Folktheatre, please don't think I'm having a go at you, but surely if you are earning money from other people's work, even if it's only £30, it would be reasonable that the person who provided the material from their hard work should benefit, even if only in a small way, either from you or the person employing you? I don't see that the fact that it isn't your 'real' job makes that any less the case - in fact, perhaps more so, as to Bert Jansch or whoever it may well be their 'real' job, i.e. their music *is* their livelihood, whereas for you it's bunce on top of your livelihood.

Like Anahata, I would be far happier if PRS were only taking money for redistribution to their members in situations where musicians are being paid, and where they are not, i.e. floor performers in a club or festival or those taking part in a session, no money should be payable to PRS. It is certainly true that songs are spread through those very performers, and then may be taken up by 'professional' performers, in which case the writer benefits through that person's gigs, recording, etc.

And yes, I would like to see PRS members take responsibility for the way that PRS acts on their behalf, and try to do something about this situation.

Barbara