I have still not been able to establish the "strict" letter of the law regarding downloading an artist's music from Myspace and making payments to the PRS. It does appear to be a very grey area.

Does anyone out there have anything more definitive? I am worried since I am beginning to come around to the idea of making some of my material available on the net. And I am a member of the PRS. Legal eagles, come on down. Please?

As a member of PRS, you must pay them, even if you make the songs available on your own page.

That's the same princeple as when you release your own songs on CD. You have to pay mechanicals.

And there is a difference between downloads (DISTRIBUTION) and streams (PERFORMANCE).

I haven't got the time to look into this, but I'm sure MySpace (News Corp.) has an agreement with ASCAP / BMI.

that's plenty DJ J...I'll follow it up and research. Cheers.

As a member of PRS, you must pay them, even if you make the songs available on your own page.

The applicable license is the JOL. PRS say they don't expect you to pay for making your own material available. Just as well, it's expensive.

That's the same princeple as when you release your own songs on CD. You have to pay mechanicals.

In that case you would license (no claim) but you wouldn't pay.

And there is a difference between downloads (DISTRIBUTION) and streams (PERFORMANCE).

Not for general online availability. The JOL which bundles duplication and performance in one fee (or one exemption if it's your own stuff).

so many helpful people on this board. Cheers for your input Bemuso...together with my own research, the picture is beginning to become clear.