I am a member of the imagestation.com website. I used to use the site to upload photos off my digital camera. On November the 6th I received an email from Image Station with the subject title “ImageStation Begins Closing Nov. 12th …Action Required”. Following the links that were included in my email, they led me to the imagestation.com website where I found more information about the closing.
In a press release was the following information:
On February 1st, 2008, Image Station, a photo storing and sharing site run by Sony, will no longer be in service. Sony explains that the only reason they set up the online photo service was to provide support for their digital camera customers. Since that time though, many online photo services have become operational. Since customers now have such a wide range of options for storing and sharing their photos, Sony is going to focus on their core business, which are their products and services.
As of November 12, 2007, you will no longer be able to upload new photos. If you have a coupon, as of midnight November 12th, you will not be able to redeem it. And of course you will no longer be able to join the site as a member. From November 13th 2007, until February 1st 2008, the only option you will have with Sony’s Image Station is to view your stored photos that you have previously uploaded. And midnight on February 1st, 2008, if you have not transferred your photos to another online service, you will lose them. At this time Sony will delete all remaining photos and membership data, and the server will be shut down.
Sony has been working with Shutterfly to help customers with the transition of photos. Should you decide to choose Shutterfly, Image Station offers to transfer your saved photos for you. Image Station also gives detailed instructions, should you decide to make the transfer yourself, or if you have chosen another online photo storage site.
If you choose to transfer your photos to Shutterfly, as a special bonus, you will receive a promotion code that is good for a free 20-page classic photo book. Shipping and handling charges will apply to this particular promotion and is only valid for members who had joined Image Station before September 20, 2007.
If you are a member of Image Station and have photos stored there, these dates are very important.
November 12th 2007 -You may no longer upload photos or redeem coupons.
November 13th 2007 through February 1st– You may view previously uploaded pictures only.
February 1st 2008- at midnight-The server will forever be shut down and all photos and membership information will be deleted.
Sony has also stated that all paid memberships will receive a refund on their accounts. The refund will be determined from the time the membership was paid, the time remaining on the account, and to the time the pictures are actually transferred and the account is closed.
