iSyndica is closing – Updated

One of my microstock favorite tools has just announced to ceasing service: iSyndica, the web platform to distribute stock contents and track microstock analytics. Here details about service, refunding, affiliate balance, etc.

Original announcement here

iSyndica is closing

We wish to thank all of you for your support over the past 2 years. Unfortunately, we have, for many reasons, decided to discontinue the service, with an effective last day set to October 10, 2010.

We have compiled the list of Q&As below to help you understand our handling of the situation. Further contact will also be made on a one-to-one basis within your iSyndica account and by e-mail.

How long will the service remain available?

Service will remain available and fully operational until October 10, 2010 at 23:59:59 UTC. However, effective immediately, you will no longer be able to place orders for credits or storage, or change your subscription.

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Will I get a refund?

Yes. On October 10, 2010, your subscription and credit balance will be tabulated to provide you with a pro-rated refund. Information will be made available in your account detail pages and you will further be contacted to arrange for the refund.

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Will you pay my affiliate balance?

Yes. Your affiliate credits will be paid out as part of your final refund.

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Will there be any payout limit?

No. There will be no payout limit: we will honor our obligations in full and refund you all that is owed to you.

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What happens to my files online?

You can download your files from your account individually, or use a custom FTP connector to export them to a server under your control. If you run out of credits for this operation, please contact us and we will arrange for an export of your files.
After October 10, 2010, all files will be deleted permanently from iSyndica.

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Can I download a backup of my file catalog?

Yes. If you do not have an external FTP server available, you can use iSyndica's FTP to syndicate any file you wish to backup there, then download them to your computer. Visit your FTP account settings to get your login information and configure a generic FTP connector on your Channel List. Then syndicate all the files you wish to download. Once syndication is complete, simply connect using your favorite FTP client and download your files.

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What about my private information?

Your information will be erased from the system before we even close our hosting account, to ensure your privacy. We will not sell your email address or anything. By all means, feel free to change your agency login information – it is a good practice to change your password ever once in a while.

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What about my Amazon or Paypal subscription?

Within a few hours, all payment subscriptions will be permanently canceled. You will no longer be charged for anything. You may receive a notification e-mail from Amazon or Paypal (respectively) informing you of the cancellation.

Who do I contact if I have further questions?

Please send an e-mail to our support group and we will do our best to address your inquiry.

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September 29th, 2010 – Update

1. Refund is now available, do it before Oct. 17: Get your Refund before Oct 17, 2010
2. A message of Seb Coursol, iSyndica CTO, has been just posted on the MicrostockGroup forum, check it out

… I suppose I should give a few word to address the common “why, oh, but why?” question and a few other points raised on this thread.
“Why?” – give you one guess, and some of you had reasonable guesses for part of the issue: sustainability, or lack thereof….

… – Other solutions in the life after iSyndica. My cynical side would say no other sucker got caught into that trap, but there are some ways: PSM, Cushystock, and eventually Pixamba, the makers of PSM actually mentioned they were planning an online distribution service. There is also a slim possibility that the service could be revived by either of a few companies that contacted us for a possible transfer.  This is a discussion in progress however and there is no promise…