Well, it isn’t the first time I’ve gone off half-cocked, and it surely won’t be the last. It turns out that it was clearly stated that my Pro account would only last for three months when it was first created. Of course, I didn’t remember that, but I have not doubt of its veracity. Anyhow, I must give credit where credit is due. The folks at Flickr responded to me within minutes when I complained, and made sure that I understood the situation. For that they deserve recognition.

For what it’s worth, here’s the email exchange I had with them (read from bottom up, you know - like email):

Fair enough. Thank you for the clarification.

—–Original Message—–
From: Caterina Fake
Sent: January 10, 2005 3:06 PM
To: Jason Clarke
Subject: RE: Flickr Pro Account Expired

The free pro account you received in exchange for invites was a three month pro account. We have stated very clearly that pro accounts expire, they either revert to free accounts or the user decides to upgrade to a pro account.

The mistake on our end was that we didn’t send an email to let you know your account would end prior to its expiration date.

Sorry if you misunderstood, but this is the way it has worked for all users who received free pro accounts during our beta period.

Caterina

—–Original Message—–
From: Jason Clarke
Sent: Monday, January 10, 2005 2:55 PM
To: ‘Caterina Fake’
Subject: RE: Flickr Pro Account Expired

I appreciate your response, but what you’re telling me is that you indeed dropped the ball, but that I’ll need to pay to reinstate a Pro account that I had previously *earned* by rapidly signing up my friends to your service.

The personal communication is nice, but your response offers no concession for what you admit was a mistake on your end. That’s no way to foster an open trusting and supportive relationship with your user base.

I can’t believe that the only solution you can offer me is for me to pay for what I had previously earned. I provided value to your company - by your own rules. Please help me to stop regretting that I did that.

Thanks,
Jason

—–Original Message—–
From: Caterina Fake
Sent: January 10, 2005 2:47 PM
To: Jason Clarke
Subject: RE: Flickr Pro Account Expired

Hello Jason,

We are very sorry you weren’t informed in advance of your free Flickr Pro account expiring. Indeed, most of us hadn’t taken a vacation for a year — my husband and I hadn’t taken a vacation in two years, since we started the company — and that is how this email was delayed until
*after* your free pro account expired.

So, we did indeed drop the ball, and for that we apologize. All your photos are still there, and if you upgrade to pro all photos are archived and displayed. In the future this will be automated so emails go out in advance.

Best regards,

Caterina