Epitaph For Digital Railroad
The news that Digital Railroad has shut down its servers is sad if not unexpected. It was clear the business was in trouble when the Diablo Management Group took control and chief executive Charles Mauzy departed with other employees. Nonetheless, I was shocked to hear that a notice had been posted on the DRR site today saying that it was shutting down. That left a lot of photographers around the world in the lurch. Apparently competitor PhotoShelter is offering a special rate for former DRR subscribers. I am a friend of DRR founder Evan Nisselson, and he sent me a note this morning, which I share here:
It is a very sad day! I am very sorry for our members.
There are many variables that have helped and challenged the success of DRR. There are many things that could have been done differently and I am sure we all have learned through the process – I know that I have.
I evolved to chairman of the board almost a year ago and since then have had no control and limited input.
After Diablo Management took over the board and operations of the company on Oct. 10th I tried to gather people to acquire the company back. I came very close but unfortunately it didn't happen. These
didn't materialize for several reasons including the very challenging financial times we are in.
After these initiatives didn't materialize - Diablo wouldn't even return my emails or calls. We kept advising that the members needed and deserved advance notice if the company was going to turn off the
platform but after this advice from several people - Diablo Management only gave members 24 hours to transfer images.
Unfortunately sharing this perspective doesn't change anything but I hope it helps clarify a bit.Best,
Evan
The history of the Internet is filled with the names of products and companies that are no longer with us. The fact that new VC funding wasn't available now isn't surprising either, given the state of the economy and tight credit markets. Does anyone have thoughts about what went wrong here?--David Schonauer
What went wrong? Vincent Laforet said it better than I could: http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2008/10/28/digital-railwreck/
Posted by: Michal Daniel | October 29, 2008 at 05:17 PM
So sad & so sorry, but this is a hollow load of cr*p. He says for a year he was a powerless COB with barely a voice. The painful truth of the matter is that DRR had $20Mil in funds, and they blew it.
Where was the person with the spine that could have demanded XYZ needed to be changed, told the VC's off, or raise hell and wave yellow caution flags to all the members from on high. At least then he could have left with head held high, instead of tail tucked between the legs, limping off to some dark corner with the scorn of all the members weighing on his shoulders, assuming there is a conscience for the collective pain of the (ex)membership.
Sad, lame, and shameful. Such great potential - wasted.
Posted by: Gary Crabbe / Enlightened Images | October 30, 2008 at 12:54 AM
One should do a real article about what really happened. Go out and interview employees instead of copy and pasting email from the exec that are responsible for this mess.
Let bring out the truth instead of PR releases !!!
Posted by: jason B | October 30, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Were you left high and dry by Digital Railroad going bust?
I know a company that has a good piece of image library software – they do footage libraries too.
Big advantage is that you’ll own the software; I hear they are offering credit terms too.
Take a look at http://www.big-easy-footage-library-software.com and http://big-easy-image-library-software.com
Posted by: Safe alternative to Digital Railroad. | November 05, 2008 at 03:55 AM
Calling all Digital Railroad Users! - Put yourself in control of your images with Lightbox Photo™
In the light of the unfortunate demise of Digital Railroad, Canadian Based Lightbox Photo™ is stepping forward to offer it’s photo gallery software as the alternative solution. Photographers can create dynamic e-commerce enabled image websites empowering them to present their work how they want, where they want and when they want.
Lightbox Photo™ allows users to create their own stock photo libraries or online proofing systems, meaning no more commissions to third party providers.
For further information please visit www.lightboxphoto.com.
Posted by: Adrian Ellis | November 08, 2008 at 06:27 PM