How to make an offer
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Reading the FAQ
Before you make an offer, you should have read the FAQ at least once. If not, read it now before scrolling down. Here a passing familiarity with the FAQ is presumed, so some common/obvious rules may be omitted or not discussed in detail. It is your responsibility to ensure that these rules are adhered to even if they are not mentioned here.
Is your offer Blacklisted?
Blacklisted anime/manga may not be uploaded. If you are unclear on whether a series belongs under the blacklist you may clarify on the Uploader's Forum.
Is your offer already on Boxtorrents?
Do a search first; if the series is well-known, not blacklisted and stopped airing a while ago, chances are it's on Boxtorrents already. Some series may be known by more than one name, or may have an English name and a (romanised) Japanese name; search all possible names before making an offer.
In general we allow more than one version of an offer on Boxtorrents (if both releases are good quality). The following offers are non-exclusive (i.e. both versions can be accepted):
- SD/HD
- h264/XviD (and/or older codecs)
- Fansubs/"Official" subs
- TVrips/DVDrips
- Dual-audio/non-English audio
Is your offer the highest-quality offer around?
Just because a torrent meets the above requirements, it does not necessarily mean it will be accepted on Boxtorrents. If you're not confident that it is the best version, check on AniDB. Do not look only at overall ratings, also read the comments and check the distribution of ratings as well. If a better sub group is working on the same anime series but isn't quite done yet we'll usually opt to wait for it (unless the group has announced that they are dropping the project).
Making the offer
Once you've verified that the offer meets the above requirements, you can proceed to make the offer. There are a lot of things to check and include, but this goes a long way in ensuring that Boxtorrents hosts only the best torrents.
Making the torrent file
First of all, you will need to create a .torrent file. The link has detailed instructions on how to create a .torrent file in different clients. Technical details aside, you'll need to ensure that the .torrent file has the private tag set, and does not contain SFV, NFO, TXT or other small files; those can be added to the torrent under the "Attachments" tab. The tracker URL to use is http://tracker.boxtorrents.com:2710/announce.php.
What should I put in my torrents?
What we look for in torrents are:
- A good description
- File quality:
Free of hash errors. - File consistency:
If possible, all files released by a single group, all file names in the same format as they were originally released by the group involved (original file names). This applies to ALL torrents. - File structure:
Do not pack files under different folders unnecessarily. An example would be packing episodes 1-12 in one folder, and 13-24 in another within the same torrent. NO ARCHIVING OF ANYTHING OTHER THAN MANGA. - If uploading a manga, please follow these directions:
- Overlook archiving if the manga is very short (a oneshot), or if the scanlator(s) have released the entire manga in a single file. In these cases, unzip the file, but do not make any further modifications to folder structure or file names.
- If the scanlator(s) release a manga zipped by chapter or volume (assuming there is more than one), retain the archived chapters and offer the files in that state.
- No 'unnecessary' files: do not include codecs or programs. Acceptable files are external translation notes (for series/movies/OVAs) and credits pages (for manga)). If you're unsure about anything, please say so in the comments of your torrent offer.
Filling in the Upload Page
While description-writing may be a little intimidating the first time, it is relatively straightforward. To make an offer, click on the Offers link on the main page navigation bar, then click on Make an offer. This will bring you to the upload page.
The fields are relatively straightforward to understand.
- Torrent file
Select the .torrent file to be uploaded. - Torrent name
Suggested format: "{(Romanised) Japanese name} | {English name} [{fansub group}]" <-- Replace italicised text in {round brackets} with the appropriate names. Words like "OVA" or "Movie" are not always necessary because of the category system (however, if the title of the show includes "OVA" or "Movie", you should add it). In case you're uploading only a particular season of a longer series, it is useful to include the season and/or the episodes (for example: My Series - Season 1 [01-25]). - Link to AniDB
Find the anime description on AniDB and paste the link here. - Keywords
Add later. - Description
See below. - Tags
Optional. Check the appropriate boxes, or none of them. - Type
Select one.
