Is it acceptable or foolish for someone distributing free music material under CC BY 4.0 to register their music with a Performance Rights Organization?

Registering a piece of music that is distributed under a CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0) license with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) has both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

1. Revenue Generation: By registering with a PRO, you may earn money when your music is played on commercial platforms.
2. Copyright Management: PROs have the capability to track where and how often your music is being played. This can help you earn appropriate compensation for commercial uses of your music.

Disadvantages:

1. Usage Restrictions: Although a CC BY 4.0 license is relatively liberal, registering with a PRO might introduce additional fees for some users, especially those using the music for commercial purposes. This can be counterintuitive to the goal of distributing the music freely.
2. Complexity: Registering with a PRO could introduce a layer of complexity to the usage rules for your music. This could be a barrier, especially for non-commercial creators who might find the additional regulations burdensome.

The ultimate decision depends on what you aim to achieve by distributing your music. If you prioritize commercial gains, then registering with a PRO might make sense. However, if your goal is to have as many people as possible use your music easily, you’ll need to weigh the restrictions and complexities that come with PRO registration.