posted on February 27, 2001 09:12:41 PM
There is a new Peer to Peer [your PC shares files with other PCs] software available for free called BearShare.
It is an amazing piece of software allows you to share files with people around the world.
Why is it important to online auction sellers? Some professors at business colleges have identified P2P software as a major threat to online auctions such as eBay, as well as online content providers.
How is it a threat? As net users become more savy, as Napster has educated many, and as more people have access to cable and DSL connections, it is within individual users power to use P2P to sell items from their own computer.
How is this possible? Just like Napster, Bearshare allows designated folders and files on your PC to become a server, open to all other P2P users. However, it differs from Napster in that there is no central server where all file names are listed for search. There is a daisy chain type search that occurs, and quite fast too.
How could someone find a file on my PC regarding something I want to sell? The potential buyer does a word search just like at the auction sites.You would name your "for sale" folder and files with terms that describe your item, just as you do with current auctions.
What does my file of items for sale contain? Anything you want it to, including pictures, other items for sale, contact information, prices, descriptions,terms etc..
How much would it cost? Since there is no "company" running the system, the cost would only be what you spend to maintain an ISP service connection.
Could I use the system if I have a phone net connection? As a buyer, a phone connection would present no problems. If a seller uses a phone connection, his items would only show up in a search when his/her PC was on line.
How could the transaction be secure? As a buyer, using an online credit card payment system such as Paypal would secure the transaction to a higher degree than sending a check or MO at an online auction. As a seller, the online credit card transaction would offer the same benefits. Proof of shipment and receipt would be wise to use.
This sounds great, when can I start? You can do it now, but we must start spreading the word about the system, and that items are being offered for sale on the system. At present, no one knows to even search on these P2P systems. But as word spreads, it could grow as fast as Napster [62 million users by word of mouth].
posted on February 27, 2001 09:33:42 PM
You need to download the software first. Do a web search for BearShare and there should be many sites offering the software.
I have been using it for a month. I was shocked how far it has improved over the Gnutella P2P platform.
The "search" is a word search. Any file that has the term you enter in the search box will show up in the search window.
It is also different from Napster in that it is not just mp3 files- the protocol allows all file types.
I caution that when you set up the software, it will default to one of your drives as open to search and retrival of files. You need to designate only folders you want the world to have access to.
We also need to develope a nomenclature for file names that designate items for sale. I suggest all files with items for sale begin with the term "4sale" then a short item description such as- 4sale steven king hb Cujo. The actual file with further description and pictures can be from a simple txt file to an html file just like you use on eBay. For pictures you can also direct the buyer to your present hosting site address- this will simplify using pictures, and the pictures will be available even when not online.
