To allow or not to allow... I would abuse the heck out of this feature if I did...

I wonder if there are any legal ramifications to allowing users to post a mp3 attached to an entry. Anyone know?

Update: Dodo brings up a good point. So what I should do is allow for uploads of media files, and ZIP them while they are being uploaded. This would save on bandwidth but also would prevent streaming.

I'm leaning towards allowing uploads of 3 media files with max size at 10 megabytes ... you would find the downloads on your content pages. This would be a nice way to share songs that you're listening to. I know Daniel had suggested this feature a long time ago, but I originally discounted it because I couldn't imagine how useful it could be... but the more I use Tabulas, the more I want to attach media files to my posts.

I've also been messing around with the IMAP functions in PHP, trying to build a "post-by-e-mail" feature. It should be pretty nice if I can get it done; you'll also be able to reply to comments directly as an e-mail instead of having to use the web interface.

At the request of some people, I also looked into attaching images to moods... a request for "freeformed" images was made, but I think that'll be a bit complex. I downloaded a bunch of mood icons (which are actually the ones that LJ uses)... now the hard part of sorting through them and associating moods with each image.

Boo.
Currently listening to: Clefhangers's Say it Ain't So
Posted by roy on October 2, 2003 at 03:37 PM in Web Development | 12 Comments

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Daniel (guest)

Comment posted on October 3rd, 2003 at 06:25 AM
see roy, ya gotta take my suggestions more seriously now! ;P

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Comment posted on October 2nd, 2003 at 07:57 PM
Hmm... I must disagree with the videos. Not that I distrust your users or anything, but it would be best not to in case people begin posting more "questionable" materials. So unless you wanna police every video posted, it would be best not to allow it.

As for the MP3s... it's your call. I would probably lean away from it though, just to play it safe.
Comment posted on October 2nd, 2003 at 09:15 PM
That is true. But I figure with a 10 meg limit, people can't abuse it too much ... but then again, I am a rather trusting person.

Maybe just MP3s would be alright then...
Comment posted on October 5th, 2003 at 01:13 PM
Just hope the RIAA doesn't come knocking and try to shut Tabulas down. That's probably my biggest worry of this feature being implemented.
Comment posted on October 5th, 2003 at 01:55 PM
Well if I leave it as an open "media" feature instead of just explicitly saying mp3, i really can't be responsible for what's done.

and the worst case scenario, they'd prolly shut the feature down.
Comment posted on October 2nd, 2003 at 05:16 PM
interesting dilema ...i agree with dodo about zipping them up ...for whatever media you allow ^_^
Comment posted on October 2nd, 2003 at 04:12 PM
nope, i'd suggest you allow zip files tho. at least then they can't stream it.
Comment posted on October 2nd, 2003 at 04:10 PM
I just noticed that spaceinthewho really looks like roy. ;)
Comment posted on October 5th, 2003 at 02:07 PM
what the hecK?
Comment posted on October 2nd, 2003 at 03:39 PM
i'd love the ability to add short movie files...

occasionally i shoot movies with my digicam and i'd love to be able to upload those.

but you have to think about storage, bandwidth, etc.
Comment posted on October 2nd, 2003 at 03:46 PM
Interestingly enough, storage and bandwidth aren't what's really preventing me from pursuing this feature... hrrrrmmm. Perhaps I'll look intoit.

How big are your movie files?
Comment posted on October 5th, 2003 at 02:07 PM
between 3-6 MB
(between 0-30 second clips)