Copyright, to me, is a very valuable and important aspect of publishing. It allows you, the author/creator, the ability of not having the trouble of worrying of having your piece of work stolen. It reassures you that you will receive the credit where it is due and will not have to worry about being cheated on. Of course, the issue with most copyrighted works is that people will find a way to distribute your work freely, which is stealing. Even though they don't take credit for it, the fact that they are distributing it without paying dues to the person who put time and money into the work, makes it stealing. I try my best to discourage my friends from doing such things, and I try to discipline myself from it as well.
