This folder is provided for you to place your sound
files should you decide to include sounds in your
auctions.  You should be aware of the issues involved
with using sound files before deciding on whether
to use in your auction.  The major issues involve
copyright laws, and viewer preferences.

COPYRIGHT LAWS

MIDI files have been freely available on the web for
a long time.  Recently, record companies have been
trying to shut down the MIDI sites claiming copyright
infringement.  The laws surrounding the issues of
using MIDI's on the internet are still being tested
and are unclear.  Blackthorne Software has decided
to avoid any possible problems by not providing
any MIDI files with the themes.

You are free to use sound files at your own risk.
You can find many MIDI sites on the internet by
searching for "MIDI Collections" in any search 
engine.  These sites will tell you how to download.
Simply download them into this folder, and then
use the Find button next to the Sounds box in the
Ad Studio to point to the MIDI of your choice.

If you are going to use these files, 
please ensure the files you are using are not
copyrighted.  You can check for copyright information
by right clicking the MIDI file and selecting
properties.  Then look under the Details tab
for the copyright information.

We deeply regret that we cannot support the use of
sound files more actively, but we feel this is a 
step we must take to protect ourselves.


VIEWER PREFERENCES

Response to sound files in auctions varies greatly.
Sounds infuriate some users, and delight others.
The large variations of sound hardware and software
loaded on viewers machines can cause many different
problems when sounds occur in an auction.  In the
worst case, it can lock up a viewers computer, and
in less severe cases, users just can't hear the 
sounds.

This topic is discussed widely in many discussion
groups.  Opinions vary greatly, but the users who
against it are very vocal and very loud.

On the other hand, I frequently get emails from
Blackthorne customers who get mail from their
customers who are simply delighted with the sounds.

In the end, it is up to you whether you want to
include sounds, and whether you think you get 
better prices for your items because of the addition
of sounds.

We at Blackthorne still offer you the option of putting
sounds in your auctions, but feel it is important
for you to understand both sides of the issue.