Anyone else frustrated with Market Samurai? Alternatives?

13 years ago

What exactly is frustrating you? Mine is working great.

Thanks

Signature

The Keyword Research Tool You've Been Waiting For!
Keyword Research - Competitor Analysis - Rank Tracking - Keyword Difficulty - White Label Reporting

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3390518].message }}

Sam Thompson

13 years ago

Mine works great also. I wouldn't use anything else What seems to be your problem with it?

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3390534].message }}

AllanJames

13 years ago

Originally Posted by jasonjohnson

I assume I am not the only one to be massively frustrated with market samurai after reading around.

Anyone know any good alternatives to this tool? My favorite feature was how I could see search data, seoc and seotc etc very easily.

Also I loved the seo competition research module where I could see the top 10 sites and all the info then drill down to see their backlinks and anchor txt.

Anyone know a tool that offers those features?

Have you looked at Traffic Travis? They have a pretty capable free version that will let you see the capabilities.

Thanks

Signature

50% Sales Conversions?? YES!, check my blog.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3390629].message }}

salegurus

13 years ago

Originally Posted by jasonjohnson

I assume I am not the only one to be massively frustrated with market samurai after reading around.

Anyone know any good alternatives to this tool? My favorite feature was how I could see search data, seoc and seotc etc very easily.

Also I loved the seo competition research module where I could see the top 10 sites and all the info then drill down to see their backlinks and anchor txt.

Anyone know a tool that offers those features?

I have also had problems with MS:
Inacurate results
Slow to fill fields
No longer reporting BLEG results

But, there may be something wrong with my settings?

Thanks

Signature

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

― George Carlin

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3390732].message }}

terryd

13 years ago

No problems on this end either and I use it regularly.....

Thanks

Signature

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3390800].message }}

Zeb

13 years ago

No problems here as well. Are you using the latest updated version?

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3391291].message }}

Natlex

13 years ago

My problem with market samurai is how slow it is... Rank tracker is amazingly slow especially compared to the traffic travis version which I now always use. For keyword research, I just use niche refinery now to sort large amounts of keywords... you can see how I do that on my KW research post on my blog.

Market samurai is great all around, I just find it gets too slow after a while.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3391744].message }}

neodarth

13 years ago

I had problems with MS last week, I asked to support and they told me to reinstall adobe air.

All problems fixed and now I'm in love again with MS

Thanks

Signature

==> Negocios Estables en la Web Internet marketing en espaÃ±ol.

==> Internet Marketing Newbie Created for IM virgins

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3397982].message }}

ogremagi

13 years ago

I'm using serpattacks free right now. that plus google keyword tool is enough for me

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3398442].message }}

rbowen 13 years ago

I use Mkt Sam. Frustrating at times, yes ... not as stable as it might be, perhaps. But I don't know of any one tool that does all that it does. And their customer/tech support is top-shelf.

Before I bought Mkt Sam, I used the SEO plug-in for FireFox. Still do. Pretty cool little tool .. and as far as I know, it's (still) free.

Richard
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3407554].message }}

dannycalifornia

13 years ago

What the think that were make you frustated? I used it and fine

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3407962].message }}

balara 13 years ago

It's still my favourite. Actually, it's the only tool I use for kw research and checking out the competition. It performs well for me except when I'm in a hurry and then it spits the dummy!
No doubt my impatience has a thing or two to do with that.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3409017].message }}

talentshout

13 years ago

it's working fine from my end....I actually love Market Samurai and have been using it for quite some time. I also started with Traffic Travis but I find Market Samurai more user friendly

Thanks

Signature

SEO Fiverr Gigs

Article Marketing for as low as $3.75

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3409063].message }}

jacksonlin

13 years ago

Rank Tracker is not working at all. It's not bringing in any results.

I think they had an issue with their proxy servers.

