A Close Run Thing

[Scud]

In the songwriting biz, the unwritten rule is you can't copy more than 8 bars of music (not lyrics). Anything after that is considered a possible infringement. I don't see much harm in employing the same philosophy, use someone else's work as a template or jumping off point, but then make it your own. In the end if it resembles the original too much, rewrite. Absolutely change the name.

As for John's idea of password protection, that would be perfect, provided Jason Petho and the Matrix Boys (they should start a band) could pull it off.

Dave