Uploads
From Wiki42
When uploading, I recommend using one or more of the following sites because they automatically upload your file to multiple mirrors for you.
Sites List
- http://sharebee.com/
- http://rapidspread.com/
- http://qooy.com/
- http://massmirror.com/
- http://www.uploadjockey.com/
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This way your downloaders don't have to deal with running out of Rapidshare or Megaupload bandwidth and they can easily cancel and try another mirror if their download speed is too slow. It works out much better for everyone in the long run.
Counter arguments against multiple upload mirrors
A counter argument to this is that it takes slightly longer, uploads fail slightly more often and "Such-and-such a site doesn't have bandwidth limits." The first two can be dismissed as lazyness but the third merits some consideration. People who make that argument often don't realize that sites like that are here today, gone tomorrow. And single sites often crash or have server problems which lead people to think your links have expired.
Additional reasons for using multiple mirrors
A single mirror is easy for the anti-sharing crowd to complain about and/or get pulled down. With multiple mirrors, only complainers who are really serious (which usually means they actually have some legitimate reason to complain, unlike many complainers) will be able to get your links shut down.
List the mirrors, not just the one site
Also it is a good idea to list all your mirrors with posting AND the mirror spreading site you uploaded to. That way people can still download your file if the mirror spreading site is shut down, changes it's system or moves to another domain name. With all the mirror links listed, chances are at least one of the links will keep on working.
File formats to use
Use .7z (Not .RAR)
The RAR format is patented. This is an absurd situation since file archiving is such a basic area in which innovation by follow-on creators is needed.
Also, WinRAR is nagware. There is no reason you should be faced with a screen that nags you for money every time you want to unzip something.
Therefore I recommend using the free and open 7zip format. It is easy to setup on any major operating system. There is no reason that anyone with a computer can't open a 7-zip file. It is so easy that a retarded monkey could do it.
- For Windows and Linux: http://7-zip.org/
- Windows user doesn't want to install? No problem! Just use 7-zip Portable or PeaZip Portable.
- For Mac: iArchiver
Some people ask, "Why not use plain old .zip?" Well, you can if you want. Just be aware that regular .zip doesn't compress large files as small as these other formats can.
Want to get credit?
Put your (fake screen) name in the filename
Don't blame someone for forgetting who you are if you don't put your name or alias in the file name of the files you upload. And obviously if you're uploading copyrighted stuff, even if it's out of print, I'd recommend using a screen name or alias.
Exceptions to this could be when a filename is already too long. In that case, just rely on an NFO or TXT file to tell people about you.
NFO or TXT file
If you want to prevent link stealing and/or get credit for your uploads, include a .NFO or .TXT file in your archive with your release.
Passwords?
I recommend generally not using passwords on your archives unless the information inside is private. Passwords were invented to keep things secret and/or private and should be used for that purpose. Otherwise they just get in the way.
Few things are more annoying than waiting through an entire download only to be asked for a password you don't have or weren't given.
