I started using Ofoto back in 2000 and have occasionally used it to share photos with friends and family… but I was a bit disappointed to see an email today from Kodak Gallery about their new Terms of Service, specifically the change to their storage policy:
Special Note to Members: In order to maintain free storage of your images on the Site, you need to make purchases totaling at least $4.99 or $19.99, depending upon your storage usage, at least once every 12 months. If you do not meet the applicable purchase requirement, your images may be deleted. You should keep a copy of each image you upload in a secure place. We are not responsible for deleted images.
While I bought prints and the occasional mug from time to time, it has been a while since I’ve made a purchase with the Kodak Gallery. And though I wasn’t planning to buy prints anytime soon, it was comforting to know that my old photos would always be there if I ever needed to print them. Unfortunately it’s now gonna cost me $4.99 a year for that comfort.
I know $5 isn’t a lot, but I’m turned off by the fact that they are changing a policy that is going to essentially force users to pay $5 if they don’t want to lose their photos. I rather just pay $50 for their Archive CD and take my business elsewhere.
In these economic times, it isn’t surprising to see companies find ways to cut costs… it’s just too bad that consumers will have to suffer or pay up. Goodbye Kodak Gallery.
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