Writing a Description
If you don't have time to make a template, or know some rudimentary HTML but don't have time to mess with it too much, you can use one of the ready-made templates (link also available from the upload page). We also have a Sandbox for users to try out and preview descriptions before making an offer (link also available from the upload page). [Sandbox is currently down]
A good description starts with a good title. The title only needs to contain the original (romanised) Japanese title and possibly the English title as well. You can add the name(s) of the involved group(s) in the title as well (example: Japanese Title | English Title [fansub]). Words like "OVA" or "Movie" are not necessary because of the category system, unless "OVA" or "Movie" is part of the show's official title. In case you're uploading only a particular season of a longer series, it is useful to include the season and/or the episodes (for example: My Series - Season 1 [01-25]).
We look for succinct, accurate descriptions of the contents of your torrent in the description. Information that is required but unknown should be indicated as such. It is preferable for files on Boxtorrents to be of known origin, but if it is the best version available then it can't be helped. Include a short description of what you're uploading, if it's not obvious. Images and/or screenshots, as well as links to sites like AniDB and ANN will be very much appreciated, although not strictly necessary. Do take a look at some of the approved uploads to get an idea of what's needed before a torrent is approved.
The following table outlines information that must be in the torrent description:
| Information | Anime Movie/OVA/Series | Manga/Artbooks | OST/Albums | Comments | |||
| Summary | Yes | Yes | Optional | May be taken from AniDB/ANN Should not contain spoilers |
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| Categories | Yes | Yes | If applicable | Possible keywords 720p/1080p Categories Director/Author Producer/Publisher Fansub group Other relevant keywords |
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| File Info |
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Optional | Codec Bitrate Tracklist |
Most information can be found on AniDB - check file info | |||
| Group Info | Fansub group/encoder Subtitle source |
Translator/Scanlator | Ripper | Use abbreviations (e.g. SHS, AnY) unless group is not well-known |
You may mark-up your text using either BBcode or HTML. If using HTML, be sure to include <html><body> ... </body></html> in the description so that the code is properly interpreted as HTML code and not BBCode.
- Feature update: Screenshots (Announcement)
- Wiki update: Offer Templates (BoxWiki Article)
Once you are ready to make the offer, click on the "Make offer" button at the bottom of the upload page. Your torrent has now been submitted and will appear in the Offers section of the site. But it is not quite ready yet; two sections still need to be worked on.
Keywords
What are good keywords for my torrent?
You have to see the keywords as a second way to categorise torrents. Choose keywords that truthfully reflect the content of the files you're uploading and that allows it to be found in different ways than just searching for a title.
Good keywords are: genres*, 720p/1080p, fansub group, author, director, that kind of stuff. Someone might be interested in all of "Miyazaki's" or Studio 4C works, searching for Miyazaki resp. Studio 4C will match the keywords and you have what you're looking for.
Bad keywords are: anything that appears in the title of the torrent or is already expressed otherwise (OST, OVA, HD, Movie, etc.). Alternate titles, codecs, and your own personal comments do not belong in keywords. Either add them to your title, or to your description. Fansub groups are permissible as keywords, even if they are already included in your torrent title.
*- When listing genres, use AniDB's categories, not AnimeNFO or ANN, for consistency.
Guidelines:
- First of all, ask yourself the question: "If I were looking for an anime 'like' this one, what keywords would I be looking for?" and "which keywords are not needed?"
- Secondly, drop near duplicate keywords like 'Contemporary Fantasy' and 'Fantasy', as they are not both needed; just keep whichever applies more to your torrent.
- Add only useful keywords. No one will search for keywords such as 'mp3' or 'DVD'.
- Do not add duplicate keywords, for instance "Yuki Kajiura" and "Kajiura Yuki" or "Science-Fiction" and "Sci-Fi". Add only the one that currently exists in our keyword list.
- This also holds for fansub names: add either (for instance) Abacus Subs or AbSubs, but not both; the latter is preferred because it is shorter.
- Do not add alternative titles or alternative spellings. See title guidelines.
- Check the list of keywords for existing keywords and/or common spellings. Keep in mind that the keyword listing is case-sensitive so match case, and matching other keywords is better than making a new one.
- Check the Keywords article for descriptions for most of the common keywords.
