To be honest I have copyrighted songs before now, but only to stop others copyrighting those versions. I always add a statement that as long as the source is acknowledged they are still free to be used by anyone as they should be if traditional. Most modern folk song writers in the UK are only too flattered other folks want to record their songs and freely give permission. With my own songs all I ask is acknowledgement and being allowed to record the song first. Once it's out there it can be used by anyone.

Richie, that's great that a major publishing company are taking such a responsibility. In the UK a few years ago a friend was approached by our PRS people for someone to identify traditional songs in a similar way to you. I was recommended and would have then been willing but the idea just disappeared. I've been told all the money PRS get from traditional song performances goes into fat cats' pockets. It would be a great travesty but not a surprise if that was the case.