[Mike Thole]

I've written a nice Cocoa application that will download music via iTunes Rendezvous music sharing -- Leechster. Just open Leecshter up, then play the shared song you want to download in iTunes... Pretty simple.

It'll ask for your admin password the first time you open it up -- it just making the ports readable, don't worry.

- works with Ethernet or Airport (see prefs)
- integrated with iTunes (automatically adds to Leechster playlist)
- customizable download location
- nice Cocoa interface

REQUEST: I need some icons (application and toolbar) email me

Download here:
http://mikethole.com/leechster/Leechster.zip

Post here or email comments: mthole@purdue.edu

***
DO NOT PUT THIS ON MACUPDATE / VERSIONTRACKER YET
I have a few things to wrap up and then I'll do it myeslf,
I just wanted to get some feedback from you first
***

- Mike Thole

[Mike Thole]

Obligatory screenshots:



Prefs:
http://mikethole.com/leechster/images/lp1.jpg
http://mikethole.com/leechster/images/lp2.jpg
http://mikethole.com/leechster/images/lp3.jpg

[zachs]

Oooooh! Very nice!

Can we have more than 3 simultaneous downloads though? Pretty please?

[mitchell_pgh]

I don't know how I feel about this...

On one hand... cool...

On another hand, it feels just like the name of the application "leachey"

[moofman]

There are only two features that getTunes has over, one of which really isn't needed as long as the app works properly.

1) Terminal implementation
But like I said, if the app works properly, doesn't randomly stop picking songs (like getTunes), and other annoyances, the terminal won't matter.

2) Double-song catch
getTunes makes it to where if the same song is cued twice, it will only list it once in it's queue list. This would be a great feature to add...

[CharlesS]

Is this legal?

[Mike Thole]

I could certaintly put in more than 3 simultaneous downloads, but I didn't really see much point -- generally you're going to be downloading from one or two people on a local network, so its not like having more simultaneous downloads will speed anything up.

mitchell_pgh, not sure what you meant by "leachy"...?

moofman:
I could add the double-song catch, shouldn't be too difficult.

Just a note -- when I started writing this, getTunes 2.1 wasn't out, so there was no way to auto-import to iTunes, the names showed up as 512.mp3, etc, etc. Fortunately or not, getTunes 2.1 came out last weekend with a lot of these problems fixed. I still think that Leechster works and looks better... YMMV.

- Mike

[Mike Thole]

Originally posted by CharlesS:
Is this legal?

Thats a very complex question... depends on your use, it ranges from entirely 100% legal to possible copyright infringment. It is certaintly no more "illegal" than any P2P client, though.

"Don't steal music."

- Mike

[zachs]

Originally posted by CharlesS:
Is this legal?

If you use it legally, yes.

[Arkham_c]

Looks neat. Too bad I'm the only one I know who uses iTunes at work.

[gorickey]

Love the idea...however, ditch the name man...surely you can think of something better. And yes, an icon would be nice...

[nickm]

Programs like this suck, and you suck for publishing it.

There is no legitimate use for this program; if you have the right to play the music, then you can just transfer the files yourself using any of a bazillion file transfer protocols. Just go to the Mac with your music and turn on file sharing. If you can't do this, it is doubtful you have a right to that music. Even the name admits that this program is for leeching off of others.

There is a legitimate use for the iTunes sharing feature, and I use it in my home to share my music from my laptop to my dedicated music machine connected to my stereo. Programs like this will just encourage Apple to remove this useful feature in future versions of iTunes.

[wataru]

Originally posted by nickm:
There is no legitimate use for this program;

Programs like this will just encourage Apple to remove this useful feature in future versions of iTunes.

Your first point is just wrong. There are legitimate uses; the existance of other methods of transferring legit files does not nullify this method of transferring legit files.

That said, I agree with your second point. I can easily see this program doing more harm than good.

[Mike Thole]

Originally posted by nickm:
Programs like this suck, and you suck for publishing it.

There is no legitimate use for this program; if you have the right to play the music, then you can just transfer the files yourself using any of a bazillion file transfer protocols. Just go to the Mac with your music and turn on file sharing. If you can't do this, it is doubtful you have a right to that music. Even the name admits that this program is for leeching off of others.

There is a legitimate use for the iTunes sharing feature, and I use it in my home to share my music from my laptop to my dedicated music machine connected to my stereo. Programs like this will just encourage Apple to remove this useful feature in future versions of iTunes.

I also disagree entirely on your first point -- I really do use it to legitimately transfer music between my powerbook and tower (not exclusively, though). Had I named it ShareExclusivelyLegitMusicInMyHome-ster, I think you would still be bitching.

As for your second point -- I've thought about that before writing this. getTunes already does the gist of watch Leechster does, and had it not already existed I probably wouldn't have written Leechster... And from a technical point of view, it would be fairly easy for Apple to disallow the leeching of music while still allowing sharing, so I'm not too worried about that.

