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The Team Reply ...

The Team Reply ...
I think, or at least hope, that the majority of you who have been following this discussion and who may even have shown support for it by adding it into your faves realise how much I love ipernity.

When I felt it necessary to leave flickr in 2013, I opted to come here because, to me at least, ipernity was the best photo sharing platform in the market.

Nothing I’ve experienced since making that move has changed my opinion, so if the recent 'elephant' campaign, if we can call it that, has stood for anything then it has not been for change: it has more been a plea for clarity, certainty, continuity and above all else honesty.

The fact that the discussion has created so much interest shows that a large number of members shared my belief that things have not been right for quite some time: only 2 articles from Team Ipernity in 2015 and no posts whatsoever on Facebook/Twitter during that same period; reported technical issues not being resolved; support tickets being left unopened and unread for several weeks despite priority customer support being supposedly part of what you pay for when you become a Club member; a dramatic rise in not only the number of fake accounts, but also in the amount of unsolicited spam; and an equally significant increase in the number of people seeking to promote adult services through the use of ipernity.

However, to me and many of you out there, it has been the silence from Team Ipernity that has been most worrying and it is that silence that has allowed uncertainty to grow throughout the community over recent months.

Well now, at long last, I’m pleased to say that someone from Team Ipernity has finally made contact with me and whilst they have not answered directly all of the points raised I think this should at least serve as a ‘holding statement’ until such time as they are able to communicate with us more fully on the subject.

Given that they are obviously very busy and have expressed a concern about being inundated with direct messages I am not going to name the individual. Suffice to say the person in question has been significant in developing the ipernity project and I am certain the message is genuine.

Having apologised for the time it has taken to respond, they went on to say:

“Ipernity is safe. We do not plan to shut down the service in the near future.”

They accepted that there have indeed “been some small technical problems”, but pointed out that they’re “currently hiring someone to help fix them”.

Perhaps most interestingly though, they closed by saying:

“Yes, we had some difficulties, like many other photo sharing services. Not only financial. I will communicate soon about it. This is all I can say for the moment.”

So, there you go. Admittedly, t’s a much briefer response than I’d hoped for and as I’ve said I don’t think it answers all of the points/concerns that people have raised through this discussion.

However, it is a response and as such if nothing else it at least lets us know that Team Ipernity is still active, albeit very much behind the scenes. It also lets us know that there are no plans to shut down the service in the near future.

Beyond that it is still very much a waiting game, but at least we now know our concerns have been noted and that further communication should be forthcoming in due course.

I suspect I personally won’t hear anything else direct, but if I do I will obviously post details of it.

In the meantime, many thanks once again to everyone who has shown an interest in this topic and who has given the 'elephant' their support.

Kind regards


PAUL

, Lebojo, , Gary Schotel and 38 other people have particularly liked this photo


53 comments - The latest ones
 autofantasia
autofantasia club
:)
8 years ago.
 Sami Serola (inactive)
Sami Serola (inactiv… club
Great news, I would say! =D

I don't care about any fancy improvements. Although, I am also not against any practical changes. And yes, if there is something that needs to be fixed (not working), then fixes are of course welcome =)

But what I do care is SPAM. I hate it, and I hope someone from Team Ipernity finds time to clean at least worst cases away, as soon as possible.
8 years ago.
Sami Serola (inactiv… club has added
And the reply they gave makes me to consider buying some more club time and even advertise Ipernity elsewhere ;-)
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Sami Serola (inactiv… club
Good to know that, assuming ipernity is still around next year, that you will be too Sami. Based on what they've said I'll most likely renew my Club membership too, at least for a while! :)
8 years ago.
 Peter Van Lom
Peter Van Lom
Strangely enough I have heard all this before. As far as I know there are no major technical problems but concerning the silence and the statement 'not in the near future' it looks like how the Google kept and keeps the Panoramio users in the dark. After many months of silence we still do not know what will happen with PA.
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Peter Van Lom
Yes, I agree Peter that the response could have been more reassuring.

