Smugmug may be a perennial also-ran in the photo-sharing space,
but the service is trying to stay ahead of the curve by offering its
members more customization features. After database glitches brought the service down
for several hours earlier today, smugmug unveiled a massive CSS
overhaul, which lets members customize virtually every aspect of their
photo galleries. Unfortunately, the service’s own default style still
sports a hideous day-glo-on-black look, but at least it’s easier to
get rid of it — if you’re willing to pay a price. Smugmug limits
customization to its "Power" and "Pro" users, who pay $49.95 and $99.95
a year, respectively. "Standard" customers are stuck in day-glo world
for their $29.95 a year. I still like smugmug, and I think $49.95 is a
reasonable price for unlimited uploads and downloads, along with full
customization. But I think they really should offer a free tier — and
hire a new designer — if they want to compete more aggressively in this
space.