Here is how I got the remote file compliments to work:

1. The config.js settings must name the remote file with no path:

		{
			module: 'compliments',
			position: 'bottom_bar',
			config: {
				remoteFile: 'compliments.json'
			}
		},        

IMO it would be great if it were possible to put a full path the the remote file so it can be stored in the config directory.

2. Create a compliments.json file and be sure to put double quotes around the array names like so:

{
	"morning" : [
		"You're good enough, you're smart enough and doggone it, people like you!"
	],
	"afternoon" : [
		"Yes those jeans make you look fat."
	],
	"evening" : [
		"Please put on some pants."
	]
}

3. Put the remote file (compliments.json) into the ~/MagicMirror/modules/default/compliments directory.

4. Restart MM. It will show the default compliment (usually “Hi Sexy”) for the first interval and then will start showing compliments from the external file.

Hope this helps

San Jose, CA