Find something else to troll about.

- Mike

[nickm]

Your first point is just wrong. There are legitimate uses

What I mean to say is this, Is there any legitimate function of this program that can't be done just as easily with Apple File Protocol? I suppose one could argue that this is a program for a person who has two computers, knows how to use iTunes to share music between them, but doesn't know how to use AFP. He or she may legitimately want to transfer music between the Macs. I think it's clear, though, that this is not such a program, and that if it were the author hasn't done enough to discourage illegitimate uses.

Don't get me wrong, I am vehemently opposed to the DCMA and would never want to see a program like this made illegal. I just want to say that Mike sucks for publishing it.

[wataru]

Originally posted by nickm:
What I mean to say is this, Is there any legitimate function of this program that can't be done just as easily with Apple File Protocol?

The answer to this question is no, as you say. I just wanted to point out that this question is not the same as the question of whether or not there are legitimate uses, period. For instance, I imagine that I might use this app (legitimately) for convenience.

[zachs]

Originally posted by nickm:
What I mean to say is this, Is there any legitimate function of this program that can't be done just as easily with Apple File Protocol?

Well, this program makes it easier. With the app, you just get a listing of the songs, download the ones you want...done. If you choose to mess around with AFP, you have to wade through hundreds of MP3 files, which might not have titles that are the same at the song name.

So, yes, you can do the same thing with AFP. It's just less convenient.

[nickm]

If you choose to mess around with AFP, you have to wade through hundreds of MP3 files, which might not have titles that are the same at the song name.

Well, all my songs have file titles that are the song names, since they all either came from CDs or the iTunes Music Store. I don't have to wade through hundreds either because iTunes keeps them nicely organized by artist.

But suppose you used some other ripping program that didn't do that in the past. Well, you could still burn a data CD and move it from one computer to another. Or, someone could write an Applescript that allowed you to easily copy all the files from iTunes.

[Some Guy []]

Originally posted by nickm:
Programs like this suck, and you suck for publishing it.

There is no legitimate use for this program; if you have the right to play the music, then you can just transfer the files yourself using any of a bazillion file transfer protocols. Just go to the Mac with your music and turn on file sharing. If you can't do this, it is doubtful you have a right to that music. Even the name admits that this program is for leeching off of others.

There is a legitimate use for the iTunes sharing feature, and I use it in my home to share my music from my laptop to my dedicated music machine connected to my stereo. Programs like this will just encourage Apple to remove this useful feature in future versions of iTunes.

it's actually legal to share music in other countries, so eat a dick.


-justin

[nickm]

it's actually legal to share music in other countries

Then go use some peer-to-peer program. This program allows you to download music from someone who might not want you to download your music. Just because some guy in your dorm turned on iTunes sharing doesn't necessarily mean he's comfortable with you downloading his entire library to your hard disk.

What countries are those, by the way?

[Mrjinglesusa]

Originally posted by Some Guy []:
it's actually legal to share music in other countries, so eat a dick.


-justin

Who's Dick?

[zachs]

Originally posted by nickm:
What countries are those, by the way?

Canada, for one.

[nickm]

According to the linked article, "sharing music" was ruled illegal in Canada. It was "taking music" that was ruled legal. So perhaps I was wrong all along and this is some great achievement, allowing you to take music from people who don't realize their sharing it, thereby circumventing Canadian copyright law.

Or maybe this app sucks.

[Gee4orce]

I didn't think we were allowed to discuss apps that promoted piracy on these boards.

Yes, this app promotes piracy - of course it does.

[ambush]

nice pirate app,

nice use of GPL code.

[ThisGuy]

Originally posted by Mike Thole:
I also disagree entirely on your first point -- I really do use it to legitimately transfer music between my powerbook and tower (not exclusively, though). Had I named it ShareExclusivelyLegitMusicInMyHome-ster, I think you would still be bitching.

this is EXACTLY what i used it for last night. thanks for the great app.

[mitchell_pgh]

Originally posted by Mike Thole:
I also disagree entirely on your first point -- I really do use it to legitimately transfer music between my powerbook and tower (not exclusively, though). Had I named it ShareExclusivelyLegitMusicInMyHome-ster, I think you would still be bitching.

For some odd reason, I don't believe you. What is more difficult, connecting via AFP or writing an application wrapper that circumvents an anti-piracy technology.

Originally posted by Mike Thole:
As for your second point -- I've thought about that before writing this. getTunes already does the gist of watch Leechster does, and had it not already existed I probably wouldn't have written Leechster... And from a technical point of view, it would be fairly easy for Apple to disallow the leeching of music while still allowing sharing, so I'm not too worried about that.

Find something else to troll about.

