The TalkAwhile Download Emporium Q&A

[YaBB Master (Colin)]

The idea is that TalkAwhile will provide an outlet for artists to sell track downloads.
The intention isn't to hold a large catalogue, just provide an easy sales point for music that is discussed on the board.

There is an introduction page here.

I'll add answers to the next post, as people ask questions.

[YaBB Master (Colin)]

How do I download a file?
The first time this is does require some persistence. After that it's simple.
It's best to register an account first. The system will send you an email, with a link that confirms a working address. This is very important, because that's how purchases are delivered.
Then go to 'Products' and make your purchases. You will get an email with a code that looks like this xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx
(The code will be in an eMail from talkawhile.co.uk, not the one from PayPal)
Back in your account you go to 'register a new product' and enter this code.
The download will then be available on your account front page.
It's all been simplified.
Just buy the track and you will be eMailed a link to download it.

What format will the files be in?
That's largely up to the artist, but as a minimum standard for music, I would suggest 192Kbs mp3.

What if I haven't got a PayPal account?
You just select pay with a credit/debit card. This is very secure and simple, using PayPal's servers. (Although I have a Barclays merchant account I find PayPal a lot simpler, less problematic and cheaper.)

How many times can I download the file?
You download a file five times, within ten days.

How will "albums" be handled?
The tracks will obviously have to be group together. The most likely is that I will use ZIP files, although the compression will not make them any smaller.

[YaBB Master (Colin)]

What's the deal for artists?
For artists the deal is that PayPal fees will be deducted first (£0.20 + 3.4% per order) and then The Folk Corporation
takes 25% (min. 20p), which will directly pay for server costs. This resource is intended for artists who are regular contributors
to the board. (Rates for 'newbies' will have to be negotiated.)
The artists must have a PayPal account and raise requests for payment, once a month.

Can I put a download for free?
Probably not, although the software can cope with it.
Being free it will probably generate a lot of downloads and eat into my bandwidth.

How about books and other downloadables?
I'm open to suggestions.