I know I'm probably in the minority, but I tend to do exactly what brookeburkesluvr seems to draw his line at - I do send cheques direct to artists! I'm fortunate, though, in that my work brings me into contact with a lot of performers and I can often either buy at gigs or catch up later with a cheque. The next CD I plan to send off for will be for Jim Eldon's latest. I anticipate that it will be excellent value for money.