Thanks

Signature

Want a 13 Part FREE Internet Marketing Course - Taught By A PREMIER CLICKBANK SUPPER AFFILIATE? Did I mention taught through VIDEOS?
Yup, I'm not hyping things up for you. Click here to check it out!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3409264].message }}

gforces

13 years ago

Generally the software (MS) is running fine for me. Recently they did have some proxy server issues but I appreciate the fact that they communicated about it... their communication and support is top-notch, as some others have noted, and that makes a real difference in todays 'dog eat dog' marketing world.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

The Online Ninja - Spying Out The Internet For The BEST Resources, Tools & Techniques

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3409446].message }}

BradRich 13 years ago

I have recently started using traffic travis. It is very similar and has a free version as well as a paid version.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature
Learn Easy Guitar Songs
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3412928].message }}
- MrDack 13 years ago
  
  MS is a frustratingly slow application, even switching to different keyword tabs can take an age. I'm a software developer by trade and if software I wrote was that slow I'd be out of business.
  
  Performance aside, I still think MS is one of the best keyword research & competition tools out there. The info it gives you and the way it's presented is 1st class.
  
  Don't forget, the software is constantly being revised & improved so hopefully the performance issues will eventually be ironed out.
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  Failure is one step closer to success
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3415071].message }}

stefalex

13 years ago

I'm using it on my Mac and can't complain about the speed. Yes, it's still not perfect but I agree Market Samurai is probably the best keyword research & competition tool on the market.

Thanks

Signature

Stefalex - Wordpress Maintenance & Support

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3415216].message }}

crowly

13 years ago

what about MS after Majestic SEO..its all down from here

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3417595].message }}

John Reed 13 years ago

Originally Posted by crowly

what about MS after Majestic SEO..its all down from here

I'm afraid I don't understand this query-cum-statement??
What's Majestic SEO?

John
- Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature

Ex Army Major hates Hype!!
http://www.major-reviews.com
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3507478].message }}
- GlenH 13 years ago
  
  If you write articles..Money Keyword Finder is simple to use, and makes it easy to chose the keywords that have the most 'rankable' potential.
  
  I've been using it now for 9 months and wouldn't use anything else
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3509045].message }}

Rainbow_Warrior

13 years ago

Problems here too with MS. Progress bar hanging when retrieving data, zero backlink data etc. The MS forum is full of people with the same problems. Hope they get it fixed soon.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3417873].message }}

Michael Field-Dodgson 13 years ago

Check your computers capability if your MS is slow - MS needs at least 1 gig of RAM etc to run smoothly,

Cheers
- Thanks
Signature

There is no reward so sweet that is hard earnt

AND there's no such thing as a free lunch!!
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3418294].message }}

TPFLegionaire

13 years ago

I have just received an email from MS explaining the situation:

Hi Manuel

As a Market Samurai user you may have noticed problems returning
results with Market Samurai.

In particular, updating your Rank Tracker data, and also analysing
SEOC figures in your Keyword Research module may be failing.

In the last few weeks our servers have been under attack from
unknown sources, causing widespread problems for our users.

Rest assured that we're (literally) working around the clock to
resolve the issue.

===============================
IMPORTANT: What you need to do
===============================

As part of addressing this issue, we've issued a critical update to
Market Samurai.

This is a MANDATORY update, and all older versions of Market
Samurai will not continue to work any longer.

Updating is easy: Simply fire up Market Samurai, and say "Yes" when
the "Update Available" window pops up.

For full details about the situation, please head to our blog.

Noble Samurai » From the Desk of the CEO (We’re Under Attack!)

If you have any problems, please don't hesitate to contact us
support@noblesamurai.com

Thanks so much for your support and understanding in this matter.

All the best,

Alex Green
Noble Samurai

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Save Kim Winfrey! Buy the WSO or donate.

As an aside use the products in the WSO to make tons of cash!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3420940].message }}

jminkler

13 years ago

Originally Posted by TPFLegionaire

I have just received an email from MS explaining the situation:

Hi Manuel

As a Market Samurai user you may have noticed problems returning
results with Market Samurai.

