Russ,I understand the issues with money. A budget of at least $2000 is needed to have CD's pressed.   Going CD or CD-R should really depend on the career path of the individual.   If the individual is doing this as a hobby, then a CD-R is perfectly fine. If the individual has made the committment to go "pro" (and this is a decision that shouldn't be made on a whim), then the investment in a professionally produced CD may make a huge difference.

Speaking from a radio perspective, I have had conversations with many Folk-DJ's. Some will not touch a CD-R. I happen to enjoy the music that is being self-produced and I gladly accept them. However, I have seen many self-produced CD's that do look "home made". You can tell when an insert has been printed on a inkjet printer. Let's be honest, we are all consumers. When given a stack of CD's, many people will gravitate to a CD that looks more appealing. The CD is a reflection of what the individual thinks of themselves. If you show a committment, the consumer will respond in kind.

Again, I would like to stress that what I said in the last paragraph is certainly not universal. My comments are meant to give a persepective from a radio point of view. Your audience at shows and presenters in clubs may have a different persepective. I have found MANY wonderful home-produced CD-R's that I play often on my show. Many have come from Mudcatters. Many of these are far better than some of the crap that the larger independent labels produce.   However, take a look at the FOLK-DJ website (Folk-radio.org). Look at what others are playing.