website.

US Copyright logo
Click onto Register a Copyright picture.


This launch will lead to a page for called Electronic Copyright Office or (eCO) Registration System. On this page are copyright categories with pictures and descriptions for each, a very important step in this process. Select the category that BEST fits your intellectual property. Click on the photograph associated with it and read the extended breakdown offered. If literature is your forte, there is a list of all types of writing including cookbooks, tests, blogs and more. If none seem to suit your particular work, call the U.S. Copyright Office and inquire. Each copyright application enters a lengthy review process based on the sheer volume of requests. Filing incorrectly will delay your copyright.

A Statutory Definition of Copyright (meaning defined as a written law) provides clarity for each category.  Below this are instructional videos and PowerPoint presentations and PDFs on the copyright process.  There are samples of their standard forms, plus tips on best practices. Take the time to review these resources in order to achieve the best outcome. Click Here for the U.S. Copyright Office’s Standard Application Tutorial.




How to Copyright Your Work – FREE Downloadable PDF

It takes time to write a book, song, make a movie, take a great photo, design a building, video game. Laboring over your original work was difficult. It costs you EVERYTHING – money, time, and sweat and tears. Don’t allow some mean spirited person(s) take it from you without a legal fight. Defend yourself and you intellectual property. Take the time to copyright your work and protect it. Give it its best shot for success.

Please find a FREE downloadable step-by-step PDF on filling out the U.S. Copyright Office form created by Blackcurrant Press. Click Here for the FREE download.

Please leave a comment below if this post has been helpful. Would like to hear from you!

 

 

 

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Typing Software – Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 18 Review

Are you still looking at your keyboard when you type? If so, imagine being able to touch type without looking or worrying if you’re typing correctly. Typing software – Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 18 being reviewed here can make a world of a different with a “hunt and peck” approach to typing. For those unfamiliar with the term, a writer searches for a letter on the keyboard and hits it usually with one or two fingers. With Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 18, you’re only a few lessons away from becoming an experienced typist. Truth is, it’s easy and it’s FUN!

Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 18 Details


  • Practice on 10 arcade style games
  • Choose from over 2500 lessons
  • Exercises for finger positions
  • English or Spanish Typing Instructions
  • For Windows XP/Vista and Macintosh OS 10.4-10.5
  • Product Dimensions are 5.5 x 0.6 x 7.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight is 2.4 ounces
  • Developed by Software Toolworks


Your Computer System Must Meet These Requirements

Make sure your computer can support this application. Mavis Beacon works well on Windows and Macintosh.

Windows Xp (Home & Pro) Sp2/Vista¹, Pentium Iii 700 MHz or Higher (800 MHz Processor for Vista), 128 MB Ram (512 MB Ram for Vista), Video Card With 32 Mb of Video Ram, 800 X 600 24-Bit Color Display (1024 X 768 Resolution Recommended), Windows Compatible Sound Card, Speakers, Keyboard & Mouse.

Macintosh requires Os X 10.4 – 10.5, Powerpc G4, G5 or Intel Core Duo Processor, 800 MHz Processor or Higher, 256 Mb Ram, Video Card with 32 Mb of Video Ram, 1024 X 768 24-Bit.

Both systems require computer speakers, keyboard, mouse, CD/DVD-Rom drive, and 300 Mb of free hard disk space. Plus, Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view Mavis Beacon User Guide, that is also downloadable for free from company’s website.

¹Windows Xp and Vista require users to activate Administrator Privileges in order to properly Install the program. Unfortunately, these privileges aren’t activated during the activation process. Users must set up the program to “Run as Administrator” by using Authentication Key. Follow the steps for this process below:

  1. Right Click on the icon which starts the program.
  2. Left Click on Properties
  3. Left Click on the Compatibility Tab
  4. Check the box for “Run this Program as Administrator”
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Proper fingering position on keyboard

Pros

At $14.95, these lessons are extremely affordable!

Easy lessons that are GREAT at teaching typing with simple, enjoyable repetitions.

Comes in a children’s version and one for professionals.

Good, clear instructions.

Rated 3.7 out of 5 Stars!

Capable of having multiple users with one license.

Great return policy.

Mavis Beacon has been around since 1987.

Cons

Mavis Beacon lessons display
Screen shot of Mavis Beacon typing lesson.

Check first to see if the application will work on your Macintosh. Some users have complaints that it does not work on MacBook Pro.

Application is in need of a face lit. The graphics are a bit old-fashioned.

No on-line downloadable version.

After achieving a 50-words-per-minute speed on typing tests, application may become glitchy.

