What do I need to use slingspot.com?

The only requirements are that you have a current version of either Netscape Navigator (version 6 or higher) or Internet Explorer (version 5.5 or higher) installed, and that you have access to the Internet to visit slingspot.com. While we recommend you use Internet Explorer (because it adds a few extra features to the site), Netscape will also work.

What file formats does slingspot.com use?

Spots are uploaded and downloaded in either .MP2 or .MP3 format, which most studio editing software applications already support. These formats are the standards in the radio industry, and provide CD or near-CD quality. For more information about file formats and to make sure you're already compatible, visit the resources section and see our mp3 faq.

How quickly do the spots become available when I send them?

This depends on how quickly the traffic instructions are provided for the spots - but if traffic is provided immediately upon the spots being uploaded, they can be available to the radio station(s) within minutes of being sent. When spots are uploaded, the agency receives notification within minutes, and if they login and provide traffic, the notification to the radio station(s) happens in minutes as well!

Who gets charged for using the system?

Ultimately, the advertiser (usually represented by the agency) is really the client who pays the bill for distribution, so slingspot bills whoever it is that actually provides traffic and distribution information to the system. In most cases, this means that the agency will receive the bill, and they would then pass the cost onto the client. Another example is a radio station that deals with a client directly and produces the audio for them - and then sends that audio on to other stations. In this case, the radio station uploads the audio and traffics the spots, and would be charged. They would then pass that cost onto the client. Based on the research and surveys we've completed, this is the simplest, most logical method of billing. What this also means is that, in most cases, the studio and radio stations won't be billed anything to use the service.

How does the fax notification service work?

This is one feature that has made slingspot so attractive to its users, since we're the only radio spot distribution service that automatically faxes notifications, in addition to sending emails, at no extra charge. We utilize leading-edge fax servers that allow us to send hundreds of notifications in minutes. Basically, whenever slingspot sends a notification email (such as to let a radio station know that a spot is ready for download, or to an agency to let them know a spot is awaiting traffic and distribution instructions), a copy is sent immediately by fax. This ensures you'll never miss a notification because your email was down, or the person who receives the notifications was sick that day. The bottom line: it makes slingspot far more reliable than any other service.

Can we send a package collect?

Absolutely! Again, this is a very popular feature for radio stations in particular. slingspot.com's built-in "Collect Send" service allows you to send spots to a recipient (or list of recipients), whereby they accept the charges for the delivery.Once a package is sent Collect, if it is rejected by the recipient, it comes back to the sender and they're billed for the package. If it's accepted by the recipient, the bill goes to them. Simple!

Are my transactions and information kept confidential?

Given how competitive the advertising industry is, we recognized right from the start that a high degree of confidentiality was essential. Therefore, we built the system in such a way that other users cannot access any of your information. For example, if you're an agency, no one can see a list of clients you've distributed spots for. If you're a studio, no one can see what agencies you've worked with. We figure it's no one's business but yours.

Is slingspot reliable?

Our mandate is to provide worry-free distribution of your spots, and we've designed the process to make sure you never have to wonder whether your spots will be delivered. Our site is highly secure and runs on industry-leading Compaq industrial server technology, with a variety of fault-tolerant backup systems and redundancy built-in to ensure mission-critical performance.

Where can I find out more information about MP3 files?

A great place to start is our MP3 FAQ Page, which answers a lot of the basic questions surrounding MP3 files and the technology itself.

Have other questions? Feel free to email us and ask, or call us toll-free at 1-877-708-SPOT (7768).