In particular, updating your Rank Tracker data, and also analysing
SEOC figures in your Keyword Research module may be failing.

In the last few weeks our servers have been under attack from
unknown sources, causing widespread problems for our users.

Rest assured that we're (literally) working around the clock to
resolve the issue.

===============================
IMPORTANT: What you need to do
===============================

As part of addressing this issue, we've issued a critical update to
Market Samurai.

This is a MANDATORY update, and all older versions of Market
Samurai will not continue to work any longer.

Updating is easy: Simply fire up Market Samurai, and say "Yes" when
the "Update Available" window pops up.

For full details about the situation, please head to our blog.

Noble Samurai » From the Desk of the CEO (We're Under Attack!)

If you have any problems, please don't hesitate to contact us
support@noblesamurai.com

Thanks so much for your support and understanding in this matter.

All the best,

Alex Green
Noble Samurai

With Google cracking down on JCP and Overstock lately, I wouldn't be surprised if this was google attacking them to prove they are Illegally getting google data. By increasing their traffic it may be possible that google can tell (from the queries they are submitting to MS) which IP ranges now belong to MS, and thereby know they aren't on the up and up.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3425781].message }}

TPFLegionaire

13 years ago

Originally Posted by jminkler

With Google cracking down on JCP and Overstock lately, I wouldn't be surprised if this was google attacking them to prove they are Illegally getting google data. By increasing their traffic it may be possible that google can tell (from the queries they are submitting to MS) which IP ranges now belong to MS, and thereby know they aren't on the up and up.

I don't know...Seems preposterous to me, would Google really "attack" them with technological means? Like some kind of low life (albeit powerful) DDOS script kiddies?

If they are breaking Google TOS and they can prove it, wouldn't it be easier and more effective to fire up a lawyer's letter asking them to desist?

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Save Kim Winfrey! Buy the WSO or donate.

As an aside use the products in the WSO to make tons of cash!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3427826].message }}

janner43 13 years ago

Latest from Market Samurai today - looks as if they have had a bad week!
Hang in there.

"Hi Everyone,

Google have just made a major change to the Google Keyword Tool which is preventing Market Samurai from gathering keyword data.

Our development team are currently working on a fix for this issue, however it looks like it will not be complete, tested and released by tonight.

I'm very sorry about the disruption that has been caused to you all over the past week and I will keep you up to date on our progress.

As soon as we have an ETA on the fix I will let you know.

Regards
Miriam

Edit: The development team have outdone themselves. We are currently testing a fix and hope to release very soon."
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3427957].message }}

jminkler

13 years ago

You really have to understand what is going on behind the scenes of these programs that scrape Google data.

1) It is against Google's TOS to reverse engineer PR data, most of these tools do just this.
2) Also against Google's TOS to scrape search pages. The google API for search only returns 4 records at a time (per page) and is not sufficient for most SEO queries, so most tools like this will scrape googles search through the web and not with the api.
3) These tools have to do hundreds of different queries per each keyword.
4) In order not to get "found" these tools have to go through proxies, that rotate, so really you are going from your PC, to the MS servers, through their proxies, to google for each keyword, and then back to the MS server, and back to your PC.

What makes you think this will be fast?

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3425764].message }}

Steven Miranda

13 years ago

I haven't had any problems with MS yet...

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3425772].message }}

Flareman

13 years ago

I've had a frustrating week with MS too. Ever since the upgrade and them changing to use Majestic SEO, the backlinks information have been inaccurate!

The speed of searches have improved slightly today but for the past few days, it was at a crawling speed...

Is anyone else seeing a discrepancy of backlink data on your Rank Tracker?

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3438792].message }}

GlenH 13 years ago

[DELETED]

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3439471].message }}

glacey

13 years ago

Just downloaded another upgrade and the backlink data is still way out

Thanks

Signature

Garden tool buying advice, maintenance & general tips www.gardentoolslist.com

Solar water feature advice and tips

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3453202].message }}

sentient

13 years ago

The forum is now down for a "planned" upgrade (just when there happens to be a lot of problems - looks like they are running scared).

