Testing Version 2
Well, it’s been a long haul.
GoTryTHIS 2 appears to be an upgrade to GoTryTHIS, and of course it is. It is also a testing platform for hundreds of thousands of dollars in other new technology we’ve developed, which means it is really big, complex, and hard to test.
These technologies include a lot of code to make installing and upgrading GoTryTHIS relatively easy, despite all the hard stuff going on in the background. There is also technology around moving data around so you can have GoTryTHIS 2 installed on several sites at once, and manage them from one central location of your choosing.
Imagine all the different types of servers out there, and you may have an idea of the challenges we have had making it all work. But, it’s fun to push the limits of the web!
Here’s the schedule for what is going to happen next:
Crowd-sourced Testing:
Next week, we’re taking the “final” version of GoTryTHIS 2 and putting it out for a mass test through a service called uTest.com. It uses crowd-sourcing to test web applications using many professional software testers.
We’ve got a testing plan put together that involves installing version 1, adding thousands of fake links and millions of fake clicks, upgrading to version 2 and importing those clicks, testing version 2, and then upgrading to a fake version 2.1 to test the new upgrading procedure.
The beauty of the utest service, is that we’ll have the results of that testing in a few days, with feedback from dozens of testers. If we were doing it internally, it would take a month or more and only contain feedback from a few people.
Fixing any problems found
Once that is done, I suspect we’ll have a number of small bugs to fix due to different platform issues. I doubt that we’ll have any major show-stopper bugs at this point that require rethinking anything. (That has happened a few times before, and we’ve designed ways around the problems, so what are the chances of something new coming up this late in the game, right?)
Crowd-sourced testing again
Then we’ll take the updated release and run it through another set of tests at utest to make sure that the final release version is stable. We may have to repeat this process a few times, each time with fewer issues cropping up as they are found and fixed.
User Beta testing
Once this is done, we’ll let in a limited number of real users for beta testing. To give us some cash flow, we’ll also sell some copies of GoTryTHIS 2 at a fixed price.
Recurring Billing Setup
In the background we’ll be finishing off adding recurring billing and new licenses to our billing system to allow for sales of version 2, and upgrading. All sales will be billed at a low monthly fee once we release.
Release
And then at some point, we’ll actually release version 2 for free to all existing users and it will be available for purchase to new customers. I won’t even pretend to estimate when that will happen, but we are making progress!
Version 2.1
As soon as coding is frozen on version 2, and the billing system is ready, we’re starting to add new features to GoTryTHIS 2.1. All the hard stuff will be done for the infrastructure of the program, and new features can be added frequently. Everyone who is paying monthly fees will automatically get new releases with new features, as requested by users. Existing users will get a discount on the monthly membership, if they choose to continue to receive updates.
Thank you,
John.
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:59 pm
If we decide to upgrade to V2.1 (monthly plan) and then decide to discontinue the monthly membership, will our license and “plugins” downloaded so far still work?
Thank you,
Sam
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John Reel Reply:
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Good question Sam.
For people upgrading from previous versions, you will continue to have a functional system, with the most recent updates that you installed when you had an active membership.
For new customers, you must have a membership for the software to fully function. Links and stats will continue to work once you stop paying, though you will not be able to add new sites or links.
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September 22nd, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Hello,
No way am I paying a monthly fee for updates. For virus program, yes. THat is because they have a team of users working to provide updates for latest virus. But not for normal program. I will stay with old version.
Clive
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John Reel Reply:
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Clive, I understand your position. Many software packages charge a large monthly membership fee, delivering no ongoing increasing value.
We will continue to have a team working on enhancements and new features and only expect you to pay if you want them. This way we can actually pay for it, instead of going into debt to add new features.
If you don’t want them, you don’t need to pay.
As well the price will be very reasonable.
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September 22nd, 2008 at 11:36 pm
John,
so friggin glad to see you finally get there…i know how long and hard the road has been, i hope the rest of your fan club get the awesome job you and your team have done to reach the home straight.
