This has been a very informative thread for me. I find the topic of copyright interesting to say the least. For the immediate future I plan to bundle materials to maximize "bang for buck" when submitting as reminded by MarioD I believe, a practice I have used in the past, but not strictly adhered to. One might argue that, with the state of current streaming radio/record label practices and the dwindling returns many artists and songwriters are seeing on their work, copyrights aren't worth the paper they are printed on. But, ever the optimist, I will copyright (I self publish by the way)in the hopes of 1) getting a lucky tune before getting struck by lightning or winning the lotto (although I would accept winning the lotto as a consolation prize) 2) an enlightened/updated copyright enforcement that might actually benefit more equally the creators of the product, especially if the lucky tune hits smile . Regarding ego, I would like to think the motivation for copyright is not so much one of ego and one of faith in one's efforts/product. If you don't believe in your own efforts, one might argue why would anyone else give it a look. That said, no need to throw money at it in piles. 50 songs copyrighted at $55 appears a much more effective business model than one song at $35 (+ $20!!?).

Off the soapbox...Here are a couple fun articles I have run across in my continuing education regarding copyright/artists/industry and struggles past and present:


http://illusionofmore.com/bit-copyright-film-history/

http://www.salon.com/2014/08/31/david_lowery_heres_how_pandora_is_destroying_musicians/

Patrick
http://youtube.com/musingthemusic
https://soundcloud.com/musingthemusic