Trackback System

Our trackback system (URL located at http://source.ibegin.com/trackback.php) accepts POSTed variables to update a business listing on iBegin Source.

The benefit of this method is that it allows you to directly update the data without having to go through the hassle of using a web-form. You don't need to balance data from multiple sources. More accurate local business data is a win-win for everyone.

Usage

There are a few required variables to be sent to the trackback system, and then some optional which specify what you are updating

Required variables:

API Key. This is given to you when you download business data. This helps us identify who is contributing updates (and also deal with spammers). [name of variable: apikey]
State. Two letter code identifying a state (eg AK, CA, DC, TX, etc) or province (eg ON, BC, AB, etc) [varname: state]
ID. When you download the data, each listing has its own unique ID (for that state). [varname: id]
Action. This lets us know if you wish to delete a listing or merely update its information. The two acceptable values are 'delete' and 'update' [varname: action]

The above four variables help identify who you are, what listing needs to be modified, and in what way (updated or deleted).

When you are updating, you can specify any combination of the following:

Name of establishment [varname: name]
Street Address [varname: address]
City [varname: city]
Zip Code or Postal Code [varname: zip]
Phone Number (digits only please) [varname: phone]
Fax Number (digits only please) [varname: fax]
Website URL [varname: url]
Category. This must be a category already in iBegin Source (alternatively view the single-line output) [varname: category1 category2 category3]
Hours [varname: hours]

You do not need to specify all variables above. Only specify the ones that need to be updated.

Variables such as street intersection and GPS coordinates are automatically updated when new address information is specified.

The following are potential responses:

Invalid API key - the API key you specified was invalid.
Invalid State - Make sure you use the two letter code for a state/province.
Invalid ID - That listing could potentially be already deleted.
Invalid phone number - When submitting a phone number, ensure it is either 0 (which means no phone) or 10 digit number.
Invalid fax number - When submitting a fax number, ensure it is either 0 (which means no phone) or 10 digit number.
Invalid category - Ensure that it is a category already in our database.
Invalid action - Ensure that the action variable is set to either 'delete' or 'update'
Success - the POST back was successful.

If you wish to test the system, please POST the variable 'test'. This will have the system perform the necessary math without actually updating any value. This is to ensure it works properly with our system.

All trackbacks are treated like a normal web update, and are thus easily revertible. To see an example, click here.