Hello,
I almost never post here, because I honestly don't have the resources to post accurate news. However, this was a very interesting phone call I received, and I think you will all be very happy assuming you didn't already know about this.
I had left two voicemail messages about my Photo Pass (let us not turn this into another short version (PP)). The first was left on December 4th, and the second on January 2nd. Both were asking about a high quality download alternative to the photo printing. I don't care for print photos, but want nice high res photos for HD quality slide shows. Yes, I'm visually impaired, but that doesn't mean I don't want my friends to deal with crapy web versions.
I received a phone call two days ago as a response. The CM extended my photos for free on both Photo Passes. She explained that a new CD product would be out at the end of the month that would allow you to create one of those photo CD formatted discs. Also, there will be some sort of copyright document involved. She did not go into the process in detail. I was very happy to hear about this, but asked if the files on the disc would be the original files taken on the nice cameras. She told me that most photos are cropped, and sometimes stuff is removed from them. They use Nicon D70 cameras with external flash. I explained that if any re-framing is performed, the pixel depth is reduced. Surprisingly, she understood this very well, and said that minimum reduction is used to prevent this problem, and that I could always add some anti-aliasing filters to compensate. I agreed, and we discussed downloads next.
The interesting thing about the CD concept. Why do it instead of download? Simple, people are not very intellegent, or at least when it comes to Photo Pass. The CM said that they have enough of a hard time getting people logged into the site itself. I then offered the suggestion that they add the option called "Photo Pass Pro" for those of us who know what we're doing. She got a good laugh out of it, and we discussed other ways people can mess up with Photo Pass. In fact, she had to add one of my cards to my account, because someone had entered their card number incorrectly, and that incorrect number for them was my card ID. The good thing was, she had the ability to put 2 and 2 together and realize that it was me in both card accounts in the photos. Great job!
I really like the people over there. If this CM is a general example of how great the non-park (behind the scenes) CMs can be, all will be great for the future of this new Photo Pass Service. One thing is for sure, we both agreed that this is so much better than the old way.
I did add the suggestion that they add photo keosks around the park in random places where you could see large full screen versions of the shots, and could then have the machine burn a disc right there before you leave. With 48x + burning now, it wouldn't be too painful. Also, allowing hotel guests to use the internet access for free for official Disney sites while in the room would rock. Then you could look at the photo pass, and have the CD delivered to your hotel gift shop just like other merchandise. They could even have a nice intranet with the ability to shop from your room for any merchandise. We've all done it, left the park and then finally realized there was something we passed on. They are missing out if they don't see the potential of a Disney only free intranet connection. Also, maybe they give you a free hour of web surfing with every online purchase.
Just some news and thoughts.
Ryan
I almost never post here, because I honestly don't have the resources to post accurate news. However, this was a very interesting phone call I received, and I think you will all be very happy assuming you didn't already know about this.
I had left two voicemail messages about my Photo Pass (let us not turn this into another short version (PP)). The first was left on December 4th, and the second on January 2nd. Both were asking about a high quality download alternative to the photo printing. I don't care for print photos, but want nice high res photos for HD quality slide shows. Yes, I'm visually impaired, but that doesn't mean I don't want my friends to deal with crapy web versions.
I received a phone call two days ago as a response. The CM extended my photos for free on both Photo Passes. She explained that a new CD product would be out at the end of the month that would allow you to create one of those photo CD formatted discs. Also, there will be some sort of copyright document involved. She did not go into the process in detail. I was very happy to hear about this, but asked if the files on the disc would be the original files taken on the nice cameras. She told me that most photos are cropped, and sometimes stuff is removed from them. They use Nicon D70 cameras with external flash. I explained that if any re-framing is performed, the pixel depth is reduced. Surprisingly, she understood this very well, and said that minimum reduction is used to prevent this problem, and that I could always add some anti-aliasing filters to compensate. I agreed, and we discussed downloads next.
The interesting thing about the CD concept. Why do it instead of download? Simple, people are not very intellegent, or at least when it comes to Photo Pass. The CM said that they have enough of a hard time getting people logged into the site itself. I then offered the suggestion that they add the option called "Photo Pass Pro" for those of us who know what we're doing. She got a good laugh out of it, and we discussed other ways people can mess up with Photo Pass. In fact, she had to add one of my cards to my account, because someone had entered their card number incorrectly, and that incorrect number for them was my card ID. The good thing was, she had the ability to put 2 and 2 together and realize that it was me in both card accounts in the photos. Great job!
I really like the people over there. If this CM is a general example of how great the non-park (behind the scenes) CMs can be, all will be great for the future of this new Photo Pass Service. One thing is for sure, we both agreed that this is so much better than the old way.
I did add the suggestion that they add photo keosks around the park in random places where you could see large full screen versions of the shots, and could then have the machine burn a disc right there before you leave. With 48x + burning now, it wouldn't be too painful. Also, allowing hotel guests to use the internet access for free for official Disney sites while in the room would rock. Then you could look at the photo pass, and have the CD delivered to your hotel gift shop just like other merchandise. They could even have a nice intranet with the ability to shop from your room for any merchandise. We've all done it, left the park and then finally realized there was something we passed on. They are missing out if they don't see the potential of a Disney only free intranet connection. Also, maybe they give you a free hour of web surfing with every online purchase.
Just some news and thoughts.
Ryan
