I've been a member of ASCAP for years, so I lean towards them. They always keep me updated about what's going on in the world of music, fighting for musicians rights at congress, and are the largest.

From the ASCAP website:

The ASCAP Advantage

ASCAP is the only performing rights organization in the U.S. created and controlled by composers, lyricists, songwriters and music publishers. ASCAP collects significantly more money from music users for performing rights than any other organization in the world. Every penny we collect, less operating costs, is distributed to our members. Approximately 84 cents of each dollar we collect goes right back to our members in royalties. That is the highest distribution ratio in the U.S.

ASCAP pays faster. Royalty checks go out eight times a year.

ASCAP is the first U.S. performing rights organization to distribute royalties for performances on the Internet and has been a leader in licensing web sites and new media.

ASCAP's books are open to all. ASCAP is the only U.S. performing rights organization to provide full financial disclosure to our members and the public.

ASCAP is the only performing right organization to hold annual membership meetings (in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville), during which members have the opportunity to learn about our operation from the president and staff, to ask questions and to voice concerns. (I'm always getting invitations to these)

ASCAP fights harder for your rights than any other group. ASCAP is and has always been the pioneer in fighting for the rights of music creators in Congress and in the courts. We lead efforts to protect our members' rights by vigorously opposing legislation that is harmful to creators, and by initiating changes to the Copyright Law that will benefit creators. We always keep you informed of legislative matters that affect you, and we encourage your involvement in our efforts. (I'm constantly updated about this)

ASCAP helps new writers. We offer a wide variety of songwriter workshops, showcase programs, scholarships, grants and awards to help writers in the early stages of their careers. (There has been several workshops put on by ASCAP where I live, I haven't seen any from BMI)

ASCAP is the only U.S. performing rights organization to offer a Member Card with a full-range of benefits created for the working music professional. These include MusicPro Insurance offering health, life, longterm care, instrument, equipment, studio and tour liability insurance; a credit union; an investment program; Guitar Center benefits; discounts on musical instruments and accessories, CD manufacturing, promotional merchandise, and much more.


http://ascap.com


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[This message was edited Wed Mar 12 23:35:51 PST 2003 by theSpark]