Old Smugmug force retired on October 15th

TalkieT · August 20, 2015

Finally got the notification - a LOT less notice than they said would originally be given.

I presume that Smugmug never solved any of the issues that prevented me from converting but why would they care about that?

I guess I'll turn off all the ordering functionality and use it just as a reference site.

Really upset about the lack of engagement from SM about the features that they steadfastly refuse to acknowledge some people use and they are removing.

Cheers - N

photoclick · August 20, 2015

????

LPC · August 21, 2015

What do you mean a lot less notice? You will have had two and a half years notice!! It was becoming a little embarrassing that they kept the two running in parallel for as long as they have, I don't know of a single instance in the history of the internet where a service provider/host has been quite this generous. Why have you waited this long before doing anything about it?

TalkieT · August 21, 2015

LPC wrote: »

What do you mean a lot less notice? You have known about this for two and a half years!! It was becoming a little embarrassing that they kept the two running in parallel for as long as they have, I don't know of a single instance in the history of the internet where a service provider/host has been quite this generous. Why have you waited this long before doing anything about it?

I have waited this long because I can't replicate my sites customised functionality on the new more restrictive site, and because they stated that there would be good warning of the drop dead date (I recall 6 months being the figure I understood).

Now of course I have to do something about it, and a couple of months isn't as long as it sounds :-(

Cheers - N

photoclick · August 21, 2015

I am confused - who said anything about October 15th? What notice are you talking about? Did I miss anything?

LPC · August 21, 2015

See here under 'What’s happening to Old SmugMug?'

http://help.smugmug.com/customer/portal/articles/2080012-new-smugmug-faqs

photoclick · August 21, 2015

Thank you LPC, I was not aware of this particular date.

Talkiet - how did you get notification? by email?

zbreeze · August 21, 2015

Yes, I got email notifications in both of the accounts I administer. But, since we get smugmug emails of varying importance it was not difficult to miss the email. My message was from "Sean at Smugmug". I saw the writing on the wall and have been working to move into the new format (after finding that I'm not willing to switch to any of the other searches -- not the least because all the links to 7 years at my blogging are at Smugmug). And, I'd reached the stage where changes made in the legacy smugmug (mostly on organization) weren't transferring smoothly to the organization at the new Smugmug.

I'm frustrated by the things that change, sometimes unpredictably (like the change from the automatically assigned feature gallery in a folder switching from the newest to the oldest gallery -- which makes the site look different to folks who are trying to navigate the site, and doesn't clue them in on the new content that has been added to the page). I understand that a lot of customization is very personal and depends on how the site is being used, but I keep encountering little details that can't be replicated in the current version of Smugmug and spend too much time learning that I can't do things the way I want. I wish there were a list of all the things you can't do to shortcut the process of searching to see if I can do them before giving up.

And, I simply detest the marketing tones of the emails telling me that everything is amazing and fabulous and dismissing my concerns -- particularly when the answer to a question I've answered is simply NO, you can't do that.

Allen · August 21, 2015

I have not found one link in my blog from the legacy (Old Smug) that does not still work.
Photos, videos using iframe or flashbadge.

dennismullen · August 21, 2015

I have converted and generally like the new smugmug now that most of the concerns have been addressed.

But every time I upload a picture to a gallery it gets put at the bottom and I have to go into organize, wait for the icons to display, and drag it back to the top.
This is because I want manual order but generally keep the new pictures at the top of the gallery. You could have manual order with the newly uploaded pictures placed at the top of the gallery in old smugmug.

This is a constant source of aggravation for me. It seems an easy enough feature to re-implement but smugmug just refuses to do it.

My pet gripe with the new smugmug!

Cheers,

jerryr · August 21, 2015

I have worked with Smuggers over the past two+ years to convert their Legacy SmugMug to the New SmugMug. A few Smuggers were questioning the new SmugMug at first, but once the change is implemented they feel in love with New SmugMug !
Here are some examples of the Success Stories (and some great photography tips) as well as examples of New SmugMug customizations to get the gears of ideas and strategies spinning !

http://jrcustomization.com/category/photographer-success-stories/
http://jrcustomization.com/2014/07/new-smugmug-success-stories/

TalkieT · August 22, 2015

jerryr wrote: »

I have worked with Smuggers over the past two+ years to convert their Legacy SmugMug to the New SmugMug. A few Smuggers were questioning the new SmugMug at first, but once the change is implemented they feel in love with New SmugMug !
Here are some examples of the Success Stories (and some great photography tips) as well as examples of New SmugMug customizations to get the gears of ideas and strategies spinning !

http://jrcustomization.com/category/photographer-success-stories/
http://jrcustomization.com/2014/07/new-smugmug-success-stories/

I understand New Smug is new and shiny, but the fact is that I have a lot of customisations that simply are not possible with new smugmug, and there's no way I can find to replicate the functionality.

