AD-AUTxx.TXT v4.2 (updated 06-Feb-96) The AUTHOR DIRECT File Distribution Service. Author Information ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for your interest in participating in this venture. We feel that it provides a very valuable distribution service for our ASP authors, taking over where the ASP services end. First of all, let us make a few things absolutely clear before wasting any of your valuable time: 1) The submission of files for distribution via this service is reserved for ASP Author/Publisher members ONLY. You must be a current ASP member in good standing in order to participate in this project. 2) This is *NOT* an ASP-Sponsored project. It is a private endeavour, and not officially sponsored or funded by the ASP in any way. Now, with all that out of the way, we can get on to the other stuff. THE TECHNOLOGY -------------- Your file(s) are submitted either electronically or on floppy disk to the HQ system shown below. From that point, they are processed by the HQ site, and copies are placed on hold for the various distribution hubs to pick up. Those hubs will then place copies of your file on hold for the various end nodes to pick up and post for downloading by their callers. Your single disk has the potential of reaching virtually thousands of BBSs and other distribution services within days (sometimes hours) of it being received at the HQ site. THE REQUIREMENTS ---------------- The author submission requirements for participation in The AUTHOR DIRECT File Distribution Service are fairly minimal and straight forward. While they are simple, they are also necessary and strictly enforced. 1) Your file must submitted be in archived format. While you are free to use any of the standard archive formats (ZIP, ARC, ARJ, LZH, etc), be advised that the network processing *will* convert your archive to PKZIP v2.04g format. (NOTE: If your ZIPd files contain a valid PKZIP Authenticity Verification stamp, we will *not* rearchive the files, thus leaving your AV stamp intact). 2) Your file must contain a valid, properly formatted FILE_ID.DIZ file. We recommend that you obtain a copy of Fred Hill's DIZGEN utility, which will interactively create properly formatted FILE_ID.DIZ files for you. You can logon to The RoadHouse BBS (317-784-2147) and download a copy. Use the logon name of AUTHOR DIRECT, and the password NETWORK. 2a) You should also be advised that this network will support the VENDINFO concept (created by H. Rudy Ramsey) when it is released and in wide-spread use, and the AUTHOR-DIRECT Service reserves the right to also require the VENDINFO file format at some point in the future. A suitable grace period will be allowed. 3a) You must send your files on disk (360k, 720k, 1.2M, or 1.44M accepted - 720k preferred), to the HQ site. If you are paying via credit card, you must include a hard copy printout of the completed submission form (AD-AUTxx.FRM), and the credit card section at the bottom must be completely filled out and signed. See instructions below. -or- 3b) Files may be submitted electronically, provided that the author has established a blanket permissions ID in advance, and follows the instructions contained in the file BLNKETxx.TXT. Your submission must include an electronic copy of the completed submission form (AD-AUTxx.FRM, renamed to .FRM to match your ZIP filename) according to the instructions in BLNKETxx.TXT. 4) Your submission must include the necessary network processing fees. There is a "basic" fee of $15 per program, which covers the actual processing of the file into the network, plus additional fees for multi-part files or optional services that you wish (see details below). 4a) If your file contains a valid VENDINFO.DIZ file, you may take a $5 discount from the above basic fee, thus reducing the "basic" fee back down to $10. 4b) In addition to the basic network distribution, we also offer a variety of other "optional" services, which *may* require additional fees. The fees for these additional services are outlined below. Credit Card payments (VISA/MasterCard) are accepted. If you wish to use this form of payment for the processing fees, simply fill out *and sign* the credit card information block at the bottom of the form. Be *sure* that you fill in the "TOTAL ENCLOSED" portion of the form, so there is no confusion about the amount that will be charged to your credit card. 6) Your distribution license *must* grant blanket distribution rights for all BBS systems, so that our BBS participants are assured that they have rights to freely distribute any files received via this network on their BBS systems. 6a) NOTE: We will allow Disk Vendors and certain CD-ROM producers to also participate in this network, but these "blanket" distribution rights will not apply to them. They will be subject to any distribution requirements and/or restrictions specified in your license documentation. ------------ RESTRICTIONS ------------ Authors who submit programs for distribution via the various services provided by the Author-Direct Service must be aware that our services have the potential of being distributed internationally. Do not submit programs or materials that are restricted in distribution by the United States Government or restricted in distribution by copyright laws. By submitting your products to the Author-Direct Service, you assume the responsibility of your products being distributed so widely and freely. The submitting author is responsible for insuring that submitted files do not violate any of the following restrictions or requirements: 1) All files must be ASP Compliant. 2) NO Pornography (pictures or text). 3) NO Government restricted encryption. 4) NO Marketing schemes for retail products or services masquerading as 'shareware'. 5) NO Shareware products which are marketed as "retail" products in other countries. 