It seems like not all the Flickr users are happy over the
new video service just unveiled by the photo-sharing site. They already created
several protest groups and an online petition, requesting the removal of the
new feature.
"We, the undersigned members of Flickr, free and pro,
agree that video has no place on Flickr. Other sites on the web accept video
already, but do not accept photos. We all joined Flickr because of its
dedication to photography and photographers, and we want Flickr to remain true
to this dedication. It is our request that this feature and addition to Flickr
be removed", wrote one user on the newly created "No Video On
Flickr" group.
Another group, called "We Say NO to Videos on Flickr",
has already gathered 23,332 members.
The new video service allows the Flickr premium users to
upload video clips, within certain limitations. The duration of a video clip
cannot be longer than 90 seconds and the maximum size is 150 MB.
"Video on Flickr is an extension of what Flickr is
already doing with more than 2 billion photos stored worldwide – providing a
place where people capture and share life’s daily moments," said Kakul
Srivastava, general manager of Flickr at Yahoo, when he announced the new feature.
However, the users are complaining that their favorite site
is working slower since the introduction of the new feature and they have
expressed some fears that the new service will be flooded by low-quality
videos.
In response to the users’ allegations and protest, a member
of Flickr’s staff has posted a response on the Help
Forum: "Here’s our response to what we see as frequent feedback here
in the forum (I’ve paraphrased the feedback in some instances): "I don’t
want video on Flickr."
We’re sorry, but video is here to stay. We’d love for
everyone to give it a shot. If it’s not to your taste, then you should change
the default on autoplay. You can distinguish between video and photos by the
white arrow bottom left,” she wrote.
"We’re very familiar with the passionate response of
our members. We can’t be afraid of that. We need to continue to improve, release
new features and iterate," she added.
© 2007 - 2008 - eFluxMedia