I am an independent musician who has a very small home studio and produces/distributes his music totally via the Internet. Most of my material is “cover” material. I use the Harry Fox Agency totally because they seem to be one of the few Administrators who actually have a reasonably straight forward procedure for Internet distribution for individuals such as myself. I only allow “full downloads” with no streaming or previewing, thus keeping my distribution costs down considerably since there is technically no broadcasting. I also save using this method since I don’t have to secure a Mechanical License. I am only charged the 8.5 cent royalty charge for each song downloaded. Distribution quantities are small and the income even smaller, but for me personally this is primarily the world’s greatest hobby. Anyway, having said all that……

I have reviewed and taken note of a couple of previous threads discussing ASCAP/BMI/SESAC along with various recommendations with regard to memberships to these organizations. Since I do compose on occasion and am assuming that I am the publisher of all my material and arrangements because of the Internet distribution, if I did want to join ASCAP for example, would you recommend joining as a “writer” or as a “publisher”?

I have read recommendations in previous threads that premise income as a ruling factor in the decision to join any of these organizations at all. Although my days of pursuing a “millions of dollars” career in music has long since passed, I still want to protect my material and also be in a position to both legally and properly source out any of my material that may be solicited, along with being in a position to receive designated payments if such an opportunity did present itself.

Hopefully I have made this a little clearer than mud….any suggestions or recommendations? :?:

Alan