Writers' application fee for BMI?

I can't help clarify anything, but I can confirm that I also noticed the same thing when I registered back in August (despite every resource out there saying that BMI = free and ASCAP = $$, and I found no recent news stories suggesting otherwise). Not surprisingly, I ended up going ASCAP

I guess this update has occurred post BMI's switch to being a for profit company. The same reason for them upping their profit margins to 15% from 10 earlier as well.
For someone who's planning to begin with Library music and sync licensing, which PRO would be a better choice to begin with in your opinion? Since ASCAP has a free sign up for now, I'm keen about the same but comparing the two BMI seems to pay more? Given ASCAP's sample survey model? I could really use some suggestions and thoughts. It'll be really appreciated.

I've been told by several composers who've been writing and publishing library music for many years that BMI generally pays quicker, and slightly more, than ASCAP. This is purely anecdotal - I don't have any hard proof, but I've heard this from multiple sources.

I was going to jump from ASCAP to BMI earlier this year, but decided to stick it out with ASCAP for another year until all the dust settles at BMI. It's still unclear to me how it's all going to play out, and if BMI is sold, what effect that will have.

I was more confused that it was free initially. I really hope that we haven't become entitled enough to be bothered by a service like that charging a (fairly small) fee. I also can't confirm anything but the 2 sentiments against a company charging money for a service are confusing IMO. Even all the admin work of calculating and issuing payments alone should be worth 75 dollar - even per year if someone has a lot of BMI earnings.

NekujaK said:

I've been told by several composers who've been writing and publishing library music for many years that BMI generally pays quicker, and slightly more, than ASCAP. This is purely anecdotal - I don't have any hard proof, but I've heard this from multiple sources.

I was going to jump from ASCAP to BMI earlier this year, but decided to stick it out with ASCAP for another year until all the dust settles at BMI. It's still unclear to me how it's all going to play out, and if BMI is sold, what effect that will have.

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Same here, anecdotally. But, big picture, I'm not sure it's worth switching. And ASCAP is at the forefront of lobbying for our rights, in the face of all that is going on. I've had the same thought of switching many times.

I am BMI. My wife is ASCAP. She writes my stuff whenever the situation calls for it. You know, the marriage thing... what's mine is hers and vice-versa.

This came about due to the fact some opportunities are specific to one PRO or another.

I had a show with a buddy. He is BMI I am ASCAP. He was getting much more than me. It drove me crazy. But now BMI is private and have already said they are taking 15% more from composers I am sticking with ASCAP

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