Author Topic: Cannot Recommend Dreamstime (Read 20116 times)

juscommune · « **on:** October 31, 2011, 21:47 »

As a new user of Dreamstime I have had nothing but a dreadful experience and cannot recommend this company or their website which is poorly written and maintained

I've also had the typical fob-off from their support people. It is a joke - plain and simple $:-\$

The fact is dreamstime's website is misleading when it comes to subscriptions and what you can actually download. So if you are going to buy a subscription and expect to get 10, 25 or 50 downloads a day - don't count on it because most of the good pics equal 2 or 3 downloads each so you are really only getting two thirds or worse one third of what you expect to get - it is little more than a con-trick!

When you do download from your lightboxes and select .eps you only get a tiny .jpg - it fails every time to work!

Dreamstime was an awful experience and a waste of money

hoi ha · « **Reply #1 on:** October 31, 2011, 22:33 »

Your experience is very strange but I confess I am not sure exactly what you are complaining about? I have never experienced any problems with DT as a buyer - in fact, when I used to buy at istock I once had a corrupted eps file and reported it to istock support asking not for a refund but for a file that worked - they treated me like I had done something wrong and was trying get a free file or something - they were truly rude and demanded a guarantee that I had destroyed the corrupted file yada yada yada - it was not like I wanted a refund I simply wanted a file that I had paid for - the rudeness of their support on this issue was among the reasons I stopped buying at IS.

At Dreamstime every time I have had a problem they have gone out of their way to fix it and apologise - I think they are a great site who treat all, buyers and sellers, with a degree of professionalism and courtesy. This is why I find your experience difficult to reconcile as it does not tally with mine and most people's.

May I suggest that you contact support with your issues? I am sure they will be more than willing to sort things out in a fair way. And please do report back to us and tell us how things were resolved or what DT's response was.

As to the pricing issue - their pricing seems quite open and easy to understand - is there something that you feel might be misleading?

Microstock Posts · « **Reply #2 on:** November 01, 2011, 01:22 »

Quote from: juscommune on October 31, 2011, 21:47

The fact is dreamstime's website is misleading when it comes to subscriptions and what you can actually download. So if you are going to buy a subscription and expect to get 10, 25 or 50 downloads a day - don't count on it because most of the good pics equal 2 or 3 downloads each so you are really only getting two thirds or worse one third of what you expect to get - it is little more than a con-trick!

Why are they misleading? I'm not a buyer but I just clicked on 'Buy Now' for an image and it takes me to a page giving details of credit packages and subscriptions. For subscriptions it says, Level 0-2 images: 1 download, Level 3-4 images: 2 downloads, Level 5 images: 3 downloads. Misleading, or you just didn't read it?

Metsafile · « **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2011, 04:21 »

My first microstock experience was with DT as a buyer and I've never had any problems.

Mantis · « **Reply #4 on:** November 01, 2011, 07:28 »

I've purchased hundreds of images through Dreamstime and the process was simple, easy to understand and instant. Perhaps you misunderstood their number of credit as they relate to image size?

digitalexpressionimages · « **Reply #5 on:** November 01, 2011, 08:00 »

If you went to Dreamstime's support with the same attitude displayed here then I can understand why they may have treated you with less courtesy than you have come to expect.

I also find it fascinating that you would come to a website for microstock contributors (you know, people trying to earn a living from selling images) and complain that you have to pay extra for "most of the good pics". The sympathy I feel for you at not getting top quality for pennies is overwhelming. I may cry.

I would of course advise you not to go too far in calling a reputable business's practices a con-trick.

