|
|
| [6.0] |
Do I need an .NFO file? Is there a
template for one available? |
Yes, you should always include with your image archive and a good
template to start from, at least, can be found here.
It looks like a lot of information to have to include, but most of it IS
valuable and something you should know before you go ahead and post.
You can also get NFOgen.zip for a nice
utility coded by Dave that will create the nfo file for you. All
you have to do is fill in the boxes.
|
| [6.1] |
I have a CD I would like to post but I
don't have the time/space to repost. What do I do? |
- Post a message asking:
 | If anyone wants it.
| If someone will commit to a repost for you.
| |
If, and only if, you get both, then post a date you intend to
start your post.
Start the warez a flowing. <g>
|
| [6.2] |
What type of image is all right to
post? |
An image file posted to alt.binaries.cd.image should be for a PC/Intel
platform. Both applications (ie. OS's, productivity software, business
software, etc...) and games are acceptable. Golden rule - If you're not
sure of the reception you'll get, ask.
NO Mac warez.
NO console games (console being PSX or Nintendo games). No need to
post them when it is more cost vs time efficient to go rent one and copy
it. (Not that we would suggest that - NEVER! <g>). Another reason
being the requirement of a Mod
Chip.
|
| [6.3] |
I have something that takes three
cd's. Should I post it? |
Well, for bandwidth sake, if its a game and over TWO cd's and the cost
is under $60.00 then don't bother. Now, if its a Application, then
chances are if it's more than two cd's the cost is going to be worth it
<g>. So, if you are AT ALL unsure of the response you'll get to
posting something this big, ASK!
|
| [6.4] |
Can or should I help with a repost? |
NO, if the poster needs help then let them ask/assign someone to help.
If you feel you MUST, then please post your parts to parts.
This will cut down on the amount of traffic in the group. It is asked
that you wait until the poster has done Both the post and repost before
you help. By posting parts in ABCDI you will only bring flames upon your
self. Remember, you get what you ask for.
If you're too impatient to wait till the poster gets to your request,
then go out and BUY the CD.
|
| [6.5] |
What if I feel the poster is doing a
bad job and I have the same CD? |
It only seems right that I should step in and post -MY- CD image because
this lamer is just too much of a "newbie?"
Everyone was new at one time or another
and some never get past being "newbies". However, that does
not change any rules in your favor- newbies are entitled to the same
respect you would show anyone else, unless and until they show
themselves to be other than merely inexperienced.
 | If the original poster does not ask for your help then do not try
to complete the post yourself.
| Do not try to "compete" with a post in progress on the
same files.
| Unless you have a good familiarity with the poster, do not try to
fill requests aimed at them.
| | |
After all, who really cares who posted the thing? If you play your
end correctly you get a CD out of it. What more can you ask for?
|
| [6.6] |
Is there a standard format for
archiving an image? |
Yes, when compressing your image it needs to be in 2-5 meg files
(currently, 2915200 bytes appears to be the norm). Just keep in mind
that the larger the file the less chance it has of propagating to
servers on bad backbones. Also be aware if you are not on a good
backbone (ISP), you have no right to complain bout missing parts.
RAR and ACE are recommended for breaking the image into pieces and
compressing them (as much as is possible).
|
| [6.7] |
Is there a standard format for
posting? |
Yes, you can use Agent to post with. It is also strongly
recommended that you buy a copy at http://www.forteinc.com.
Set your encoding format to UUEncoded and maximum bytes per section to
504000 (roughly 8000 lines). This works well for most people.
You can also use a newer application that is specialized for posting,
and which can even resume a broken upload after the last complete part-
this is PowerPost 2000 which you can get at http://net-toys.8k.com.
The part sizes as recommended above have shown themselves to be a tad
large for some servers- which Appear to have instituted a
7500-line-maximum size cutoff- so set your part sizes to just under 7500
lines for best propagation.
Set your Followup-To: header to point to the discussion group
(detailed instructions are in section [1.11].
If you're not sure how to use Agent or wish to learn how to modify it
correctly, Mad Hatter has a good site just for this. See http://madhatter.skuz.net/agent/agent.modified.html.
And for some "KEWL appz" to use with Agent like AgentTask
and AgentPostDW (NOTE: This is NOT AutoPost, which is a SPAMMERS
tool) check out MH's utility page at http://madhatter.skuz.net/agent/util.html.
Also the alt.usenet.offline-reader.forte-agent.modified FAQ &
Comprehensive listing of Agent Utilites can be found at Mad Hatter's
sitehttp://madhatter.skuz.net/agent/.
Thanks to Mad Hatter for a wonderful set of resources. |
| [6.8] |
What about reposts? |
Remember, there should be someone committed to a FULL repost 7 days
after the last part is uploaded (either you or someone else you make a
deal with). Requests for reposts should follow the same rules as in the
other warez groups with the following exceptions:
- Repost requests are NOT welcome in the main group.
- ALL requests for REPOST should be done in parts.
|
| [6.9] |
Is there a recommended amount of data
to post per day? |
Practically speaking, yes. There is no way that people with 33.6
connections can keep up with someone posting a 500MB image file from a
T1 site, certainly not with the reduced retention times at most servers.
With Usenet hitting 100 GB a day retention is down everywhere- so
breaking the post up over a number of days does several things: It
allows other posts to reside on the server longer, enabling people
downloading them to be able to get them without having to ask for
another repost. And it enables people on slower connections to get the
post before it expires.
Current consensus appears to be roughly 100MB/day which, with 2.77MB
pieces, works out to roughly 40 posts/day. This is just a
guideline, but be aware that if you flood the group with 500MB you'll be
dealing with people pestering you for reposts from now until eternity.
It's actually in your best interests to pace your post.
|
| [6.10] |
Should I set the Followup-To: header
on my posts? If so, to what? |
Yes! Setting the Followup-To: header for your posts will help direct
discussion and questions out of ABCDI and into the appropriate
discussion group, alt.binaries.cd.image.tools.d.
People that reset the Followup back to ABCDI can safely be considered
a pain in the ass and not worth helping. Any misinformed individual that
posts out-of-place messages in ABCDI should be either ignored (see [1.11]
for filtering information) or your responses should have Followup-To:
set correctly to direct their subsequent replies.
To create a default Followup-To: header for the group, do the
following in Agent:
- Select the ABCDI newsgroup from your Subscribed Groups
list.
- Select the Group menu and the Properties menu item (Group->Properties).
- Click the Post tab.
- If it is not already checked, check the "Override default
settings" box.
- In the Fields listbox, highlight the Followup-To
header line.
- Check the "Override default Value for Followup-To:"
box.
- Type in alt.binaries.cd.image.tools.d.
- Press OK.
|
| [6.11] |
Why doesn't everyone use MIME
encoding? It makes for smaller posts! |
Actually, no it doesn't. This question comes up every once in a while
because MIME encoding makes for posts with less lines, but since
the lines are longer it more-or-less evens out. Furthermore, there are
people that read news on their office (or home) Unix machines
where UUEncoding is the norm and MIME would be a hassle. The standards
facilitate the creation and posting of perfect images which are readily
usable by the maximum number of people, MIME would would go against that
trend.
|
| [6.12] |
I've got a scanner and I can make a
set of CD labels to go with a post. Should I? |
Absolutely. A well done set of CD labels adds a nice finishing touch to
a post. However, it is NOT a required part of your post nor
should you accept abuse for not providing one with it.
If you are going to provide them, please try and put them with the
post and include them in your archive- that will make things easier for
everyone. If you end up making them after your post has gone up, please
post them to parts.
Making labels for someone else's post is also fine, but once again,
post them to parts, not ABCDI. |
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