IndieScan FAQ

Q. Who can participate?
A. Any independent music label with song files available for download or playback on the internet.

Q. Does that include self-produced artists with their own CD's?
A. Yes.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. It's free.

Q. Are all types of files allowed?
A. Initially, only MP3, RealAudio (RA), and Windows Media (WMA) are tracked.  Other formats will 
be added if demand warrants it, but those seem to be the major formats at this point in time.

Q. How do I get started?
A. Check out the "Release Notes", and then download and install the software.

Q. I hate spyware.  Is that what you're doing?
A. No way.  The software is designed to compile data on only the song files you specify, 
and once a day, automatically report the activity data (i.e. how many times each file has 
been downloaded) to Indiescan's database.  You maintain complete control at all times over
your content, and only allow reporting of what you want to be reported.  The software is
oblivious to anything else.

Q. What if I just download my songs 1000 times a day myself?  Will I be #1 on the charts?
A. It will only register as a single daily download.  Indiescan only tracks downloads from 
unique IP addresses, and verifies that each IP address is real.  And if the system senses 
that an attempt has been made to forge IP addresses to make it appear as if a song is very 
popular, the entire web site is flagged and ignored.  

Q. Where will the charts be made available?
A. Initially, they will be posted at http://www.thewholenetwork.com/charts/

Q. Can I provide a link to the charts from my site?
A. Absolutely!

Q. Will the charts provide a link to my site?
A. Absolutely!  As long as you provide a URL in the IndieScan setup.