Can I Have Some Advice / Your Opinions Please

[mydogisthebest]

I will be adding a downloadable PDF Link to a page on my site.

Now the thing is.... The contents of the File will be something that is of value to the user and therefore may be subject to abuse (ie: the user may direct others to the download for let's say, financial gain).

I do not charge for the contents of the File, and I don't want to (i'm that kind of a person :-D).

I did think of maybe deleting the Link at say weekly or monthly intervals and re-creating the Link on new pages, but ideally I don't want to have to keep editing the page and at some point may want to add other downloadable Files, etc on to it.

What would be my best plan of action here? Is there something that I could do to combat numerous downloads by one user?

I have been scratching my head with this for a while now.

Thanks in advance.

[toastking]

Surely you could se up an autoresponder that would then allow them to download just 1 copy, then the other people would have to apply to get the file if they wanted it.

I can see a solution being easily possible, just sorry I do not know exactly how to do it.

[Coppock]

You could ask them to fill in a form so you can email it across,
you should be able to set the accessibility so only logged in guests can view the pdf? Other than that, why not password protect it with your domain name as the password?

Jen

[mydogisthebest]

TNX Jenny, I wanted the download to be 'maintenance free' and not to get into emailing individuals, and as later I might add around 20 Files, this would become a bit of a balls ache.

Even logged in guests or members may take advantage, so I feel this wouldn't help.

Perhaps i'm being a bit over protective about my software, but presume that as it would be potentinally 'Open Source' ie. available to the public (because I havent copyrited it), then I shouldn't worry about it! Even though it did loose me a lot of sleep :-(

[Coppock]

Don't lose sleep! Nothing is worth staying awake all night over.

It won't end the world if people download it when it's free.
If you want to protect the pdfs information do the following;

1. On the download page state "by downloading these files you are agreeing to our terms and conditions which clearly state that rights to the information with the files belong to us. If you copy or distribute the files or replicas without our permission it will be seen as a breach of copyright and you may be prosecuted" - or something similar.

2. Password protect the files with your domain name. This will again protect the file as you can state on your website - to open the files the password is mysite.com

3. Insert locked image or text within the pdf simply with the copyright symbol and your website.

In truth if someone wishes to copy it they will find a way even if it means making brand new files. You've either got to decide how important it is to remain the owner of the information and how valuable the information is to yourself and the people that might abuse it.

Good luck!
Jen

[Astaroth]

You basically have no fool proof way of stopping people redistributing your digitial products, you can only make it more difficult for them to do it.

If your concerned about people simply forwarding the download link then you can write a script that emails each valid user a unique link on request and that link is only valid for X number of downloads.

If your concerned about people sharing or reposting the file then you need to mark each PDF so you can identify the downloader - this can be done openly (add their name and email address to the document) to deter them doing it or covertly to simply help in identifying the guilty party.