Drop.io is a web service that allows you to conveniently share a variety of media files online. This is useful for any situation in which a group wants to privately exchange items such as text files, audio files, or video clips via the internet. Members of a group log on to their “drop,” which serves as an online forum for users to post computer files and comments among other things. Once a file is “dropped,” it becomes group material; others may access it, download it, and comment on it. However, all content remains private within the drop since it is not visible in search engines, the address is only known by the users, and a password can be set.
To begin, visit Drop.io and select a “drop name.” This will be used to create the URL for your drop space. By clicking on “Additional Settings,” you can set a password and expiration date for your drop as well as alter the guest user abilities. The password privatizes your drop and is needed by all others to gain access to it. Options for the expiration date range from 1 day to 1 year from the last view. All content will be deleted once the expiration date passes. Once logged into your drop, there are a variety of view options for the screen. The chat view is convenient because it posts files and comments in a vertical chronology and allows you to see all the other guests online.
Once you are ready, it’s time to start “dropping.” By clicking on “Add Files,” you can select a file from your computer, write a note, or attach a link to be posted to the drop. It may take a while for large files to be converted for drop posting. You can comment on the drop at any time by using the message box at the bottom of the screen. The message option is useful as it allows users to quickly talk while sharing media. You’ll also notice that the drop is also assigned an email address, voicemail number and conference call number. Any media that is attached in an email sent to this address will be posted to the drop. If you call the voicemail number and leave a message, this too will be posted to the drop as an audio file. The conference call feature allows users of the same drop to connect by phone. All three of these additional features are free of charge.
On their website, Drop.io suggests that this could be a useful technology for anyone who wants to privately share their digital media, such as families, teachers, or businesses.