Author Archives: Matt Simpson

To address some minor issues in the initial ListMessenger 2.2 release I have released an updated build of both ListMessenger Light & Pro. ListMessenger Pro can be downloaded from the “My Downloads” section of the ListMessenger Members Area, and ListMessenger Light can be downloaded from the “Downloads” section of the website.

This update resolves the following issues:

• Upgraded TinyMCE to version 3.2.1.1.
• PRO ONLY: Upgraded MCImageManager plugin to version 3.1.0.5 (resolves 4371).
• New option to run TinyMCE in Basic mode, which has limited CSS use for Outlook 2007, or Advanced mode, which creates valid CSS (resolves 4361).
• New option to use PHP’s mail() function in Basic mode, which does not set the Return-Path or Advanced mode, which does set the Return-Path using the 5th parameter (resolves 4364).
• Replaced TabPane library with the jQuery UI Tabs interface (resolves 4347).
• Minor variable name change when someone attempts to subscribe to a group they already reside in through the end-user tools.

There are no database changes in this release. To upgrade simply upload the files from the latest build over top of your existing ListMessenger files on your web-server (accept for includes/config.inc.php), and you’re good to go.

I am pleased to announce the immediate availability of both ListMessenger Light 2.2 and ListMessenger Pro 2.2. This much anticipated release is the result of some hard work, long hours, and most importantly the feedback from many ListMessenger users like you. Your feedback and constructive criticism makes this application what it is today, so thank-you.

I am happy to remind ListMessenger Pro users of our free ListMessenger Pro upgrade policy. You can always download the latest release by logging into the ListMessenger Members Area and clicking the “My Downloads” link.

Notable New Features and Changes in ListMessenger 2.2

• Added option to enable/disable the group_id in the unsubscribe link.
• PRO ONLY: New Forward To Friend support and introduced [forwardurl] variable.
• Ability to make private groups that users cannot subscribe to.
• Basic graph for new subscribe and unsubscribe statistics.
• Upgraded PHPMailer class so SMTPS connections and authentication work as expected.
• Ability to search subscriber custom field data.
• Added jQuery javascript framework.
• Ability to finish/correct subscribe form in listmessenger.php.
• Added ListMessenger administrator password reset process.
• Ability to ban IP addresses from the system.
• PRO ONLY: Added Google Gears support which speeds up the ListMessenger interface.
• Added TinyMCE 3.2.1 as the default Rich Text Editor
• PRO ONLY: Added TinyMCE MCImageManager 3.0.9.1 plug-in.
• PRO ONLY: Added TinyMCE PHP SpellChecker 2.0.2 plugin.
• Added option to not reimport subscribers who previously unsubscribed.
• Added several new variables to message and template variable list.
• Ability to make the first and last name required fields.
• Added multiple template support to the end-user tools.
• Repurposed “Send to Subscriber” feature in the Message Centre.
• Added ability to use any of the e-mail variables in admin notifications.
• Added ability to use RSS 0.91, 1.0, 2.0, OPML or ATOM archive feeds.
• Ability to blacklist e-mail addresses and domains using wildcards.
• All dates in ListMessenger now use your default PHP Date Format.

Plus much more… Please see the official ChangeLogs for complete details.

Instant Upgrade Instructions

Detailed upgrade instructions are available in the upgrade_2.x.txt file which resides in the “docs” directory of the ListMessenger 2.2 distribution file you download from our website, so please refer to this document for full upgrade instructions. If you would like us to do the upgrade for you, we can do this too. The cost for us to upgrade your existing installation is $20CAD. To schedule your upgrade, please contact sales@listmessenger.com.

Upgrading from a previous ListMessenger 2.x release is simple:

1. Backup your existing ListMessenger database using PHPMyAdmin or other familiar backup method.
2. If you are logged into ListMessenger already, make sure you log out or close your web-browser.
3. Rename your old ListMessenger directory (i.e. “listmessenger_backup”).
4. Upload the new ListMessenger directory to whatever your previous directory was called (i.e. “listmessenger”).
5. Copy your old listmessenger_backup/includes/config.inc.php file to your new listmessenger/includes directory.
6. Copy your old listmessenger_backup/key.php file to your new listmessenger directory.
7. Open your web-browser and go to the ListMessenger login page. You should receive a message that says “Congratulations, you have successfully upgraded to ListMessenger 2.2.0.”

