Ok I know this issue has been brought up a number of times, but at this point I'm convinced that there is something going on with the backend that is causing all of my new apps to have Data Urls that don't work. And by don't work, I mean that when I launch my app I get this error - "There was a problem downloading some required data. Try again?" I've tried all of the solutions that we are familiar with - replacing "http" with "https", validating the json, etc. The reason I am convinced that there is an issue with the Buzztouch back end is because I tried replacing the data URL from the new app I was testing with a data URL from an older app and after that the app launched fine with no errors. So my older apps are working fine, but it seems like every time I create a new app it has a bugged out data URL. Currently, the only way I can get new apps to work is to delete the data URL and disconnect them from Buzztouch. Maybe this is just an issue with my account?

I can not recall that, all my apps are working fine?

That's part of why this is driving me crazy - it seems like nobody else is having this problem and I can't figure out how to fix it

can only be your account. something wrong with the api key. Send them an email already?

I haven't haha..I'm used to just thinking of these forums as the support center so I never really think to use the official channels. I guess I'll give it a shot.

Ok Susan has figured it out for me - apparently my account expired haha. I had it in my head that it auto renewed but apparently it's been expired for the last 3 months.

Fix of the week!

scratch that..still having the issue. Just realized that these errors show up in the console as well. Again, I've narrowed it down to realize that it is definitely the data URL in BT_config.txt that is causing the issue. When I paste in a data URL from an app I made a month ago then the app launches fine, but once I return to the original data URL I start getting these errors again ERROR parsing JSON in validateApplicationData: ( "Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=9 \"Trailing comma disallowed in object\" UserInfo={NSLocalizedDescription=Trailing comma disallowed in object}", "Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=3 \"Expected value while parsing array\" UserInfo={NSUnderlyingError=0x790d0700 {Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=9 \"Trailing comma disallowed in object\" UserInfo={NSLocalizedDescription=Trailing comma disallowed in object}}, NSLocalizedDescription=Expected value while parsing array}", "Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=3 \"Object value expected for key: BT_screens\" UserInfo={NSUnderlyingError=0x790d0740 {Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=3 \"Expected value while parsing array\" UserInfo={NSUnderlyingError=0x790d0700 {Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=9 \"Trailing comma disallowed in object\" UserInfo={NSLocalizedDescription=Trailing comma disallowed in object}}, NSLocalizedDescription=Expected value while parsing array}}, NSLocalizedDescription=Object value expected for key: BT_screens}", "Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=3 \"Expected value while parsing array\" UserInfo={NSUnderlyingError=0x790d07c0 {Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=3 \"Object value expected for key: BT_screens\" UserInfo={NSUnderlyingError=0x790d0740 {Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=3 \"Expected value while parsing array\" UserInfo={NSUnderlyingError=0x790d0700 {Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=9 \"Trailing comma disallowed in object\" UserInfo=0x790d06e0 (not displayed)}, NSLocalizedDescription=Expected value while parsing array}}, NSLocalizedDescription=Object value expected for key: BT_screens}}, NSLocalizedDescription=Expected value while parsing array}", "Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=3 \"Object value expected for key: BT_items\" UserInfo={NSUnderlyingError=0x790d0800 {Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=3 \"Expected value while parsing array\" UserInfo={NSUnderlyingError=0x790d07c0 {Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=3 \"Object value expected for key: BT_screens\" UserInfo={NSUnderlyingError=0x790d0740 {Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=3 \"Expected value while parsing array\" UserInfo=0x790d0720 (not displayed)}, NSLocalizedDescription=Object value expected for key: BT_screens}}, NSLocalizedDescription=Expected value while parsing array}}, NSLocalizedDescription=Object value expected for key: BT_items}", "Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=3 \"Object value expected for key: BT_appConfig\" UserInfo={NSUnderlyingError=0x790d0880 {Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=3 \"Object value expected for key: BT_items\" UserInfo={NSUnderlyingError=0x790d0800 {Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=3 \"Expected value while parsing array\" UserInfo={NSUnderlyingError=0x790d07c0 {Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=3 \"Object value expected for key: BT_screens\" UserInfo=0x790d0760 (not displayed)}, NSLocalizedDescription=Expected value while parsing array}}, NSLocalizedDescription=Object value expected for key: BT_items}}, NSLocalizedDescription=Object value expected for key: BT_appConfig}" ) 2016-04-20 20:16:41.777 rickAndMortyQuiz[8570:1503244] BT_application: validateApplicationData: ERROR: There was a problem parsing some JSON data. Please make sure that it is well-formed.

