This is a pretty big question I'm sure.

 

I'm thinking of creating an mp3 dowload site, where customers must pay for the dowloads, its not a file sharing thing.

 

Apart from the obviouse issues with getting the appropriate permissions to sell the music, what would be involved from a scripting point of view.

 

I understand there will be big involvement with back end/server side stuff, but to be a bit more specific, what would be involve to create a functioning mp3 dowload site with all the standard featured you would expect, such as, you know, being able to search by different criteria (artist, album, single, type of music etc) list the results, select the ones you want, pop them in a basket, pay and dowload.

 

How involve is this?

 

Any comments would be more than welcome

 

thanks fellows

You could use something like Zen cart for downloads, no problem.

Yes your right,

 

What about all the search and display requirements, you know, so the customer can put a search in and have the results displayed. What will enable the search interface? and I guess there will be some kind of searchable database on the server, would this be in mysql?

 

Thanks in advance

I put this on another forum, but I think it may be better here.

 

This is a pretty big question I'm sure.

 

I'm thinking of creating an mp3 dowload site, where customers must pay for the dowloads, its not a file sharing thing.

 

Apart from the obviouse issues with getting the appropriate permissions to sell the music, what would be involved from a scripting point of view.

 

I understand there will be big involvement with back end/server side stuff, but to be a bit more specific, what would be involve to create a functioning mp3 dowload site with all the standard featured you would expect, such as, you know, being able to search by different criteria (artist, album, single, type of music etc) list the results, select the ones you want, pop them in a basket, pay and dowload.

 

How involve is this?

 

Any comments would be more than welcome

 

thanks fellows

An e-commerce platform with downloads as purchases.

 

But I don't see a whole lot of point with this iTunes have pretty much dominated the market and the other competitors are rather big names too.

I put this on another forum, but I think it may be better here.

 

This is a pretty big question I'm sure.

 

I'm thinking of creating an mp3 dowload site, where customers must pay for the dowloads, its not a file sharing thing.

 

Apart from the obviouse issues with getting the appropriate permissions to sell the music, what would be involved from a scripting point of view.

 

I understand there will be big involvement with back end/server side stuff, but to be a bit more specific, what would be involve to create a functioning mp3 dowload site with all the standard featured you would expect, such as, you know, being able to search by different criteria (artist, album, single, type of music etc) list the results, select the ones you want, pop them in a basket, pay and dowload.

 

How involve is this?

 

Any comments would be more than welcome

 

thanks fellows

 

 

I developed www.wikilime.net which is an emcommerce solution. With it I created the option to host digital downloads such as ebooks and MP3's. It was written in Coldfusion and runs off a mySQL backend database. There is a fair bit of backend coding but nothing too stupid. You have to take in to account security issues also. The users cant have access to the files until they have purchased etc.. so all downloads need to be stored offline and then automatically copied to the buyers browser once payment is complete. My system runs off Paypal, which uses the Paypal checkout and also the subscription service for repeat billing. If you want some advice about all this drop me a PM - i'll be happy to help.

zencart has a search function for inside thesite. just searches the infor you tell it. ie song infor like name titel artist etc etc

I developed www.wikilime.net which is an emcommerce solution. With it I created the option to host digital downloads such as ebooks and MP3's. It was written in Coldfusion and runs off a mySQL backend database. There is a fair bit of backend coding but nothing too stupid. You have to take in to account security issues also. The users cant have access to the files until they have purchased etc.. so all downloads need to be stored offline and then automatically copied to the buyers browser once payment is complete. My system runs off Paypal, which uses the Paypal checkout and also the subscription service for repeat billing. If you want some advice about all this drop me a PM - i'll be happy to help.

 

Thanks mate,

 

So would your system be secure, like you suggested, by not allowing access to the download until you have paid for them?

 

Can customers do a search of the products, using the content of the basck end mysql database, using a customisable from end interface. You see I don't want to display pictures of products, just the names of them in a list as the result of a customer search.

 

thanks bro

zencart has a search function for inside thesite. just searches the infor you tell it. ie song infor like name titel artist etc etc

 

Thanks mate, how custermisable is the search and results interface?

 

Thanks again

<threads merged> Next time ask a thread to be moved rather than making another one as you have been getting help on the other one and then decided to make this one to get more help...so don't duplicate your posts thanks.

<threads merged> Next time ask a thread to be moved rather than making another one as you have been getting help on the other one and then decided to make this one to get more help...so don't duplicate your posts thanks.