While saying they “do not plan to shut down the service in the near future” will reduce most people’s immediate anxieties, many users will see this as being vague and stopping far short of reaffirming the key messages they display when asking people to consider joining ipernity.

However, I'm trying to be positive and trust that the people behind this particular site are decent and honest. I genuinely think they are and that setting up ipernity wasn't merely about making money, but time will tell ... can't wait to see what they have to say next! :)
8 years ago.
 StoneRoad2013
StoneRoad2013 club
Well, @autofantasia / Paul - At least we have an answer, of sorts, and I feel that we should start to feel more optimistic about the future.
I hope that Team Ipernity will continue to maintain their system, as long as it continues to work properly - it needs no fl1ker-style developments - I hesitate to call them improvements.
I did renew my Club membership, so I will continue to upload images and promote the site, when and where I can.
Paul, many thanks for "taking point" on this subject. It is very much appreciated. And I do like your seasonal elephant.
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to StoneRoad2013 club
Glad you like this one too and I would add that, based on what they've said, I'll most likely renew my Club membership too, at least for a while! :)
8 years ago.
 Wierd Folkersma
Wierd Folkersma club
Anyhow positive some reply came, but let's hope something more in the future
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Wierd Folkersma club
Yes, like I said it is very much a waiting game now, but I think I will renew my Club membership, at least for a while ... no point in adding to any financial difficulties they may or may not have! :)
8 years ago.
 Treasa Ui Cionaodha
Treasa Ui Cionaodha
Great to get a response from Ipernity.
However this line might be of some concern for the future “Ipernity is safe. We do not plan to shut down the service in the near future.”
I hope they can successfully resolve their financial problems. I would not object to a little more Euros for club membership.
Well done Paul your perseverance was worth getting the info above.
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Treasa Ui Cionaodha
I agree Tess, whilst saying they “do not plan to shut down the service in the near future” will reduce most people’s immediate anxieties, many users will see this as being vague and stopping far short of reaffirming the key messages they display when asking people to consider joining ipernity. Let's see what they come back with in due course. In the meantime, I think I will renew my Club membership! :)
8 years ago.
 M♥rJ Photogr♥phy !! ( Marj )
M♥rJ Photogr♥phy !!… club
It's good news & I think everyone should stay positive & no more negative, after all nothing is perfect !!!
Great new image Paul ... thanks for all your hard work sticking with it !!!!
8 years ago. Edited 8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to M♥rJ Photogr♥phy !!… club
Yes, let's all try and be positive ... as they say it isn't over until the slightly rotund lady sings! ;)
8 years ago.
 Shuttering Yukon
Shuttering Yukon
snow job! maybe they wouldn't have financial difficulties if people like me could pay for their club membership? Just a though every 30 bucks helps.. and I wonder how many others can't pay that don't know it yet.

Any way.. thanks Doc for the update! Now I look forward to seeing more images from you.
8 years ago. Edited 8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Shuttering Yukon
Ha, yes the 'elephant' has kind of taken over my life this last couple of weeks at least online. Who knows, I might even get an entry in for this week's Sunday Challenge! ;)
8 years ago.
 ╰☆☆June☆☆╮
╰☆☆June☆☆╮ club
Thank you Paul for sticking with it. I had recently renewed for another 2 years, and as as mixpix says,,I wouldn't mind paying a little extra either. It's a great site, far superior to flickr on lots of levels, well worth looking after I would say ;-)
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to ╰☆☆June☆☆╮ club
Glad that the effort everyone has made in pushing this has produced a result ... even if it is still a little vague.

