Well said, John. I am sure if enough PRS members did take such a stand the system would indeed be overhauled. Until then the PRS will continue to demand the widows mite and give it to the already rich with impunity:-(

As to the Observer article. Well, what can I say but it is a prime example of why I stopped buying newspapers. To take it's last line - the one it hopes people will take away -

this brat needs to be stopped in its tracks and taught about the responsibilities it owes to content providers and copyright holders.

Pure sensationalism. In likening Google to an 11 year old 'brat' it is using a poor cliche and absurd notion that most kids are spoiled brats ruling peoples lives. I don't particularly like Google or how it uses its power to control business but, until the revolution brothers, that is what capitalism is all about. How is it worse than a Government sanctioned body who demand money with menaces from charity shops, old peoples homes and doctors surgeries?

I would have thought the fact that Google is withdrawing copyrighted material is an good indication that it already knows about copyright responsibilities. The PRS, on the other hand, are trying to get us to accept the message that not only do people have to pay them when the play copyright material, which is fair enough, but they have to play that material whether they want to or not! Is it any wonder that they are rubbing people up the wrong way?

Cheers

DeG