A D D M I N E - Software Search

Addmine Site Rebuild

For the last few years Addmine shareware listings have used a SQL database which grew to an immense size that couldn't be serviced. Over the years what we used to try and do with code eventually resulted in poor performance. So the site and database server have both been rebuilt from the ground up and bandwidth increased to the maximum from dedicated servers colocated with Pipe Networks in Brisbane, Australia.

We had been customising and building into a fairly sophisticated portal solution that ended up having everything imaginable including threaded forum, private messaging, personal galleries, etc, but with over 2,000 software titles listed and up to 30 search engine spiders at the door, the site eventually came to a timeout.

The new coding for the web site is a complete rewrite beginning with a header and footer, and then adding only the basics for what should be needed. From our past experience with this site and feedback from shareware authors we hope that this new site will be rewarding and more relaxed experience.

Software Submissions

All authors will need to create a new account and add new listings. Any old listings which were stored in a XML/SQL format cannot be assigned to the new Author records. Software submission is free however prominence and display position will be governed by those who contribute to the whole... by providing great software and/or sharing by offering affiliate benefits to Addmine.

PAD

Software submissions can utilise the PAD file format provided by the Association for Shareware Professional which can make life a lot easier for both software developers and promoters. It is also easier for our administrator who can expect that the product descriptions have already been well formed.

PAD files can be used to automatically load the information into the submission form, edit to suit and then submit. All new submissions need to be approved by our listings administrator before going live.

Editing product listings

Addmine does not poll pad files for updated information because all listings need to be checked before publishing. This way we can maintain that you product display looks good within this site and that the information is appropriate.

Note that editing a product's details after it has been approved will disable it from public view until re-approved by admin. Depending on your member status and how many new submissions there are in the queue, your product could be offline for weeks.

Best practice

There are some things that can save you time every time your software is upgraded:

+ Keep the version number simple. For example use 3.5 and not 3.5.0.1.
+ Use the same URLs and image names.

Pad versions

Addmine software submissions will cater for both new and older versions of pad files. However if you aren't using version 3.0 the you should upgrade because then you can include affiliate templates and more.