After outage, smugmug updates customization
Smugmug may be a perennial also-ran in the photo-sharing space, but the service is trying to stay ahead of the curve by offering its members more customization features. After database glitches brought the service down for several hours earlier today, smugmug unveiled a massive CSS overhaul, which lets members customize virtually every aspect of their photo galleries. Unfortunately, the service's own default style still sports a hideous day-glo-on-black look, but at least it's easier to get rid of it — if you're willing to pay a price. Smugmug limits customization to its "Power" and "Pro" users, who pay $49.95 and $99.95 a year, respectively. "Standard" customers are stuck in day-glo world for their $29.95 a year. I still like smugmug, and I think $49.95 is a reasonable price for unlimited uploads and downloads, along with full customization. But I think they really should offer a free tier — and hire a new designer — if they want to compete more aggressively in this space.
