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 <CR> 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, <CR> 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 

