Key Concepts

• P2P and Magnet Links. A P2P link is a text string that specifies file information for search and downloading. Magnet links, used for Gnutella and Fast Track networks, also specify an alternate location, such as a web address, for file downloading. P2P links can be posted on a web page or sent via email. When a user clicks on the link, P2P software starts the file search or download. TrustyFiles fully supports all industry P2P links and can be used to build Magnet links for web file downloading.
• Reach. P2P files are located through a combination of web promotion and P2P searches. There are 4 primary P2P networks (eDonkey, Bit Torrent, Gnutella, Fast Track). Files available on one network are generally not accessible to users of other networks. Furthermore, the Bit Torrent network is not searchable, so such files are only located through web promotion. P2P marketing programs should encompass both web promotion and all major networks for maximum P2P consumer market penetration.
• Seeding. Seeding is the process by which files are initially distributed to the P2P networks through servers or specially designated users. When a network is "seeded", there are sufficient file copies held and shared in the network that users can search for, find, and download the file from other users, without the help of seeding servers or users.

Bit Torrent Publishing

In some cases Bit Torrent is an excellent choice for P2P publishing. Read our special feature on Bit Torrent Publishing.

P2P File Distribution and Marketing Steps

1. Hosting

P2P files can be hosted on commercial servers in different ways for seeding.

• Web Server with Magnet links. A regular web server can be used with Magnet links that specify the server as an alternate location for file downloading. This option limits you to Gnutella and Kazaa networks unless you use TrustyFiles Branded P2P software to share files across all searchable networks.
• Internet server with Bit Torrent trackers. Files can be stored on a server in association with Bit Torrent trackers and directly downloaded. This option limits you to the Bit Torrent network unless you use TrustyFiles Branded P2P software to share files across all networks.
• P2P File Hosting. P2P hosting services run P2P software on their Internet servers. These services connect to one or more major networks and store and share your files over the networks. This option limits you to the service supported networks unless you use TrustyFiles Branded P2P software to share files across all searchable networks.

2. Publishing

Files are published to P2P users depending on how they are hosted.

• Web Server with Magnet links. Magnet links can be posted on a web page or sent via email.
• Internet server with Bit Torrent trackers. Bit Torrent files are published through torrent file web listings and downloads.
• P2P File Hosting. These files are found through regular P2P searches and also published with P2P and Magnet links..

3. Seeding

In all hosting options you can remove your files or discontinue the service when the network is sufficiently seeded if you want to offload downloads fully to the P2P networks.

4. Promotion

To promote your files use:

• Standard corporate communications - your web site, press releases, forums, etc.
• Customer, visitor, and mailing list emails
• Special web
• P2P launch with its own web site, exclusive files, discounts, member priveleges, sneak peek, etc.
• P2P web directories with P2P and Magnet links.
• Your own TrustyFiles BrandedP2P software
• Promotions via P2P software