Web Worker Daily

We’ve covered drop.io in the past, but some recent updates definitely warrant a fresh look at the service.  The basic idea behind drop.io is to give users an extremely easy way to share files of many types in a straightforward manner.

When you go to drop.io, you’re given the option to create a “drop” which is like a file locker for your files to be uploaded to.  You can then set a password for the drop and an expiration date, if needed.  Additionally, you can say what types of rights users of the drop have: whether it be just to view the files, view and add to the files, or to view/add/delete new files to the drop.

New features include full RSS feeds with enclosures and the that it accepts MMS photo messages from your mobile phone.  The RSS feed means you could add a picture, video, voicemail, fax, or similar file and have your intended audience have full access to the file in their favorite RSS feed.  You could turn this into your podcasting channel or a fax bridge just by giving your selected users the RSS feed of your drop.

Other ways to add a file besides using the regular web interface include:

• emailing a file to the drop (by addressing your email to <dropname>@drop.io>
• phoning in a message by calling a 646 area code number with an extention
• using a widget.  This is especially interesting.  If you have a wordpress blog or other website you can use embed code from drop.io to allow your users to easily upload files do your drop.

Finally, drop.io allows drop participants to leave feedback and comments on items in a drop, creating a collaborative space within each drop.

If you are in a business where you need to give users easy access to files, give drop.io a look.  This service is perfect for a freelancer who needs to share a batch of files with a client, any group of people who needs to share files relating to a project or meeting, or perhaps a group of students who want to distribute lecture notes or recordings.