Not to state the obvious, but is there an extra comma in your JSON that is keeping it from parsing correctly? If you put your JSON into jsonlint.com, does it show any errors? (When I have had a problem like this it is generally due to quotation marks in a screen nickname. But it this case, it looks like there is a comma at the end of an array, when there shouldn't be.)

I have this issue from time to time, even with a perfect JSON. I'm sure it's a question of backend. The connection is lost for some minutes. It's puzzling and annoying as you can't do anything. But after a few minutes it's ok. Not sure if I'm right, but in any case this is what happens with my apps! Cheers Jack

@Susan - the JSON definitely checks out. Again, I'm almost positive I've narrowed it down to being a data URL issue. Anybody reading this please paste the config.txt below into any of your apps and see if you get the same error message that I posted above. Then, try using this exact same config.txt but with a data URL from one of your own apps. If your experience is anything like mine, it will launch fine with the new data url. ps. remember to reset the simulator when you change the config.txt file { "BT_appConfig": { "BT_items": [{ "itemId": "JA807204D75FDA8930B11261E", "itemType": "BT_app", "buzztouchAppId": "JA807204D75FDA8930B11261E", "buzztouchAPIKey": "YourApiKeyHere", "dataURL": "YourDataUrlHere", "reportToCloudURL": "YourReportToCloudUrlHere", "registerForPushURL": "YourPushUrlHere", "lastModified": "Thu, 21 Apr 2016 04:16:05 -0700", "lastPublished": "Thu, 21 Apr 2016 04:16:05 -0700", "name": "Rick and Morty Quiz", "version": "1.1", "currentMode": "Design", "startLocationUpdates": "0", "promptForPushNotifications": "0", "allowRotation": "largeDevicesOnly", "BT_themes": [{ "itemId": "A8FFF950D4B180B2A6051AB", "itemType": "BT_theme", "itemNickname": "Default Theme", "navBarBackgroundColor": "#333333", "navBarStyle": "transparent", "statusBarStyle": "hidden", "backgroundColor": "#FFFFFF" }], "BT_tabs": [{ "itemId": "2FA7D6591E9DB65C8E147EA", "itemType": "BT_tab", "textLabel": "Quiz", "iconName": "pencilSelected.png", "homeScreenItemId": "FF8DFD558B6929086636528" }, { "itemId": "0BBC39955160B4D6C0234CF", "itemType": "BT_tab", "textLabel": "News", "iconName": "newsSelected.png", "homeScreenItemId": "D65E5A69A6EDF1BFAF469AC" }], "BT_menus": [ ], "BT_screens": [{ "itemId": "FF8DFD558B6929086636528", "itemType": "BT_screen_quiz", "itemNickname": "Quiz", "itemId": "FF8DFD558B6929086636528", "itemType": "BT_screen_quiz", "itemNickname": "Quiz", "backgroundColor": "#000000", "backgroundImageNameSmallDevice": "quizBg.png", "backgroundImageNameLargeDevice": "quizBg.png", "backgroundImageScale": "top", "cacheWebImages": "1", "quizQuestionDelay": "1", "quizRandomizeQuestions": "1", "quizPointsPerAnswer": "150", "quizRewardIfPointsOver": "140", "quizSoundEffectFileNameCorrect": "right.mp3", "quizFontColorQuestions": "#FFFFFF", "wobbleOnIncorrect": "NO", "wobbleOnCorrect": "NO", "childItems": [{ "itemId": "18393B120068CD7416D839A", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "What balloon popping game does Jerry play on his iPad?", "correctAnswerText": "Defictionalization", "incorrectText1": "Reanimation", "incorrectText2": "Dismemberment", "incorrectText3": "Education" }, { "itemId": "C22CE9A67E5DBA11FD21072", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "Who voices both Rick and Morty?", "correctAnswerText": "Jermaine Clement", "incorrectText1": "David Cross", "incorrectText2": "Keith David", "incorrectText3": "Mike Miller" }, { "itemId": "3BE438A901645E4C480BD05", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "What does Morty get chased by in ''Anatomy Park''", "correctAnswerText": "hepatitis a", "incorrectText1": "godzilla", "incorrectText2": "cancer", "incorrectText3": "spiders" }, { "itemId": "282656FBA384235FE588EE2", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "Who voices Zeep?", "correctAnswerText": "Stephen Colbert", "incorrectText1": "Conan O'brien", "incorrectText2": "Jay Leno", "incorrectText3": "Jimmy Fallon" }, { "itemId": "C76E75BAC1B9526E5671A89", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "Which universe is inside the miniverse?", "correctAnswerText": "the teenieverse", "incorrectText1": "the atomverse", "incorrectText2": "the nothingverse", "incorrectText3": "the otherverse" }, { "itemId": "B3FE551DDB7A568A3A45E50", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "How much is a ride on the slippery stairs?", "correctAnswerText": "25 schmeckles", "incorrectText1": "20 schmeckles", "incorrectText2": "15 schmeckles", "incorrectText3": "10 schmeckles" }, { "itemId": "DD897890C766F9FF3BFADB8", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "What is the name of Snowball's slave?", "correctAnswerText": "snuffles", "incorrectText1": "nibbles", "incorrectText2": "arnold", "incorrectText3": "alvin" }, { "itemId": "68A9575F3349895CF1E97E4", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "Who is Jessica's violent boyfriend?", "correctAnswerText": "Brad", "incorrectText1": "Mike", "incorrectText2": "Dave", "incorrectText3": "Bruce" }, { "itemId": "0FAC04AE7AEC104CD411A56", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "What does Mrs Pancake say?", "correctAnswerText": "''You don't know me''", "incorrectText1": "''Aw hell no''", "incorrectText2": "''Here we go again''", "incorrectText3": "''Lets do this''" }, { "itemId": "6EB0D7795DCDD1EA4539E00", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "What causes a timeline split?", "correctAnswerText": "uncertainty", "incorrectText1": "disbelief", "incorrectText2": "hurt feelings", "incorrectText3": "a concussion" }, { "itemId": "EF9DB1486386387DEF257AB", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "Who is Scroopy Noopers father?", "correctAnswerText": "King Flippy Nips", "incorrectText1": "King Salty Pant", "incorrectText2": "King Burger Head", "incorrectText3": "King Doug" }, { "itemId": "CAFFFD50121C889B2C623C3", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "What is the train called in Anatomy Park?", "correctAnswerText": "the bone train", "incorrectText1": "the leg train", "incorrectText2": "the nose train", "incorrectText3": "the eye train" }, { "itemId": "27C14B6DD345BC8BB2209BF", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "Who designed Summer's cute top?", "correctAnswerText": "Marc Jacobs", "incorrectText1": "Mary Kay", "incorrectText2": "Vera Wang", "incorrectText3": "Prada" }, { "itemId": "0A41BB566F9CC438D16CB0A", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "What is the devil's online business?", "correctAnswerText": "n33dful.com", "incorrectText1": "h8ful.com", "incorrectText2": "s8tan.com", "incorrectText3": "d3vil.com" }, { "itemId": "A1F80BA98548702BA017313", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "What is Water T's home planet?", "correctAnswerText": "Alphabetrium", "incorrectText1": "Concentrium", "incorrectText2": "Bubbleville", "incorrectText3": "Waterland" }, { "itemId": "29897A9881DC0AA0D625866", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "Who is the vampire gym teacher?", "correctAnswerText": "Coach Feratu", "incorrectText1": "Coach Chocula", "incorrectText2": "Coach Dracula", "incorrectText3": "Coach Bloodrayne" }, { "itemId": "A5A8589280E8D4C1E503544", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "What is Gazorpazorpfield's favorite food?", "correctAnswerText": "enchiladas", "incorrectText1": "tacos", "incorrectText2": "nachos", "incorrectText3": "pizza" }, { "itemId": "D44437FAC947796892FE766", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "What is the Smith family's favorite cereal?", "correctAnswerText": "Strawberry Smiggles", "incorrectText1": "Cranberry Doodles", "incorrectText2": "Blueberry Crumples", "incorrectText3": "Raspberry Ruffles" }, { "itemId": "E1D7876040FB7AD098B80AC", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "What is Mortimor Smith Jr.'s autobiography?", "correctAnswerText": "''My Horrible Father''", "incorrectText1": "''My Weird Life''", "incorrectText2": "''My Irritable Bowels'", "incorrectText3": "''My Odd Smell''" }, { "itemId": "10015D2970D13BE49E109E9", "itemType": "BT_quizQuestion", "questionText": "Who is the biggest fan of 'Get Schwifty'?", "correctAnswerText": "Mr. President", "incorrectText1": "Major Nelson", "incorrectText2": "Bill Gates", "incorrectText3": "Morty" }] }, { "itemId": "D65E5A69A6EDF1BFAF469AC", "itemType": "BT_screen_customURL", "itemNickname": "News", "itemId": "D65E5A69A6EDF1BFAF469AC", "itemType": "BT_screen_customURL", "itemNickname": "News", "dataURL": "https://twitter.com/RickandMorty", "backgroundImageNameSmallDevice": "plainBg.png", "backgroundImageNameLargeDevice": "plainBg.png", "backgroundImageScale": "fullScreen" }, { "itemId": "A5105B84D4148214C8A6BCD", "itemType": "BT_screen_blank", "itemNickname": "Sendbird" } ] } ] } }

I see you have quotation marks in a quiz question. I wonder if that is causing the problem. If so, just escape them. \"

It's actually just two asterisks side by side '' - I've been using them for a while in quizzes and it's never caused issues before

This it the line I thought could cause problems: "questionText": "What does Morty get chased by in ''Anatomy Park''", You can see why the JSON gets confused by something like this. It thinks that the pair has ended, when it hasn't.

