Not sure how that helps. It asks me now it I want to rip. I also want it to look in the database.
What happens if it is not found in the database? I want it to ask me for info.
Perhaps I didn't understand what you wanted. In your first post, you asked
"How can I ensure that I am always asked to input that information prior to rip so that it goes into the right artist directory?"
I interpreted your question to mean that you wanted to verify that the tag information was correct.
If auto-rip is checked, MC will look up the CD in its tag database. If the CD is found, the tag information from the database will be used to form folder and file names and stored in the music files produced when the CD is ripped. The ripping process will begin without giving you a chance to verify and change tag information.
If the CD is not found in the tag database, MC will ask you for tag information.
If auto-rip is not checked, MC will not start the ripping process until you tell it to. That gives you the chance to verify that the tag information is what you want. You can make changes at that point. Then you tell MC to start the ripping process.