I wouldn't have an issue with the work required to convert - but I do have an issue (as above) with the blinkered public comments from Smugmug about how it's great and wonderful and a steadfast refusal to accept they are removing some features that some people use (and in fact were the MAIN reason I joined SMugmug so many years ago)

I honestly don't know what I'll do - the last email said they were having some of their staff look at my customisations, but I full expect the answer to be "Tough luck", or some more politely worded variant. I hope to be surprised, but I don't expect it.

Cheers - Neil G

pbandj · August 22, 2015

TalkieT wrote: »

Finally got the notification - a LOT less notice than they said would originally be given.
Cheers - N

I'm a little concerned because I haven't gotten an email on either of the two accounts that I have. I only found out about the October 15th date because I happened to check in on this forum. If other people aren't getting emails they may be in for a surprise in October.

zbreeze · August 22, 2015

Allen wrote: »

I have not found one link in my blog from the legacy (Old Smug) that does not still work.
Photos, videos using iframe or flashbadge.

It's working for me, too; the links have remained stable even as there have been organizational failures in switching between the two sites (something about how new categories are created as folders or pages).

My issue is that I can't switch to another photo sharing site, because my blog contains a huge amount of links to Smugmug. That's not their fault -- it just means that I have to deal with things I hate about Smugmug and would find it very difficult to leave.

Shinrya · August 22, 2015

I'm surprised Smugmug kept the legacy version supported for this long. I can sympathise with those who have poured countless hours into customising their beloved sites, but someone has to say it...they all shockingly dated.

If you think functionality is more important than design then let me remind you that the primary purpose of SM is to "present" your images to an audience. It's about photography, therefore the design and style of your website should be to the same high visual standard as your images.

Alameth · August 23, 2015

TalkieT wrote: »

I have waited this long because I can't replicate my sites customised functionality on the new more restrictive site, and because they stated that there would be good warning of the drop dead date (I recall 6 months being the figure I understood).

Pretty much my situation (although for vastly different reasons). I'm frankly furious. I tried New Smug less than a week after it was rolled out, and I knew within the first hour that it wasn't going to meet my needs. But a number of the heroes and DGrin users kept repeating the "just give it a try, you'll find you love it" mantra. The claim was also made here, multiple times, that SmugMug Corp would add the missing features so that folks trapped on Old Smug could migrate. I trusted these people. So I stuck at it -- 40+ hours of work.

The announcement that Old Smug would shut down with only 60 days warning -- with almost none of my issues resolved -- was quite a shock. I believed the Heroes when they said they'd add the missing features; I believed them when they said if I stuck with it I'd like it; I believed them when they said I'd get "plenty" of warning. None of that proved to be true. Now I'm in a mad scramble, with the new school year already started. I'm a volunteer; so I really wish I could get back that 40+ hours is spent trying to get New Smug to work for me.

My staff is alternating between furious and panic stricken. I'm working with them to try out New Smug, since that's obviously the path of least resistance and it might work for them; one I'm sure will like it. But I don't really have time to help them like I'd want, since I'm too busy with my own site.

Alameth · August 23, 2015

zbreeze wrote: »

And, I simply detest the marketing tones of the emails telling me that everything is amazing and fabulous and dismissing my concerns -- particularly when the answer to a question I've answered is simply NO, you can't do that.

Yes, that.

And worse: telling me that I'm wrong. Wrong for simply asking that the New Smug at least provide an option to work the way the Old worked by default. As if it was somehow my fault that I was foolish enough to build in dependencies around the way their product worked.

agallia · August 23, 2015

New is Definitely Better!

Shinrya wrote: »

I'm surprised Smugmug kept the legacy version supported for this long. I can sympathise with those who have poured countless hours into customising their beloved sites, but someone has to say it...they all shockingly dated.

