Questions about file downloads from a hosted site

[dengwms]

As part of a gaming clan, one service I currently offer with my existing host (with no problems) is a facility to allow users joining our gaming server to be re-directed to my web site to download the maps they do not currently have installed.

If you are familiar with 'Call of Duty 4', there are maps created by the user community that are freely distributable, and the game has the functionality of detecting whether the game player has the map installed already, and if not, the ability to direct the user to the map file on another site (in this case, my site) where they can automatically download and install the map so they can join the game. These maps typically average 35 Mb, so they are not large files.

My concern, and the clarification I am seeking, is regarding the TOS reference to file sharing/peer-to-peer activities.

7a.) Resource Usage
f) Participate in any file-sharing/peer-to-peer activities

This is in no way illegally offering copywrited material or distribution outside that specified by the creator. There are no uploading/hosting/downloading dynamics other that what I control by uploading static files via FTP. I am in no way running any game or server-side process. This is strictly a download of a file to the end-user.

I fully understand the limitation on bandwidth, and have never approached even 10% of the maximum allowed bandwidth for the Baby plan with my current host. I have pre-screened this activity with one of your phone reps, and was told it was permitted, but I wanted to double-check with the forum representatives before I make a decision.

Please let me know if there are any issues I might encounter with this process or any additional information or questions I can answer, to make sure I will not violate the TOS. I really hope this is not an issue, as I have spent a lot of time researching web hosting companies, and have found HostGator to be the best company out there!

[slapshotw]

I would definitely email sales about this- sales at hostgator.com. Explain the situation (but you don't need to quote the TOS) and get them to give a definitive yes or no in writing back to you.

[dengwms]

Thanks for the suggestion, slapshotw. I contacted them today, and they very quickly addressed my questions, and are even offering to help me ensure I don't exceed my server processor allotment.

I don't get this kind of support from my current hosting company (which is one reason I'm leaving), and I don't even have a site with HG yet! I want to personally thank Seth D. for not only the quick response, but with his offer to get an answer to my advanced support questions for a site I don't even have yet.

Not only did he directly address the questions I asked, he offered workarounds that would keep me in compliance with the TOS. Further, he took the extra step of thinking through to the next step, and warned that the solution he offered could result in the site getting hot-linked by other sites, and my bandwidth and processor usage swollen by those links.

I am impressed. I work in IT support, and it's very refreshing to get the kind of technical support I pride myself in giving. And Seth is in Sales! Thank you, Seth... and HostGator! In case someone in HostGator wants to pass my kudos on to Seth, the ticket number is CEQ-2572816.