Kodak Gallery
Kodak | |
Created by | Ofoto |
---|---|
URL | KodakGallery.com |
Commercial | Yes |
Registration | Yes |
Launched | June 1999 |
Current status | Inactive |
The Kodak Gallery was
History
Ofoto's online photography service was started in June 1999, in
In May 2001, Ofoto was purchased by
Free services
Uploading photos to Kodak Gallery was free, but unless purchases (e.g., of prints) were made on the site, the pictures were only stored for 90 days and then deleted. The site's terms of service specified that "To maintain free storage, you need to meet the following minimum purchase requirement within 90 days of first uploading images, and then every 12 months thereafter ... If you do not purchase the required amount as set forth above from us for a period of 12 months, we may delete the images stored in your account." The minimum purchases required was between $5 and $20, depending on the amount of pictures stored. Kodak received some negative press for deleting photos if users did not order prints after a certain amount of time.[6] Digital photo frame customers complained that web connected photo frame (often costing $300 or more) galleries were not exempted from the policy. Further criticism came from a former executive who alleged that she was wrongfully fired for complaining about a plan to reduce image quality in order to save on storage costs without giving adequate notice to customers.[7]
Products and services provided for a fee
In addition to standard custom photo merchandise (such as prints, photo books, stickers, calendars, mugs, cards, apparel, etc.), Kodak Gallery also provided the following services:
- Archive CDs
- DVD slideshows via Photoshow by Roxio, a division of Sonic Solutions
- PhotoStamps (via Stamps.com)
- Traditional picture frames for digital prints
- Digital Picture Frames along with preloaded picture cards
- Kodak Gallery Premier Service – for monthly or yearly fee, provides a unique web address, full-resolution downloads, optional password protection, credit if photos destroyed in a natural disaster or due to hard drive crash or theft
See also
- Image hosting service
- Photo sharing
- Wolk v. Kodak Imaging Network Inc.
References
- Providence Journal. December 30, 2007. Retrieved October 9, 2008.
- ^ "Shutterfly bids $23.8 million for Kodak Gallery customers". CNET. Retrieved 8 March 2012.
- PC World. May 31, 2006. Retrieved October 9, 2008.
- Wall Street Journal. August 1, 2007. Retrieved October 9, 2008.
- Boston Globe. September 28, 2008. Retrieved October 9, 2008.
- ^ Lazarus, David. "Precious Photos Disappear" , San Francisco Chronicle. February 2, 2005. Retrieved October 9, 2008.
- ^ Anthony, Laura. "Local Woman Blows The Whistle On Kodak" , KGO-TV San Francisco. March 30, 2006. Retrieved October 9, 2008.