Hello folks.

I need the advice of this community of musicians.

First let it be said that I'm asking because I have great respect for professional musicians, especially those on the Mudcat, and want you to make piles more money that you already do. Except for Janet Jackson, who probably has enough. The folk performers among you deserve everything you can get, and some of hers, too.

But for moral and financial reasons, I am trying to figure out the best, smartest, most ethical way to take on the bossy, smarmy companies that insist I pay them money and don't ask questions. What are your true, honest feelings about those big three?

The place of business in question has live music, mostly folk, not all trad, some original and a very few covers. Tips, food and beverage are the stock in trade, and everyone's happy.

I'd love to argue that we shouldn't have to pay for playing CD's. Hasn't my purchase given me the right to play it anyway and any place I want? But I understand that the law only allows for radio play in public places, without me paying AGAIN for the licences that stations have already paid for. So I guess it's the live music that has them after me.

What do you really think? Do you make enough money from these orgs that I should pay them? Or has anyone had experience taking them on and either learning the value of the licenses or getting free of them?