I’m new to Mint, and I really need to track downloads. It seems there were a couple Peppers but they’re not working with Mint 2.0 (already contacted one of the developers).
Is someone else working on this? Any known working Pepper?
How can I track downloads? Any new Pepper in the works?
As you are probably aware, the Peppermill has nothing but the official Pepper right now. All the other categories are empty. If any of the official Pepper does track downloads, I don’t see how.
Have you tried the Download Counter? And if so…I’m guessing it’s not 2.0 compatible or something?
Yep. That’s the one that’s not compatible. Haven’t heard back from the Pepper developer. :-(
Having that would be terrific indeed. Distributing a number of files and getting an idea just who is actually downloading (and hopefully using) this stuff would be great.
What exactly has changed in Mint v2.0 that renders the DLoads pepper useless? I have not dabbled around yet with peppers so I have no clue as to why it stopped working.
If its a simple fix as in changing a few lines of code than someone here should be able to update this pepper for us.
I tried contacting the pepper developer and he/she has not gotten back to me so lets do it ourselves!
I mean, how hard can it be ?!
Unless the Pepper was doing something funny (like directly manipulating Mint’s innards) nothing should prevent it from working. I will take a look later this afternoon.
Thanks Shaun.
I finally received a reply from the DLoads pepper developer and he/she is not sure either and he/she has not upgraded to 2.0 yet so I’m not expecting a speedy resolution to our problems.
I just downloaded and installed the latest version of Download Counter on Mint 2.02 and it doesn’t seem to be doing anything. I’ve turned off “ignore my visits” and tried downloading some zip files from my site. It doesn’t seem to be tracking them.
Anyone want to download one of these .zips so I can see if it’s just me? Thanks.
Timothy, I just downloaded one. I’m having the exact same trouble with my website. At first I thought maybe my subdomain was getting in the way, but I’ve tried all sorts of ways around it to no avail.
Ironically, it was after doing a search for a download counter and finding the Pepper: Download Counter that I found and bought Mint. Not expressly for that download counter, mind you - I’m very happy with the purchase… but I still find it quite ironic that this Pepper isn’t working. :P
Wouldn’t it have to be updated to work with Mint 2? I would also like to use this Pepper… tasty.
I also bought Mint specifically to track downloads. I don’t regret the purchase, but I’m really looking forward to this.
DLoads worked exactly as it said it would, but it forced download everything. If someone clicks on a .mov or a .mp3, I don’t want to force them to go through the process of downloading the file, if they want to watch it in the browser window.
I hope something similar to DLoads comes out soon, but does not force download.
I’ll write a Download Tracker in the next few days.
If something else isn’t released.
What tracking type would you all prefer?
(1) Apache log parser
(2) URL redirect
(3) htaccess redirect
1: I think this is the best way to track downloads but its only available on apache servers and maybe slows down the mint display.
2: You need to add a URI to all files that should be tracked. eg. http://example.com/mint/?download=http: … foobar.zip
3: Ok, I change my thoughts… this seems to be the best way, exept you have to use a htaccess file (also only on apache servers) but I think I can work-a-round the fored downloading of DLoads
Whats your opinion?
I think number 3 would be the best, as it requires less adding of stuff to URLs, and you can still point people to same file, right?
After that, the second option would be the best… if you want a file tracked, then just route people there correctly.
The Download Counter pepper used some kind of javascript voodoo to track downloads. I like that one because it needs no install, even though it can’t track files linked directly from other sites.
But I’m happy with any solution! :-)
I vote option 3. I used DLoads and it worked well for me. Would love a better replacement for that on Mint 2.0.
Hi Till, looking forward to seeing your Download Tracker, definitely would prefer an htaccess option!
That’s great of you to offer Till!
htaccess would be perfect!
Thanks stormy, thats interesting and exactly what I was searching for.
I’ll discard the apache log parse method and combine these three:
1) .htaccess redirect
2) javascript link replacement
3) redirecting to be tracked files
You’ll be able to choose what you’d like to prefer.
I’d go with the logfile :-) It could be done in a way that the mint display is not slowed down. However, it’d be a bit harder to setup and you’d need to have access to your logfiles which not everybody has. (But I guess, if you purchase mint, you do have a decent web-hoster to install it on).
Anyway, good luck with the development, Till, I’d like to see this, too :-)
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