Have an older release of ListMessenger (i.e 0.5.0, 0.9.3, 0.9.4 or 1.0)? That is not a problem at all, you can upgrade to ListMessenger 2.2 simply by running the setup.php program. All your existing data will remain intact.

Please consult the full documentation in the docs directory prior to upgrading, and please do not forget to make a backup of your ListMessenger database before you start.

I just wanted to briefly announce that ListMessenger Pro 2.2 RC2 is now available for download to users who have previously purchased a licence of ListMessenger Pro. You can download ListMessenger Pro 2.2.0 RC2 by logging into the ListMessenger Members Area, and clicking the “My Downloads” link on the right.

This is the second and final release candidate for ListMessenger 2.2, and we are now working on completing ListMessenger Light 2.2 based on this release candidate. This should not take too long, and I apologize for the delay thus far.

Changes from ListMessenger 2.2 RC1 – RC2 include:

• All known bugs from the RC1 release have been resolved.
• ListMessenger password is now stored as a hash vs. plain text in database.
• Added ListMessenger administrator password recovery process.
• Added [unsubscribeurl] variable to the list of available variables.
• Added the ability to ban IP addresses from subscribing and connecting to ListMessenger interface.
• Added the ability to blacklist e-mail addresses using wildcards (i.e. *@domain.com or msimpson@* or even *.com).
• Upgraded TinyMCE to 3.2.0.2.
• Upgraded ADOdb to 4.99.
• InnovaStudio and HTMLArea editors are no longer present in main distribution file. These will be available as separate downloads if you require them.

Full Changelog

2.2.0 Pro (Build 20081025) RC2

• Added option to enable/disable the group_id in the unsubscribe link.
• Added Forward To Friend support and introduced [forwardurl] variable.
• Added ability to make private groups that users cannot subscribe to.
• Added basic graph for new subscribers and unsubscribe statistics.
• Added examples of advanced SMTP connections in E-Mail Configuration.
• Added the ability to search custom fields data for subscribers.
• Added jQuery 1.2.6 javascript framework.
• Added ability to resize text message textarea (compose and edit).
• Added catch to catch invalid CAPTCHA codes in listmessenger.php.
• Added ability to finish/correct subscribe form in listmessenger.php.
• Added ListMessenger administrator password recovery process.
• Added the ability to ban IP addresses from the system.
• Added TinyMCE 3.2.0.2
  • Added MCImageManager 3.0.9.1 plug-in.
  • Added TinyMCE PHP SpellChecker 2.0.2 plugin.
• Added option to not reimport subscribers who previously unsubscribed.
• Added [unsubscribe] variable to e-mail variable list.
• Added the ability to make the first and last name required fields.
• Added multiple template support to the end-user tools.
• Repurposed “Send to Subscriber” feature in the Message Centre.
• Added ability to use any of the e-mail variables in admin notices.
• Added ability to use RSS 0.91, 1.0, 2.0, OPML or ATOM archive feeds.
• InnovaStudio 3.0 is now a separate download from listmessenger.com.
• HTMLArea is now a separate download from listmessenger.com.
• You can now blacklist e-mail addresses using wildcards.
• Setup now checks to make sure that MySQL is installed.
• ListMessenger can now run with PHP’s short_tags disabled (Go PHP6).
• Replaced all usage of ereg() functions (Go PHP6).
• All dates in ListMessenger now use your default PHP Date Format.
• Changed tooltip libraries from DomTT to jQuery Cluetip plugin.
• Replaced all help tooltips with the ListMessenger Help window.
• Manage Fields shows only the required details for selected control.
• Upgraded PHPMailer to 2.0.2.
• Upgraded ADOdb to 4.99.
• SQL_MODE is reset to nothing on every page execution.
• Moved rich text editors to javascript/wysiwyg.
• Fixed bug when upgrading minor versions and SQL_MODE is strict.
• Fixed problem with unsubscribing when confirmation was disabled.
• Fixed bug that prevented registration and updates on new server.
• Fixed issue that prevented subscriber field searches within a group.

I am pleased to announce the availability of the first and only public release candidate of ListMessenger Pro 2.2.0, which is now available for download to users who have previously purchased a licence of ListMessenger Pro. You can download ListMessenger Pro 2.2.0 RC1 by logging into the ListMessenger Members Area, and clicking the “My Downloads” link on the right.

