Artful Codger-

I do appreciate your tact.

My basic policy is to post both the original from which I work and my adaptation; I also do that on my website. I do want folks to know where I started and it's entirely possible that someone else might come up with something better; more credit to them.

And, no, I generally don't get a whole lot of feedback here but sometimes I'm able to harvest something useful.

When I'm modifying a recent song, I always contact the composer, assess their tolerance for rewording and, if they are flexible, request their permission to record their song and insist that they accept royalties. My bottom line is to be as generous with credit as I can, and I'm happy to report that everyone who has recorded "Yangtse River Shanty" has reciprocated as well.

Now back to finding a tune for "Old Tea-Clipper Days."

Charley Noble