I went to the link they described whereupon I found their lop-sided logic behind this action. Apparently as of June 28th, they no longer allow "free" accounts to use said account to 3rd party link to photos stored on their servers. (I've long wondered how long that would last, now I know). Here's the "notice" (abbreviated):
I viewed a number of prior emails I've received from Photobucket, and have yet to find any notice of said pending change. It now appears, as stated in fine print further down their "notice", that I have 3 options, $59.99/yr which still precludes linking of my photos on their server, $99.99/yr which allows for limited linking, and $399.99/yr which allows unlimited linking. (I didn't include all their notice as it's lengthy and full of mind-numbing legaleese!Photobucket.com Terms of Use
Last revised June 28, 2017
Thank you for visiting Photobucket.com (the "Site"), operated by Photobucket.com, Inc. ("Photobucket" or " we" or "us"). Please carefully read these Terms of Use ("Terms") so you understand how we operate this Site, what we can offer and how we can work together. Please also read our Privacy Policy and Copyright and IP Policy. By using the Site and the Photobucket Services (even if you're just visiting), you are agreeing to the Terms and Privacy Policy posted at the time of your visit.
Read more: http://photobucket.com/terms#ixzz4lLpBz1xO
Here's my response:
Thoughts?My account predates the June 28, 2017 date of your Agreement Modification. As such, any linking of my photos prior to the date of the modification should not be voided, as I had not, to the best of my knowledge violated any terms present at the time of use. Your sudden, and heretofore unannounced voiding of said links is a poor tactic in acquiring any payment for services.
Due to the abrupt nature of your actions in this regard, I do not find it palatable to continue to use your services. If however, you find my reaction to your actions to be reasonable, I am open to a continued dialog regarding my use of said services. Feel free to contact me at this email address.
If you cannot fathom my dismay at your unilateral action, you may feel free to remove any and all photos of mine that reside on your server, and completely void my account. I ask however, that you provide me notice of your intent in this regard. You do not, in any case, have my permission to desseminate any photos or video on your servers in any manner, either in printed or electronic form, nor do you have my permission to use them in any manner, shape or form for your personal or business ends.
Griff