Cannot Recommend Dreamstime

Microstock Posts

« Reply #25 on: November 03, 2011, 10:06 »

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Quote from: heywoody on November 03, 2011, 09:37

Again, I don’t see any disrespect to DT or its contributors in Grandpa’s post. All he is saying is that DT is more beginner friendly which it most certainly is. Instead of using an “entrance exam” to control the flow of substandard images they use acceptance ratio as a throttle – far easier for someone starting off to get a feel for what is and isn’t acceptable and to start building a portfolio. The exclusivity terms are easy enough to meet and actually very attractive in the beginning. As a result they have a population of exclusive contributors who are very loyal to the site many of whom would otherwise present serious competition to independents on other sites – again this is saying something positive about DT and its contributors. I suspect (and this is me just taking a punt) that “better sites” just means sites with more sales activity – in my (limited) experience IS and SS both have far higher sales and revenue per online image (as opposed to revenue per download).

Lol!

I've finally understood. His comments could and has been taken so so differently. Yes his words are in fact all positive. A lot of us here thought he was being highly critical hence the subsequent turmoil.

Grandpa you should apply for a job to work as a staff member at IS. The first question they ask any prospective employee is, "do you know how to cause turmoil in the microstock industry?" Most people answer no and never get to the second stage. Just show them a copy of this thread and they'll love you. Grin


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cclapper

Premium Member

« Reply #26 on: November 03, 2011, 10:09 »

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Quote from: juscommune on November 01, 2011, 19:31

I’ve read through all your comments – thank you. I cannot agree with them all because they do not account for what has actually occurred here. So I will explain it. Cheesy

To begin with I will restate that my experience with Dreamstime has been far less than satisfactory – this is my experience and I am here to warn potential users of the Dreamstime website and what they can expect based on how the site is presented and used.

This is not to say that everyone will experience a problem – that is why I am posting on here to bring these issues to the attention of others.

On the Dreamstime site under Subscriptions is this statement:

Level 0-2 images: 1 download
Level 3-4 images: 2 downloads
Level 5 images: 3 downloads

To me this is unclear language and ambiguous since it can mean the very opposite of what the site is attempting to purport i.e.:

Level 5 images can be downloaded up to 3 times per day, Level 4 up to 2 downloads per day, Level 3 up to 2 downloads per day and once each of 0, 1 and 2 - which adds up to 10 downloads per day – which is what I was considering at the time (I do note that this option has now been removed).

If it read something like this:

Level 0-2 images - count as 1 download
Level 3-4 images - counts as 2 downloads, not 1 download
Level 5 images - counts as 3 downloads, not 1 download

This would be clear and unambiguous language.

I have now written to Dreamstime twice and not received any word back from them – other than acknowledging my email.

My first email relates to the download levels, the following to the .eps issue – both of which (to date) have gone unanswered.

Again, these are the facts. “Yes” I have misunderstood Dreamstime statement with respect the downloads, however, Dreamstime is offering a product and must use clear and unambiguous language so there is no doubt about what is for sale.

I should also have my queries answered within a reasonable time.

According to what you posted above, I can see how buyers might misinterpret their meaning, and the way you have proposed it being stated makes more sense to me. If we were talking about istock, I would think they were intentionally trying to deceive people, because they do it all the time. But for me, DT hasn't been that way, so I just think they don't have a great copywriter. I see things like this on the web all the time.

Anyway, I agree that the language should be unambiguous and hope they take your suggestion and refine the language so it is stated more clearly and that your questions get answered. Believe me, I know how frustrating dealing with agencies these days is.


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juscommune

New Member

« Reply #27 on: November 03, 2011, 17:19 »

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Well I thought I'd give Dreamstime enough time to deal with the issue, but the replies have not properly dealt with the issues that I've raised - basically they are offering a refund which would ordinarily be fine. However, a refund does not deal with or address the issues I've raised with Dreamstime - and I cannot accept one now, since I have already incorporated some of the images I've managed to download into my artwork, and do not want to start all over again from scratch. I have already wasted too much of my time on this episode.

The fact is I can recreate the .eps problem every time on their website - but they are silent on this issue? Huh

With regards the misleading wording - they state and I quote "The page in question has been studied and we believe the wording is clear and explanatory." Embarrassed

Sorry Dreamstime - but that is patently untrue as you can interpret the opposite meaning from the same wording and it is incumbent upon you to be accurate when it comes to describing what it is you are selling, the buyer should not be placed in this kind of position having to essentially guess what something actually means. Undecided

So in conclusion Dreamstime has misled me, has not provided all the artwork I have paid for and basically fobbed me off.

