Release Procedure
When releasing material, the groups must first encode properly so as not to be "nuked." After they encode, they upload their files to a 'topsite' (a large FTP server where all the files are spread). When the upload is complete, they execute a command that causes the name and category of the release to be announced in the topsite's IRC (Internet Relay Chat). These days new releases are also announced 0sec (meaning seconds to minutes after official scene pre) on various public websites. This action is called 'preing' (or in short, 'pre') a release. Once this is done, all other releases for the same material are nuked as 'dupes' (duplicates). However, if there is a technical error or an error breaking the ruleset for the category, the original 'pre'd' release will be nuked for the mistake. Other groups then encode the same material and release it with a 'PROPER' tag in the filename. The same group can also re-encode, in which their new release is marked as 'REPACK' or (less commonly) 'RERIP'. The FTP server and this IRC are hidden, and closed for the public. However, unknown individuals have made their own IRC's that they then have opened to the public, which is how "PreDB" ('pre'-databases) on the Web have entered.
Each release in the Scene consists of a folder containing the material (often split into .rar parts), plus an .NFO and .SFV file. The NFO is a text file which has essential information about the file(s) encoded, including a reason for the nuke if the file is a 'PROPER' or 'REPACK' release. In more detailed examples, the NFO may contain a group's mission statement, recruitment requirements, greetings and occasionally contact info; many groups having a standard ascii art template for the file---the most prolific of them exhibiting more elaborate artistic examples. The SFV file is used to ensure that the .rar or .mp3 files of a release are working properly and have not been damaged or tampered with, via the use of checksums. This is typically done with the aid of a small, external executable (e.g. QuickSFV or SFV Checker). A failure to include an .NFO or .SFV file in the release will generally result in a nuke as these are essential components of the standard which the Scene adheres to.
The Scene currently has over 100 active groups releasing material. Over 500 releases are made each day, with a cumulative total of more than 5 million releases over the years.
Read more about this topic: Warez Scene
Famous quotes containing the word release:
“As nature requires whirlwinds and cyclones to release its excessive force in a violent revolt against its own existence, so the spirit requires a demonic human being from time to time whose excessive strength rebels against the community of thought and the monotony of morality ... only by looking at those beyond its limits does humanity come to know its own utmost limits.”
—Stefan Zweig (18811942)