> What happens if they send all messages to you or a copy thereof? -- Paul.
 ...
>Dr. Paul S. di Virgilio,  University of Toronto  [log in to unmask]
 
Unless the writer specifically relinquishes copyright, copyright remains
with the writer.  I think, judging by the wording of Title 17 of the US
Code, that messages sent to a list are de jure copyright by poster (at
least, that part that poster has written) -- but, of course, de facto the
poster has lost the copyright, since it would be pretty well impossible to
enforce it.
 
Of course, that's *United States* law.  Variations exist, and not everyone
adheres to the Berne convention.
 
Lesson: if you want to have a *semblance* of control, mark it copyright; if
you want some *chance* of control, register the piece with the Copyright
Office; if you want *real* control, don't post it to the Internet.
 
Mario Rups
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