A few years ago, Toyota offered my son's band $250,000 to use a song in a commercial. They turned down the offer, because they didn't want to be known as "the band in the commercial" and lose their reputation for artistic integrity. It was their song, so it was their right to turn down the offer.

Folk songs are in the public domain, and I think I like it that way. It does seem a shame when folk songs are used in commercials and such, but at least that helps to keep the songs alive.

-Joe-