I've been making my living at performing folk for 12 years. That and CD sales are my only income. I like the idea of a musician support organization and I have looked seriously at American Federation of Musician Local 1000 a couple of times, over the years. I still have in the back of my mind that I may join one day. But for now, I don't see any benefit.

I have been a member of the Folk Alliance organization, and worked at that for a couple of years - but in the end, found it did not provide me value.

I am NOT down on either organization. I just don't think they provide me benefit. So for now, I go it alone.

Having said all that, I find that the community of musicians among whom I work regularly - are quite supportive of one another, in very real ways.