Not getting any response from the support tickets.

Not good at all - I really like MS, but it shows how reliant on one tool you can be when it suddenly stops working.

If the support does a runner then it does look like the beginning of the end.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3454299].message }}

rbowen

13 years ago

It's a bit on the long side, but I've posted below an email that I got last night (along with all paid-subscribers) from Noble Samurai, the creators of Market Samurai, as I think it'll put things in perspective.

Hope this helps.

Richard

==========================

Hi Richard

I'm emailing you to say sorry.

In the last week and a half, attacks on our servers and changes to
the Google Keyword Tool have seen some modules of Market Samurai
functioning well below their normal high standard.

You may have been affected...

If so, we want to make it up to you!

=====================
WHAT HAS HAPPENED BEHIND THE SCENES
=====================

### Servers Under Attack! ###

If you were already a paid Market Samurai user, some of your Market
Samurai modules may not have been functioning correctly and you may
not have been able to make effective use of the software.

Since last Friday, outside sources have been overloading our
back-end servers with illegitimate requests. We detected multiple
sources attempting to commit pay-per-click fraud using our servers.

This resulted in the servers being unable to return data to our own
users.

To resolve this issue we introduced a new authentication system
into Market Samurai and tuned our servers to significantly improve
their performance.

We also located and fixed a bug we introduced into Market Samurai
earlier this month which was contributing to the load on our
servers by sending too many queries at once.

With these two major updates in place, the load on our servers
decreased to safe levels once again.

### Google Keyword Tool Update! ###

Shortly after we released the updates to Market Samurai to return
service to you, Google released a new update to the Google Keyword
Tool.

This new update led to Market Samurai being unable to interface
with the Keyword Tool, and therefore meant no data could be
gathered.

Our development team have updated Market Samurai with the required
code to allow it to interface with the Keyword Tool once again.

With these fixes in place, we have monitored Market Samurai for
several days to ensure that the issues have subsided.

================================
HERE'S HOW WE'RE SAYING SORRY...
================================

While Market Samurai is now up and running once more, we want to
make up for the inconvenience to you over the last week and a half.

AS YOU OWN A COPY OF MARKET SAMURAI...

...we've increased the number of activations on your license from 2
to 3! This means you can now activate Market Samurai on 3 computers
at once, giving you more freedom with the software.

=====================
Getting Support
=====================

If you have any questions, or if you encounter any problems using
Market Samurai, please contact us and we'll do what we can to help
you.

Our email address is support@noblesamurai.com

Finally - again, I want to apologise for any trouble caused.

Best regards,

Alex Green
Noble Samurai

Noble Samurai, Level 1, 234 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading, Victoria 3131, AUSTRALIA

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3454486].message }}

sentient

13 years ago

Hi Richard

I did get that email from MS, however, it doesn't really negate the fact that they have taken their forum down at the most sensitive period since MS launched, and their support appear to have stopped living up to their name.

They can send as many explanation emails out, and offer to allow me to use MS on 1000 different PCs, but if I can't actually use it, and they are not responding to support tickets then it doesn't really help.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3454558].message }}

rbowen

13 years ago

Originally Posted by sentient

Hi Richard

I did get that email from MS, however, it doesn't really negate the fact that they have taken their forum down at the most sensitive period since MS launched, and their support appear to have stopped living up to their name.

They can send as many explanation emails out, and offer to allow me to use MS on 1000 different PCs, but if I can't actually use it, and they are not responding to support tickets then it doesn't really help.

First of all, I'm not a Marketing-Samurai-apologist. I was just trying to help - you and anyone else who might not have gotten the email - put things in some kind of perspective. That's all.

I wasn't trying to discount or dismiss your frustration.

Second, if you don't want to use Mkt Sam any longer, or at least until they get through this crisis, then don't.