6) NO Programs or information intended for illegal uses. ------------------- THE SUBMISSION FORM ------------------- We realize that many of you may be thinking that this is yet another needless submission form. However, we feel that the form is necessary in order to provide a proper audit trail of all submissions, as well as being necessary for the various distribution permissions (and signatures) required for some additional services. Please accommodate us by completing the form. Think of it this way - by your editing, printing, and submitting of this single form along with your file, your file will be posted for downloading by virtually hundreds of BBS systems throughout the world, as well as being distributed via additional services. A completed submission form *MUST* be included with your submitted file(s), either on the floppy disk, or submitted electronically with your uploaded file. In either case, it should be renamed to .FRM, where matches the primary filename of the submitted file. AUTHOR INFORMATION SECTION: --------------------------- The Author information (name, address, phone number, etc) must be provided so that we have a way to contact you in the event of a problem. Please be sure to list your complete mailing address. All of the address and phone number infor- mation will be for network use *only* and will be considered confidential. If you have a CompuServe account that you use regularly, then you should include your CIS ID (don't include a CIS ID if you do not use that account on a regular basis). Likewise, if you have a dedicated Internet address, you should include that as well. SUBMITTED FILE(S) INFORMATION SECTION: -------------------------------------- This section describes the program, and its associated distribution files. The first item is for the actual "BBS" distribution archive filename. IMPORTANT: The BBS filename *must* be unique for this particular release. Unlike Compuserve, each file distributed via this network (or BBSs in general, for that matter) must have a unique filename. This filename must be different from that of a previous release, or the processing software will interpret it as a duplicate of the previous one. Also, be aware that the filename you use for this distribution can not be used again in the future. This is just one reason that we recommend including the program version number as a part of the "BBS" distribution filename. Following that is a section which allows you to define the associated file name for your product if it is to be uploaded to the PCNET (formerly known as IBMNET) and/or ZENITH forums on CompuServe, and/or the ZD Net system. The use of these CompuServe-based services have a few special restrictions and requirements: 1) The filename used for this option *must* be generic (i.e. it cannot include any reference to the product version number. Most CIS-based forums frown on version numbers in filenames, and ZD Net simply will not accept files with version number references in the filenames. 2) If you have submitted a previous version of the same product to us, you should use the same generic filename that was used before. We will do some checking in this regard, and will change this filename if necessary to match the generic filename that was used previously. If these requirements and restrictions present a problem for you, or if you don't agree with this policy, then simply say "N" to these distribution options, and upload to those services directly. The next portion provides information which will be used to create an online file description for use by the automated processing software. This information will be provided to the BBS system (via software) to allow for unattended processing and immediate online availability of your file. This particular description is provided as a benefit for those systems which do not make use of the FILE_ID.DIZ description file. The online description will be created by combining the information from fields A, B, and C, and will automatically include an marker. Here is a sample of the format that will result from combining the information from fields A, B, and C: MY PROGRAM v1.2 - A unique utility that clears hard drive space. The software is somewhat limited in total description length, and the network coordinators may edit your description accordingly if the combined length of the fields exceeds the limits. We realize that this short description may be inadequate to fully describe your program, but we emphasize that this description is *only* provided for those systems which do *NOT* make use of FILE_ID.DIZ. Be sure to actually *describe* your program, as opposed to *advertising* it (i.e. don't "hype" the program via the description). Following that is a field for you to list the minimum operating system that is required for your product. This should be listed simply as DOS, Windows, or OS/2. The exact version number of the operating systems is not important in the context that we are using it. Following that is a field for you to provide KEYwords for your product. These keywords should be separated by spaces, and not commas. This field is only necessary if you have selected any of the PCNET, ZENITH, or ZD NET uploading options. The next field is for the filename of a previous version of the product, which is to be removed from distribution. You *MUST* legally own the rights to any filename that you list here. In some cases, the file listed here will be automatically removed by the software, if the sysop has enabled such an option. You must specify only the distribution archive filename of the file that you want removed (i.e. the software can only handle filenames, not program names). This filename *MUST* be different from the filename that you are submitting for distribution, and can not contain "wildcards". (NOTE: the current processing software will only process a *single* filename, so be sure to list only your most recent version to be removed). After the program description information, you must select a product category for your program. The files will be distributed in the following categories: Program Topic: Category: Program Topic: Category: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Business/Finance AD-BUS OS/2 Applications AD-OS2APPS Communication AD-COMM OS/2 Desktop Tools AD-OS2DESK DOS Applications AD-DOSAPPS OS/2 Games AD-OS2GAME DOS Desktop Tools AD-DOSDESK OS/2 Utilities AD-OS2UTIL DOS Games AD-DOSGAME Programming Misc AD-PROGMISC DOS Utilities AD-DOSUTIL Programming Tools AD-PROGTOOL Education AD-EDUCAT Vertical Markets AD-VERTICAL Engineering/Math AD-ENGMATH Windows Applications AD-WINAPPS Graphics AD-GRAPHIC Windows Desktop Tools AD-WINDESK Home/Hobby AD-HOMEHOBY Windows Games AD-WINGAME Miscellaneous AD-MISC Windows Utilities AD-WINUTIL You *MUST* select a category (and only 1 category) for your file. The network will not be responsible for selecting the category for you. However, we do reserve the right to change a category if we feel an alternate category would be more appropriate for the file. ------------------------ BASIC NETWORK SUBMISSION ------------------------ The basic service includes automatic distribution to: 1) the Planet Connect satellite system, which distributes the files to well over 1,000 BBSs in North America, and 2) BBS systems via the FidoNet Filebone system, which distributes files world-wide via FidoNet BBS systems ------------------------- OPTIONAL SERVICES OFFERED ------------------------- We offer a variety of additional distribution services that you may optionally select. Most of these additional services will require additional fees. Since some of these fees are based on the size of the files being distributed, it may be more economical for authors to distribute directly to these services. However, these optional services may be worth the additional expense in terms of convenience, as you only need to mail a single disk to a single site, and then have the files distributed to all of the various distribution services that you have selected. Please note that these additional services are "optional", and do not affect the basic distribution of your files via the AUTHOR DIRECT File Distribution Service in any way. You can choose to participate in any of them, all of them, or none of them, and still use the services of our FDN. Be aware that the use of these optional services implies that the author is granting distribution rights to these services. If any author has any problem with these distribution rights, they are free to negotiate directly with the providers of these services. If you don't want to provide these blanket distribution rights, simply don't select these services. Our intention here is to simply make it easy for our ASP authors to submit their files to numerous distribution services while only mailing a single disk to a single distribution point. 1) Submission to an INTERNET FTP Site ------------------------------------- If you select this option, we will automatically deliver your file directly to our Internet service provider. Once there, your file will be available to anyone on the Internet, via annonymous ftp request to ftp.secret.com in their AD-FTP file area. Files will be maintained on that service for a full year, unless they are replaced by a newer release. This is a surcharged service, and the fees are based on your ZIP archive file sizes, according to the following schedule: Files of 0 - 1024Kb (0,000,000 - 1,048,576 bytes) are charged $ 7.50 ea Files of 1025 - 2048Kb (1,048,577 - 2,097,152 bytes) are charged $15.00 ea Files of 2049 - 3072Kb (2,097,153 - 3,145,728 bytes) are charged $22.50 ea Files of 3073 - 4096Kb (3,145,729 - 4,194,304 bytes) are charged $30.00 ea 2) Submission to the ASP CD-ROM Projects ---------------------------------------- If you select this option, your file will be delivered to the producers of the ASP CD-ROMs for inclusion on the next available release of said CD-ROM discs. All files submitted via this optional service must fully comply with any and all existing ASP requirements and restrictions regarding those CD-ROM projects. NOTE: This option *requires* that you submit a VENDINFO.DOZ submission information file (renamed to .DOZ). The DOZ file can be generated by VendInfo (v1.20+) or generated by the DESCRIBE utility provided by FormGen (the CD-ROM provider). This DOZ file *must* be submitted separately, and *NOT* packaged inside the distribution ZIP archive file. This is a surcharged service. The fees for this optional service are based on the transfer times for the total of files (i.e. the size of the distribution ZIP archive PLUS the size of the DOZ submission information file), at off-peak long distance telephone rates, per the following schedule: Files of 0 - 400Kb (0,000,000 - 0,409,600 bytes) are charged $0.75 Files of 401 - 800Kb (0,409,601 - 0,819,200 bytes) are charged $1.50 Files of 801 - 1200Kb (0,819,201 - 1,228,800 bytes) are charged $2.25 Files of 1201 - 1600Kb (1,228,801 - 1,638,400 bytes) are charged $3.00 Files of 1601 - 2000Kb (1,638,401 - 2,048,000 bytes) are charged $3.75 Files of 2001 - 2400Kb (2,048,001 - 2,457,600 bytes) are charged $4.50 Files of 2401 - 2800Kb (2,457,601 - 2,867,200 bytes) are charged $5.25 Files of 2801 - 3200Kb (2,867,201 - 3,276,800 bytes) are charged $6.00 Please be aware that for this option, the "BBS" filenames will be used (which includes the version number). This is because the CD-ROM discs are widely used by BBS operators, both ASP and non-ASP. In order for proper file library maintenance to take place, the version-specific filenames are necessary for users of the ASP CD-ROMs, rather than any "generic" filenames. 