I found out about this program a few days ago and I find it to be a very good product, yet it makes me feel very uneasy.
The code is obfuscated and it leaves me wondering how “safe” it really is. I didn’t want to use Tracking202.com because of the same issues (trust), and I’m wondering if it’s going to be a problem to use THIS version.
It would be very easy to send information from one server to another, including Keywords that are converting, along with any other valuable piece of information you might be storing.
I’m not calling Wes Mahler a thief, but I’m curious as to WHY the code is obfuscated. I’m also curious if I’m the first person to blog about this… the fact is – Affiliates who have success with certain campaigns tend to work A LOT of hours on those campaigns, yet it would only take a few hours to quickly copy the same campaign (actually, MUCH less if you already have another script to automate the biggest tasks) if you were to be given that information via “hidden code”.
Has anyone tried to decode this script just to check it out? I’m curious.
Again, I’m not saying Wes Mahler IS doing this (although, it would be VERY easy to do so) – but I don’t see why all of the files are using obfuscated code…
By Steven on May 13, 2008 | Reply
The code has been cracked by several people in the community and some have posted what they found on blogs and in forums, all proven to be clean. But people will always have their doubts. Like any code out there that isn’t open source, it’s to prevent people from stealing the code itself. While the software is free, it doesn’t mean people can freely steal it and modify it only to call it their own. There are arguments to both sides and in either case, those who don’t want to use it, no one asks them to.
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Clint Lenard reply on May 13th, 2008:
Hey Steven,
Can you please point me towards those blog posts explaining that what you have stated is true? I’m trying to find as much info out about your software as possible.
Why not have a developers version?
Thanks for stopping by.
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By Steven on May 14, 2008 | Reply
Hey Clint,
There was a comment left on NickyCakes blog by some Erin B found here: http://www.nickycakes.com/track-your-ppc-campaigns-in-house/
There was also a post made in PPC-Coach by another PPC-Coach user in their forum that claimed it has been Cracked, but unfortunately you need membership to view the forum there, it was shortly deleted however because the owner of PPC-Coach obviously felt it was a conflict of interest since they both has tracking software.
Another person on WF also posted a forum post saying they decrypt it as well here: http://www.wickedfire.com/affiliate-marketing/28843-tracking-your-ppc-campains.html
I found a few more previously but can’t remember where they’re at. From my knowledge, at least 6-7 people have cracked it and publicly announced it. I am sure you can try to get in touch with any of these people if you can find a way to verify.
As for developers version, that maybe taken into consideration but bare in mind that point made in the first commment.
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Clint Lenard reply on May 15th, 2008:
Hey Steven,
Thanks for the links, they actually helped clear up a few questions I had about the program.
Overall, I love the product, the idea and the fact that it’s free.
But, I do believe you guys should consider a Developers version for future development of additions, flexibility, scalability, etc. I think that it will push the product to new heights in the PPC world.
Why not try something along the lines of giving out the source code to those WELL KNOWN, well-respected Affiliate Marketers, PPC Marketers, etc. who will make it a “house hold name” within these industries?
Curious… do you guys have a plugin system or have you thought about it?
Anyways, I’ll be posting another blog post about the system and asking others to spread the word. I think by spreading the word, you guys will give it a more serious thought about some sort of developers version — since it will be nearly impossible for others to claim it to be “their source code” once it gets popular.
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By Steven on May 15, 2008 | Reply
Hey Clint,
Thanks for the comment. For sure everything is up in the air and nothing is written in stone. I appreciate the suggestion. In addition, if you haven’t already, register for the forum. There is a great community there and more importantly to the point, a suggest link for registered members to submit feedback. Thanks for checking it out =]
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