More power to ya! I love that ‘quitting’ is not in your vocab!
Sarkis
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John Reel Reply:
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Your right Sarkis! Quitting is not an option, no matter what!
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September 22nd, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Hi John,
I’m thrilled to hear about the coming release of GTT2. Awesome job!!
I’ve come to depend on GTT1 Black Hat version for a ton of links.
It’s an absolutely amazing tool and I can’t wait to see what you’ve created in the new version.
Please please please do everything you can to keep the monthly update for us existing users as low as possible so you don’t price us out of the product.
Great job!
- Iggy
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John Reel Reply:
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Thanks Iggy. Re the pricing, that’s the plan!
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September 23rd, 2008 at 12:18 am
You said that version 2 will be released for free to all existing uses but later you mentioned that it will also be a will be a membership deal?
I don’t mind paying for major upgrades every year or so but I have stopped subscribing to membership sites which seems to be all the rage these days for obvious reasons! After subscribing to a couple of these your bottom line suffers!
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John Reel Reply:
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Version 2 will be a free upgrade. Upgrades past that will be at a very reasonable monthly rate that is designed to let the most people come in, instead of hurting your bottom line.
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September 23rd, 2008 at 12:41 am
I wish you’ll stop giving us updates on the “inevitable” release of version 2, and just surprise us one day by saying “Version 2 Available Now”. Been getting these “coming soon” updates for like a year now.
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John Reel Reply:
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I totally understand Gobala. However, we do get quite a bit of email asking us what the status is, hence the occasional update. One day you will get the email you’re looking for. Promise!
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September 23rd, 2008 at 1:28 am
What about the capability of excluding spyder clicks that are being counted in V1.4?
Good luck with the testing
Chris
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John Reel Reply:
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Hi Chris.
I thought that we had added that into GoTryTHIS 1 actually. I remember putting in code for it at one point. Now, the search engine table might be somewhat out of date of course, but in theory it should be doing that.
I’ll double check though!
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September 23rd, 2008 at 3:17 am
Hello,
I’m just curious, how many developers have been working on the project and for how long? How did you find these developers?
I am looking forward to this software, it should be very useful.
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John Reel Reply:
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:55 pm
There have been gaps in development due to funds. For a long time we had a team of six developers working on it, in addition to our core people. As we are nearing completion there is one person fixing bugs right now.
I found them on elance, split-test several companies, and went with the best. The first version I programmed much of myself actually, but then it grew far beyond that kind of scope.
I only recommend this route if you are an experienced software developer yourself though, or have one working close with you.
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September 23rd, 2008 at 3:28 am
This is great news. I love this product.
Whilst version 1.4 passes the subid successfully when you redirect to a hoplink, what I am really hoping for is to be able to pass a subid when bypassing the clickbank order page. So far, the subid info does not get tracked when you bypass the order page. Do you know if this feature is possible and implemented in version 2?
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John Reel Reply:
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I’ve passed your comment on and will figure it out or add it to the feature request page, thanks!
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September 23rd, 2008 at 5:26 am
Hi John,
I’ve a quick question. I’m using a wordpress blog to bring in organic search traffic. The blog is monetized with affiliate links.
I’m looking for a way to track which search keywords (from organic traffic) are producing sales. Can this be done with GoTryTHIS?
Thanks.
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John Reel Reply:
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Hi Marc.
Sorry, that is not something GoTryTHIS currently does. Perhaps in the future though! I doubt that is the first request for this.
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September 23rd, 2008 at 5:56 am
Thanx for keeping us in the loop John.
Glad to see everything is up and running.
Cheers,
Abel
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September 23rd, 2008 at 6:15 am
H JohnIts been a long time.
I really look forward to the new version 2.
I’ve been using the current version for a couple of years now and I do all my campaigns using this incredible software
I can see that the next version will be incredible.