3) Submission to the ASP Forum on the Microsoft Network (MSN) ------------------------------------------------------------- If you select this option, your file will be delivered to the administrator of the ASP Forum on the Microsoft Network (MSN). NOTE: This option requires that your ZIP archive include a valid VENDINFO.DIZ file generated by the VendEdit utility. (Please be aware that the monthly ASP CD-ROM is also used for feeding files to the ASP Forum on the Microsoft Network. If you are sending your file to the ASP CD-ROM, then you may not need to select this option unless you want to get your file onto the Microsoft Network prior to the next issue of the ASP CD-ROM.) This is a surcharged service. The fees for this optional service are based on the transfer times for the file, at off-peak long distance telephone rates, per the following schedule: Files of 0 - 400Kb (0,000,000 - 0,409,600 bytes) are charged $0.75 Files of 401 - 800Kb (0,409,601 - 0,819,200 bytes) are charged $1.50 Files of 801 - 1200Kb (0,819,201 - 1,228,800 bytes) are charged $2.25 Files of 1201 - 1600Kb (1,228,801 - 1,638,400 bytes) are charged $3.00 Files of 1601 - 2000Kb (1,638,401 - 2,048,000 bytes) are charged $3.75 Files of 2001 - 2400Kb (2,048,001 - 2,457,600 bytes) are charged $4.50 Files of 2401 - 2800Kb (2,457,601 - 2,867,200 bytes) are charged $5.25 Files of 2801 - 3200Kb (2,867,201 - 3,276,800 bytes) are charged $6.00 Please be aware that for this option, the "BBS" filenames will be used (which includes the version number). 4) Submission To PsL's "The PsL Monthly CD" ------------------------------------------- If you select this option, your file will be deliverd to P(s)L via the Planet Connect system, for possible inclusion on their monthly-updated CD-ROM disk. We will also notify P(s)L that you have granted them permission to distribute your file on their CD-ROM projects. This is a free service. In order to use this optional service, you must be willing to grant CD-ROM distribution rights (only for the CD-ROM title listed to above) to PsL for your files. These distribution rights are implied by your selection of this option, and will supersede any contrary restrictions listed in your standard documentation. Please note that selecting this optional service does *not* guarantee that your program will automatically be included on the PsL monthly CD. This merely allows you to submit your product to them for consideration. 5) Upload to the America Online software libraries. --------------------------------------------------- If you select this option, we will automatically upload your file directly to the America Online file libraries. The filename used for this file upload service will be the "BBS" filename. The file will be uploaded to an appropriate area based on the minimum required operating system for your product (i.e. DOS, Windows, or OS/2). If your product is more appropriate in another area, the AOL sysops will move it there automatically. There is a flat $5 surcharge for this option. NOTE: This option requires that a valid VENDINFO.DIZ file exist in your ZIP file. 6) Upload to the PCNET (formerly IBMNET) Forum Libraries -------------------------------------------------------- If you select this option, we will automatically upload your file directly to the appropriate PCNET forum libraries on CompuServe. The filename used for this file upload service will be generic (i.e. it must not contain a reference to the version #). There is a flat $2.50 surcharge for this option. 7) Upload to the ZENITH Forum Libraries --------------------------------------- If you select this option, we will automatically upload your file directly to the ZENITH forum libraries on CompuServe. The filename used for this file upload service will be generic (i.e. it must not contain a reference to the version #). There is a flat $2.50 surcharge for this option. 8) Submission to the ZD Net Services ------------------------------------ If you select this option, we will automatically send your file directly to the ZD Net "Author Upload Center" for processing and potential distribution via their various online and catalog vending services. The filename used for this file upload will be generic (i.e. it must not contain a reference to the version #). There is a flat $2.50 surcharge for this option. --------------------- SUBMITTING YOUR FILES --------------------- Your files are to be submitted only to the Network HQ site. All files must be submitted either via floppy disk, or electronically via CompuServe email or direct upload to our support BBS system (see details included in the file BLNKETxx.TXT). Floppy disk formats of 360k, 720k, 1.2M, and 1.44M will be accepted (720k preferred). Your floppy disk should include the archived distribution file(s) in the format that they are to be distributed in. You may include more than one program/file on a disk if space permits. All files should be placed in the root directory of the floppy disk (i.e. NO subdirectories). Your submission must also include a check or money order for the processing fees according to the schedule above. Checks/Money Orders are to be made payable to "RMH Computer Services" and are to be in US funds. Credit Card payments (MasterCard or VISA only) are now accepted. To charge the processing fees to your credit card, simply fill out the Credit Card block at the end of the submission form (you *MUST* fill in the "TOTAL:" field, and you *MUST* include your signature). The address of the Network HQ site is: Author-Direct Service Richard Holler PO Box 657 Beech Grove IN 46107-0657 Should you need additional information regarding anything, please contact Richard Holler: (317) 782-9903 [voice] (317) 784-2147 [BBS/FAX] CompuServe 73567,1547 INTERNET: RHoller@cis.compuserve.com