using existing works is a pain ... what to do?

Building a Reliable Semicommons of Creative Works: Enforcement of Creative Commons Licenses and Limited Abandonment of Copyright"
by Lydia Pallas Loren
14 Gel. Mason L. Rev. 271 (2007)

"Today's controversial climate of overly broad ownership rights for creative works makes the lawful use of existing works in any manner an edgy trip into the legal maze of copyright." (pg. 271)

This article points out a fact that most people do not know or perhaps, like to ignore, until it becomes a problem. "Registration of the copyright by the creator of the original work is not required to obtain or maintain copyright protection, and even a notice of copyright, which previously was required to include the name of the copyright owner, is no longer necessary." (pg. 272) Yes, this is absolutely correct...! Every email, SMS, etc. that you write is actually protected by copyright and you are the owner. Think about how scary that is, a world where you can own so much.