Many thanks
Hamant
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September 23rd, 2008 at 7:14 am
So basically those of us that bought the current version with the intent of getting version two and waiting for over a year (much longer than let on to be when we made the purchase) we will not get to really see any of the bells and whistles unless we decide to subscribe to a monthly fee. We will basically be getting what we have now except the feature to control everything from one server and all of the cool additions that were promised will not be added until 2.1 and later. I have had enough of monthly fees and am trying to rid myself now to the bare minimum of what i need.
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John Reel Reply:
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Hi Underground.
Actually you’re getting much more than was initially planned for the upgrade.
The upgrade was supposed to be simply finishing up an existing feature for multiple-domains, which wasn’t working quite right. However, it took a long time to get it working right, and during that time we’ve rewritten everything. This is a brand new product and you get it for free because I’m doing my best to keep my word, despite the huge extra cost.
After that, darn right I’m charging for future upgrades!
Otherwise, I’ll never recover the money I’ve put into this upgrade, let alone be able to pay for developing and supporting future upgrades.
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underground Reply:
October 29th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
No offense, When I made my purchase it was a limited release to help pay for the soon to be release of version 2 which at the time sounded like it was right around the corner.
I would much rather pay an upgrade fee than to have one more monthly charge added to my list. You deserve to get paid for all of your programming and testing. I know you got some cool things coming and everyone has been waiting patiently. Good luck with the testing.
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September 23rd, 2008 at 11:25 am
If you buy a car and it runs today,
does that mean you never have to
pay to have it fixed / upgraded?
Hello.
Reality to the whiny.
John, if you kick anyone in the nuts
I won’t hold it against you. In fact,
if you need someone to hold them
I’ll volunteer.
Looking forward to the new version.
Hey - who’s this “Sarkis” dude.
Sarkis? The name rings a bell.
X
PS - If I’ve offended any of the whiny
crybabies here, that’s good. I don’t
want that kind of customer. Stay away.
Go buy something from John Reese or
Mike Filsaime.
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September 23rd, 2008 at 11:42 am
Hey John,
Great to hear the good news. I have installed and been using GTT on two different websites. Truly love it, and besides many features that I use on a daily basis I love how Google indexes my “imaginary pages” on my site and ranks them well too. LOL.
I guess most people will not bather filling out the keyword and description section for the cloaked URL but that is where the benefit of SEO comes in.
Waiting for more great news.
Thanks and Cheers!
Nicholas
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September 23rd, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Thanks to Abel, Hamant, X and Nicholas, and all the others with positive feedback so far!
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September 24th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Hi John,
Not to surprise you, as great as GTT v1 has been, I have been scratching my head in using this “wonderful” tool. If you could provide video how to fix all the potential bug and how to fully use the value of the tool even for a not-so-much of a newbie like myself, GTT will be a much better product.
For example, how to work it with Blog and other third party tool like Amir’s Xconversions subid, that will be very much appreciated.
I have been trying so hard to understand the mechanism how to work it out, so far I have not succeeded to figure it out myself. Video tutorial will definitely helps.
Thanks
Roy
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John Reel Reply:
September 24th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Hi Ron.
There are no reported/known bugs in GoTryTHIS. If you have found any, please report them using the support channels provided, and we’ll fix them.
Please look at the post in this blog on how to make it work with Wordpress blogs: http://www.gotrythis.com/blog/2007/12/06/86/
There are lots of instructions and tutorials in the forum as well. http://www.gotrythis.com/forums.
With the new version, we’ll start creating new tutorials. At this point, we’re not creating any new tutorials for the old version.
Thank you for your comment.
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October 4th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Hi John,
I understand you need money for upgrades.
It would be nice to make it possible to pay per year.
As a company I have 12 times the costs for adding bills
in our administration by an employee.
With 12 bills per year the product will cost me much more than just one bill per year.
Regards Raymond
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John Reel Reply:
October 6th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Hi Raymond.
