copy protection of website

[robinp]

how can I prevent website content from being copied?.. Have heard that I can disable right-click function, if so, how?

[bhartzer]

You can disable the right-click of the mouse, but that really won't help at all. If you want the code and how to do it, search on your favorite search engine for "disable righ-click".

If someone wants to copy your site they can (since they have access to it in the web browser, the browsers usually caches it and it's available somewhere on their PC). They can also use a browser that turns off or doesn't use javascript--then they'll be able to get your site and all your graphics.

There are other reasons why you shouldn't disable your right-click. There's a great article here (http://www.sitepoint.com/article/dont-disable-right-click) if you want to read more.

[JKomp]

Wow, this has got to be the most revisited topic on WPW! IF you look around in the forum there are loads of useful replies on this exact issue. As bhatzer said disabling right click is little to no help. The overall conclusion seems to be that if you put stuff on the net then you run the risk of it being copied. Visit my site and read the Copying Content, Human Nature? (http://www.webdesignarticles.info/webdesignarticle5.html) article to learn more about that.

[Duncan Pollock]

Perhaps there's a subsidiary question that deserves to be asked: why don't you want someone to copy your website content? If it's good enough to be copied, isn't its reproduction also bound to enhance your reputation?
I'm assuming of course that credit is given to you as the original author/designer (e.g. "With acknowledgement to robinp" / "As first published in the website at ..." / etc.) -- which is what you're entitled (by copyright law) to have happen.
And if you find someone hasn't acknowledged you as the source, you have only to draw your attention to your legal right to demand that they do so.
And, ahem, you can "quote me on that."

Duncan

[JKomp]

Quite right. If you find your content has been copied you can:
a) Spend all your money on a legal team pursuing someone over the internet who may be extremely hard to track down.
OR
b) Write to them making clear that it is your content and that you are flattered that they found it useful enough to include on their site. Also make clear that you expect them to respect your copyright by including an acknowledgement.

It is clear that whatever can be seen can be copied, it is how you respond to copying that will determine whether this is a good or a bad thing.