Digital Railroad goes Kerplunk

Here is a note that was posted on the Digital Railroad web site yesterday:

October 28, 2008

To our valued Members and Partners:

We deeply regret to inform you that Digital Railroad (DRR) has shut down.

On October 15th we reported that the company had reduced its staff and was aggressively pursuing additional financing and/or a strategic partner. Unfortunately, those efforts were unsuccessful. Therefore Digital Railroad has been forced to close all operations.

Digital Railroad has attracted a loyal set of customers and partners, and we regret this unfortunate outcome. Without sufficient long-term financial support, the business had become unsustainable.

Thank you for allowing us to serve the photographic community these past few years.

All questions pertaining to claims should be addressed to:

Digital Railroad, Inc
c/o Diablo Management Group
1452 N. Vasco Road, #301
Livermore, CA 94551

Way to go Digital Railroad. You effectively gave your customers little notice to remove their images from your servers. I would be extremely disappointed if I was a DRR customer right now. Or should I say past customer, since they have shut their doors. It is one thing to close your business, but it is another thing to close your business and not allow your loyal customers to retrieve the things that belong to them.

I have been very vocal that I am a Photoshelter customer, and have had excellent service from them. I know them personally, and knew what I was getting into before I made a committment. Yes, I am included in many of their marketing campaigns, but I pay for my service just like everybody else.

Time to buy every past customer and past employee of Digital Railroad a drink. They need it.