Hey all. I'm jonese and I'm a user of VisitorVille. I'm also a big proponent of the program too.
I think the point that's being missed here is that this software fits a market which a lot of others don't, and it's also not meant for everyone.
VisitorVille is unique in that it shows your traffic in real-time and presents it in a way which is probably more comfortable to a lot of people.
Many of us have used the free programs like analog etc. or paid for sawmill, urchin, webtrends. and have found that we either don't use all the reports, or it's information overload.
VisitorVille is a monthly fee yes. ($9.95 is the lowest rate, or with a coupon you can get 10% off) but with this $9.95 a month you get web stats, real-time visitor statistics, real-time chat (ie live help) offline reports, click analyzers, free upgrades and much more.
I use it on 3 sites right now and plan to add more as i need it. I never have to worry about purchasing more domains, or upgrades, or modules to do what i want. I just continue to pay based on my traffic usage. If i need more then i upgrade to a higher package, and if i need less, i can downgrade. If i go over my plan the system continues to grab the statistics but i just don't get to see them all until i upgrade.
For me it's perfect because i can use it, my clients can use and everyone knows what's going on. If i need to mine the data even more i can download the stuff and manipulate it any way i need to.
Again VisitorVille like others is meant for a specific audience. They aren't looking for Yahoo to run the system or Amazon either. They have a product that gives people who can't install software on their host, don't want to mess with all the tables and charts but want the ability to see how there site is being used quickly and easily.
one thing many web geeks (myself included) tend to do is over look a customers needs vs. our own thoughts. I used to recommend urchin to everyone i met but i learned (the hard way) that not everyone needs the bells and whistles, or can afford the price. Many people find it easier to pay a monthly fee and spread it out over time rather than all at once. Also from a business stand point this route is better because it's easier to work a lease vs. a purchase when it comes time for taxes (US for sure, not sure about other countries).
So Charles if you like VV and it gives you what you need then be happy and spread the word and before making any changes be sure you know what your getting, and what it will and won't do for you.
If anyone has any more questions i invite you to visit the VV community forum at
http://www.visitorville.com/neighborhood/index.php where you can talk to other VV users and even the programs creator.