In my opinion Dreamstime stinks! and they will not be getting my business which means neither will their contributors which is unfair to them as they have done nothing wrong. Sad


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« Reply #28 on: November 03, 2011, 21:13 »

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Quote from: Tabimura on November 02, 2011, 01:51

The poor attempt to sarcasm in your response to Grandpa is very unprofessional.

I think you confuse sarcasm with irony.


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« Reply #29 on: November 03, 2011, 21:28 »

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Quote from: juscommune on November 03, 2011, 17:19

In my opinion Dreamstime stinks! and they will not be getting my business which means neither will their contributors which is unfair to them as they have done nothing wrong. Sad

Well that's life I guess, you win a little and you lose a little. In this case I'm losing a little since de facto, I only upload to DT for microstock. You have to admit you left off quite some steam in the original post, but I won't cast the first stone. Wink

The choir of the grumpy Granddads tuning in was rather funny, especially if you know their port. Warren has a great travel blog (I always enjoy), but in between trips, he tends to feed his ulcer. Don't Warren, be happy!

As to the wording of the consequences of the level system for the subs, I have to agree with you that those are not totally clear, to say the least, certainly not for a first time buyer. I can't comment on the EPS since I'm ignorant about illustrations. May the force always be with you!

PS - I do recommend DT wholeheartedly as a one-stop stop shop for all possible imagery needs, at affordable prices and fair practices towards their contributors. That's why people buy Oxfam coffee for too. Tongue


« Last Edit: November 03, 2011, 21:37 by AttilaTheNun »	Ignore \| Logged

ThomasAmby

« Reply #30 on: November 04, 2011, 03:10 »

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I was completely unaware of the fact that higher level images equals more downloads on the buyer end as well.

I guess that's only fair.


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fotografer

Premium Member

« Reply #31 on: November 04, 2011, 03:28 »

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Quote from: ThomasAmby on November 04, 2011, 03:10

I was completely unaware of the fact that higher level images equals more downloads on the buyer end as well.

I guess that's only fair.

I think that the DT is the best and fairest system of all of the sites. I wish that I could afford to go exclusive with them without losing too much earnings. It would save a lot of headaches from all the other sites.


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WarrenPrice

« Reply #32 on: November 04, 2011, 10:03 »

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Quote from: fotografer on November 04, 2011, 03:28

100% agree with the system but something just doesn't work. Using their own app for comparing exclusive with non-exclusive sales, I'm convinced that I make much more money as Non-Exclusive. SS has paid me twice as much in half the time in their system.

And, I'm very new at iS with sales there matching DT with less than a third the portfolio size.

I honestly don't understand why DT doesn't produce more revenue.

Again, this is a positive post. I do like the DT pricing system ... For contributors.
I've never bought an image there so maybe buyers do not see the pricing system as "The Best?"


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madelaide

Premium Member

« Reply #33 on: November 06, 2011, 09:31 »

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Quote from: juscommune on November 01, 2011, 19:31

On the Dreamstime site under Subscriptions is this statement:

Level 0-2 images: 1 download
Level 3-4 images: 2 downloads
Level 5 images: 3 downloads

To me this is unclear language and ambiguous since it can mean the very opposite of what the site is attempting to purport i.e.:

I understand your being upset, maybe this text doesn't look unclear to me because I've been a contributor there and saw this being introduced.

But to be fair, below this text there is a "What are levels" link that upon passing the mouse shows a text that clear the matter - is that perhaps new, something added after your complaint?

The few images I bought so far I bought in DT because I would pay the same and that's where the contributor would get more. I have no complaints as a buyer (I do have some as a contributor), but then of course each of us has a different experience.


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juscommune

New Member

« Reply #34 on: November 11, 2011, 18:49 »

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I wrote again to Dreamstime as follows:

1. I have no access to my archived files?

2. I have requested .eps versions and not received these?

3. I have had to download the same file twice to get what I should have to begin with?

4. Your system fails to select and download what was originally selected?

5. I am 20 images short of what I was led to believe I had purchased?

I thought I would give them a week to address these issues, however, their response was completely inadequate and they did not address (answer) the issues raised by me in 3, 4 or 5 (above). Huh

They say you have 24 hours to access any downloaded files – that was not my experience – when I went to this section it had zero (0) items despite my having downloaded in the prior 24 hours. I would also add that 24 hours is not enough time to re-download the same file(s) as any number of issues can come up in such a short period of time, and it is manifestly unreasonable to limit this to such a short period of time. 7 days would be reasonable.

