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.
If you have been referred here from the FAQ, then read on...
Before you make a torrent offer, check:
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 request clarification on the Uploader's Forum.
Do we allow the files you wish to offer, to be uploaded?
Rules concerning files we allow and do not allow are covered in the Torrent Content Upload Guidelines. If you feel your files are really special and you would like to argue your case, make a new thread in the Uploaders' Forum and we'll give it some thought.
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.
We allow more than one version of an offer on Boxtorrents, under certain conditions. See the Torrent Content Upload Guidelines for more details.
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). Exceptions to this rule are outlined in the Torrent Content Upload guidelines.
Still not sure?
If you are unsure whether your offer might be accepted, do not worry. Sometimes this happens when a series is only available in speedsub quality, or if it is rare and valuable but only marginally anime/manga-related. In such cases you can clarify or push for your case in the Uploaders' Forum first before committing to the offer.
Keep in mind that staff decisions are final, so if you have been repeatedly told by staff that an offer is not allowed, do not stubbornly try to offer it anyway. Of course, things are changing quite quickly in the fansubbing scene, so what is not allowed now may be allowed in future.
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.
Can you make the Offer?
As simple as this part sounds, many people don't read the FAQ carefully enough to realise that they have to be a Power User to make a torrent offer. If you want to make an offer but are not a Power User, then become one first.
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
- Material not banned under our Torrent Content Upload Guidelines
- File quality:
- Free of hash errors
- Best version available
- File consistency:
- If possible, all files released by a single group
- All file names in the same format as originally released
- Original file names
- File structure:
- Do not pack files under different folders unnecessarily
- For example, packing episodes 1-12 in one folder, and 13-24 in another within the same torrent
- OST scans may be placed in a subfolder labelled "Scans"
- 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.
- Do not pack files under different folders unnecessarily
- No unnecessary files: do not include codecs or programs.
- External translation notes (ass/srt files for series/movies/OVAs, though muxing them in is preferred) and credits pages (for manga) are allowed.
- 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
You are strongly advised to prepare your torrent description in the Sandbox first. Once it's ready, copy the code into the description box in the upload page.
We also suggest putting "DESCRIPTION UNDER CONSTRUCTION" at the top of the description while you are still tweaking your description. Remove it once you're done.
Using a Template
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). There is no bias towards descriptions made from templates, as long as information and images are neatly laid out and easy to read. If one is making a description for the first time and has no prior experience with HTML it would be preferred to use a template first.
Alternatively, BBCode may be used instead of HTML. Any text not between HTML markup tags (<html><body> ... </body></html>) will be treated as BBCode formatting or plain text.
Torrent Title
A good description starts with a good title. The title must have the original romanised Japanese title and the English title (if any) as well. The standard title format for anime is Japanese Title | English Title [fansub group abbreviation/name]. 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]).
Images
Images and/or screenshots, as well as links to sites like AniDB and ANN will be very much appreciated, although not strictly necessary. You must host your own images. Do not hotlink images. Image hosting services like http://imageshack.us/ and http://photobucket.com/ are fine. Do take a look at some of the approved uploads to get an idea of what is needed before a torrent can be approved.
Description
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.
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 |
|||
| 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 |
|
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 | |||
| Images | Sample screenshots (source resolution, PNG format) |
Optional (Manga cover) |
Optional (CD covers, booklet scans) |
Images to be hosted on an image-host and not hot-linked. |
- Feature update: Screenshots (Announcement)
- Feature update: Offer Templates (Announcement)
- Feature update: Iframe Resize (Announcement)
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
Why does it say "This torrent contains improper files, please swap the torrent file" on the torrent page?
We only accept certain file formats, as described in our Rules#Torrent_Content_Upload_Guidelines Torrent Content Upload Guidelines. Other file formats may be accepted on a case-by-case basis (ask in the Uploaders' Forum). Small files (such as .txt, .nfo, .sfv, .md5 and other filetypes) that are useful to the torrent may be attached as extra files (see below).
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. Send the request only once!