File Uploading Tips & Guidelines WinShare/WinFun Forums Revised January 1995 OVERVIEW & FILE GUIDELINES The WinShare & WinFun Forums try to operate as freely as possible. However, some guidelines have been established for the mutual benefit and enjoyment of all forum members. By helping us in observing these guidelines, we can help you by making your uploads available with the least possible delay. 1) Files should only be uploaded to ONE library. Choose *the most appropriate* library in the WinShare/WinFun Forums, combined. Keep in mind that the WinShare & WinFun Forums complement one another... one picks up where the other leaves off. If multiple copies are uploaded, only one will be released in the most appropriate library. Also, keep in mind that files uploaded to the wrong library may be released to a more appropriate library by the Sysop; 2) Files must state whether they are Public Domain, Freeware (Freely distributed) or Shareware. If the file is Shareware and is uploaded by a registered CompuServe shareware developer, we recommend including the SW REG # assigned by CompuServe. This will help users (and developers) by clearly describing how to purchase the shareware. Note: The WinShare/WinFun Forums will not accept any image or sound file to be distributed as 'shareware'; 3) Files/uploads must conform to CompuServe's Terms of Service (GO RULES); 4) Binary files over 25K *MUST* be compressed (preferably in .ZIP format). Self-extracting .EXE files (any compression format) are acceptable providing the file description states it is 'Self- extracting'. Files not meeting this requirement may not be released to the library. Additionally, please refrain from posting *both* .ZIP and .EXE versions of your files as we will, generally, only release the .ZIP version; 5) Individual .WAV, .BMP and .ICO files do not need to be compressed since their data architecture already facilitates transfers quickly using most protocols. If you choose to upload a collection of .WAV or .ICO files in one .ZIP archive, consider the archive's size. Larger files may not appeal to members; 6) It isn't necessary to include custom control files such as VBRUN300.dll or THREED.vbx in the file's archive. Most members already have these files in their System. They are also readily available for download from library #1 in both the WinShare & WinFun Forums. If your file requires such a file, state so in the description; 7) For everyone's enjoyment, try to keep sounds and sound clips short (20-30 seconds max), especially at higher sampling rates which create larger files to download. Also, please avoid creating stereo .WAV files of mono recordings. This creates a file twice the size recorded and necessary, and may not be perceived as an attractive download. Many members use sounds for short system events; 8) Use discretion uploading samples or 'clips' from published material (records, televisions, movies, etc.). Such 'clips' MAY NOT BE longer that 15.0 seconds OR one-quarter (1/4) of the actual length of the published material, WHICHEVER _IS LESS_. Original material uploaded by the owner may be longer (subject to #7 above). 9) Before uploading a file, perform a quick browse/search to see if the file, or similar file, might already exist; 10) The WinShare & WinFun Forums do not accept files which contain 'Adult', R-rated or X-rated pictures or sounds - No frontal nudity, sexual acts, genitalia, vulgarity or profanity (expressed or implied); 11) English descriptions must accompany every upload. Remember, this is what forum members look at to decide whether or not to download your file, so choose your words wisely. Also, if applicable, include a version number; 12) Sound files which contain advertisements or commercials for products or services are not accepted, with the exception of WinShare & WinFun Shareware developers which have created such a sound file for the purpose of promoting a product distributed in the WinShare or WinFun forums. Such files should then be posted to the "Prod Info/Reviews" library of the respective forum with a clear description of the file. 13) When selecting a host filename for an upload, consider making it generic - not version specific. This allows you to replace the file in the future by using the same filename, thus preserving previous download counts and avoiding confusion by ensuring only the most recent copy of the file is available for members; 14) Remember, upload time is free. If your file is not posted for some reason, you aren't out any money. Again, these are some general guidelines being provided at the request of a number of forum members. We encourage members to submit files, and will look for every opportunity to post all files submitted. However, files which do not meet the requirements above, or are in question, or are under investigation for potential copyright issues may not be posted, or posted immediately. HOW TO UPLOAD FILES TO COMPUSERVE This file describes the UPLoading procedure for file transfer in the WinShare & WinFun Forums. It is intended to help users of CIM interfaces and ASCII Terminal comm programs. Since this is a broad area, please be aware that you may find idiosyncrasies of your particular CIM version or comm program. The instructions for CIM should be easily adaptable if a particular function has a slightly different name. In any case you may want to address a specific question or problem to the support area for your software. ACCEPTABLE UPLOAD FORMATS It is very important that the files you upload are in formats that are supported by CompuServe, and can be accessed by the greatest possible number of members. All text documents should be submitted in ASCII text format which can be read universally read from any platform. Remember that dedicated word processor programs can only be used by members who have that particular application. **Use the SAVE AS...TEXT(ASCII with line breaks) to save your document before uploading.