Conclusion

Mavis Beacon games
Screen shot of Mavis Beacon game.

One of the best parts about this software are the games, that are primarily designed for children, but fun for any age. It is an intuitive program too, that has the ability to shift its intensity based on the progression of the user. In other words, as you move through the exercises, the program can give you an analysis of your strengths and weaknesses, that will act as a guide through the remaining lessons. It has greatly increased my skill level, even though I learned in school many years ago.

I’d mentioned in another post that I can type nearly at the speed of my thoughts, but had not expressed how wonderful it is to fill a page in a matter of minutes. It’s quite an extraordinary concept. For those who make their livings writing, typing is practically a mandatory skill.

If you’ve found this review helpful, please leave a comment below. Thank you.




 

 

 

 

 

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Dragon Naturally Speaking Review

Here’s a concept, speak rather than type all computer functions without having to use a pesky computer keyboard and mouse! Sounds FANTASTIC! Right? Well, it is. There is an application that will make this reality possible. It’s made by a company called Nuance Communications and it’s called Dragon Naturally Speaking. With a little setting-up and a few vocal adjustments, you can be a voice-activated, hands-free computer user. Take a look at some of the details below.

Dragon Naturally Speaking Details:


  • Speak naturally and software types, opens and closes computer applications, and learns phrases and word usage enabling it to become more personalized, and voice-driven.
  • Includes Nuance approved microphone.
  • Software is equipped with tutorials making it easy to master application functions.
  • Package has a DVD-ROM for installation
  • Dictate in all areas where one would normally type functions.
  • Nuance has Customer Service 1 (800) 654-1187 and Technical Support 1 (770) 702-6014 for problem solving.
  • Size is 7.5 x 5 x 2.5 inches
  • Weight, when shipped, is 4.8 ounces

Everything user needs is included in package to begin the process of making your computer a fully functioning voice-command marvel.

Before You Buy Dragon, Refer to the System Requirements

  • Dragon works best with a minimum of 2 GB (32-bit) for Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, and 4 GB (64-bit) Windows 7, 8, 8.1. Plus, Windows Servers 2008 R2, 2012, and Windows 10.
  • CPU – Minimum 2.2 GHz Intel dual core or equivalent AMD processor.
  • Application needs hard disk space of 4 GB
  • Dragon functions with Internet Explorer 9 or greater, Chrome or Firefox
  • It needs a sound card supporting 16-bit recording


Pros

Dragon can assist those with limited computer skills, allowing them to replace all mouse and keyboard functions with verbal commands.

Great for writers who can dictate faster than they can type.

Dragon has a 30-day money back guarantee.

Easy installation and voice recognition practice homework included.

Dragon supports Microsoft Office 2010 & 2013.

Dragon receives 3.2 out of 5 stars!




 

Cons

Nuance’s latest version 13 receives mixed reviews because of its accuracy or lack of accuracy in voice recognition. It costs $52.48 verses their older version, 12, that costs $78.82 (The latter is the one this reviewer recommends.)
Dragon’s mistakes are difficult to correct because many are pronunciation and not spelling. In other words, Dragon may hear speaker dictate “where”, when “wear” is the correct word. This may require extra editing.

Dragon does not support dictation into Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems. However, there is a Dragon Medical Practice Edition for this area. Please be aware that the medical software is over $1,000 to purchase.

Nuance’s Customer Service needs improvement. Contacting them may try your patience, making refunds difficult to obtain. Sometimes customers are referred to Nuance Community of users for the answering of their questions.

Installing the downloadable version of Dragon can be problematic. Wait for the CD-ROM instead.

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Imagine all you can accomplish!

Final Words on the Subject

Having purchased this software several years ago, I am a believer of its good qualities. There is a learning curve, though, for the software to recognize your voice pattern. However, once this is accomplished, this software is quite the handy tool. I’m fortunate to be able to type at the speed of my thoughts, yet I still use this software especially when I’m too tired to type. Writing books of 200-300+ pages can be tiresome, so having this sort of application can really come in handy.

As with all software, at times, the technology takes a while to catch up with the needs and demands. Each revision seems to include improvements, but somehow manage to leave out some of the more useful capabilities. This is true, unfortunately, with Dragon. I prefer the earlier versions to the latest. Hard to say what went wrong with the upgrades. Having said that, Blackcurrant Press recommends Dragon Naturally Speaking version 12. There are great applications here for having a hands-free computer. Can you think of any? Click Here to find more information.

Please leave a comment below if you found this review helpful. Thank you.