When we make posts the only thing we can upload currently are image files, usually .png, .gif, or .jpg files (or anything/format that works over the web).

In my previous contributions I was always asked to either share a different file like the .PSD version of my custom-made icons or wallpapers and I had to turn to different online file storage providers or cloud providers. I used 4shared or Google Drive for those purposes. Needed to do additional 5-6 steps before I can get a link added onto my actual post. Can't it be made more simple?

I think it's possible - we just have to acknowledge that we see it as a concern/problem so that we take the means and the needs to resolve it.

File Uploads

Let's add a File Upload function in the Post Creation page (/submit.html) so that it can be easier for everyone. Either we build our own tool for it or have someone sponsor the tool for us. I'm sure there are lots of opensource projects that we can use for this purpose.

Just imagine pressing "Upload File" in the Post Creation page and easily selecting the file you want to upload and it will give you a file link suited for markdown: [Name of File](File download link goes here). Which can be easily downloaded or viewed online (if the browser allows, e.g: text files, .pdf files).

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Here are the steps to upload files through my suggestion:

• Click "Post" to go to Post Creation page.
• Click "Upload File" button.
• Select File you want to upload from your device's file explorer.
• Wait for the upload progress to finish.
• Finished! We now have the link!

Here are the steps using third-party file hosting services (direct download, cloud storage):

• Click "Post" to go to Post Creation page.
• Open a new tab or window.
• Go to the file hosting services (direct download, cloud storage) website or application.
• Click the Upload button specifically for that page.
• Select File you want to upload from your device's file explorer.
• Wait for the upload progress to finish.
• Get the shareable link from the said website or application.
• Paste the link onto the Post Creation page.
• Rearrange it in Markdown manually.
• Finished! We now have the link!

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Now, how about the reader's experience. Let's say I made a blog about a certain topic: Utopian-io. Then I needed to upload a file that's not an image: a .PSD file. What would it take for someone to download the file between having a built-in Uploader and using a third-party service.

Here are the steps to download files uploaded through my suggestion:

• Open the post.
• Click on the Link on the post.
• Wait for download to finish.
• Finished! You have downloaded the file!

Here are the steps to download files uploaded from third-party file hosting services (direct download, cloud storage):

• Open the post.
• Click on the Link on the post.
• Link will open up a new page for the said hosting website/app.
• Usually has a wait time or a separate sign-on process before you can download.
• Download speeds may be throttled if they have premium services.
• Possible advertisements showing or popping-up.
• Wait for download to finish.
• Finished! You have downloaded the file!

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Do you see the clear difference between the two? Which service would you prefer to use? Thanks for reading!

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Open Source Contribution posted via Utopian.io

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