Higlandman - google Les Hurdle and you will find an endless stream of information about what is wrong with ASCAP/BMI.

Ruth, why do you say that the PRS does not collect PRS fees in respect of the arrangement on a trad/arr song? I think it does exactly that and asserts that many variants of traditional songs are in fact reproductions of some arrangement or other.

Distribution is based on complex formulae and partly informed by cue sheets that should be filled in for any public performance of words music or arrangements, but singers and performers of thier own compositions only can elect to self-adminster the performing right and collect directly from the venue. This arose out of litigation by U2 against the PRS with which I was indirectly connected.

THere is greater knowledge about that aspect of the topic in the heads of James S. Wolsey solicitor of Cushbawm in Ireland and Amanda Harcourt the former secretary-general of BASCA and now the legal Godmother of Pop Idol. Guy Fletcher knows more than a bit as well, but plays his cards carefully.