It should be noted that this is a release candidate, meaning that I do not consider it stable for production environments just yet, although your help with testing it is greatly appreciated.

I am happy to remind you that all upgrades for ListMessenger Pro are free.

ListMessenger 2.2 introduces several new features, and enhances overall long term stability by preparing for the future of PHP (PHP6) and continuing to support legacy PHP (PHP4).

The key highlights for ListMessenger 2.2 include:

• New Rich Text Editor
  We have had long standing issues with various rich text editors through ListMessenger’s history, and we are delighted to announce we have moved to TinyMCE 3.1.0.1 and the MCImageManager plug-in. This rich text editor is incredibly flexible, and supports all major web-browsers including Safari.
• Send to Subscriber
  The old Send To Address testing message function in the Message Centre has always presented some confusion, so we have re-purposed it into “Send to Subscriber”. It is now a find-as-you-type drop down box that allows you to send the specified message to that single subscriber, custom fields and all.
• Custom Field Search
  An often requested feature was the ability to search for specific data from within custom fields, so here it is! So if you want to see a list of subscribers whose favourite colour is blue, go right ahead and search for it.
• Basic Subscriber Statistics
  We have brought into the interface some basic statistics on your subscribers. You can now see month-by-month, and day-by-day how many people have subscribed and unsubscribed for your ListMessenger groups.
• Forward To A Friend
  You asked for it, and you got it. You can now add a [forwardurl] variable to your messages, which will give your subscribers a formatted link that allows them to forward the message they received to one of their friends, with the option of allowing the friend to subscribe to the group as well.
• Multi-part Forms
  In some circumstances you may want to collect additional information from your subscribers, but you don’t want to take up extra screen real estate to do it. With ListMessenger 2.2, you can have your subscribers fill out this additional information on “page 2” of the form.
• Interface Improvements
  Lets face it ListMessenger has never been an ugly duckling, but we can always find ways to make it look even better. This release has some nice touches, you’ll see.

Full Changelog

2.2.0 Pro (Build 20080713) RC1

• Added option to enable/disable the group_id in the unsubscribe link.
• Added Forward To Friend support and introduced [forwardurl] variable.
• Added ability to make private groups that users cannot subscribe to.
• Added basic graph for new subscribers and unsubscribe statistics.
• Added examples of advanced SMTP connections in E-Mail Configuration.
• Added the ability to search custom fields data for subscribers.
• Added jQuery 1.2.6 javascript framework.
• Added ability to resize text message textarea (compose and edit).
• Added catch to catch invalid CAPTCHA codes in listmessenger.php.
• Added ability to finish/correct a subscribe form in listmessenger.php.
• Added TinyMCE 3.1.0.1
  • Added MCImageManager 3.0.9.1 plug-in.
  • Added TinyMCE PHP SpellChecker 2.0.2 plugin.
• Added option to not reimport subscribers who previously unsubscribed.
• Added [unsubscribe] variable to e-mail variable list.
• Added the ability to make the first and last name required fields.
• Added multiple template support to the end-user tools.
• Repurposed “Send to Subscriber” feature in the Message Centre.
• Added ability to use RSS 0.91, 1.0, 2.0, OPML or ATOM archive feeds.
• Added ability to use any of the e-mail variables in admin notices.
• InnovaStudio 3.0 is now a separate download from listmessenger.com.
• HTMLArea is now a separate download from listmessenger.com.
• Setup now checks to make sure that MySQL is installed.
• ListMessenger can now run with PHP’s short_tags disabled (Go PHP6).
• Replaced all usage of ereg() functions (Go PHP6).
• All dates in ListMessenger now use your default PHP Date Format.
• Changed tooltip libraries from DomTT to jQuery Cluetip plugin.
• Replaced all help tooltips with the ListMessenger Help window.
• Manage Fields shows only the required details for selected control.
• Upgraded PHPMailer to 2.0.2.
• Upgraded ADOdb to 4.98.
• SQL_MODE is reset to nothing on every page execution.
• Moved rich text editors to javascript/wysiwyg.
• Fixed bug when upgrading minor versions and SQL_MODE is strict.
• Fixed problem with unsubscribing when confirmation was disabled.
• Fixed bug that prevented registration and updates on new server.
• Fixed issue that prevented subscriber field searches within a group.

As with every release of ListMessenger, I am very pleased to announce the immediate availability of ListMessenger Pro 2.1 and ListMessenger Light 2.1. This new release adds several new features to the product and resolves all known bugs, making this our most stable release to date.