 

Sorry! still learning the system

I think a lot depends on how big the site will be. Are you proposing to have a massive catalogue or just a certain niche? Either way the publishing companies will probably want to see a comprehensive business plan for starters, as well as looking at your infrastructure to make sure it's sound.

 

From a front end/user point of view here's what i can think of...

 

1. Full category tree by artist/genre

2. A-Z listings

3. Comprehensive search system

4. Track/song previews

5. Shopping basket/checkout

6. User accounts/profiles

7. Ratings/reviews

8. Promo incl. newsletters etc

I think a lot depends on how big the site will be. Are you proposing to have a massive catalogue or just a certain niche? Either way the publishing companies will probably want to see a comprehensive business plan for starters, as well as looking at your infrastructure to make sure it's sound.

 

From a front end/user point of view here's what i can think of...

 

1. Full category tree by artist/genre

2. A-Z listings

3. Comprehensive search system

4. Track/song previews

5. Shopping basket/checkout

6. User accounts/profiles

7. Ratings/reviews

8. Promo incl. newsletters etc

 

To be honest bluedreamer, I am thinking of a massive cat, from the top four record labels. Sounds like a big job, but surely its just a case of have a very big database and server. I really want to be able to customise the user interface, so would need an app that would allow big customising, would zencart allow this?

 

Cheers kid

Sorry! still learning the system

 

 

To be honest bluedreamer, I am thinking of a massive cat, from the top four record labels. Sounds like a big job, but surely its just a case of have a very big database and server. I really want to be able to customise the user interface, so would need an app that would allow big customising, would zencart allow this?

 

Cheers kid

I think you need to do a lot of reading and have a very good understanding of what you are trying to get in to. I don't think you comprehend how big of a task this will be for you.

You need to research the sites listed on this forum cause that's who you would be competing against - http://www.aom3.org/forum/

 

As jamest said, this is a huge undertaking plus the legal issues in this area are no simple little matters, unless you live in Russia.

I do realise that this job is very big indeed, but surely if there are applications out there that can handle a searchable product database with download option avaliable, and the application is secure, then surely the biggest hurdle will be gaining the appropriate licences. If you are saying there are no applications out there that can handle what I want to do, then I will have to get someone who knows what they are doing to sort out the technical.

 

I think I have a unique hook that will separate me from the compitition, that is why I am not immediately put off by them. There are always improvements that can be made.

 

I am just not put off by this type of thing, I like to think big, you know what I mean.

 

Thanks for your help fellas

There is definitely the software out there to achieve what you want, just make sure you have a big budget.

Thanks mate.

 

When you say I need a big budget, is this for the software or the licencing and marketing? I am anticipating spending a lot of cash.

Thanks mate.

 

When you say I need a big budget, is this for the software or the licencing and marketing? I am anticipating spending a lot of cash.

I would say it would be in to the tens of thousands if you really want to stand out in anyway, even then people will go for the big name companies first.

I would say it would be in to the tens of thousands if you really want to stand out in anyway, even then people will go for the big name companies first.

 

Your bang on there kid. I have to be ready to spend. If only it was just down to smart marketing!! Got any ideas?

Thanks mate,

 

So would your system be secure, like you suggested, by not allowing access to the download until you have paid for them?

 

Can customers do a search of the products, using the content of the basck end mysql database, using a customisable from end interface. You see I don't want to display pictures of products, just the names of them in a list as the result of a customer search.

 

thanks bro

 

 

Yup its secure downloads. Basically it keeps the MP3's or ebooks on secure server space that isnt accessable from the web. Once an item is purchased it finds the product on the secure space and copies it to the users download directory. You can also do the same but by storing the files in a mySQL database as binary.

 

Yes you can also search using Wikilime, the entire store is customisable via CSS. If your interested in a free trial let me know. Im still developing bits of it but will be fully released by the end of this month.

 

thanks

Yup its secure downloads. Basically it keeps the MP3's or ebooks on secure server space that isnt accessable from the web. Once an item is purchased it finds the product on the secure space and copies it to the users download directory. You can also do the same but by storing the files in a mySQL database as binary.

 

Yes you can also search using Wikilime, the entire store is customisable via CSS. If your interested in a free trial let me know. Im still developing bits of it but will be fully released by the end of this month.

 

thanks

 

Nice homepage by the way, I really like the style of it all. Just to let you know, I'm using IE6 and your page contents starts way down the page, like that element is to wide to fit in the space between the panel on the right and the left margin, so the content starts just below the bottom of the right panel. Just to let you know.

