PhotoTLC's venture capitalists suddenly withdrew financial support and in the course of just a day or two, the doors were locked at the firm's facilities in Petaluma, CA and Austin, TX putting about 140 people out of work. No notice was given to customers, either, though the word spread quickly on the PMA convention floor.

As recently as December, 2005, $10 million was invested by a group led by Steamboat Ventures, the capitol arm of The Walt Disney Company, along with other investment partners.

Also affected was the Club Photo online service which was acquired by PhotoTLC in January, 2006. At this writing the Club Photo website is shut down, though it remained in operation for some days after PhotoTLC locked down leaving in doubt countless consumer images that have been stored on its servers over the years. There has been no notice to Club Photo customers as to the status of these stored images or how they might be retrieved—if ever.

This reinforces our message.  How many people lost their photos?  You cannot rely on your computer.  You cannot rely on on-line services.  Print your best photos – albums are so convenient!

These services have their uses: but not as a place for you to keep your photos long term.

Opus Albums

November 2007