Beware of Flickr: Account/Group can be deleted anytime

[Toys N Bricks]

I was stunned today when I noticed that our Flickr Group Pool got removed. No warning whatsoever. I contacted them and then they told me that our group pool was removed because it was used for "commerical purposes". All I could see that was of commerical use is the home page link on our Flickr Group Page. But they have an area that allows you to link to an external website when administering the group. Seriously?

"About Your Group

Name/URL/Description
Describe your group; link to an external website."

What this means is beware of these third party organizations. You have no control over your account and all your pictures can be wiped out anytime at their sole discretion.  Our original group is now gone, but we've moved on to a new group. Lets hope they don't remove that now.

Article Link: http://toysnbricks.com/home/beware-of-f ... d-anytime/

[peanut]

I guess it's ok if they get a cut (licensing an image to getty via flickr, which i would consider commercial), but otherwise look out! Bummer for sure. I'm guessing due to the ads here.

[Legobrandon]

Just a tip, you spelled 'deleted' wrong in the title. ;)

[akunthita]

I'm so sorry to hear this! This is the THIRD group I have heard of within the last two months that have been deleted with absolutely no warning, and with an innocent link like yours. A real shame! :(

[vynsane]

The content in the group could hardly be considered 'sales-oriented' or 'commercial', though. I don't remember seeing any 'sales-oriented' posts. If anything, it was just ancillary/support to the site.

[peanut]

I fully agree that this site does not meet any kind of 'commercial' conditions. I didn't know other similar groups had been deleted lately too. I know they have every right to nuke it and probably have a high volume of things to deal with but it would be nice to let you know so you could backup the images first. Most people do make backups but I mean jeez. Never fun :(

[legogod]

Perhaps this is just me and it's most likely too soon:

The meaning of the word "flicker" should have led people to believe it would fizzle out soon. Flash in the pan-:P.

Jared