Documentation
The NewsMaker Java Applet and the NewsMaker Message tool include complete documentation in the downloads.  They are also available online.  To see the NewsMaker Java Applet documentation, click here.  To see the NewsMaker Message Tool documentation, click here.

Targets and Frames:
NewsMaker fully supports both page targets and frame targets with links.  These are individually settable with each message link.

Relative and Absolute Links:
NewsMaker supports both formats for links, either relative [i.e., somepage.html] or absolute
[i.e., http://www.somesite.com/somepage.html].

External Message-and-Link Text File:
Messages and links are stored in an external text file, read by the applet from the server.  The exact format is provided in the documentation for non-Windows users or those who may wish to hand-edit or server-side script; however, we encourage the use of the Windows software message tool for this purpose... it's much quicker and easier.

Setting Up the Applet:
Setup of this applet is designed to be as simple as possible, with a small set of easily understood parameters -- well within range even for beginners, and just a few minutes work for those more experienced.  This is explained in more detail in the documentation included with the download.  Clear, uncluttered sample code is included in the download, as well.

Dynamic Code:
While not of concern to most users, for more information on dynamic insertion to meet proposed changes in Internet Explorer see here.

About Applet Keys:
Each installation of the applet requires an unlocking key (see the next several paragraphs for the details).  Inserting the key removes our custom message and branding from the applet, as well as improves overall performance.  One key is needed for each "domain".  [The "domain" is the proper part of your url.  For instance, if your site is accessed by www.somesite.com, then somesite.com is the "domain".]

Making Keys:
We've designed this to be extremely quick and easy, even for newcomers. When you purchase, you are immediately sent an email with a User ID.  This gives one full year of access to the online key-maker (at left).  Log-in with your UserID, and enter the domain name of your site in the form: An email with the key code and clear, explicit instructions (including sample code) is immediately sent to you. (See below for more.) Note that domain keys are for a single domain, and cannot be transferred or exchanged.

Installing the Key Code:
Note that no changes in existing code are needed if you are using the free/trial download. Whether a new or existing installation, simply insert the key code in the KeyCode parameter, per this example:
<param name="KeyCode" value="keycode_goes_here">
The email you receive with your keycode also includes clear, explicit instructions and sample code.

Using Keys:
Our keys are as unrestrictive as we could possibly make them.  Get a single key for the domain (for example, somesite.com).  This key will work for that domain, forever -- anywhere on the site, on as many pages as you wish, as many times as you want.

Multiply Keying Pointers and Referrers:
It's not an uncommon circumstance to have multiple domain names pointing to the same site. NewsMaker can support "simultaneous keying" of up to 12 such pointer or referrer domains. (You will usually want to purchase the developer packs for extra keys.)  Simply get a key for each domain, put them together with a pipe | sign between them, and place them in the KeyCode parameter, as in this three-key example:
<param name="KeyCode"  value="keyOne|keyTwo|keyThree">

Sending To The Server:
There are two files that must go to the server.  Obviously, the NewsMaker.class file must be there -- this is the file that does the work.  Java class files must always be sent to the server in binary.  (Sending the class file in the wrong format (or forgetting to send it at all) is the number one cause of problems!)  The second file is the "content" file, called NewsMaker.txt by default, though you can use any name for it.  This text file contains the messages and their links, and must be sent to the server in ascii mode.

Java Sound Files:
The NewsMaker download comes with over two dozen sample sound files, included. NewsMaker supports industry-standard Sun Java .au file format for sounds.  Always keep sound files as small and short as possible!  The proper format for these files is 8-bit u-law mono and 8000 Hz.  Note that no other sound file format is supported by standard Java applets.

Use on CD's, Diskettes, and Intranets:
This product is absolutely not certified or recommended for use on CD's or diskettes.  Please do not purchase this product if your intent is to use it on CD's or diskettes.  This is an Internet applet, not designed for that use, and will not work reliably for you.  Intranet users should contact us via the Support link at left before purchasing.  Intranet domain names must be at least 5 characters long, and we will usually generate intranet keys for you directly on e-mail inquiry.

Support:
Purchase entitles you to prompt, professional email support as long as you own and use the applet.  All support emails are answered directly by experienced, professional programmers only.

Privacy & Security Statement:
We record only absolutely essential information, like your email address and log-in and key-maker details.  These are strictly for our internal use -- and no one's business but yours and ours. We do not see or have access to your credit card information in any way. We release no information about you, to anyone, under any circumstances short of a federal marshal showing up at the door with a warrant and a gun.  Your information is private -- and we keep it that way.