downgrade from pro to power user or standard

LexLex Registered Users Posts: 262 Major grins
edited January 2, 2009 in SmugMug Support
I know there used to be a selection to downgrade account. Now, I do not seem to see one, there's only a place to upgrade. and if I say upgrade, it says, your already a pro, you can't upgrade further. So, my only other option it appears is to cancel my account. IS that accurate???

Since I have not sold ONE image with a pro level account here in close to 1 year, I see no positive reason to continue as a pro, as the domain name linked to my account means nothing to me anyway. My main business account if you want to call it that is separate from this account anyway. It's a front end only, but maybe I need to load my images to that, instead of just pointing here.

Disappointed, yes, I guess you could say I am disappointed by the amount of viewership and interest in my work a smugmug association has afforded me. I mean if I have to do it all on my own, it sort of defeats the purpose of paying extra for the association. Other than storage, and ability to protect images somewhat, it's not giving me anything else that I require. Maybe my work is not worthy, if not, well that's my fault. But some peopel tell me I've done some nice work, so it's a confusing position to be in.

I Also seem to note that in the past, the middle account used to be much closer to a pro account, than it was to a base account. The prime difference was ability to price images I thought, now it appears, you loose almost everything from the pro side at either level. Was it my imagination that this changed from 1 year ago? What a huge disappointment.

Why can't I be treated like someone with valued images, even if I don't want to sell them? I should be able to protect them, and watermark them too, regardless of if I am a pro or not. Pro should only have domain name use, and pricing as the only criteria that distinguish it as a different account, IMO.

It's just looking more and more like I don't seem to fit the mold of a smugmug user. If I can't sell my images, paying 150 is to much. But I am not going to leave my stuff up here for people to steal either @ large or extra large size images.

Not trying to be disappointed here or make waves, but after spending 150 for something, and not feeling I am getting 150 worth without selling, well, I got to look at other options. If I'd have made back even my membership fee, then maybe I'd feel different. But if it's all out of pocket, it's much more difficult to justify.

Maybe it works really well for someone that can send clients here. But as a nature photographer, I don't have clients. I am only looking for a place to market my work, and a place to show to friends. Not much else really matters. It's been a good format, I've enjoyed the structure. But I can't leave my images up for grabs, if that's what I have to do as a standard member, it's leaving me in a really bad spot.

Doug

Comments

  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited November 23, 2007
    Lex wrote:
    I know there used to be a selection to downgrade account. Now, I do not seem to see one, there's only a place to upgrade. and if I say upgrade, it says, your already a pro, you can't upgrade further. So, my only other option it appears is to cancel my account. IS that accurate???
    No, not accurate - just [http://www.smugmug.com/help/emailreal]email our Support Heroes[/url] and you can be downgraded at any time[/url]
    I Also seem to note that in the past, the middle account used to be much closer to a pro account, than it was to a base account. The prime difference was ability to price images I thought, now it appears, you loose almost everything from the pro side at either level. Was it my imagination that this changed from 1 year ago? What a huge disappointment.
    Pros can set pricing, get reporting, have image security, backprinting - all the things discussed here.

    The differences between power and pro are here.

    I'm sorry you are disappointed! Power customers are able to upload videos, and customize their sites completely (in the same way pros can).
    Why can't I be treated like someone with valued images, even if I don't want to sell them? I should be able to protect them, and watermark them too, regardless of if I am a pro or not. Pro should only have domain name use, and pricing as the only criteria that distinguish it as a different account, IMO.

    It's just looking more and more like I don't seem to fit the mold of a smugmug user. If I can't sell my images, paying 150 is to much. But I am not going to leave my stuff up here for people to steal either @ large or extra large size images.

    Not trying to be disappointed here or make waves, but after spending 150 for something, and not feeling I am getting 150 worth without selling, well, I got to look at other options. If I'd have made back even my membership fee, then maybe I'd feel different. But if it's all out of pocket, it's much more difficult to justify.

    Doug
    Again, I'm really sorry you are disappointed in our three account levels. I'm glad you told it like it is though, we'd not have it any other way.

    I hope you can find a way to stay with us!
  • LexLex Registered Users Posts: 262 Major grins
    edited November 23, 2007
    Thanks for taking the time to explain Andy. The real bottom line as far as I am concerned? There should be a level between pro and power user perhaps, that allows watermarking, as well as image protection or simply enhance the offerings of power user with these two features and I'd be happy!

    At this point, I would happily pay 75 (15 more than power user), to have those features added. I realize Smugmug can't tailor to suite just me. But perhaps there are others that feel similar to me.

    Is there any way you could discuss adding these features to the power user account Andy? I don't care about video at all, not really. Adding video is not necessarily a biggie for me. But my decision time is coming very very quickly.
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited November 23, 2007
    Lex wrote:
    But my decision time is coming very very quickly.
    Thanks for telling us how much the different account levels are valued by you thumb.gif
  • ccimagesccimages Registered Users Posts: 9 Beginner grinner
    edited January 1, 2009
    (I know this is over a year late. headscratch.gif) I also haven't sold anything and will be downgrading to the Power User account level. Also, I much prefer printing my own images (not that there's anything wrong with SM's printing) just because I get to see the final product before it goes out.

    However, I am going to get around the watermark issue by placing a watermark on the images BEFORE I upload them. I'm going to use SM as a type of display site for my work and then do the rest myself.

    I still consider SM a great product! bowdown.gif
  • Craig RidleyCraig Ridley Registered Users Posts: 169 Major grins
    edited January 1, 2009
    ccimages wrote:
    (I know this is over a year late. headscratch.gif) I also haven't sold anything and will be downgrading to the Power User account level. Also, I much prefer printing my own images (not that there's anything wrong with SM's printing) just because I get to see the final product before it goes out.

    However, I am going to get around the watermark issue by placing a watermark on the images BEFORE I upload them. I'm going to use SM as a type of display site for my work and then do the rest myself.

    I still consider SM a great product! bowdown.gif

    Watermarking is the one thing I think should be added to the power user account. Image security is important to so many people in today's world and since power users can customize their site and add a domain name, it makes sense to allow water marking as well.

    I want to open a second smugmug account so I can split my family and other general photos out into another site, but done want to pay Pro User pricing just for the protection.
    My Site: http://www.craigridley.com
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/craigridleyoutdoorphotography

    Want to save $5 on a smugmug account? Use this coupon code: WzG2eZLQPGrqI
  • carolinecaroline Registered Users Posts: 1,302 Major grins
    edited January 2, 2009
    I agree - I really wish that watermarking was an option for power users - perhaps a new level of account called PowerPlus ?? I would happily pay extra for this on top of the Power User normal fee.

    My renewal has just passed and for me it was a real dilemma which level to renew at. I don't sell from my SmugMug site and have now disabled it as an option. As I'm in the UK the complications for the customer of ordering, and then me getting paid by SmugMug just make it impractical. I'm happy with the way my site is set up and this is not a "Get foreign currency" comment, so please don't tell me ways to get round this etc etc :-)

    If I downgraded to power user then all my existing images would presumably become un-watermarked ? I can watermark images before uploading them in future but that does create some logistical problems for me.

    In previous correspondence with the Help Desk about my renewal I suggested that maybe SmugMug could offer add-ons , a sort of customizable package with individual components priced and selectable. I realize this is probably an administrative nightmare but it could generate some additional business between the two levels currently available.

    Just a few thoughts this morning - be nice to me its my birthday :D

    Caroline
    Mendip Blog - Blog from The Fog, life on the Mendips
    www.carolineshipsey.co.uk - Follow me on G+

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