MP3 FILES

When we began the FreePraiseAndWorship and ShareSong websites, we recognized that MP3 files could quickly take huge amounts of storage and bandwidth, so we encouraged contributors to use 3rd party solutions like MP3.COM and Mizmor.com to host their MP3's and then we just linked to them. We hosted "lower quality" RealAudio filesbecause at the time we didn't know that we could accomplish the same things with MP3.

Recently we have noticed that MP3.com has made it increasingly difficult and more costly and Mizmor is having trouble with their site. Also, RealMedia has made it more and more difficult to get their "Free" player, so we have decided to replace RealMedia on our sites and make space for "lo-fi" MP3's instead.

In order to do this we need "lean mean" MP3's. We are going to create MP3's at the 16bps rate. This typically makes a file that is about 500K and it will easily stream even on the slowest dial-up connection.

I have already converted the RealAudio files that we had on the site, so if you have already uploaded RealAudio in the past, then you don't need to do anything, your files will be there when I do the switch-over (probably around 3/1).

If you currently only have an off site link to MP3 files, then we will continue to show that link, but if your files are with Mizmor.com or MP3.com you may wish to add a "lo-fi" version to our sites to insure that users will be able to easily hear your songs.

So in summary: we are going to eliminate the RealAudio files on the site and replace them with a "lo-fi" MP3 version. We feel this will give our users quick access to hear your songs, then they can follow the optional link to your site if they are seeking a higher quality MP3 or would like to buy a CD.

If you want to add MP3 files to Sharesong/FreePraiseAndWorship, here is what you need to do: (remember, if you already have RealAudio with us, you don't need to do anything)

1. Convert your MP3 files to 16bps / mono / 16000KHZ

If you don't already have software that can do this, Download Streambox Ripper - Streambox ripper has a "batch" mode that will allow you to convert whole directories at a time.

2. Email your lo-fi MP3's to mp3@4praise.com

Email one file at a time and wait 2 minutes between each email (that allows my mail program to get the file off the server so I don't run out of space in my mailbox).

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME - If you have any questions, just email me @ fpw@rawministry.org

Russ Reese - www.freepraiseandworship.org
Marty Kendall - www.sharesong.org