Grandpa · « **Reply #6 on:** November 01, 2011, 08:31 »

But i can recommend DT to all users:
- to buyers, becose i have my photos for sale on this site, but DT has too love sales...
- to photographers, expecially dreaming about exclusivity- they will not be allowed submit their images on others, better selling sites! DT is the best site for beginners: no exams, no tests, most friendly. Who stay on DT, never will be an competitor for us on better sites. So, all to Dreamstimes!!!

lisafx · « **Reply #7 on:** November 01, 2011, 14:31 »

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience at DT. That's very unusual. They are known for being one of the most responsive and well-run of the microstock sites, for both buyers and contributors.

viorel_dudau · « **Reply #8 on:** November 01, 2011, 16:53 »

@juscommune - sorry to hear that you didn't manage to use our site. Hundreds of thousands users are happy to use it every day.
When you buy credits or a subscription, the level downloads are clearly specified in the very same page. So how can you call this a con-trick? It's right there, right before the "Buy subscription" button: http://www.dreamstime.com/credits.
If you want to buy only images counted as 1 download, you can use the Dreamfinder, our advanced search, where you can choose the price of the photos that come up in your searches (I guess you need only level 0-2 images).

@Grandpa - for a photographer with such a small portfolio on every site, you sure seem to know a lot about stock industry. If you ever decide to teach courses about the way to success in microstock industry, count me in, I'll pay whatever it takes!

Microstock Posts · « **Reply #9 on:** November 01, 2011, 17:04 »

Quote from: viorel_dudau on November 01, 2011, 16:53

@juscommune - sorry to hear that you didn't manage to use our site. Hundreds of thousands users are happy to use it every day.
When you buy credits or a subscription, the level downloads are clearly specified in the very same page. So how can you call this a con-trick? It's right there, right before the "Buy subscription" button: http://www.dreamstime.com/credits.
If you want to buy only images counted as 1 download, you can use the Dreamfinder, our advanced search, where you can choose the price of the photos that come up in your searches (I guess you need only level 0-2 images).

@Grandpa - for a photographer with such a small portfolio on every site, you sure seem to know a lot about stock industry. If you ever decide to teach courses about the way to success in microstock industry, count me in, I'll pay whatever it takes!

Yo DT. Why do I suddenly respect you more.

juscommune · « **Reply #10 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.

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.

WarrenPrice · « **Reply #11 on:** November 01, 2011, 19:39 »

Quote from: viorel_dudau on November 01, 2011, 16:53

@juscommune - sorry to hear that you didn't manage to use our site. Hundreds of thousands users are happy to use it every day.
When you buy credits or a subscription, the level downloads are clearly specified in the very same page. So how can you call this a con-trick? It's right there, right before the "Buy subscription" button: http://www.dreamstime.com/credits.
If you want to buy only images counted as 1 download, you can use the Dreamfinder, our advanced search, where you can choose the price of the photos that come up in your searches (I guess you need only level 0-2 images).

@Grandpa - for a photographer with such a small portfolio on every site, you sure seem to know a lot about stock industry. If you ever decide to teach courses about the way to success in microstock industry, count me in, I'll pay whatever it takes!

Is this a joke?
Do you really represent a professional organisation?
I hope an official DT representative will offer a correction to this childish, irresponsible response.

Maybe you are just another troll?

viorel_dudau · « **Reply #12 on:** November 01, 2011, 20:33 »

Hi WarrenPrice, what is childish and irresponsible in my response? Cause I can't see it, thanks.

@juscommune - I'm pretty sure that you will receive an answer from support and things are gonna work out. I don't know what "reasonable time" means to you, but usually it takes 24-48 hrs.

Tabimura · « **Reply #13 on:** November 02, 2011, 01:51 »

Quote from: viorel_dudau on November 01, 2011, 20:33

Hi WarrenPrice, what is childish and irresponsible in my response? Cause I can't see it, thanks.

@juscommune - I'm pretty sure that you will receive an answer from support and things are gonna work out. I don't know what "reasonable time" means to you, but usually it takes 24-48 hrs.

The poor attempt to sarcasm in your response to Grandpa is very unprofessional. If you're in this forum often enough, you may take notice of how professional and polite responses are given by representatives of other agencies here.

RolMat · « **Reply #14 on:** November 02, 2011, 02:18 »

Quote

Is this a joke?
Do you really represent a professional organisation?
I hope an official DT representative will offer a correction to this childish, irresponsible response.
Maybe you are just another troll?