Keyword syntax
We've just discussed the semantics of keywords, but what about the syntax? First of all, not all characters are allowed. Only alphanumeric characters, dashes (-) and spaces are allowed. Furthermore, a keyword is allowed to have two spaces, no more. If you're making a keyword of a composed word (for instance: Mamoru Oshii) keep it one keyword, don't add a comma in between. Genres like "Magical girl" and "Law and Order" should also be written without commas.
Adding keywords to your torrent
The field for entering keywords is above the description entry box. Typing in a word (or part of a word) will call up suggestions in a box. These suggestions are comprised of keywords that already exist on BoxTorrents. You should pick from the suggestions given to you to ensure consistency. Once you have clicked on the desired key word suggested, click 'Add' to associate it with your torrent. Repeat this process for as many keywords as you need (currently, there is a character limit on the keywords, so if you find that your last key word is getting cut off, remove it). Be sure to click 'Edit' below the description box when you're done, or none of your changes will be saved.
If you need to add a key word that isn't suggested, type it into the key word field and click on Add. This key word will be sent for moderation. If the key word is approved, it will be added to our official key word list and will appear on your torrent immediately. If rejected, it will be blacklisted, and will not show up again.
Attaching Extra Files
What are "extra files" and what should I add?
"Extra files" allow you to add (small) files to your torrent, files which you want to include but don't really belong in the torrent. You can think of .sfv/.md5 files for file verification (or hash tables in general) or .nfo files for credits and info. You are not allowed to add images. Linking to the files will not work, the link is dynamic and becomes invalid after 24 hours.
Any and all files released by the original source should be included as "extra files" (granted they do not violate the "extra files" rules, such as credits pages from manga. Leave those INSIDE your torrent). All video torrents (series/movies/ova) should have, but do not require, at least an .sfv or .md5 file with (official) hashes. You can get the CRCs from the fansubbers website or AniDB.net (the latter also lists md5 hashes amongst other hashes) if the CRC values are not in the file names.
DO NOT include these extra files in the contents of your torrent. Your offer will not be accepted if this is the case. If you get the message 'This torrent contains improper files, please swap the torrent file.' at the top of your offer page, that's your clue that there is something wrong with your file structure.
How do I attach extra files?
Simply edit your torrent (after it's been offered or uploaded), and there will be a box for you to enter the path of files you with to upload below the description box. Simply select it and click upload, and it will be attached right away.
Responding to Comments
Once you have uploaded your torrent, you will see it in the Offers page. Here, other users may make relevant comments about the torrent, or point out issues. If you find any irrelevant comments on a pending torrent (such as "Pls seed" comments, or comments about the show that do not concern the torrent, do report them by using the "Report" link beside the comment). Site staff will also use the comments page to inform you about things that need fixing.
If the torrent flouts one or more major rules (i.e. blacklisted, or a superior/identical torrent already exists on Boxtorrents), it will be rejected, and remain in the Offers pool until it is removed by the uploader or pruned by site staff.
Each offer made by a Power User requires approval by two staff members before it is added to the Browse list. If approval from only one staff member has been given, the torrent's status is changed to "Semi-granted".
Note that site staff and other members are not obliged to PM users to fix their offer; it is the uploader's responsibility to check the uploaded torrent regularly and resolve any issues.
Once the torrent is fully approved, you will have to re-download the .torrent file (which will now have your user keypass in the tracker URL) for seeding. Alternatively, you can also add your keypass to the tracker URL manually; it should look like http://tracker.boxtorrents.com:2710/[keypass]/announce.php.
Swapping the torrent
If, for any reason, something is wrong with your torrent (such as containing improper files or lacking a version 2 of an episode), you may request to swap the .torrent file. This will negate the need to delete the torrent and upload it again. You may apply to swap your own torrent files when they are either in the Offer stage or they are registered with the tracker.
To do so, edit your torrent. Click on the "Swap Torrent" tab, select the .torrent to swap with, and enter a valid reason for swapping. Upon sending the request, you will need to wait for a moderator or admin to grant the swap request. The request may be rejected if no proper reason is given.