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Author Topic: DepositPhotos and Shotshop- standard purchases gives only subscription amounts?  (Read 132389 times)

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Uncle Pete

« Reply #100 on: February 14, 2014, 11:34 »
+19
I'm reading and reading and this part "Shotshop purchases our subscriptions to resell our images under the Standard license." is the basis of their deceit and twisted logic.

Let me explain. For people who are opted out of Partner sales, this is not a partner. It's an API reseller.

For people who only sell on DepositPhotos website (and here's the kick in the ass)

These people at Shotshop are purchasing the files from DP. So they are only sold on DP. According to the agreement with us.

Not saying I like any of this sleeze or their sneaking around until someone catches them, just pointing out how they might be justifying the deals and pay us a SUB commission for a reseller.

However! They can't license subs for RESALE can they? Oh but DP says it's a standard license. So they purchase with a standard license at sub prices? What a twisted mess of manipulation.

When DP started I was a detractor. I went along with the people who exposed who and what was behind the site. But everyone got their 25c for feeding the beast. I watched and DP moved up the charts and apparently I was Wrong. I started test uploading last year.

Now this? I should have trusted my original instincts when I saw them throwing money at people to get artists to sell out and then people found back door deals and irregularities and left. This is the DP I expected, twisted and greedy, dishonest deals behind our backs. Too bad, I wanted to like them and give them a fair chance.

I'd like to ask a question. I've heard the term ShitStorm before and never really saw one. Is this it?  :)


My images are up there too.  I've emailed to see what the deal is.

I thought your files weren't available at DP for subscription sales.

I thought so too. Looks like that the subscription deal DP makes with its resellers/API/partner agencies does not apply to Sean's wish to exclude his port from DP's own  subscription program.  :-X

Not even that - I was supposed to be opted out of any off-site partner or distribution sales completely.  I have an email that my content would only be sold on DP.


farbled

« Reply #101 on: February 14, 2014, 11:36 »
+1
I know they have it in their TOS, but is it actually legal for them to keep a balance (for a contributor) if you close your account? I couldn't find anything on it except its in Florida. Does anyone know?

Uncle Pete

« Reply #102 on: February 14, 2014, 11:38 »
+1
Not even that - I was supposed to be opted out of any off-site partner or distribution sales completely.  I have an email that my content would only be sold on DP.

This would be a Standard sale according to them? (reading between the boilerplate response lines)

Not agreeing at all, but that seems to be their way of getting around and promises to anyone.

I know they have it in their TOS, but is it actually legal for them to keep a balance (for a contributor) if you close your account? I couldn't find anything on it except its in Florida. Does anyone know?

Ha Ha, Russian company with a front in FL.

« Reply #103 on: February 14, 2014, 11:44 »
0
I'm reading and reading and this part "Shotshop purchases our subscriptions to resell our images under the Standard license." is the basis of their deceit and twisted logic.

Let me explain. For people who are opted out of Partner sales, this is not a partner. It's an API reseller.

For people who only sell on DepositPhotos website (and here's the kick in the ass)

These people at Shotshop are purchasing the files from DP. So they are only sold on DP. According to the agreement with us.

Not saying I like any of this sleeze or their sneaking around until someone catches them, just pointing out how they might be justifying the deals and pay us a SUB commission for a reseller.

However! They can't license subs for RESALE can they? Oh but DP says it's a standard license. So they purchase with a standard license at sub prices? What a twisted mess of manipulation.

When DP started I was a detractor. I went along with the people who exposed who and what was behind the site. But everyone got their 25c for feeding the beast. I watched and DP moved up the charts and apparently I was Wrong. I started test uploading last year.

Now this? I should have trusted my original instincts when I saw them throwing money at people to get artists to sell out and then people found back door deals and irregularities and left. This is the DP I expected, twisted and greedy, dishonest deals behind our backs. Too bad, I wanted to like them and give them a fair chance.

I'd like to ask a question. I've heard the term ShitStorm before and never really saw one. Is this it?  :)


My images are up there too.  I've emailed to see what the deal is.

