Every time a song is played, almost anywhere in the world, it generates publishing revenue. Until recently, though, songwriters and publishers had to rely on the collecting society in their home territory to get this income – which meant there was only so much competition. Now they can choose which society they want to collect for online plays of their music in Europe and most countries outside the U.S. – even if they are already members of ASCAP or BMI. Among the biggest: The French society SACEM and GEMA (Germany), which established the licensing hub ICE with PRS for Music (UK) and STIM (Sweden). Should you join one? And how will the rise of globalized collecting societies affect the publishing business and the songwriters that depend on it?