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A script to transfer a file upon buddy sign-on in AIM Apps
I'm not a pro scripter, so I'm sure someone else could write an elegant solution for this problem. This script works, however.

Problem: I want my Mac to automatically send a specific file to a specifc buddy when that person signs on.

Solution: Write an AppleScript, save it as an applet, and tell AIM to run the script once, when the buddy signs on.
set mybuddy to "yourbuddyhere"
set myfile to "Macintosh HD:Users:mikey:Pictures:4giPod.jpg" as alias

tell application "AOL Instant Messenger (SM)"
  transfer myfile to mybuddy
end tell
As I said, not an elegant solution, but it functions. Remember to:
  • Replace myfile and mybuddy with your specific info.
  • Save your script as an applet in Library/Scripts/AIMĀ® Handler Scripts/
  • Activate the script by editing the Buddy Alerts for your buddy.
  • Check the option "Delete this Buddy Alert after it executes."
[robg adds: I haven't tested this one.]
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A script to transfer a file upon buddy sign-on in AIM | 10 comments | Create New Account
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A script to transfer a file upon buddy sign-on in AIM
Authored by: mustang_dvs on Sep 13, '04 03:03:54PM
Interesting exercise, but it seems a little Rube Goldberg-esque. Wouldn't it just be easier to email the file to your friend?

AIM's file transfers always seem painfully slow, presuming, of course, that it doesn't crash your IM client in the attempt.

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A script to transfer a file upon buddy sign-on in AIM
Authored by: ever on Sep 13, '04 03:56:49PM

Suppose the person in question doesn't pay attention to their e-mail. If I'd emailed it, they'd have took weeks to respond. However, when I send the file immediately, I can describe it and get instant feedback in an IM. Also, there are less excuses with AIM, both people know that the file was transferred, and if there was a mistake in transmission, AIM can pick up where it left off.



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Why send thru AIM?
Authored by: stewf on Sep 13, '04 05:58:27PM

Email servers often limit transfers to 3MB or 5MB. I find AIM is excellent for large transfers.

Great script, ever.



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Why send thru AIM?
Authored by: stewf on Sep 13, '04 06:10:49PM

Whoops. I use iChat. Can I do it with that client?



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A script to transfer a file upon buddy sign-on in AIM
Authored by: wackazong on Sep 14, '04 07:45:03AM

Who is Rube Goldberg?



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A script to transfer a file upon buddy sign-on in AIM
Authored by: billabOng on Sep 14, '04 07:47:33AM

They have Google on computers now!



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A script to transfer a file upon buddy sign-on in AIM
Authored by: p4ul13 on Sep 14, '04 08:56:51AM
A script to transfer a file upon buddy sign-on in AIM
Authored by: mustang_dvs on Sep 15, '04 12:02:54AM
He's the inspiration for the most complex commercial ever shot: Honda's "Cog," which required 606 attempts to complete correctly in one take.

(Well, two takes, because the room was too small to lay everything out in a single continuous line, they set up the first half, then the second and bridged the two on a computer -- the splice is when the muffler tumbles.)

http://194.29.64.17/thecog/cog.mov (4.8mb)

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A script to transfer a file upon buddy sign-on in AIM
Authored by: AppleRocket on Sep 14, '04 10:50:22AM

Sending files through AIM is a good way to transfer files on a LAN as well as over the Net. Email often has file size limits that block transfers, and sometimes you aren't even notified that the message didn't go through. As it is, this script is useful.

Is there any scripter out there who could modify this script to prompt for the buddy name and allow dropping the file on the script? Then it could activate AIM or iChat and transfer the file.

That would be really useful.

Thanks.



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A script to transfer a file upon buddy sign-on in AIM
Authored by: mustang_dvs on Sep 14, '04 11:50:55PM

If you're on the same subnet, why not simply point them to the file on a network accessible area of your hard drive (or better yet, your server)?

This minimizes duplicates, especially on collaborative projects where it is counterproductive to introduce revision confusion.

As for extranet users, setting up an sFTP share is a much better solution than AIM's kludgy transfer method, if you're adverse to sending your *cough*MP3s*cough*... er, collaborative work files to someone who either has a file size limitation or some strange aversion to checking their email.

(Who checks AIM daily, but doesn't check their email for weeks? Is checking email really that hard?)



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