As for the copyright PD works on HFA/NMPA's site - those are a classic example of misunderstanding about PD. A new arrangement of a PD song creates a new copyright. Yes, publishers do it all the time to keep important works from falling into the public domain (and that may or may not be morally right. I'm not here to argue that with you), but often heirs to a work also often hire someone to do this as well (in other words, it's not always the publisher doing this).

To reply to the request for links - here's a few:

POPULAR MYTHS ABOUT COPYRIGHT

www.copylaw.com/articles/copy-myths.html (written by a copyright attorney)

www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html

GENERAL INFORMATION

Library of Congress Circular on Copyright - palimpsest.stanford.edu/bytopic/intprop/circ1.htm

Copyright Resource Page www.aimnet.com/~carroll/copyright/faq-home.html

COPYRIGHT LEGISLATION

The Digital Millenium Copyright Act - lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/legislation/dmca.pdf (NOTE: you need an Adobe Acrobat reader plug in on your browser to read this).

Finally, my group which meets with the HFA/NMPA regularly has designed an all-purpose letter regarding internet licensing. It's at www.nmpa.org/nmpa/expression.html As I said, this is not the educational site I envision, but it's a start.

Now - I must go do my work.