Arthur --

I'm a bit astounded by some of the on-list replies you've gotten to this request.  Every songwriter should copyright their works and, even more importantly, register them with their Performing Rights company (BMI, ASCAP, SACEM, etc), particulary for those tracks that will be in the public eye in some fashion.  It's important to protect your work, though it's less about getting "ripped off" and more about 1) getting proper credit, 2) getting paid for usage.

If you're a BMI or ASCAP writer you can register your songs online (if you're not affilliated yet, do it asap).  For copyright registration, contact the Library of Congress in Washington DC.  They have a toll free helpline and will mail you the forms.  There's a fee to register one song (20 or 30 bucks), or you can register a group of songs all at once as a "songbook" for the same fee.  (Email me offlist if you have questions).

Best,
W.

>>>>>Hey,

I just thought I'd post this here because I was curious as to what the 
best
 way would be to go about copyrighting some songs that I've written.  
I've 
heard various things, and was wondering if anyone could give me some 
advice either on or off-list.

I have a friend who wants to use one of my songs in a video he's doing 
and I hate for too many people to hear these, because someone might 
take it and record it for themselves and then I wouldn't get credit.

Any help would be appreciated..

Arthur>>>>>>