Cascade Methods (Weeds, Vines, etc.)

  Cascade methods are often used to get shows out into circulation quickly, particularly for people who do not have the time or resources for downloading.  Basically, someone mails out copies of shows to one or more people, and then these people return the favor by passing copies of the show on to other people.  If you are not capable of copying shows (e.g., you don’t have a CD or DVD burner) it is still possible to obtain shows using some of these methods, so please continue reading. 

Weeds

Usually a weed involves one person initially sending copies of shows to three people.  One copy is a freebie that is sent to a person who doesn’t have the capability to copy the show (often this is called a “burnerless” copy).  The other two copies go to people who can make copies (often these are called “burner” copies).  When the “burner people” get their copies, they likewise offer to send out three copies.  This continues until everyone who wants the show has a copy.

Vines

A vine is slightly different than a weed.  Usually only one or two master copies are sent out to people who have burners.  These people then make a copy and send the original master disc(s) on to the next person.  This method helps ensure that people do not get a flawed copy of a disc.  Sometimes in a weed, a flawed disc will enter the stream of copies and it is difficult to trace back to the source of the flaw.  With a vine, everyone is using the original source disc to make a copy so flaws do not get passed on.  Unfortunately vines do not usually include a burnerless copy, unless otherwise stated in the offer.

Other Methods

Weeds and vines are the most popular cascade methods found on Rushtour.com  However, you may come across other methods (e.g., trees) on other websites.  Usually detailed instructions are included on such sites, so just make sure that you read and understand the rules before you jump in.

How to Participate in a Weed or Vine

Weed and vine offers can be found on various message boards and Usenet groups on the Internet.  Rushtour.com has an active community of traders that regularly offer weeds and vines of Rush shows.  In order to participate in a weed or vine at Rushtour, you must first register for an account (see Figure 1 below).

Figure 1.  Rushtour.com Homepage.  Where to register.

Once you have registered, go into the Trader’s Section of the board and look for thread titles that start with the words “Weed” or “Vine”, along with the title of a particular show:

Figure 2.  Rushtour Homepage.  Location of Trader’s Section

Figure 3.  Example Weed and Vine threads in Trader’s Section.

All you need to do next is read the first post in one of these threads, and it will explain the details of the show and the method of distribution.  You should then scroll to the end of the thread and see if there are any open offers.  If there are no offers available, check back occasionally until a new offer comes up.  You can also set up topic “tracking” which will automatically send you an e-mail when a new message has been added to the thread.  When you are not logged into the message board, this will tip you off that someone may have made a fresh offer.  Figure 4 shows an example of a Vine offer, along with details about how to set up tracking.

Figure 4. Example of Vine Offer, and Location of Tracking Option

Figure 5. Options for Tracking a Topic on the Messageboard (useful when you are waiting for a new offer).

Figure 6 below shows an example of a weed offer that is still available.  Note that the originator of the offer will make updates when people claim copies of the show.  When you locate an open offer, just follow the person’s directions for making contact (usually e-mail or private message (PM)).  If you’re not sure what to write, an example PM is shown in Figure 7 that you can use as a template.

Figure 6.  Example of an Open Weed Offer.

Figure 7.  Example of PM Response to a Weed Offer

Once you have made contact, the trader will send you a reply to let you know if you get a copy or not.  Do not be discouraged if someone else beat you to the offer and you are turned down……these things are first-come-first-served, and they can move along pretty fast.  Just be patient and wait for the next offer to come along.  If you do win the offer, all you have to do is wait for the trader to send you the show.  They will often indicate a timeframe for sending the show.  Again, you just need to be patient and the show will arrive eventually for your enjoyment!

General Etiquette

There are a few items of etiquette that we would like to reiterate.  These words advice will help to ensure that you have a good experience with weeds and vines:

1.  Make sure you read the first post in a weed or vine thread so that you understand all the terms of the offer.  If you receive a burner copy, make sure that you at least match the original offer but feel free to send out extra copies if you are feeling generous!

2.  If you accept a burner copy, make sure that you reoffer in a timely manner.   If you ask for burner copies and don’t reoffer, you will quickly become unwelcome among traders.

3.  BE PATIENT.  If you respond to an offer but find out that it has already been filled, just wait until the next round.  You WILL eventually get a copy if you hang in there.  Also be patient when you are waiting for a show to arrive.  If it is taking an extraordinary long time for a show to reach you (e.g., over a month, or well past the timeline that the trader suggested), send a polite e-mail or PM to the trader to ask about the status of the show.

4.  Be reasonable with your requests for burnerless copies, and let others have a chance.  The main purpose of burnerless copies is to help newbies start collections that they will then be able to use for trading.

Hopefully this “Cascade” tutorial has been helpful to someone!  Rushboots.com is being designed to be as newbie friendly as possible.  If you are new to trading, PLEASE let us know if there is something here that is unclear or if you have any specific questions.  We also went through the early days of confusion and frustration in trading, and we are trying to help ease the pain with this site.  If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, contact us at Rushboots.