I've been a full-time professional folksinger for over forty years. I have learned a few truths about the business.(It aint like I thought it would be) First of all, performing is a business. A business needs to sell its product or service. Selling involves expense. A successful business has to keep selling to survive. I am pleased to pay to showcase (these people are doing me a great service). I am pleased to pay a fee to be considered for showcasing (I am confident that I will be selected. I've been doing this a long time and I know what the judges want to hear). Believe me, when I pay to audition, I do so for sound business reasons. Mike Miller