As a folk club organiser, and a Day of Folk organiser, I too get many CDs from acts wanting gigs. But the folk club only runs on a singaround basis, and, by and large, so does the Day of Folk (although some local acts do approach me wanting to do extended sets for no payment for that, and I'm happy to accommodate them).

While I'm very happy to receive CDs, it never fails to amaze me that the people who send them, with a little homework, would easily be able to find out that we don't book acts, and thereby save themselves a fair bit of postage.

Another point to consider is that I rarely get a follow-up phone call after receiving said CDs. A phone call a week or two after sending, to an organiser who does book guests, may well turn into a definite booking. It's not enough to send the CDs out and then just sit back and wait.

So, do the homework beforehand, and the follow-up after, and the result should be more bookings for less expense.