Pete M,
The company I work for makes software and they expect to be paid for every copy. That's the only way they can afford to keep in business and keep a team of developers employed on improving to product.

I agree with you that we don't want to lose the right to perform traditional works.
As for writing 'folk' songs there ARE Mudcateers who will argue that you can't, but that's a different issue. My songs have a sort of country/folk style.

Gargoyle, I hate to show my ignorance but what is USF?

Ewan McV,

Sorry to hear that people are ripping you off. Why don't you start another thread and let us know who these thieves are. I like your last sentence.

So, My songs are, by law, my property. What I am trying to establish is some way that the songwriters of Mudcat (Songwriteers?) can agree upon to allow each other reasonable use of our songs.