The bottom line is you need to copyright your material.

Abigail is correct in pointing out legal guidance, but it is not a necessity for simply copyrighting your own material. Follow the instructions here and you should be all set.

U.S. Copyright Office

Specifically HOW TO SECURE A COPYRIGHT

If you are considering patents for a software process or anything related to your writings, then contact my <A HREF=http://www.invention.com/">patent attorney. From my past experience, patents are more complex and cost a lot of money for topics such as software, hardware, biotech, etc.

Good luck brother!

-P0w3rK!d

P.S. We're not all geeks! :)