(@absentia: apostrophes, not asterisks) @Susan: The JSON is correct according to jsonlint, I just checked it! \" would be more elegant, but I'm not sure the problem is here! Apostrophes are not a problem in JSON, usually. (check my previous post about the issue - I have sometimes the same error: "There was a problem downloading some required data. Try again?" - and it looks like a backend connection transient failure) Cheers Jack

It isn't the apostrophes. Its the quotation marks. "

Check it with jsonlint, Susan, Absentia used double apostrophes where it could be a problem, not quotation marks!

Oh yeah haha...apostrophes...totally what I meant. I can't stress enough how certain I am that there is no issue with the json. Like I said, try out that config text with a data URL from one of your own apps and you should see that it runs fine

It has to be something with the JSON. Something that is triggered when the app parses it, but not on jsonlint.com. We are all running Buzztouch apps without problems. I would try this next. Carefully delete the quiz JSON out of the config.txt file in your app, and see if the problem goes away. That way you would narrow the problem to the quiz.

Hey hey, Susan, I am running Buzztouch apps with EXACTLY the same problem since a few weeks (and never had this problem before). It vanishes after a while, without ANY change on my side. I'm really puzzled! It's like if there was a connection failure during the loading of the config by my device. The config is not fully loaded, so I get this error message. Just logical. I try again, and try again, and after a few minutes it's ok. Strange, isn't it? Not sure if it's the same issue, but it's the same error message! :-)

@Susan - have you gotten a chance to try out the json I posted in one of your own projects?

@Absentia - don't give your buzztouchAPIKey and apiSecret publicly in the forum... You should edit your post and erase them. Use PMs for confidential info.

alright then I've edited the json to be more confidential. So I'm still hoping somebody can try it and tell me how it works out for them. Just open any of your recent app projects and paste my json over yours. Then replace "YourApiKeyHere", "YourDataUrlHere", "YourReportToCloudUrlHere", and "YourPushUrlHere" with the URLs/key from your own app

Just tested it, without the URL stuff (as of course my app automatically checks and uses this data). Works perfectly. I'm afraid my hypothesis - connection failure - may be right. Cheers Jack

Welp, I finally figured out what was causing the issue..probably should have realized this a while ago. The issue was with a blank screen that I've been using for the Sendbird chat SDK. The reason I should have figured this out sooner is because of the error that I kept glossing over, even though it points directly to what the problem is - ERROR parsing JSON in validateApplicationData: ( "Error Domain=org.brautaset.JSON.ErrorDomain Code=9 \"Trailing comma disallowed in object\" UserInfo={NSLocalizedDescription=Trailing comma disallowed in object}", The blank screen plugin seems to have this minor bug where it will leave a trailing comma if you only enter minimal information. In my case I would just create a blank screen called "Sendbird", then delete the navigation bar text and call it a day. Take a look at this screenshot to see what I mean - https://www.dropbox.com/s/3h3ahiu6xcw904n/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-23%20at%2012.58.11%20PM.png?dl=0 As you can see in this screenshot, the json validator always caught the comma - https://www.dropbox.com/s/0kqwl7tiph7rrfa/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-23%20at%201.07.36%20PM.png?dl=0 - but I foolishly thought the fix was as simple as deleting the comma right there and then pasting the json into my project. Even though the json in my project was perfect, every time it went to read the data URL the trailing comma was still there. So anyway the way I fixed this was simple. I went to the blank screen and set the background scale/position to "fullscreen" and after that the trailing comma was gone. The point is that it seems like simply deleting the navigation bar text and saving isn't enough to put out working json for the blank screen plugin - you need to make at least one other change on the control panel.

So... the error was not in the BT config or in the quiz but in a screen related to the Sendbird SDK and not displayed in the BT config? Yikes! ;-) Happy to know you found the bug! Cheers Jack

Yeah, like I said it did display in the config but I made the mistake of thinking that fixing the config in my project would be enough. I wasn't even thinking that the comma still existed on the server side Thanks everyone for contributing and trying to help me figure this out