What do you want them ... or for that matter, anybody in the WF ... to say or do for you, exactly?

They're in crisis. Hello!?! Like, they just spent God-only-knows how much time, effort & money researching & developing a massive upgrade to Mkt Sam and - just before they could finish implementing the upgrade - their server comes under a massive, persistent attack!?!

And you're complaining that they're not answering your support ticket(s) as readily as you'd like?

Would you expect any of their competitors to handle such a crisis any better? If so, go with them.

I don't know what you want me to say? I just assumed you hadn't gotten or read the email and I was just offering what I thought was a bit of helpful perspective to you and others.

Personally, I have been very satisfied with Mkt Sam and I'm willing to give them the time that they need to get through this crisis.

That said, if by this time next month, things are no better, then I might look into buying one the competing tools out there.

Hope you survive your crisis.

Richard

Thanks
2 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3455078].message }}

Mark Bradley 13 years ago

I would echo some of the sentiments expressed here.
Brent and the MS team are 100% genuine and ethical
and I know that they will be bursting their balls to
fix the problems,so I'm not throwing my toys out of
the pram just yet.

Because they had one bad day at the office, it
doesn't necessarily warrant a 'verbal kicking'.

Sh*t happens,we just have to learn to adapt.
- Thanks
Signature
...INSTANT ACCESS...
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3459289].message }}

sentient

13 years ago

Originally Posted by rbowen

First of all, I'm not a Marketing-Samurai-apologist. I was just trying to help - you and anyone else who might not have gotten the email - put things in some kind of perspective. That's all.

I wasn't trying to discount or dismiss your frustration.

Second, if you don't want to use Mkt Sam any longer, or at least until they get through this crisis, then don't.

What do you want them ... or for that matter, anybody in the WF ... to say or do for you, exactly?

They're in crisis. Hello!?! Like, they just spent God-only-knows how much time, effort & money researching & developing a massive upgrade to Mkt Sam and - just before they could finish implementing the upgrade - their server comes under a massive, persistent attack!?!

And you're complaining that they're not answering your support ticket(s) as readily as you'd like?

Would you expect any of their competitors to handle such a crisis any better? If so, go with them.

I don't know what you want me to say? I just assumed you hadn't gotten or read the email and I was just offering what I thought was a bit of helpful perspective to you and others.

Personally, I have been very satisfied with Mkt Sam and I'm willing to give them the time that they need to get through this crisis.

That said, if by this time next month, things are no better, then I might look into buying one the competing tools out there.

Hope you survive your crisis.

Richard

"or at least until they get through this crisis, then don't." - what crisis? According to the email you posted, the problems were sorted.

"What do you want them ... or for that matter, anybody in the WF ... to say or do for you, exactly?" - nothing, just giving my opinion about an internet marketing product. Apologies, I thought this was the Internet Marketing Product Reviews section.

"And you're complaining that they're not answering your support ticket(s) as readily as you'd like?" - I'm complaining that my product doesn't work, despite the fact that we have been told the problems have been sorted. I'm complaining that the one area where users could advise each other on how to sort the problems (the forums) have been taken down at such a crucial time. And yes, that my support tickets haven't been resolved. I don't think any of those complaints are unreasonable, however acknowledge that this is a subjective opinion.

"I don't know what you want me to say?" - I don't particulary want you to say anything, given that I don't know who you are, however would encourage you to say whatever you wanted to. Giving your opinion about the product is absolutely fine, and you standing up for MS is great (and probably justified) - just please don't tell me what my opinion should be.

"Hope you survive your crisis" - and I thought it was just us Brits who used sarcasm extensively in internet forums

.