ListMessenger Pro users can download the upgrade from the “My Downloads” section of the ListMessenger Members Area and ListMessenger Light users can download the upgrade from the Downloads section on the main page of the site.

The upgrade process from previous 2.x releases to 2.1 is easy to do, please review the instructions in the docs directory of the distribution file. If you are upgrading from previous versions of ListMessenger, do not worry, you are not left out; the setup application can upgrade right from ListMessenger 0.5.0 to 2.1.0.

Main Changes in ListMessenger 2.1

New Features

• CAPTCHA image protection for End-User Tools (requires GD Image Library with Freetype 2).
• New RSS syndication for mailing list archive (in archive.php).
• New post subscribe / unsubscribe message auto-reply option.
• End-Users can now update their subscriber information (in profile.php).
• Subscribers firstname and lastname have been added to administrator notifications.
• New [messageid] and [profileurl] variables added to message and template composition.
• New bulk removal tool for removing multiple e-mail addresses at once.
• New copy / move subscribers option added so you can manage subscribers more easily.
• Administrators can now remove selected messages from the Queue Manager individually.

Updates & Refinements

• ListMessenger interface refinements including new scaling width and height.
• Manage Groups section displays the number of subscribers in each individual group.
• Increased speed of list exports on large mailing lists.
• InnovaStudio 2.9.8 Upgrade

And many more… Please see the Listmessenger 2.1 Change Log for the full changelog.

Future Changes

The ListMessenger 2.x code base is now fairly mature and we need room to grow! So with that we will soon be starting development on ListMessenger 3.0. If you have any last pieces of feedback or suggestions for the 3.0 release, please post them in the Suggestions & Feedback section as I this will be reviewed while we develop our Roadmap to 3.0.

The other exciting piece of news is that listmessenger.com will soon be getting a facelift! Our current website and members area has served us quite well, but it’s starting to age. The new site design (currently in development) will bring us up to Web 2.0 standards and the new purchasing system will allow for more flexibility including add-on purchases and alternate payment methods.

We will be posting more details as soon as we can.

After another long development cycle, the first (and last) public release candidate (development version) of ListMessenger Pro 2.1 is now available from the ListMessenger Members Area (My Downloads section) for users who have previously purchased ListMessenger Pro.

Important Notice: Please do not use this release candidate version of ListMessenger to upgrade your production ListMessenger installation. Please use it for testing purposes only.

Main Changes in ListMessenger 2.1

New Features

• CAPTCHA image protection for End-User Tools (requires GD Image Library with Freetype 2).
• New RSS syndication for mailing list archive (in archive.php).
• New post subscribe / unsubscribe message auto-reply option.
• End-Users can now update their subscriber information (in profile.php).
• Subscribers firstname and lastname have been added to administrator notifications.
• New [messageid] and [profileurl] variables added to message and template composition.
• New bulk removal tool for removing multiple e-mail addresses at once.
• New copy / move subscribers option added so you can manage subscribers more easily.
• Administrators can now remove selected messages from the Queue Manager individually.

Updates & Refinements

• ListMessenger interface refinements including new scaling width and height.
• Manage Groups section displays the number of subscribers in each individual group.
• Increased speed of list exports on large mailing lists.

And many more… Please see the Listmessenger 2.1 Change Log for the full changelog.

Release Announcement

At this point, I am quite comfortable to say and pleased to announce that the final release of ListMessenger 2.1 (Light and Pro) will be available for download on Sunday, March 25th, 2007.

ListMessenger Light 2.0 has finally been released today and is now available for download from the ListMessenger downloads page. This new version has many benefits over it’s predecessor and is based on the ListMessenger Pro 2.0 code-base minus the advanced features of course. To get the full feature set and comparison between Pro and Light 2.0 please visit our the Features page on our website: http://www.listmessenger.com/index.php/features

• There is a 200 subscriber soft-limit.
• There is no advanced sending engine to control speed, pause, resume, etc.
• There is no import / export tools.
• There is no file attachment management.
• There is no text or HTML e-mail template support.
• InnovaStudio WYSIWYG editor is not available.
• Priority support is not given.

Now that ListMessenger Light 2.0 has been released, development of ListMessenger 3.0 will begin. In fact, a development out line has already been started and will be made available as soon as it is complete.