[preinheimer]

I think this is a bit unkind.

Maybe: Storage is expensive, and we'd rather collect money from you, rather than sell you to advertisers.

[woqe]

I think you nailed the marketing of this change. Though, if Flickr posted the steps/goals to making the user a "priority" rather than a "product," I would be more convinced. A cursory read of their TOS doesn't indicate any changes (though this may be premature as the changes are not in effect), and their (1)non-blog upgrade post doesn't seem to indicate any changes in data collection/selling.

As an aside, if you were looking to subscribe to their Pro product, the link in the blog post contains a coupon for $15 off their yearly subscription.

1. https://www.flickr.com/lookingahead

[landcoctos]

Are we sure they still won't sell you to advertisers in addition to subscription fees?

[onethumb]

I promise this won't happen. I hate customer-hostile business models. (Disclaimer: Blog author, CEO & Chief Geek here)

[Markoff]

your own cloud will cost you less and it will be much safer privacy wise until these smugs change their ToS again and throw you over deck