copyright post

NOt sure if this is the right section, the general forum states I do not have access.   

I had a category for a writing section, members were invited to add a post to carry on the story, unfortunately a few got childish and the topic started to cause arguments, leading to nasty remarks and a little bullying.  I took the whole category down and sent it to the mod room, meaning to deal with it later. 

Instead of dealing I decided to no reinstate, one member understood but wanted her post if at all possible, I could not be bothered to read through it all so sent the lot in an email.  Now the other member has kicked off, saying that I should not send all the post (how she knew I don't know) she is saying that her posted parts of the story are copyrighted, this I do not believe for one minute.  

Tomorrow I intend on sending the moaning member the same whole copy and telling her to sort it out off forum with the other member. 

I thought it was a forum of mature woman, how wrong, I feel like closing the forum and walking away. 

So does this member have a case for the copyright?

Technically Content you produce online and offline is automatically copyrighted the moment you create it. but they posted it on your forum. you didnt take the info from another site/forum so you have not broken any laws .. not to mention 99% of these people are all talk on the internet they are just trying to get you to do whatever they want by saying whatever they can.. but in the future i would put a notice on your site or that forum that anyone who post material relinquishes all rights of ownership

Thank you, for the quick reply, the posting a rule of relinquishing rights is a good idea for the future, now to sort out the squabbling woman.

Did she indicate that her writings were copyrighted at the time of her originally making the posts?  such as using a copyright declaration or the copyright symbol?

If I were you I'd tell her to go ahead with her claim; she'll be laughed out of court.

(This post is free from copyright >.<)

She has suddenly backed down and said that she is glad that the writings are off the forum, it was utter garbage anyhow, the writings were only enough for half an A4 page, each, and would probably only filled 2 A4 pages.  some people are pure Drama Queens.