If you think functionality is more important than design then let me remind you that the primary purpose of SM is to "present" your images to an audience. It's about photography, therefore the design and style of your website should be to the same high visual standard as your images.

Agree! Yes, it is tough to change for old ways to new. As a member since 2003, I have seen many changes while SM grew over the years to become the leader in photo websites. Yes, it was frustrating to deal with the BIG upgrade to the new SmugMug. At first, I was hesitant, felt 'forced' to change, and had some confusion and difficulty understanding and learning the new and better organize, customize, and tool options. But it has definitely been worth it...so much more easier to work with than the old SM. Kudos to SM for making such a quantum leap to the front of the pack!

zbreeze · August 23, 2015

Honestly, sometimes the cheerleading of other long term customers confuses me. I think some of the issue is how people use their websites. I do think some of the features of the New Smugmug are an improvement, and that some of my confusions are merely a learning curve (and two years is enough to deal with the learning), but others are real frustrations for how I use my account (that is, large numbers of password protected galleries used for sharing with friends and family).

Cygnus Studios · August 23, 2015

zbreeze wrote: »

Honestly, sometimes the cheerleading of other long term customers confuses me. I think some of the issue is how people use their websites. I do think some of the features of the New Smugmug are an improvement, and that some of my confusions are merely a learning curve (and two years is enough to deal with the learning), but others are real frustrations for how I use my account (that is, large numbers of password protected galleries used for sharing with friends and family).

You are 100% correct. I'm also a long time user of SM and learned to love the new system, but all systems boil down to how people use them. There will never be a one size fits all. Just because it works better for our studio doesn't mean that it will be better for others or that they will like it.

I switched to the new smugmug (Aug 2013) shortly after it was released and while I absolutely didn't like some of the upgrades that were forced upon us (and still don't like some), there were far more advantages in the end that made switching a no brainer for us.

I am completely shocked that the old version has continued for 2 years. Usually when companies switch systems the users don't even know about it until it happens. While I cannot tell anyone else whether the new system will work better for them, the simple truth is that the old system is coming to an end and decisions have to be made.

Allen · August 23, 2015

As I see it the two MAJOR roadblocks are no javascript and PayPal buttons. Also no <iframe> usage is close.

Minor is removing the old journal style where you could tell a story. Although there is a work-around
using the New Journal style with some CSS moving the text next to the photo. Example

I keep hearing about other things, but no one supplies any details what they are. I'm guessing most of
these can be worked out on NewSmug. <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/ear.gif" border="0" alt="" >

Cygnus Studios · August 23, 2015

Allen wrote: »

As I see it the two MAJOR roadblocks are no javascript and PayPal buttons. Also no <iframe> usage is close.

Minor is removing the old journal style where you could tell a story. Although there is a work-around
using the New Journal style with some CSS moving the text next to the photo. Example

I keep hearing about other things, but no one supplies any details what they are. I'm guessing most of
these can be worked out on NewSmug. <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/ear.gif" border="0" alt="" >

There is a way to add paypal See here

I also miss the old journal style. I still hate the gallery passwords being hidden from owners. I do not like not being able to save my customization's (although there is a work around for chrome users). It is also way too easy to accidentally delete things like your css box. The lack of options for contact pages is also annoying.

However, there are so many things that make life easier for our studio and our old site was stocked full of css and java. Things like the organize button saves time like you wouldn't believe. It is so much easier to create and rearrange galleries and folders and pages.

zbreeze · August 23, 2015

When the "upgrade" first occurred I whined a lot (some things were just downright broken then -- sometimes in ways that made me cry). Now, I do think we have no choice about the upgrade (though I am still disappointed at the missing features that seem like they could be implemented but haven't, misleading statements, and upbeat marketing message). But, I'm dealing by starting a rant entry in my personal blog where I write down everything I hate about Smugmug and then just producing something as close to what I want as I can get in the new system, and mourning some features that I am really going to miss.

BTW, for those who are looking for help, the CSS customization can help in some instances. I've been able to make my gallery icons smaller, wrap text on my gallery names, hide the comment box on the Smugmug view, among other things, by looking at people's custom code. In general, I've found folks' personal sites more useful than the smugmug help on the CSS customization:

http://www.sherlockphotography.org/Customisations, for example, and there are others.

photoclick · August 24, 2015

I did not receive any warnings and emails - if not accidentally looking at this thread I would be screwed on October 15. I am not complaining about old SM going, thank you for keeping the old SM for two years and so on and so forth. I want to know how the previous smugmug's promise that you will give plenty of warning before initiating the shut down goes along with the current situation. I did NOT get a warning from you at all. Anyone from Smugmug care to explain? A simple "sorry" might work too.

