How To Make A Mix

THE GOLDEN RULES FOR MAKING MIXES:
1. Thou shalt not include current Top 40 hits.
2. Thou shalt check the mix before giving it out.
3. Thou shalt expend effort on the cover.
4. Thou shalt not acquire music for the sole purpose of the mix.
5. Thou shalt not use THE BEATLES unless specifically requested.
6. Thou shalt use thy deep cuts, not thy one-hit-wonders.
7. No Metallica or Iron Maiden, not even of any kind under any circumstances.
8. Thou shalt have a sense of humor.

Sounds harsh but it's true. The point of a mix is to give someone else some good music. Sure, you should include what you like, but the contents on the mix are the shared space between "what you listen to" and "what they listen to. There's nothing more boring than safety. Danger is excitement and sex and getting someone's opinion of you to rise meteorically as they get more wrapped up in the music. This is why there ARE musicians: they do that. Put the riskier songs (they should ALL be risky) between things that are surer bets. Remember, you put out this effort for them and they will be appreciative no matter what.

As for the jewel case/note inside...watch yourself, McCoy. Sharpies are a plus. It should look as if it was doodled, but by a truly artistic soul. Not everyone will agree with me on this, but it is more than acceptable to neglect to include a tracklist, as to ensure further contact with the mix recipient. The cover should ideally be the person's name done in cool lettering. Color is key. Themes are also very desirable(is it a Christmas present? all Norwegian black metal?), just make sure they make sense.

Good luck and tell me how it goes!