Joining BMI

[leavings]

I've read through all of the information on the BMI site, and through some of the earlier posts here. What I couldn't find was any mention of potential disadvantages to joining BMI or a similar service.

I don't expect to be getting a large amount of airplay, but I will be getting at least some. Am I giving up anything by joining this service? Am I putting my work at any risk? Have any of you done this before? If so, have you encountered any problems?

Please let me know,
Peter

[Massive Master]

I'm an ASCAP guy myself, but there isn't anything wrong with BMI... They actually seem to push the stations a little harder than ASCAP, and I can respect that.

You're not giving anything up -

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com

[David Hooper]

If you don't sign up, you're not putting your work at risk, but you'd have to think of some other way of collecting for performance.

[Toonsmith]

That's all PROs are. Think of them as a collection agency. And for a nominal fee they provide a service for their members. Collecting preformance revenues like Dave says.

I can't really see any down side to joining one. It would be nearly impossible to do what they do on your own. And it would cost you a hell of alot more.

[Massive Master]

I don't think BMI even charges annual dues...

But ASCAP deals with a lot more $$$...

Hard call...

[lykwydchykyn]

One of my old bandmates is a BMI member; I'm in ascap. one of our songs got in rotation in some restaurants and shopping centers (I have no idea how), and somehow he's getting paid and I'm not. I called ASCAP about it and all I could get was basically that they don't track that kind of thing.

I don't know what each one tracks or doesn't track, but that was kind of a bummer. But then one of my library tracks got used on some movie channels and I forgot about the $50 or so that I didn't get for restaurant play .

[Massive Master]

See, that's what I'm talking about - BMI is definitely the "underdog" P.R.O. in this case - So, I think they fight a little harder for the "little guy."

ASCAP, on the other hand probably distributes more earnings-per-whatever than BMI on the big boys...

[distortedrumble]

would you believe i forget I'm an ascap member? i havent posted anything to them since i signed up...time to get into gear