My version of MS isn't working at all at the moment, by the way. However I would welcome your opinion on that.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3461214].message }}

cypherslock

13 years ago

I found a bug and reported it. Got prompt reply back too. I think everyone frankly needs to lay off the team for a bit. I get the sense that they are NOT some huge company. They've not let me down since I purchased way back in 2008. I see no reason to abandon them, and frankly find the gnashing of teeth quite amusing.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3454587].message }}

alsmith1 13 years ago

Hi I received this email yesterday from the team at MS, sounds like they are working to fix any problems, sounds like they are giving current users an additional license to make up for all the problems, personally I have been extremely impressed with MS and consider it to be one of the best research tools I have ever used.

Hi Allen

I'm emailing you to say sorry.

In the last week and a half, attacks on our servers and changes to
the Google Keyword Tool have seen some modules of Market Samurai
functioning well below their normal high standard.

You may have been affected...

If so, we want to make it up to you!

=====================
WHAT HAS HAPPENED BEHIND THE SCENES
=====================

### Servers Under Attack! ###

If you were already a paid Market Samurai user, some of your Market
Samurai modules may not have been functioning correctly and you may
not have been able to make effective use of the software.

Since last Friday, outside sources have been overloading our
back-end servers with illegitimate requests. We detected multiple
sources attempting to commit pay-per-click fraud using our servers.

This resulted in the servers being unable to return data to our own
users.

To resolve this issue we introduced a new authentication system
into Market Samurai and tuned our servers to significantly improve
their performance.

We also located and fixed a bug we introduced into Market Samurai
earlier this month which was contributing to the load on our
servers by sending too many queries at once.

With these two major updates in place, the load on our servers
decreased to safe levels once again.

### Google Keyword Tool Update! ###

Shortly after we released the updates to Market Samurai to return
service to you, Google released a new update to the Google Keyword
Tool.

This new update led to Market Samurai being unable to interface
with the Keyword Tool, and therefore meant no data could be
gathered.

Our development team have updated Market Samurai with the required
code to allow it to interface with the Keyword Tool once again.

With these fixes in place, we have monitored Market Samurai for
several days to ensure that the issues have subsided.

================================
HERE'S HOW WE'RE SAYING SORRY...
================================

While Market Samurai is now up and running once more, we want to
make up for the inconvenience to you over the last week and a half.

AS YOU OWN A COPY OF MARKET SAMURAI...

...we've increased the number of activations on your license from 2
to 3! This means you can now activate Market Samurai on 3 computers
at once, giving you more freedom with the software.

=====================
Getting Support
=====================

If you have any questions, or if you encounter any problems using
Market Samurai, please contact us and we'll do what we can to help
you.

Our email address is support@noblesamurai.com

Finally - again, I want to apologise for any trouble caused.

Best regards,

Alex Green
Noble Samurai

Noble Samurai, Level 1, 234 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading, Victoria 3131, AUSTRALIA
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3454773].message }}

kellio48

13 years ago

I too was having major problems with MS and so were 100's of other people as their forum reflected.
There were numerous posts within the forum about the issues.
However, they have been working around the clock to try and rectify the problems which apparently was caused by changed made by Google Add Words Tool.

I received an email from Brent Hodgson, (one of the key people in MS) a couple of days ago which was in the way of an apology along with a bonus as compensation for the inconvenience suffered by it's thousands of users.
Brent assured me that everything was OK now, however in trying to use it since, I still find it to be exceptionally slow compared to how it had been previously and the forum mentioned above has now been closed.
The reason given for the closure is that they are creating a bigger, better, bright and shiny new forum.
Personally I think that starting a new forum is a reflection on the negativity of many of the recent posts by people having problems and I'll bet that all those posts will not be included in the new forum.
However, having said that, I've been using MS since it's conception around 3 years ago with great success in keyword research and I still stand behind the team because of their integrity and honesty in admitting to the issues and have every confidence that it will be back up and running in it's full glory once these issues are sorted completely.

Thanks

Signature

Anyone else frustrated with Market Samurai? Alternatives?

Trending Topics

Best AI for spell checking & grammar (2024)?

Google Ads, landing pages, and Clickbank links

Carry out better target audience research

A Very Strange Internet Problem

YouTube gets shopping display tools and affiliate partnership updates