- Mike

The reason I don't like this application is that iTunes offers a legal way to share music with those at work or in the dorms or at home, etc. I like being able to turn it on so others can see what I'm listening to, but I don't want people stealing my music collection. I also don't want to give administrators a reason to not permit it.

[mitchell_pgh]

(it being iTunes on the network)

[Mike Thole]

Originally posted by mitchell_pgh:
For some odd reason, I don't believe you. What is more difficult, connecting via AFP or writing an application wrapper that circumvents an anti-piracy technology.



The reason I don't like this application is that iTunes offers a legal way to share music with those at work or in the dorms or at home, etc. I like being able to turn it on so others can see what I'm listening to, but I don't want people stealing my music collection. I also don't want to give administrators a reason to not permit it.

There has been an application wrapper for this for quite some time -- this is just a nicer one. Its not revolutionarily new and its not going to change anyone's life. Don't make it more than it is.

- Mike

[Mike Thole]

Originally posted by ThisGuy:
this is EXACTLY what i used it for last night. thanks for the great app.

You're welcome.

[cybergoober]

Originally posted by nickm:
Well, all my songs have file titles that are the song names, since they all either came from CDs or the iTunes Music Store. I don't have to wade through hundreds either because iTunes keeps them nicely organized by artist.

But suppose you used some other ripping program that didn't do that in the past. Well, you could still burn a data CD and move it from one computer to another. Or, someone could write an Applescript that allowed you to easily copy all the files from iTunes.

So now you're assuming everyone has a CD burner…

I've got three machines and I would like to have the same Library on each. Yes, I could transfer the files via AFP or FTP or FireWire or USB Flash Drive etc…
But this app would be much more convenient.

[mitchell_pgh]

Originally posted by cybergoober:
So now you're assuming everyone has a CD burner…

I've got three machines and I would like to have the same Library on each. Yes, I could transfer the files via AFP or FTP or FireWire or USB Flash Drive etc…
But this app would be much more convenient.

Don't piss on my shoe and tell me it's raining.

Why not just leave all the files on their respective computers? It's essentially the EXACT same thing.

I really don't care either way, but I get a kick out of how people try to legitimize quasi-pirating applications.

Bittorrent is the best: "Ummm, say I want to transfer and ISO image of a Linux build"

I downloaded it, and it is nice...

[Axel]

Originally posted by cybergoober:
So now you're assuming everyone has a CD burner…

I've got three machines and I would like to have the same Library on each. Yes, I could transfer the files via AFP or FTP or FireWire or USB Flash Drive etc…
But this app would be much more convenient.

Actually, the fact that you have to listen to a song in iTunes to have it downloaded with Leechster makes it quite inconvenient (in your case), compared to AFP or FTP. It would be much faster to copy a whole folder using those protocols than to double-click on each song in iTunes.

I do think it's a very cool app though. Keep up the good work Mike !

[Nebagakid]

I don't like this, because it does not require the other user to allow people to take the music.

I have no problem people listening to my music, but this is not something that I like.

It should require the program to be opened on both sides, or something to that effect that the person being robbed (see how I can use words to my advantage) knows of it and can stop or allow it as they please.

[Arkham_c]

Originally posted by mitchell_pgh:
Don't piss on my shoe and tell me it's raining.

Why not just leave all the files on their respective computers? It's essentially the EXACT same thing.

Um, no, it's not. I actually use a java app I wrote to sync my iBook and my G5 for music. Why? Well, because when I LEAVE HOME with the iBook, I can't share my G5's music anymore unless I COPY it.

I really don't care either way, but I get a kick out of how people try to legitimize quasi-pirating applications.

Bittorrent is the best: "Ummm, say I want to transfer and ISO image of a Linux build"

Bit Torrent does have legitimate uses. I used it to download the X-Plane demo the other day from the official site (220 MB). People use it to share movie trailers, .iso images, and other legitimate stuff. Blizzard Software is going to use BT to distribute the beta for World of Warcraft, much like Valve did with their last game. BT is great technology, and it's being used more and more for legitimate reasons.

[benb]

Originally posted by Nebagakid:
I don't like this, because it does not require the other user to allow people to take the music.

I have no problem people listening to my music, but this is not something that I like.

It should require the program to be opened on both sides, or something to that effect that the person being robbed (see how I can use words to my advantage) knows of it and can stop or allow it as they please.

Yea. Not only do I have to strain hard thinking of legitimate uses for this app (that could not easily be done through AFP), but the user sharing does not even know this is being done. Sorry, this app just stinks.

[benb]

Originally posted by Arkham_c:
Um, no, it's not. I actually use a java app I wrote to sync my iBook and my G5 for music. Why? Well, because when I LEAVE HOME with the iBook, I can't share my G5's music anymore unless I COPY it.

And if you had known about this app, would you have used it? No. You would have done it manually.