I’ll consider adding this as an option. Thank you for the suggestion and for including the reasoning behind it.
John.
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October 6th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Hi John,
Just a question about v2…
Being a web developer, who programs in ASP.Net, I run my websites with ASP.Net content management systems, and back when I got GTTBHv1, I found that I couldn’t install it onto a Windows web server, so I ended up purchasing a secondary domain name and paying for a (basically) GTT-only hosting account. Of course, then my links were all using this secondary domain name (unless I used the redirect code and created dummy pages in my other websites).
What I would be interested to know is whether this multi-site version will work on Windows-hosted websites, or whether I will be facing the same issue again.
Oh, and have you made any changes to handle Commission Junction - style complex links?
Thanks so much!
-Heather
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John Reel Reply:
October 29th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Hi Heather.
I think we’ll have at least one option for you to help with your windows hosted web sites. That was the plan anyway, and we’ll see how it pans out.
Second, once we launch, and have income coming in again, we’re going to have full-time programmers adding features into GoTryTHIS. Tell us what you want, how you want it to work, and provide as much details as you can, and we’ll try to get it in.
There’s a long list of requested features, and we want to get most or all of them added over the coming months and years.
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Heather Floyd Reply:
November 14th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Thanks for your reply, John, I am confident that the new version will be fantastic. I’ll be happy to talk about desired operation once you can come up for air
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October 7th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Hi John,
how could I apply to participate in the alpha and beta testing?
regarding the annual billing cycles, I concur and humbly request that since this is a corporate purchase, could you please ensure that a receipt is generated automatically and sent out to each auto renewed account. Some software vendors have forgotten this step and you can probably imagine how much we appreciate that.
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John Reel Reply:
October 29th, 2008 at 10:15 am
It will be great to have you on board. I’ll be posting a blog post after the stress testing is done about how you can be one of the first clients to help.
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October 8th, 2008 at 4:12 am
Hey John,
I can’t wait for V2,is been long overdue.
hope by then I won’t be an old man
thanks
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John Reel Reply:
October 29th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Too late for me! The last two years turned me into an old man already! lol. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
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October 20th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Will GTT V 2.x have the capability of allowing me to exclude my own IP address from the click stats?
That’s something which has plagued me somewhat in V 1.x (unless it’s in there somewhere and I haven’t found it).
Thanks,
Ron Jones
Mt. Juliet, TN
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John Reel Reply:
October 29th, 2008 at 10:17 am
That is a perfectly reasonable feature request that will be added in at sometime in the future. We’ll be adding lots of new features once we’re launched, have money coming in again, and all this massive infrastructure programming is behind us.
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Heather Floyd Reply:
November 14th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Google Analytics allows you to set a cookie on your computer to exclude your own visits to your sites from their tracking. That might be a good idea for GTT, since many of us on broadband have dynamic IPs.
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October 28th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
hi john
i would like to know if the price will be affordable for all of us since i’m an independant e marketer and i got to pay it alone with my salary and believe me, i’m not rich (…well …not yet…just waiting for gtt 2 )
So i guess it’s more a corporate tool but should i wait for it or do i just have to forget it and get back to my reality because i will not be able to pay an expensive monthly fee !
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John Reel Reply:
October 29th, 2008 at 10:18 am
I’m not 100% sure about the pricing yet, but I am aiming to have an option that is very affordable. I should be able to figure it all out in a week, but I don’t know if I’ll announce pricing until we launch.
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October 28th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
i forgot…
how many copies are you planning to sell this time since it’s gonna be different this time….you already know the success of your software and you gonna make us pay a monthly fee….!!!
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John Reel Reply:
October 29th, 2008 at 10:19 am
There will be no limit on the number of copies. This is an entirely new creature that we’ve created, and I’m planning on pricing it low enough that everyone with a web site will want to use it.
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October 29th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Looking forward to seeing the results of all your hard work John. I’ll help out with the click testing as well.
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