What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

[Grandad]

I'm looking for a way to link text files to a storage site that I think would function similarly to how Photobucket stores photos. I've been stymied by iBoats posting file size limits for a thread that I started:
http://forums.iboats.com/boating-ac...tions/calling-all-ontario-members-584004.html
I don't know anything about "the cloud" way of storage, but I'm sure there must be a simple way to embed a link within a post that would take a reader to a potentially large document in an offsite storage location. It must be a FREE site that I anticipate would extract its pound of flesh through adjacent advertising. And of course, I don't want a "here today, gone tomorrow" untested site. Any suggestions? - Grandad

 

[Don S]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

I've been using 4shared.com - free file sharing and storage for years. Have links to manuals up to hundreds of MB per file.

 

[Grandad]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

Thanks Don. That looks like the ticket. I've registered now but I'm a little puzzled by one of their FAQ's:
Sharing Files and Folders
How do I share my files with other users? Can I share my files with unregistered users?
Your files can be shared only with verified 4shared users. They will be able to download your files, as soon as they log in their accounts. After you upload your files on 4shared you’ll be able to share your files with others by using an access link. You can email the link, place it on your web page, or publish it on blogs.

 

[Don S]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

I've always just posted a link to the file on the forums. Then people can download it. They may have to register now to download, didn't use to be that way, but it's the same with iboats. If you want to see the pictures or other downloads you have to register.

 

[Don S]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

As an example, here is an old 2008 service manual index for Mercruiser, I just copy and paste the URL from the browsers address bar.
4shared.com - free file sharing and storage

 

[Grandad]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

As an example, here is an old 2008 service manual index for Mercruiser, I just copy and paste the URL from the browsers address bar.
4shared.com - free file sharing and storage

Hi Don, I'm not sure what's happening. When I clicked on your link in the quote above, it took me to 4shared, but gave me the message:

The file link that you requested is not valid.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

You beat me to it, I got the same message.....

 

[Don S]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

Let me check, I hadn't linked to that file in years, and it may be in a closed file. It was my file, so I could view it, I logged out and now I can't. Here is another link that works. #06 Drives R-A1 83-90 - Download - 4shared - Don S It's a bigger file, but has been downloaded many times.

 

[Don S]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

Oh just fess up, you BROKE their site... :facepalm:

Nope, had it in a locked folder with some other old files. here it is in another folder 2008 Mercruiser service manual index - Download - 4shared - Don S

 

[Grandad]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

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[Don S]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

It even works with XLS files, I don't know anything about excel, but I do know how to save the file and upload.

Book1 - Download - 4shared - Don S

 

[Don S]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

///

It worked, before you had a chance to delete it, I downloaded it.

 

[Grandad]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

Don, I think I had it working as a test. When I posted my file, 4shared included my full name in the hot link text. I immediately edited it out, but now I still have a dilemma I need to solve. Gheesh. - Grandad

 

[Don S]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

Go to your settings on the 4 shared site and change the username.

 

[Grandad]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

OK Let's try this again. I'd like to know if someone not registered with 4share can access this PDF. - Grandad
iBoats Ontario Members - Download - 4shared - J J

 

[Don S]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

Yes, it works.

 

[sccatfish]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

If you have a gmail account you can use google drive. If you don't have a gmail account it will only take a couple of minutes to create one.

 

[Don S]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

OK Let's try this again. I'd like to know if someone not registered with 4share can access this PDF. - Grandad
iBoats Ontario Members - Download - 4shared - J J

You can also change the wording by using the link icon in the text box. You could make it look like this, and stick it in your signature.

iboats Ontario Members List

 

[Don S]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

Another nice thing about the 4 shared setup, is once you post the link to the file somewhere, when you can update the file in 4 shared and never have to change the URL.

 

[Grandad]

Re: What's a Good Offsite File Storage for iBoats Post Attachments?

Thanks Don. I'm getting there, but I'm not satisfied yet with access for registered iBoats members who are not 4shared registered members. The way it seems to work is that both registered iBoats members and non-members can link to 4shared and see only a poor quality preview unless they register with 4shared and then download.
This falls short of Photobucket's instantly displaying linked pictures. I'm concerned that iBoats members will be reluctant to register with 4shared, and then download, just to see the document. I know I'd be reluctant. - Grandad