[mitchell_pgh]

Originally posted by Arkham_c:
Um, no, it's not. I actually use a java app I wrote to sync my iBook and my G5 for music. Why? Well, because when I LEAVE HOME with the iBook, I can't share my G5's music anymore unless I COPY it.

Bit Torrent does have legitimate uses. I used it to download the X-Plane demo the other day from the official site (220 MB). People use it to share movie trailers, .iso images, and other legitimate stuff. Blizzard Software is going to use BT to distribute the beta for World of Warcraft, much like Valve did with their last game. BT is great technology, and it's being used more and more for legitimate reasons.

OK, OK, legitimate reasons... I'll agree, I guess I'm just upset that people could be stealing my music. It's not like I've loaded a P2P and said "feel free to take whatever you want".

[mitchell_pgh]

Here are some ideas to improve your application:

1) A simple button that I can press to download their entire library.

2) A button that will bog down their system by requesting thousands of songs simultaneously.

3) Not related, but perhaps a button that could DOS attack them as well.

[cybergoober]

Originally posted by mitchell_pgh:
OK, OK, legitimate reasons... I'll agree, I guess I'm just upset that people could be stealing my music. It's not like I've loaded a P2P and said "feel free to take whatever you want".

That's the only thing I don't like about this app and getTunes, which came out before this one.

Also, JPL use BT as a way to get the latest datasets from the Mars rovers…
http://mars.telascience.org/datadown-spirit7

[Mike Thole]

Originally posted by mitchell_pgh:
Here are some ideas to improve your application:

1) A simple button that I can press to download their entire library.

2) A button that will bog down their system by requesting thousands of songs simultaneously.

3) Not related, but perhaps a button that could DOS attack them as well.

Wow, great ideas. Thanks so much for your positive contribution. While I'm at it, I suppose I could have it email me your root password too?

- Mike

[ambush]

Originally posted by Mike Thole:
Wow, great ideas. Thanks so much for your positive contribution. While I'm at it, I suppose I could have it email me your root password too?

- Mike

With a name like that, you're just asking for trouble.

Why don't you work on the next version of iSeek? You guys said it was going to get local search features soon.

[Mike Thole]

Originally posted by ambush:
With a name like that, you're just asking for trouble.

Why don't you work on the next version of iSeek? You guys said it was going to get local search features soon.

I have lots of things I'm working on... Leechster being one, iSeek being another. Lets be sure to keep them very, very separate... Ambrosia has absolutely nothing to do with any of my projects except iSeek.

- Mike

[mitchell_pgh]

iSeek looks rather useful... interesting application. It almost removes the need to go to Sherlock

[Tulkas]

Create an application to monitor what songs people are taking and this will be actually nice. Not that I'd use it. I'm stealing music, period, and this just doesn't do it as good as other apps.

[Kenneth]

I used to have getTunes here and works like a charm.

Let me test out this one... I am in the college dorm here. However, some people did set up the password for sharing.

[mitchell_pgh]

Originally posted by Kenneth:
I used to have getTunes here and works like a charm.

Let me test out this one... I am in the college dorm here. However, some people did set up the password for sharing.

I guess my bitching isn't all that important because there always is the password, and if you want to share, they can let you in... I still think it stinks.

[absmiths]

Originally posted by mitchell_pgh:
I guess my bitching isn't all that important because there always is the password, and if you want to share, they can let you in... I still think it stinks.

When you share your tunes like iTunes does you are essentially making yourself a broadcaster (which is why I am surprised that it is legal at all). Do radio stations know when someone uses a tape deck to capture their signal? What if someone listens to your stream and uses WireTap to record the audio as it plays? That seems like the same thing, although with somewhat more effort.

It is a dubious app at any rate - as evidenced by the intentions behind the name - Leechster - a well-known P2P name (leech) for someone who is out to take without sharing in return (even frowned upon by pirates).

[davecom]

Originally posted by nickm:
Programs like this suck, and you suck for publishing it.

There is no legitimate use for this program; if you have the right to play the music, then you can just transfer the files yourself using any of a bazillion file transfer protocols. Just go to the Mac with your music and turn on file sharing. If you can't do this, it is doubtful you have a right to that music. Even the name admits that this program is for leeching off of others.

There is a legitimate use for the iTunes sharing feature, and I use it in my home to share my music from my laptop to my dedicated music machine connected to my stereo. Programs like this will just encourage Apple to remove this useful feature in future versions of iTunes.

I agree. But it was inevitable that somebody would publish software like this.

[Kenneth]

Originally posted by mitchell_pgh:
I guess my bitching isn't all that important because there always is the password, and if you want to share, they can let you in... I still think it stinks.

I tried once.. that dude let me in. Last time, I saw someone was sharing her playlist with password protected. However, I saw her computer name on Rendezvous Browser.. I tried her first name as the password. It ended up working.