Some members may have figured out how to create mp3 files from their midis, but may be perplexed on how to 'share' the mp3 with the other members.

It's a very easy process and, as I use Box.net, I'll walk you through the main tasks using this particular site.

There are other free file-sharing sites, but please consider your choice before diving in. There is one particular site that many use, which will serve adverts behind the window you are reading. (pop-unders). So, as soon as you leave the site, you're then presented with adverts for this and that, and quite frankly I hate this practice.


Anyway, back to Box.net





Firstly, create a 'Lite' user account, which is the first option in the 'Select Account Type' box above. This is the basic free account and will be fine for most.

Once you've done this, and logged-in, you'll see the 'My Box' window.



Start by clicking on 'New Folder' and give this a suitable name. You can create as many folders as you like, so you could have one for midis, one for mp3's, one for styles etc.

OK, you've created your new folder, click on the folder to open it as now you need to upload your first file, by clicking on, yes you've guessed it, the 'Upload' button!

You'll be presented with the following window.




Start by clicking on 'Add Files' and then navigate to the file(s) on your computer.

Click on 'Upload' and you're done!



How to get the URL link to share with others

If you look at the top right hand corner of your file, you'll notice an orange downward-facing arrow. You may need to mouse-over this area for the arrow to appear. Click on this, and you will see the following menu:



Just select 'Link to this file', and you will then get the following window:




You can copy & paste either of the shown links, I usually use the bottom one, as it shows the file extension.

Paste this link directly into your post, as you would normally do, and that's it, job done.

If anyone needs any help doing the above, just drop me a line, and I'll try and help where I can.

Cheers

Paul

Hi Paul

Thank you very much for a first class tutorial on this subject. It was very well written, and the screenshots were extremely helpful.

Kind regards
Andy

I use box.net myself Paul for some of those very same reasons. It loads quick and plays quick and works well.

I have 3 other storage accounts also. 4shared, Diino, and MediaMax. I haven't used them yet but I have learned one thing. 4shared is a royal pain. Anytime one of our members submits a song through 4shared you have to go through a bunch of garbage, ... and then MORE garbage before they play the song for you, all aimed at getting you too purchase crap you don't want!!!

Mr Paul,

Your article has been helpful in my starting an account with box.net, but this trip has been a pain.

First I set up an account, then promply forgot my password. After resetting the password, I tried to open another window (in the browser) to look at your sugjestions and work along with box.net at the same time.

Would not work. One of the windows would always close, making it hard to keep track of what I was doing. (I tried more than once.)

After some days, I was able to set up an account, set up some folders and finally got to the stage where I can download files from my desktop, only to be told they were too large to download (40 or so megabyte wave-files), limit of 25 meg at a time.

I have files I want to share, but (so far) can't! I would like to write articles for the forum, but dont know what to do!

I dont even know if I want help or not, but am (at this time ) venting frustration. Using computers has always been interesting, but it is hard for me to learn.

thanks............................................ ....................Pat

Hi Paul. Never try to post a WAV file, they are far too large, you have to convert them to MP3, There are several ones Switch and I use db power amp, I agree that 4shared is a pain, with all the adverts and they take an age to download another one that is gaining popularity is Sound cloud, but I still prefer Box.net... Pam

Hello Pamela,

Thanks for the tip. I knew I had to convert to something smaller, I just did not realize how much smaller it would be (40meg WAV file vs 4meg MP3 after conversion). After poking around on the web, I found a WAV to MP3 converter, and I have used it. I shall be posting songs soon.

thanks..............................Pat

Mr Paul,

This is exacly what I am talking about.

I have set up an account at box.net
I have converted a few of my musical pieces to MP3.
I downloaded them to the sight.
I looked up how to make links.
I wrote a note submitting the music to this sight.

But NOW, I can't because I have to submit a MIDI file too. I did not know this and was not told in your example of setting up an account in Box.Net.
I am sorry, but I dont know what you were talking about or what has to be done.

Do step 1 (I do step 1).
Oh! You can't continue untill you do step 2. (so I do step 2)
Oh, Now it is step 3...........and on and on.

I must have missed the total instructions someplace.......................

Hi Pat, You don't have to send a midi, make a folder and call it BLANK, then upload that... Pam

Hi Pat, You don't have to send a midi, make a folder and call it BLANK, then upload that... Pam

Sorry Pam, butI am not that computer literate, and need more detailed instructions.

1) Set up a BLANK folder where, at Box.net? Is it case sensitive? (ie Must it be all capitals?)

2) "Upload that"............I am not sure what you mean.


the frustration is biulding up again...................................Pat

Hi Pat, I'll try to explain it simple, On the computer right click and it will say new, then folder, click folder and name it blank, then send it to your usb stick, then use that to upload, persevere, you will get there... Pam