Hi SFC Archer,
With all due respect, we're actually simultaneously launch another bug fix update for version 2. That would be our 25th update for BillMinder 1-2.x, which we think has been and remains a great value for our users. For the $1-2 our users paid we've put out 24 updates, including BillMinder 2 itself and push notifications before anyone else in the bill reminding space and recently made said notifications free to all of our paid users. I didn't mention that because this thread is specifically a teaser for BillMinder 3.
Like other software companies that prefer to continue existing, we will eventually have to deprecate version 2 as it's difficult to maintain two code bases with limited resources. We obviously don't require anyone to upgrade to version 3. If the App Store provided a way to do paid upgrades, we would offer a discount on the new version for existing BillMinder 2 users but this is not currently possible.
We want to make BillMinder 3 the best product it can be and a new code base was the best way to do that. It allowed us to redesign pretty much everything with ease of use in mind and add features we've wanted to add for a long time but couldn't in the old version. We believe folks won't mind spending a couple of bucks for a few hundred hours of our hard work if BillMinder can serve their needs.
As for the removing you from a beta list -- we are no longer using external beta testers so we removed those forums and all testers. We didn't just remove you. Also, I've explained to you on a few occasions that we don't test in jailbroken environments and that modifying the app bundle in any way will trigger the Lite mode. We don't have a workaround for that right now but we'll see what we can do in this upcoming update.
...And there in lies the problem...when do you notify people of changes so that they do not pay for stuff??? You still have BillMinder 2 listed for sale in iTunes knowing that you have a new release coming, what are those clients suppose to do, buy it twice in less then 30 days? Under Top In App Purchases it still lists Push Notifications as .99 while in the description it does note that it is Free...Confusing at best.
You do have a point with not being able to offer discounts to previous owners a discount due to Apples selfishness so I will have to concede that aspect. It is not your fault that Apple does not allow developers the option to reward loyal customers of specific apps and developers. I also agree that to stay in business you must make changes and keep with the times and options that are now available and knowing that you would have taken care of current customers if the option was available makes a big difference.
SIDE NOTE to the "I am perfect posters": Money is not an issue to me and I have purchased all Apps, upgrades that I have beta tested for so those of you "fan boys" that keep posting hog wash do not know what you are talking about. I paid for this app long before I was a beta tester and NEVER asked return7 for a thing. So take your little goody to shoes posts somewhere else while I address MY opinion on something you have no clue about. I will also pay for the new release when it comes out...does not mean I do not have the right to express my opinion!
Now, back to answering the reply...Regarding your last paragraph, Thank You for the email, note, thank you or something, that none of us never got that you were not using beta's anymore. You all just turned us off like we were a light switch and even when I tried to live chat with you, you did not answer other then to kick me from live chat...really great way to treat everyone that helped you. In reference to jailbreaking...I have 99 apps on my iPhone, I do NOT mess with Apps and only theme my iPhone as you very well know. I have never, do not condone and will viciously fight against cracked apps or the mention of any other app that supports it. This is what I was "trying" to explain when you kicked me from live chat. Needless to say...NOT one other app out of the remaining 98 turns to a "lite" version due to my themed iPhone...ONLY yours. So, that is what I was trying to address and wonder if 3 will do the same because if you are the only developer that has apps that wont work on jailbroke phones then jailbreakers need to be aware before they purchase it again.
Sorry if the truth hurts and I tried it the other way but we "were no longer needed". Thanks for the opportunity to help you and two build your business and hope that you can continue to stay at the top...effective communications may be beneficial someday.