I thought your files weren't available at DP for subscription sales.

I thought so too. Looks like that the subscription deal DP makes with its resellers/API/partner agencies does not apply to Sean's wish to exclude his port from DP's own  subscription program.  :-X

Not even that - I was supposed to be opted out of any off-site partner or distribution sales completely.  I have an email that my content would only be sold on DP.

Well stated uncle Pete. I hearted you for such a clear roadmap.

« Reply #104 on: February 14, 2014, 13:12 »
+9
For those who can read German, this is the current discussion on another forum that involves regular contributors to shotshop. Apparently they had files rejected "as not suitable" for shotshop only to discover they were accepted via deposit. Of course their regular uploads to shotshop would net them 35-75% royalty, for a file via deposit only 30 cents.

the question now is - in how many cases have files been intentionally declined because they could get them for a subs sale from deposit?

So not only will the artist get a negligible subs sale for a a full credit sale, they also have an increased risk of having files rejected in favour of having their files brought in via deposit.

So you really should only send content to deposit, that you are not planning to submit directly to a site that also accepts files from dp.

http://stockfotografie-forum.de/discussion/813/shotshop-loescht-bilder/p2

« Last Edit: February 14, 2014, 14:18 by cobalt »

« Reply #105 on: February 14, 2014, 13:59 »
+1
I'd never heard of shotshop, so I thought I'd take a look. I was interested to note that there are multiple pricing models for images there - take a look at the prices on these two as examples, one from Sean and one from Monkey Business Images

http://www.shotshop.com/search/34171731
http://www.shotshop.com/search/mmq-kap

There are many more examples of images with numerical iDs, which I assume are all the DepositPhotos items and also with the text IDs - which have the same prices as Monkey Business:

http://www.shotshop.com/search/gqy-fmv

The letter codes have higher prices from Large up but lower extended licenses. Are these images uploaded directly to Shotshop or are they a different deal with a different agency "partner"?

« Reply #106 on: February 14, 2014, 18:08 »
+1
My DP-images seem to be gone from Shotshop. At least I can't find any of them any more when performing the same test searches where I found them before.

So they (DP) did apparently remove them.

« Reply #107 on: February 14, 2014, 20:10 »
0
My DP-images seem to be gone from Shotshop. At least I can't find any of them any more when performing the same test searches where I found them before.

So they (DP) did apparently remove them.

well mine are still there, so maybe they are doing it one user at a time.

« Reply #108 on: February 15, 2014, 03:14 »
+3
I don't need a date, I need $5.50 in sales.  There is nothing they can say or promise or fix by March 15 that will entice me to support them.

This exactly how I feel. Just that I need about $8 in sales. There is literally nothing a bottom-feeder agency with rip-off tactics like that can say or do to make me stay now.

« Reply #109 on: February 15, 2014, 03:52 »
+5
There is another site that's a 'Reseller' of DP:

http://www.ibudgetphoto.com

They sell by credits, but I haven't been able to make a test purchase yet (registration not working).

They have DP and also DT images:

DP images can be found by DPPS_(imagenumber)

Example: DPPS_15846517

DT images show as DRMT_(imagenumber)

Example: DRMT_22356161

And they show no Info on who the Image Author is !

At least I couldn't find that info anywhere on the picture ...

I disabled DTs PP yesterday, it looks like they are already going offline over there now.

« Reply #110 on: February 15, 2014, 05:47 »
0
Upload work to DP (and few others) = voluntary service?

« Reply #111 on: February 15, 2014, 08:50 »
+4
Since nobody has gotten a custom response and they are being silent, they are telling us to fk off.  If you don't like it, leave.  To be fair they "may" be trying to work things out with their resellers before crafting a response. How long does that take, though? Two weeks? Two months? Until then there is no serious, constructive dialog on their part, probably because they have the terms (law) on their side.

fotorob

  • Professional stock content producer
« Reply #112 on: February 15, 2014, 09:42 »
+8
The contract for the API reseller can be found on the Depositphotos site here:
http://depositphotos.com/api-agreement.html

It states a.o.:
Quote
" Reseller API. The Reseller API enables the sale of the File Providers Files on the Resellers website and offers the greatest price flexibility to the Reseller. Buyers are not redirected to the File Providers website for payment. This method is designed for a Reseller to create his/her own stock file website in order to sell Files acquired either wholly from the File Provider, or in conjunction with Files from other databases.

