While I'm in agreement with most of what Tom Bliss says and firmly believe that artists should get suitable recompense for their creativity, the original poster and Dazbo at work rightly point out that self entertainment in the form of a singaround or session, where no fees are paid, really should be left alone.

I've got no problem with folk clubs, who are part of the 'entertainment industry', paying a small fee to PRS and the 'gigs and clubs scheme' sounds just the job.

But when we sessionaires gather in the pub and ask the question "Have you heard this one?" does it make a difference if we play a tune or tell a joke? Both are non income generating and should be toll free.