Same here, I have actually got a system I have created that is giving me money I never thought possible. I want to sell it in an eBook, but I don't know how to stop people from pirating it or otherwise sharing it. I can keep it to myself and never think twice, I make so much money off of Every unique visitor without ever asking them for a penny. I want to share it, and it DID take me 3 months to figure it all out ,and I SHOULD be paid for my time if I am going to give this information to others who are struggling like I did until I broke this barrier... Not a social network idea, so unrelated to yours in that way, but idea protection is important, and I need that too. So, rather than make a post asking where [the hell] my topic went, I figure I'll give you a warranted bump with the addition that I too am seeking, and keeping it in one topic is Win
Ideas cannot be copyrighted, check this link for further information at the US Copyright office, www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html Then you can determine if what you are cooking may fall into the categories of a copyrighted work.
Be more concerned on developing the idea. You've got nothing to protect in terms of originality, you are already quoting facebook so that's what you're trying to achieve on your own. Not original. Protect your brand, your design, your code. Not the idea.
Off topic - if you do get it on an ebook, I'll be your first buyer (or at least reviewer ) Back to the topic, when discussing it with others you could make them sign a non-competition contract.