Hey Alex, long time no speak! Here's some quick feedback.
I have an incentive to collect these images and occassionally share them with friends. However, I don't think I have an incentive to start doing it on a group basis. This alone prevents me from using the site. I think the danger of this far outweighs the benefit that groups bring (getting cliques on the service in one shot). I think making this an individual thing and giving an option to share is a better way to go.
Also, I don't think I'd mind if the images I collect show up on the front page anonymously. This gives huge incentive for people to come to the site and just browse. I know you have public groups, but the group thing doesn't work well for me.
I think the private option is important for certain pictures - possibly of yourself/people you know? - but I think you're right, a public setting would be valuable.
I have an incentive to collect these images and occassionally share them with friends. However, I don't think I have an incentive to start doing it on a group basis. This alone prevents me from using the site. I think the danger of this far outweighs the benefit that groups bring (getting cliques on the service in one shot). I think making this an individual thing and giving an option to share is a better way to go.
Also, I don't think I'd mind if the images I collect show up on the front page anonymously. This gives huge incentive for people to come to the site and just browse. I know you have public groups, but the group thing doesn't work well for me.
Keep on trucking!