 

Anyway, how does your cart compare with zencart, which is very popular and free.

 

Thanks bro

Nice homepage by the way, I really like the style of it all. Just to let you know, I'm using IE6 and your page contents starts way down the page, like that element is to wide to fit in the space between the panel on the right and the left margin, so the content starts just below the bottom of the right panel. Just to let you know.

 

Anyway, how does your cart compare with zencart, which is very popular and free.

 

Thanks bro

 

 

Arrgh damn IE6 - cheers will take a look (im currently in the process of a re-build in css and no tables).

 

Not really looked into zen cart. Will have a browse. With Wikilime we are trying to corner a niche of shopping carts for artists and designers. The price tag that comes with Wikilime includes your hosting and there is no software to install. I think with zen you have to get your own hosting and install the software - is that correct?

 

As far as features go, we have thrown away the complicated stuff and kept the bits that people only need to sell their artwork. Its for business startups and freelancers really.

The price tag that comes with Wikilime includes your hosting and there is no software to install. I think with zen you have to get your own hosting and install the software - is that correct?

 

That is correct.

Most hosting packages have fantastico installed from which you can click/ install zen cart but I prefer to make a fresh install each time.

 

One thing I don't like about your product is the fact that you host it.

Let's assume we fall out for some reason, how/ can I take my files and go elsewhere?

 

I see your point and understand your target market, though.

Not sure if it is included but an easy/ simple/ upload files and you're done slideshow feature must be a high priority.

 

Personally I would be more into the product if it was built in PHP but that's just my pref.

 

Anyway ... back on topic!

Well thanks fellas

 

luke-wikilime, in that case your product may not be quite right for what I want, though from the look of it you've done a fantastic job, but I would know better if I used it.

 

I will get back on to you nearer the time and may take you up on the offer of a free trial.

 

I will point other people your way for a look also if they are looking for a cart.

 

Thanks to everyone for their help, you've been a squeez (ehatever that means)

To be honest bluedreamer, I am thinking of a massive cat, from the top four record labels. Sounds like a big job, but surely its just a case of have a very big database and server. I really want to be able to customise the user interface, so would need an app that would allow big customising, would zencart allow this?

 

Cheers kid

 

You'd need more than one database and web server. Considering the big 4 labels probably have a catalogue approaching a 6 figure number you'd probably need to run multiple databases just to store the product data. Server wise you'd probably be looking at a server farm, most of it for storage of files.

 

Zencart isn't going to be anywhere near suitable, you really need a custom written application for this sort of stuff, plus tech support staff 24/7 - this is a business and any downtime will cost you dearly.

Fair comment bluedreamer. What do you think the game is with some of the mp3 sites that look really crap. They offer what I want to offer, so they must have ploughed a stack of money into it if it is as heavey duty as you say, so why havn't they invested in a good looking site. Some of the big ones are hiddious

this is a business and any downtime will cost you dearly.

 

Rubbish! I mean, it's not like Sainsbury's lost around £million when their site was down for 24 hours!

 

Rubbish! I mean, it's not like Sainsbury's lost around £million when their site was down for 24 hours!

 

 

Are you being serious? i can't tell

Are you being serious? i can't tell

 

I was joking -- >

 

But yes, Sainsbury's did recently lose over a £mil in lost trade when the store was offline for about 36 hours.

That is correct.

Most hosting packages have fantastico installed from which you can click/ install zen cart but I prefer to make a fresh install each time.

 

One thing I don't like about your product is the fact that you host it.

Let's assume we fall out for some reason, how/ can I take my files and go elsewhere?

 

I see your point and understand your target market, though.

Not sure if it is included but an easy/ simple/ upload files and you're done slideshow feature must be a high priority.

 

Personally I would be more into the product if it was built in PHP but that's just my pref.

 

Anyway ... back on topic!

 

Fair points, but like I said Wikilime is targeting people that want and instant solution rather than buying extra hosting and installing it themselves, not really the product for developers.

Fair comment bluedreamer. What do you think the game is with some of the mp3 sites that look really crap. They offer what I want to offer, so they must have ploughed a stack of money into it if it is as heavey duty as you say, so why havn't they invested in a good looking site. Some of the big ones are hiddious

 

That depends whether they are legal or not

Rubbish! I mean, it's not like Sainsbury's lost around £million when their site was down for 24 hours!

 

 

I bet Jamie Oliver still got paid

I bet Jamie Oliver still got paid

 

Dosn't he own Sainsburies now!