** Compressed and program files must be uploaded in 8-bit binary format. Since all of the CIM versions include GIF viewers, GIF is the preferred format, but the software also supports JPEG. If your file requires VBRUNx00.dll, mention the requirement in the description, but do not include it in the compressed archive. These files are available in the WinShare & WinFun forums for separate download. **** CompuServe Information Manager (WinCim) **** From the Library pull down menu, select "Contribute File". You will see a dialog box asking for: Filename-----------the name of your file with file extension (If the filename you enter is not in the same directory as CIM, you will be given another dialog box to use to tell CIM where the file to be uploaded can be found) Title--------------the unabbreviated name of your file (version number, if applicable. Keys---------------keywords that another member could use to locate your file. File description---a few brief sentences describing what your file is about. Type---------------ASCII for text files, BINary for .ZIP files or programs, GIFf for graphics. Section------------which forum library you want to upload to. COPYRIGHT STATEMENT THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. CIS and/or the WinShare/Fun Forums cannot accept for distribution any copyrighted material without permission of the copyright holder. This caveat is absolute. If you are submitting material that is not your own, you MUST include a statement in your file description that you have permission to distribute the file. NOTE: Files not meeting this requirement may not be released. Then (and only then, after all the above info has been entered) the "Contribute" or "OK" button will become available. Hit ENTER and the file transfer will begin. -------------------------------- **** ASCII Terminal **** From the Forum! (prompt) type "LIB". You will see a numerical menu of available libraries. If you want a list of the names of the Libraries (generally by topic) type "?" at the LIB! (prompt) Select which library you would like to upload to, by number. You can also type "LIBx" at the forum! if you know which library you want, "x" being its number. You will see the following: "Under our Agreement and Operating Rules, you must own or have sufficient rights to any information you place on the Service." File name: Enter the FILename as it will appear in the library. You will be asked for the file TYPe (ASCII, BINary, GIF). You will then be asked for the file path, or given a dialog box asking you to select the file to transfer: You will see the following: "File name for your computer:" Enter the filename and location on _your_ computer. Depending on your software, you will be shown a dialog box to select the file. If you are in a Terminal program other than one of the CIM's you will be asked for the protocol. Choose CompuServe Protocol B+. This protocol will support being able to continue the file transfer from wherever it left off if it should be interrupted. At this point the file transfer will take place. You will then see: "Enter File Description (up to 549 chars, or about seven 80-character lines). Type "/EXIT" when finished:" Enter the file description. Then you will see: "Enter Keywords ( or type "?" for HELP ): " Enter the KEYwords. Then you will see: "Enter Title (up to 49 chars, when finished): | | Title: " Enter the title. You will be prompted for a "Y" or "N" if all the information is correct. The file UPLoad procedure will be finished. -------------------------------- UPLOADING TIPS Choose KEYWORDS carefully, avoiding contractions. These are your marketing 'buzz phrases'. Often, users browse for a file name. Both the WinShare & WinFun forums have libraries dedicated to product announcements, spec sheets, reviews and press releases. All files of this nature should be posted in these libraries. Information regarding compression can be found in the file COMPRS.TXT in library #1 of both forums. Uploads *do not* appear in the libraries immediately! They generally take 24-48 business hours (1-2 days) to be reviewed and released by the Sysop. All uploads are scanned for viruses and checked for data/archive integrity prior to release. If a file uploaded does not appear in the library within 72 business hours (3 business days), an inquiry may be sent to the Sysop *via private e-mail* to 71333,2675. Responses to such inquiries will generally occur within 48 business hours (2 business days). 950101