They did provide me with a link for some of the .eps files I had downloaded earlier - but this was short of the actual files I had requested to download and provided the details of to them. They remain silent on this point which is unacceptable. Undecided

I have logged in from Explorer 9, Chrome and Firefox and have had the same experience with all 3 browsers.

In my opinion Dreamstime has a degenerate and poorly written website that does not work as it is promoted. Dreamstime refuse to answer any questions about these issues and therefore cannot be trusted and are taking advantage of their customers by failing to rectify the problems on the Dreamstime website.

I am truly disgusted by Dreamstime and definitely do not recommend using Dreamstime because if something does go wrong they are unwilling to deal with it and just fob you off – it is an utter disgrace. Angry


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hoi ha

« Reply #35 on: November 12, 2011, 21:52 »

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Quote from: juscommune on November 11, 2011, 18:49

This just makes no sense to me whatsoever – I have downloaded thousands of images from dreamstime over the years and have never encountered any issues as you describe.

You are a troll right? I mean what is an “archived file”? Microstock does not offer archiving services as far as I know – my guess is your making this all up because your complaints don’t even match what is offered for sale. It’s like saying I went to the pet store and they screwed me over when I placed my order with them for filet mignon – I think you are talking rubbish – sorry.


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juscommune

New Member

« Reply #36 on: November 13, 2011, 02:05 »

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Quote

You are a troll right? I mean what is an “archived file”? Microstock does not offer archiving services as far as I know – my guess is your making this all up because your complaints don’t even match what is offered for sale. It’s like saying I went to the pet store and they screwed me over when I placed my order with them for filet mignon – I think you are talking rubbish – sorry.

You ought to keep your derogatory and insulting remarks to yourself as they are unhelpful. I suggest you read what I have actually stated (from the beginning), then read the following on the Dreamstime website before going off making completely baseless accusations:

http://www.dreamstime.com/faq8-may-i-download-the-same-image-twice-

As I have said - it is what Dreamstime do when there is an actual problem that counts. If everything goes as promised and expected then there would be no reason to make a negative recommendation.

My comments are based on the facts and my experiences. That is what forums are about - a place to discuss one's experiences - not a place to be insulted.


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Cogent Marketing

« Reply #37 on: November 14, 2011, 16:56 »

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"My comments are based on the facts and my experiences. That is what forums are about - a place to discuss one's experiences - not a place to be insulted."
This is such a place. Count your blessings, if this had been the IS forum your OP would have been locked (and probably removed) and you would have had the pleasure of a spiteful remark made at you from Lobo. Don't for one minute think that sites like IS respect buyers whereas generally, sites like DT (although you might not agree) and SS tend to serve buyers better. Compared to IS you're in a good place. I'd give them another chance but whatever you do don't take your business to IS - that would be a real mistake.

PS I speak as both a buyer and a contributor for both IS and DT for over six years.


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jbarber873

« Reply #38 on: November 14, 2011, 22:02 »

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Quote from: juscommune on November 13, 2011, 02:05

Quote

I think you're just looking for a fight, and trying to make an issue out of nothing. I fully support Dreamstime as a reputable and well run microstock agency. You're hysterical posts say much about you, and nothing about Dreamstime. I also agree with Warren that the original reply by Dreamstime's "representative" was childish and unprofessional. Unfortunately, in microstock, people in positions of power at these agencies often confuse pettiness with passion. As for reading the Dreamstime website before posting, you ought to take your own advice.


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helix7

« Reply #39 on: November 14, 2011, 23:04 »

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Quote from: juscommune on November 01, 2011, 19:31

...To begin with I will restate that my experience with Dreamstime has been far less than satisfactory – this is my experience and I am here to warn potential users of the Dreamstime website and what they can expect based on how the site is presented and used.

This is not to say that everyone will experience a problem – that is why I am posting on here to bring these issues to the attention of others...

I'd say your experience has been extremely unusual, and despite numerous comments here suggesting the same, you insist on "warning" others of this experience which you seem to think is normal.

It's pretty obvious that you are dissatisfied with Dreamstime. That's fine. But understand that your experience was not common and there's no reason to come into a contributor's forum to warn buyers (that makes no sense, by the way) about some things that you think are in some way misleading or improper. You've been told many times here that your personal experience and reaction to the DT system was unusual. DT is obviously not for you, so just move on.

Good luck finding another site that treats you better, though. Most people find that DT is a great site with excellent customer service. I've personally had nothing but pleasant experiences with DT staff. Like most folks around here I could name a few places where you'd find a less hospitable support atmosphere.


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