Jtring · August 24, 2015

My wife, who is still on the old SmugMug, hasn't received anything either. Is SmugMug staggering the roll-over?

Jtring · August 24, 2015

Jtring wrote: »

My wife, who is still on the old SmugMug, hasn't received anything either. Is SmugMug staggering the roll-over?

Her e-mail came this afternoon.

agallia · August 25, 2015

Allen wrote: »

As I see it the two MAJOR roadblocks are no javascript and PayPal buttons. Also no <iframe> usage is close.

Minor is removing the old journal style where you could tell a story. Although there is a work-around
using the New Journal style with some CSS moving the text next to the photo. Example

I keep hearing about other things, but no one supplies any details what they are. I'm guessing most of
these can be worked out on NewSmug. <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/ear.gif" border="0" alt="" >

Very good points, Allen. I hope NewSmug admin has a priority plan to add these very important items.

LPC · August 25, 2015

Maybe a Legacy user should post a link to this thread in the Legacy Customising forum. That way everyone would know.

WinsomeWorks · August 27, 2015

How to stay on Legacy SmugMug until the switch?? Can't get past "Try New Smug"!
Ok, I did not see any email with this notification, etc. & am not here to go on about it. I'll have to work on switching. However, today, right now, I just need to get to my site as is, & need to send links to a friend, etc. Before doing tha, I need to do a couple of administrative tasks that require log-in. When I log in, I can't get past the stupid screen that pops up trying to force me into going to New SmugMug. Before, it was at least an option (although still trying to force itself onto the gullible who thought they could try it & then go back), but now I can't get past it & I just don't have the time today. PLEASE, SmugMug... what do I do?? I know I'll lose access to certain things if I try it, & need to deal with that on a day of my choosing if we indeed have til Oct. 15. PS-- For a split second, when logging in, there appears a screen showing all the new, but with options, etc.. However, it disappears too quickly to actually choose anything, & then the smaller "New Smug" pop-up appears with no options except to try it. And yes, what LPC & others said... this info needs to be posted all over the place.

I'm still very ticked that I won't be able to have slideshows & badges elsewhere from my Smug galleries. That's a very big drawback for me, and SmugMug hasn't shown any care about that at all.

WinsomeWorks · August 27, 2015

Good GRIEF! Can't even go to Account Settings w/o Pop-up Screen!
(See my first post) It's even worse. I need to update a credit card, & can't even get into my account settings due to the ridiculous "Hold Onto Your Eyeballs" pop-up that gives me no options whatsoever! After a bunch of tries, I was able to at least hit the "UPdate card" button before the screen popped up, but it still pops up when I'm taken to the acct. info box, & I can't do a thing. C'mon, SmugMug, this is insane. I can't even get onto my site now??? I know before when people just "tried" new SmugMug, they were permanently locked out of some stuff in Legacy, & I see here in this thread that that's even worse now. What gives?

Jtring · August 27, 2015

If you click through all the blue pop up screens, you end up with a "sandbox" version of the New SmugMug but the Old Smugmug is still the live one that non-logged-in users see. As the logged-in site owner, you can go back and forth between old and new (although you will get nagged at some). The final conversion to the New SmugMug requires saying yes to a very explicit acceptance screen. At least that's the situation with my wife's set-up after she was forced to begin the roll-over. We walked all the way to the final conversion screen but didn't go ahead.

If I may editorialize, I think SmugMug missed the psychology on this one. Seems to me that folks like my wife, those who haven't yet converted now two years on, need reassurance that they will have control over their sites during the conversion even if it does have a time limit, that at least most of the functionality they had before will still be achievable without too much time investment, and that in the end, all will work out OK. I think that's mostly true, although there's no denying highly customized old SM sites will take more effort and some things won't carry over. I personally like the new SM quite a bit (save some gaps I've complained about elsewhere). But selling flashy newness and breathless enthusiasm to an audience that needs reassurance and perhaps some extra help -- and not making it crystal clear what's going on -- just misses.

Old Smugmug force retired on October 15th

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