That said June, I think I too will renew my membership at least for a while! :)
8 years ago.
 beverley
beverley
thanks Paul for sticking with this and to everyone who helped you to keep it
going ... just proves that some things do get noticed ;-) and am pleased they have
replied, the future it seems reading between the lines leaves much to think about,
but for now at least ... I think we can return after Christmas and the New Year
and know it will still be here ... ;-) well ... lets hope anyway .... my thanks again
Paul for your time and effort and commitment to the cause !
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to beverley
If I did anything Bev, it was merely to offer a conduit for everyone who had fears or concerns to have their say and, thankfully, someone heard us ... the voice of many and all that! ;)
8 years ago.
 Don Sutherland
Don Sutherland club
Like you, I came over to Ipernity from Flickr. I really enjoy the site, its wonderful photographers, and its staff who have done so much to build and sustain the forum we enjoy. I look forward to many more years here.
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Don Sutherland club
That's the spirit Don ... I too hope we'll be here for many years to come! :)
8 years ago.
 Jaap van 't Veen
Jaap van 't Veen club
Good to read they did response.
Let's hope the best for the future.
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Jaap van 't Veen club
Indeed, let's hope for the best! :)
8 years ago.
 Esther
Esther club
Thanks, Paul, for looking into this, and thanks Ipernity for a great website.
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Esther club
Thanks for getting involved and helping out Esther! :)
8 years ago.
 M♥rJ Photogr♥phy !! ( Marj )
M♥rJ Photogr♥phy !!… club
Seasons Greetings to you Paul & Happy New Year .... hope it's a goodun !!!
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to M♥rJ Photogr♥phy !!… club
The same to you ... here's hoping we're all still here enjoying ipernity this time next year! :)
8 years ago.
 Gary Schotel
Gary Schotel club
Thanks for the follow up.
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Gary Schotel club
You're welcome Gary! :)
8 years ago.
 StoneRoad2013
StoneRoad2013 club
I would much rather pay a little more and not have adverts. Here's hoping that there is enough subscription income.

There are various means of paying the subscription, I usually pay via "Paypal" rather than by a Credit card.

According to the "rate plan" page - the three months is a "trial offer for new members" and non-club, ie the free but limited to the last 200 uploads, memberships "could have adverts displayed".
8 years ago.
 StoneRoad2013
StoneRoad2013 club
I didn't have any difficulty with Paypal , this was back in mid September... I'm UK-based.
8 years ago.
 Annemarie
Annemarie club
!
Wish you a peaceful serene week. ( Xmas approaching.........Love for you and yours)
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Annemarie club
The same to you Annemarie! :)
8 years ago.
 Treasa Ui Cionaodha
Treasa Ui Cionaodha
Back to say
Merry Christmas Paul
°°_██_*。*./ \ .˛* .˛.*.★* *★ 。*
˛. (´• ̮•)*˛°*/.♫.♫\*˛.* ˛_Π_____. * ˛*
.°( . • . ) ˛°./• '♫ ' •\.˛*./______/~\ *. ˛*.。˛* ˛. *。
*(...'•'.. ) *˛╬╬╬╬╬˛°.|田田 |門|╬╬╬╬ .
¯˜"*°•♥•°*"˜¯`´¯˜"*°•♥•°*" ˜¯` ´¯˜"*°´¯˜"*°•♥•
Thanks for all your visits and support over the years. Much appreciated.
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Treasa Ui Cionaodha
My pleasure Tess. I look forward to following your work throughout the New Year, but in the meantime Merry Christmas! :)
8 years ago.
 Blue rubber octopus
Blue rubber octopus club
I took the liberty of writing a program to back up my ipernity account as I hadn't heard from team ipernity in so long. Just something to keep in mind, no website is going to last forever, don't count on this being the only copy of your data.
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Blue rubber octopus club
Wise words, though I still hope ipernity is here for many years to come ... if only because of all the lovely friends I've made since joining the site! :)
8 years ago.
 Stargazer95050
Stargazer95050
Thanks for the update
Merry X-mas
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Stargazer95050
All the best to you and your family! :)
8 years ago.
 .t.a.o.n.
.t.a.o.n.
for me the reaction of the team is like a tranquilizer, they try to calm down only...
how often they asked for patience and nothing happened... also significant that one of the staff answers personally and not the team... i may ask: is there a "team" still existing ?
and why a personal response to you, paul, why no public clarifying comment to your image ?
nice to see that somebody of the staff is still alive, but my optimism is limited, sorry...
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to .t.a.o.n.
I can't really disagree with anything you've said Rob. As for the personal the person who replied said they'd not wanted to post in the public thread as they were too busy to be replying to everyone ... presumable anticipating many individual comments.

