This help section is a constant work in progress and will be added to as and when it comes to light that anything needs explaining.

The site is pretty straight forward to use, but if you're struggling with anything, the best way to converse with me is to post me a message on my guestbook or drop me a private message.

pearsontowers is a social network based around the exchange of links to mix sets found elsewhere on the web.

At the center of the site is the database of links but users are encouraged to comment on and rate sets they like or dislike. In addition the social features enable people to learn about new sets through being able to see what others have also downloaded.

The core Mix database
The fundamental part of the site, the Mix database has the ability to store a set's artist, title, location, date, tracklist and a database. Sets support multiple links, to spread load and have a spare if one goes down, etc.

Set feedback and discussion
Once uploaded, the set will be available for rating (simple thumbs up / down system as is so popular with them newfangled social news sites) and commenting by the community.

User Profiles Users can put basic musical interests on their profile, the idea being that we can explore new sets by looking at this sort of thing, then looking at what they've downloaded and rated.

Other typical social network stuff Friends, private messaging, etc, you know the deal.

Karma Credits are a way the site rewards those who contribute.

You earn points every time you post a mix, mix link, comment or vote. In return, (when in place) the archives will be made available to you to redeem your credits against. Credits are earned as follows:

• Posting a mix - 100KCs (consists of 50 for the set and 50 for the link)
• Adding a link to another mix - 50KCs
• Commenting on a set - 20 KCs
• Voting on a set - 10KCs

Q: I'm looking for insert name of your set that you had 8 years ago on a C90 that was stolen at a house party, can you help me find a copy?
A: I'll come up with a request mechanism sometime in the future, but tbh this isn't the best place for it. My recommendation every time is to head over to The Mixing Bowl who are your best bet.

Q: The link for xxx mix no longer works, help!
A: Almost all the sets are hosted elsewhere with no formal arrangement between them so unfortunately when they decide to / have to take them down, it's out of our control. The first thing to do is post a comment on the set asking for someone to help, and failing that contact the original poster or someone on the download list to see if they'll be able to provide you with a copy.

Q: Where should I upload a set to if I want to share something?
A: Currently, pearsontowers does not provide a hosting service so if you want to get something online then just use one of many free hosting services available. I personally recommend Megaupload - their system is relatively painless to use - good interface (no hunting for the link), no tedious hoops to jump through (apart from a 30 second wait), 30 day no activity retention, reasonable size limit (200Meg I think) and they're usually pretty quick to download from.

Q: This f**ing rapidshare's sh*te, I have to wait 60 minutes before downloading the second part of my set!
A: Unfortunately that's the way it is. Bandwidth ain't cheap so free file storage providers have to use tactics like that in order to monetise their service. For reasons mentioned above, I recommend Megaupload. I have NO idea why anyone uses some of the other services.

Q: Have you got a copy of the latest X Factor winner's album? My mate's got it, shall I post it?
A: OK, 2 problems there. Firstly that's not music so it's not appropriate. Secondly, no commercial material is posted here - only gig recordings, radio broadcasts, etc. Occasionally if something's a limited edition recording or long since deleted release that's hard to find then that's OK but in short, if you can log onto Amazon and buy it, then it shouldn't be posted.

Q: What time zone is everything displayed / recorded in?
A: It's currently all recorded at UK time but when I get around to it I'll get custom time zone display sorted out.

Q: What's with the 'I have been mostly listening to...' business?
A: It's all about a character called Jesse from The Fast Show . I'm not quite sure why I adopted it, I was never all that big a fan of it.

Q: You keep spelling things wrong using 's' instead of 'z'
A: I'm English :-p