FTP Uploading

SamirD

Since this has been a feature request dating back to threads from 2008, I thought it would be a good idea to post it here since it shouldn't be forgotten for the 'new' smugmug.

We've all used the various uploaders that are available. And all of us have had an instance where an uploader doesn't work, or suddenly stops working, thereby disrupting our entire workflow.

Transferring files over the Internet isn't rocket science. In fact there's a special protocol for it--the File Transfer Protocol, or FTP for short. FTP is much more robust than http for sending files. It is cross-platform and supports almost every computing device out there, new and old. This way, the only time uploading stops working is when something is broken at SM, not when some code on a third party uploader needs updating. Exposure Manager has FTP uploading capability.

This feature request is already on feedback.smugmug.com, so go vote there and make this feature a reality!
http://feedback.smugmug.com/forums/17723-smugmug/suggestions/294159-ftp-uploading

The Mechanic

Hi SamirD,

I am very sorry, but we do not offer FTP access. This is not likely to change.

You can use browser based uploaders, our Lightroom Plugin or the newest release of Aperture. These are all supported by us.

If you are using a third party uploader, you will need to contact the plugin or app developer about these issues. This is outside of our control.

Thanks -Scott

SamirD

I'm well aware that you don't. Hence why I created a feature request for what I thought would just be something only I wanted.

Fast forward almost 4 years later, and you have the number 3 most requested feature on feedback.smugmug.com. I understand that SM may not want it, but a large portion of the SM userbase does. And I don't think this is likely to change.

There are threads going back to 2008 requesting this feature, and even one really good idea on how to implement it as part of SmugVault. This feature could actually be an additional revenue stream for SM that A LOT of people would use.

mcgil

On a related topic, what's the preferred solution these days to download all photos and videos from all my galleries? FTP sure would be useful for these kind of massive transfers cross-galeries. Or is there still a partner to get DVDs burned?
thanks

SamirD

The method I used to use was albumfetcher, but that's since stopped working.

There is the 'download all' zip files, but I've found them to have issues with stopping midstream, so I ditched that system. Although I'm going to have to revisit it now that albumfetcher doesn't work.

I almost forgot about the well-used and supported StarExplorer. Very good program that should do what you want fairly easily. For some odd reason, it's never worked properly for me, even on different computers and after working with the developer to figure out why. But seems like I've been the only case of this, which is usually my luck.