Evidence so far also seems to suggest that they are too busy to post anything in the way of a festive message to members, something I believe they've always done in the past. I guess we make of that what we will too! :(
8 years ago.
.t.a.o.n. has replied to autofantasia club
in my opinion it wouldn't have been necessary to reply directly in your thread, but it would have been a sign of life for all to say something about it in the public area of the team itself instead having a more private correspondence with one member only.
however, it seems that at least one of the team is still alive... :-)
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to .t.a.o.n.
Perhaps they did it because in addition to the 'elephant' images and threads I had also contacted them directly via email and Facebook. Or maybe it was just an easy way to respond without really saying an awful lot.

Either way, at least we got some kind of an answer. However, I agree with you Rob in all that you've said and do feel a Team Ipernity article would have been the best way of communicating. Hopefully, they will post one soon and then we may actually learn something.

To me there are still more questions than answers and the response so far falls far short of reaffirming the key messages they display when asking people to consider joining ipernity:

Do our photos and videos still have a bright future with ipernity?

Can we really be sure of keeping endlessly our photos and videos on ipernity, or for that matter be confident they will be safe and at hand?


I guess only time will tell ... I'm just glad they said they'd communicate more about it soon rather than in the near future! ;)
8 years ago.
 Johan
Johan
Why not simply a blog post from the team? Are they hiding something (or somewhere)?

Merry Christmas to all!
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Johan
Too busy it would seem! :(

Anyway, hope you had a good Christmas Johan! :)
8 years ago.
 Peggy C
Peggy C club
Merry Christmas to the Invisible Team Ipernity ....

Nobody else can see this -- only Team I

Have typed in invisible characters ...

Still can't find my Archives .........................................................................
8 years ago. Edited 8 years ago.
 autofantasia
autofantasia club
Just renewed my Club membership albeit I decided to only go for 12 months given all the uncertainty there is around the site's future.

If it's still here in 2 years time then I won't have missed out on saving £5.00, but if it isn't then I've saved myself from losing £15.00 ... then again if it goes tits up as we say in the next few days or weeks then I just blew £20.00 ... we'll see I guess! ;)
8 years ago.
 Johan
Johan
I am extremely disappointed that there even is no New Year's wish from the Ipernity Team.

I suspect that the only reason the team responded to autofantasia is because of the bad publicity ... well, the prolonged lack of interaction with the community won't improve that very much.
8 years ago.
autofantasia club has replied to Johan
Spot on Johan. It would only have taken them a few minutes to write and publish a New Year message. No matter how busy they are they really should be hanging their heads in shame at not being able to even do that! :(
8 years ago.
 Jaap van 't Veen
Jaap van 't Veen club
I'm also on 500px, but absolutely not satisfied. They are also struggling with their lay-out (now it looks as awful as Flickr) and don't listen to members. And there is almost no 'social network' (comments and so on). Response on my pics is just one or two hours after uploading a picture, after that it is almost completely dead.

I really want to avoid going back to Flickr, as I don't like the site at all. Besides I do read about (financial) problems for Yahoo. What will happen to Flickr ??

Any other ideas ??
8 years ago. Edited 8 years ago.
 StoneRoad2013
StoneRoad2013 club
I'll add my thanks for your efforts, Paul. It is greatly appreciated. Like you, I really hope for a good outcome, but in the meantime, I'll carry on using Ip.
8 years ago.
 StoneRoad2013
StoneRoad2013 club
See the Team IP blog ....
8 years ago.

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