The File Provider delivers Files to the Reseller at standard prices or via a subscription plan. The Reseller sets the price of Files resold to Buyers.

The File Provider reserves the exclusive right to change the price of Files delivered to the Reseller through the API Program, upward as well as downward, at any time and at its sole discretion, with or without prior notification to the Reseller."
(highlights by me)

As I read it: They can offer DP material at standard prices OR as subs. It makes sense to give photographers a sub sale if it has been sold via a sub, but if a file has been sold as a normal credit sale, photographers should get the normal credit commissions. Simple as that.

« Reply #113 on: February 15, 2014, 15:12 »
+2
Since nobody has gotten a custom response and they are being silent, they are telling us to fk off.  If you don't like it, leave.  To be fair they "may" be trying to work things out with their resellers before crafting a response. How long does that take, though? Two weeks? Two months? Until then there is no serious, constructive dialog on their part, probably because they have the terms (law) on their side.
That's true.

I guess there are only two ways we as a community and individuals can handle this:

1) Keep contacting them so they know the magnitude of the problem and fix it asap.
2) Deactivation of accounts, be it as individuals or like a group (like D-day or something). March 1st sounds like a good date.

Uncle Pete

« Reply #114 on: February 16, 2014, 00:56 »
+1
Looks like a number of agencies represented, Yay, Monkey Business, and others as above.

I don't want to start a debate here, but...

This one isn't my squabble, but I'd suggest setting a date - March 15th has a nice ring to it - and if they don't give an opt out for all off site sales by then (i.e. who cares what you call it) then pull your portfolios if you don't like this sleazy deal

Someone started a date of The Ides of March a page back, which may have been missed?

"Et tu, DP?" Without having two different dates, maybe stay with the first one?


Since nobody has gotten a custom response and they are being silent, they are telling us to fk off.  If you don't like it, leave.  To be fair they "may" be trying to work things out with their resellers before crafting a response. How long does that take, though? Two weeks? Two months? Until then there is no serious, constructive dialog on their part, probably because they have the terms (law) on their side.
That's true.

I guess there are only two ways we as a community and individuals can handle this:

1) Keep contacting them so they know the magnitude of the problem and fix it asap.
2) Deactivation of accounts, be it as individuals or like a group (like D-day or something). March 1st sounds like a good date.

« Reply #115 on: February 16, 2014, 04:04 »
0
As DP suggested, I've already opted out of PP and re-sellers... So I sell only with DP, directly. Does it make any difference if I deactivate all my images from DP? They will loose enought much with deactivating from PP and re-s.
Or I'm missing something?

« Reply #116 on: February 16, 2014, 04:56 »
+1
Or I'm missing something?
Regarding to their mail there is actually no opt out (for reseller).

fotorob

  • Professional stock content producer
« Reply #117 on: February 16, 2014, 08:27 »
+4
As DP suggested, I've already opted out of PP and re-sellers... So I sell only with DP, directly. Does it make any difference if I deactivate all my images from DP? They will loose enought much with deactivating from PP and re-s.
Or I'm missing something?

...and it might just be a matter of time untile Depositphotos decides that there are no "opt-outs" possible...

« Reply #118 on: February 16, 2014, 08:49 »
+1
As DP suggested, I've already opted out of PP and re-sellers... So I sell only with DP, directly. Does it make any difference if I deactivate all my images from DP? They will loose enought much with deactivating from PP and re-s.
Or I'm missing something?

you better check on that - I opted out of PP some time ago but discovered my port on Shotshop due to this thread, so I bet your still on resellers like everyone else,
thats what makes this whole thing infuriating

« Reply #119 on: February 16, 2014, 08:53 »
+1
As DP suggested, I've already opted out of PP and re-sellers... So I sell only with DP, directly. Does it make any difference if I deactivate all my images from DP? They will loose enought much with deactivating from PP and re-s.
Or I'm missing something?

