Legal issues

So, I have this idea now that I've been taking notes for and I have now come up with a possible layout for the site in terms of what it should offer and how the navigation should work. It's a community site, that would earn money through simple ads and possibly low-fee services. I've only thought about this for about a week actually, and obviously it's still just in the hypothetical stage.

Still, let's say I suddenly decided to go for this idea. I would have to hire (preferrably partner with) at least one, probably two web-designers. One for the layout, and one for the coding (that's a quite usual approach isn't it?). Ideally, I would partner with these individuals, because this is the kind of site that needs professional maintainance to stay profitable and useable. But ok, let's say I bought a host and a domain. I get partner up with these two web-designers that create the site for me. They maintain it, while I come up with new ideas for the site; additions, improvements and whatnots.

So; do I have anything to fear from any of these two? Do they have some kind of laws on their side that can let them simply screw my hosted domain and just move the site over to their own spot?
And should they have any reason to fear any kind of trickery I could possibly pull off from my side? I'm not sure if the questions I'm asking are easy to answer, nor easy to comprehend, but I would just like to see if there are certain future scenarios I could prepare myself for so that a possible partnership could go more smoothly.

Well

They cant move the domain, because you are the only one with access to it. So the most they can do is delete all the files, move them or sell them.

They can fear you because you can just lock them out. I (if i was you) would just hire the designer and coder as a one off (or hire me ).

Thanks

Originally Posted by Eversuns Well They cant move the domain, because you are the only one with access to it. So the most they can do is delete all the files, move them or sell them.

- But eh, wouldn't that kinda hurt me? Hehe. As soon as I've told them my plans and how it will all work, they can just do exactly what you said, and my idea will be worthless. Is there some way to copyright my web-site idea? ^^

They can fear you because you can just lock them out. I (if i was you) would just hire the designer and coder as a one off (or hire me ). Thanks

- Hehe, yes, but what about the site maintainance? Say I hired you to establish this site. Site got established, you get paid and you and me are done. Then later I'm in need of some maintainance; I would have to hire you again wouldn't I? Wouldn't it be easier to partner up with someone and share the income? Although a good partner might be hard to find...

Don't you think that this thread should go here: http://www.talkfreelance.com/f4-cont...egal-help.html

There's a good chance it should, and it seems it's been done already I was just looking around the forum and I noticed several people were asking questions in the suggestions forum.

Edit: Guess I should've slowed down a bit before asking questions like these, seeing as I'm already a lot wiser just by having read many of your FAQs and offsite information about copyrights... I also noticed a little line saying "Unfortunately we are also not qualified to offer legal advice to members.", so I don't think I should push this issue any further, hehe.

Thanks for the tips though, but I think I'm better off doing some research on my own instead of wasting any more of your time.

Hi there Sadr, if you went through with this project it would be wise to use a contract, such as my contract in the stickied thread at the top of this forum. You should edit it to suit you and your project, then get a designer/coder to agree to it before doing anything. Also make sure you are working with people who are over 18 years old.

If you are scared of people doing a runner with your work, a contract will ease some of your concerns for both sides.