For the first time in my life, I'm about to PAY royalties on my own, as my first CD project will be finished in a couple of months. As a songwriter myself, but mostly as a performer, I have no problem with this; I am grateful for the use of the songs and I do not mind paying the 6 or 8 cents per song per copy to do so. The money I have received for my own songs over the years has never been enough to save my life, but it did come in handy on occasion and I also felt that it was a form of recognition and a compliment, although not necessarily given freely, to my work.

I don't know whether to continue this discussion, as we all seem to be settled. Just tell me, since my painter analogy fell completely flat, would you grant any protection to creators of intangibles, and if so, what?

Chet