Are you sure about this? You can opt out of PP but I don't think there's an opt out for resellers.

Also, how is everyone communicating with DP? Through their "contact us" link? If so, are you selecting "critical"?  We need to flood their inbox with critical requests.  I just sent in my second email since they never responded to the one I sent last week.
« Last Edit: February 16, 2014, 09:08 by Mantis »

« Reply #120 on: February 16, 2014, 09:25 »
0
Also, how is everyone communicating with DP? Through their "contact us" link? If so, are you selecting "critical"?  We need to flood their inbox with critical requests.  I just sent in my second email since they never responded to the one I sent last week.
I sent my "critical" message yesterday that I want out of the resale sham. And I want sell only by DB directly. Lets see..

Uncle Pete

« Reply #121 on: February 16, 2014, 09:33 »
+1
Yes roede-orm, as usual, I try to explain too much in too many words, while you do it in five.  :-[

Opt out for PP is not opt out for Resellers, according to the responses from DP and the reports from people who have been opted out, by contract or by notice. They are still being sold by resellers.

If anyone wants a list, I'll start collecting who, while I'm watching the Olympics. It was many agencies that are selling on Shotstop. I found my DP files there also. But I'm not opted out of anything. Just saying, I'm on that site as well.

Or I'm missing something?
Regarding to their mail there is actually no opt out (for reseller).

« Reply #122 on: February 16, 2014, 11:07 »
+3
DP:
"Yes, you get $0,30 even though our API re-seller sells a file for 24.90. Our API re-sellers have the right to set their own prices. If you want to opt out of all our partner programs, please confirm and your files will be sold only on depositphotos.com"

Me:
"Yes, absolutely OPT me OUT of any partner programs and re-sellers now."

DP:
"...It will take some time to remove your portfolio from API re-seller/partner sites".

I'm waiting only for the replay to my question - what is the "some time".

Why should I have worries? I think it's clear situation... If I find my images anywhere else, they immediately loose my 1k files (every day some sells) and that's it. They're to low earner for me to be sad after all. They'll loose much more than I do :)
« Last Edit: February 16, 2014, 11:11 by Ariene »

« Reply #123 on: February 16, 2014, 11:24 »
0
DP:
"Yes, you get $0,30 even though our API re-seller sells a file for 24.90. Our API re-sellers have the right to set their own prices. If you want to opt out of all our partner programs, please confirm and your files will be sold only on depositphotos.com"

Me:
"Yes, absolutely OPT me OUT of any partner programs and re-sellers now."

DP:
"...It will take some time to remove your portfolio from API re-seller/partner sites".

I'm waiting only for the replay to my question - what is the "some time".

Why should I have worries? I think it's clear situation... If I find my images anywhere else, they immediately loose my 1k files (every day some sells) and that's it. They're to low earner for me to be sad after all. They'll loose much more than I do :)

That's the first bit of good news from this debacle.  I hope that is TRULY AN OPTION.

« Reply #124 on: February 16, 2014, 11:32 »
0
DP:
"Yes, you get $0,30 even though our API re-seller sells a file for 24.90. Our API re-sellers have the right to set their own prices. If you want to opt out of all our partner programs, please confirm and your files will be sold only on depositphotos.com"

Me:
"Yes, absolutely OPT me OUT of any partner programs and re-sellers now."

DP:
"...It will take some time to remove your portfolio from API re-seller/partner sites".

I'm waiting only for the replay to my question - what is the "some time".

Why should I have worries? I think it's clear situation... If I find my images anywhere else, they immediately loose my 1k files (every day some sells) and that's it. They're to low earner for me to be sad after all. They'll loose much more than I do :)

That's the first bit of good news from this debacle.  I hope that is TRULY AN OPTION.

I wrote to them yesterday. They did not reply - but my images have already been removed from Shotshop!
(Hope, they wont put them up again later on  ;) )


 

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