Yes, you need to set up auto import.
I personally set "fix broken links" to NO. This is the safest option that gives you the most control. Automated can be more convenient, but can also be more mysterious. I prefer to know.
I also do not run auto import automatically. I only run it on demand via a button on the MC interface. It's very easy to import new files after I rip a CD or something. Just press the button and watch the album show up. Again, more control.
This is my approach and may or may not be the right way for you.
Brian.
Thanks guys.
I started to learn/re-learn what Auto Import is, and started wandering backwards in the instructions, and ran across this under Library:
By default, the Library is stored on your disk in your User Profile's Application Data directory.
OSX: /Users/<user name>/Library/Application Support/J River/Media Center <version>/Library/
Media Center uses the Library files for all operations, and to drive all metadata searches and behavior in the application. For this reason, the
performance of the disk where the Library (or Libraries) is critical. The Library files are not large, and should be stored on your fastest, internal disk in the computer (an SSD if possible).
I looked, and of course, there is no JRiver listed in this Application Support location on my iMac. I don't know where it is at all; but again, everything works.
Which makes me question whether I originally installed anything correctly at all, despite being deliberately slow at reading (and rereading) the installation guide.
So before I make further moves, and risk undoing everything, I gave each of your posts some thought. It's been 4 years(?) or so since I first installed, so I may not remember precisely, but I'm guessing I let JR do its Automatic First Use Scan to import maybe 2200 albums. And then MAYBE I read about Auto Import, and ignored? Attached below is what my Auto Import looks like.
And that reminds me of another personal preference that I didn't think to mention.
I want ZERO online interaction when using JRiver, or at least minimized to near-zero. For example, I wouldn't want JRiver to casually substitute album art for whatever reason. And that goes double for audio content; I have various mix/mastering/format duplicates in the library, among other unique content (see my usage in the first post). iTunes does that kind of substitution as a default, one of many reasons I've ditched them.
Everything I want JRiver to access resides in an external hard drive, and it's all hardwired. Unless I misunderstand how JRiver works (very possible!), there should be no need for an online connection to use it.
I guess I use JRiver as a big "carousel" CD player (that can play all audio formats).
So with all that considered, is it reasonable to forget Auto Import - or Auto ANYthing - and think of this "vanishing albums" issue as a mild flaw? One that may be addressed in a future update? I did a topic search and didn't find anything, until Jim pointed it out.
Thanx again.