Brian:

I share your mistrust of Apple and Google when it comes to music and distribution. The iPod is filled with hidden music tracking information I have been told... and long suspected... and I don't use Google (Gargoyle) for anything unless there is absolutely no other choice. ("Ask" is a reasonable substitute.)
I don't trust Microsoft either.

If I had it all to do over again, I don't think I would join ASCAP. All they do is promote their own agenda, try to tell the membership how to think, and send information regarding events they want us to sign up and pay for. Pay, schmay... when they start promoting my songs to some of the artists under their umbrella, I might be able to flit out to LA or up to NYC or Nashville for an event every now and then.

My "plight" is similar to Kevin E's situation. I don't consider myself a performer. I'd faint if I had to sing in public... therfore, developing a "following" of any magnitude is all but impossible. I don't use Facebook or Twitter for all the same security reasons stated above. Hell, the internet is a dangerous place. One must be constantly on guard against all manner of scams and fly-by-night schemes.

So what else is new?

My best to everyone,

Dave