On Sat, 10 May 2008, Bernie wrote:
>
> As an aside, of what value is the union to musicians? They don't seem to
> benefit musicians in any way.
>
> Bernie
they do pay pensions and benefits and make affordable insurance available.
they can also force labels/bookers to pay the going rate.
[the side effect of which is you might stop getting booked]
they also have been known to send referals.
an old friend is in the union.
he's an incredibly talented sax/keyboard player and an arranger.
he's toured with some very prestigious acts.
i think he does pretty good by them.
at least i have never heard a single gripe or complaint, but he
is on a wholly other level of musicianship than i, a mere hack.
it's silly for them to meddle where it's not even profitable for
them to do so, but it's likely that these meddlers have to prove
their value to someone by making a little trouble here and there.
i had an old girlfriend whose sister was paid by ASCAP to go to
bars and track what songs the bands were playing. if i recall
they also paid her bar tabs. she used to call it 'ASCAPing'.
again, just meddling to justify your actions to whoever you
may be answering to on any given day. she never gave a darn
what became of the information she provided to ASCAP.
but just like the AFM, they DO provide a benefit/service if
you are on a level for them to bother with you.
just my .02 on the question asked...
jeff