*Torrent n00b* Ratio Question

[gloomndoom]

The whole thing about ratios confuses me. I think I understand the concept: you should try to upload as much as you download. But does this mean I can upload something I downloaded from another site? Or do I have to personally go out there, buy a CD, put it on my computer, make it into a torrent, and upload it to Bit Soup or The Sponge Club, etc.?

(Sorry if this may seem like a stupid question, I'm kind of clueless)

[Corruption]

Hey

If the torrent site allows user uploads or you have uploader status:

1. Yes you can download a torrent file from another tracker but you will need to remake the .torrent file and upload it to the site of your choice (if you dont know how to do this just post again)

2. If the site already contains the file you have on your hard drive just download the .torrent file off the site and point the save location to where the file is held, the client will then do a hash check and realise that you already have the file, it will the proceed to seed.

3. Of course you can rip your own files from cd, dvd e.t.c and upload them but only if the site allows non scene uploads. Just create a new torrent.

Hope this helps

[enter8]

Ratio is the amount you upload divided by the amount you dowload. If you upload 2 gb and you download 1 gb, you're ratio will be 2.

Ideally, if you want to garner respect in the file sharing community, you want to upload quite a bit MORE than you download. For instance if you ask someone for an invite, they may ask you for a ratio screenshot first. If your ratio is 1.05, that may not cut it. I know I wouldn't give anyone with a 1.05 ratio an invite. I have ratios well above 5 on almost every tracker I belong to.

Anyway, I digress :) When you download a file from a tracker, while you're downloading, you're usually uploading as well (that's the 'share' in filesharing). After you've completely downloaded it, you have the option of continuing to upload (seed) the file for as long as you want/as long as there's someone out there downloading (leeching) from you. With a really popular file, you can upload it many times over.

You can download a file from one site and then upload to another, and, as long as the latter site has plenty of leechers, you can really do wonders for your ratio, but... you have to be careful about the site you download from- not only will that ratio take a hit, you also might be in danger of a hit n run (not seeding the file enough initially). Hit n run regulations differ for every tracker. Some trackers allow hit n runs, some don't.

As far as uploading stuff of your own, most sites only allow uploads from members who have been chosen and/or met certain qualifications. On sites that do allow new members to upload (Oink is one), it's a great way to improve your ratio, but... you have to be very careful not to upload stuff that's already been uploaded and to follow the uploading rules carefully. It's a common mistake for beginners to think that because they're contributing, rules don't apply. Uploading a big responsibility- which is why most sites are selective about who they allow to upload.

[gloomndoom]

Okay, thanks!

You've been very helpful!

[robincheema]

if u have a question enter8 is here to help lol ur my hero..

[enter8]

Thanks Robin!!!! :)