Viorel did reply in a quite detailed manner to the OP. As for GrandPa's post, honestly I also didn't get it either. Finally, as for being in this forum often enough, I guess we don't have to post regularly to see what's going on. Guess what, I do, and the big picture as well. That's why some opinions don't surprise me at all. Like Warren's one, who just called Viorel Dudau a troll. Not a joke, he happens to be an official DT representative.

Microstock Posts · « **Reply #15 on:** November 02, 2011, 02:26 »

Quote from: WarrenPrice on November 01, 2011, 19:39

Quote from: viorel_dudau on November 01, 2011, 16:53
@juscommune - sorry to hear that you didn't manage to use our site. Hundreds of thousands users are happy to use it every day.
When you buy credits or a subscription, the level downloads are clearly specified in the very same page. So how can you call this a con-trick? It's right there, right before the "Buy subscription" button: http://www.dreamstime.com/credits.
If you want to buy only images counted as 1 download, you can use the Dreamfinder, our advanced search, where you can choose the price of the photos that come up in your searches (I guess you need only level 0-2 images).

@Grandpa - for a photographer with such a small portfolio on every site, you sure seem to know a lot about stock industry. If you ever decide to teach courses about the way to success in microstock industry, count me in, I'll pay whatever it takes!

Is this a joke?
Do you really represent a professional organisation?
I hope an official DT representative will offer a correction to this childish, irresponsible response.

Maybe you are just another troll?

As far as I know he's passionate about the company he works for, I've seen his posts on DT too. The OP's accusation (or wording) is pretty harsh. I think that the OP has misinterpreted what sub packages entail, although it is pretty clear to the rest of us. To call it a con-trick though and especially for a company like DT, which I personally trust far more than some other microstock sites I could mention, requires response.

As for Grandpa he's entitled to his opinion. If he wants to say that DT is just a place for amateur photographers, I'm sure a lot of people would be offended by that, especially those who do much better than Grandpa and there will be a lot of them.

I like agencies who come on here and defend themselves with some passion. It gives me more confidence in them. Companies like istock and others who basically don't give 2 hoots about what is said about them, show that in their actions too. Example, they can reduce commissions to 15% and not be bothered at all about the outcry. Those who work for DT are clearly passionate about their company and if they respond likewise, that's ok with me, it's far far better than being ignored.

sharpshot · « **Reply #16 on:** November 02, 2011, 03:06 »

My enthusiasm for DT went when I started to get some strange rejections. I don't upload much there now, it takes too long if they are going to reject images that sell on the other sites. I get paranoid because I read that the search takes rejection rates in to account. So now I only upload a few landscapes that I know they like. The problem is, they don't sell as well as things that are likely to get rejected. It's probably my problem, not theirs but it doesn't make me want to upload more. My sales have slumped. Removing old images that don't sell, that I read could improve sales, hasn't worked.

I would like to feel free to upload whatever I want there, I have sold quite a lot over the years and would much prefer the buyers were given a chance to decide if images were useful rather than leaving that subjective decision to reviewers.

Microstock Posts · « **Reply #17 on:** November 02, 2011, 03:13 »

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

If you're in this forum often enough, you may take notice of how professional and polite responses are given by representatives of other agencies here.

A lot of sweet words have been given here by various agencies over the years. Learn to see through it.

sharpshot · « **Reply #18 on:** November 02, 2011, 03:22 »

Some countries don't mind a bit of banter and humour, it makes people seem more human but others think that company representatives should always be very polite. I think it isn't worth offending potential buyers and contributors, just look at the istock forum, they've offended people that have taken their business elsewhere. I don't think that's wise for an international business. Many of us might not understand why people take offence but they do, so it really isn't worth it.

Tabimura · « **Reply #19 on:** November 02, 2011, 04:58 »

Quote from: Microstock Posts on November 02, 2011, 03:13

Quote from: Tabimura on November 02, 2011, 01:51
If you're in this forum often enough, you may take notice of how professional and polite responses are given by representatives of other agencies here.

A lot of sweet words have been given here by various agencies over the years. Learn to see through it.

I am in this longer than you think and I know very well what can lie behind a pretty dressed post from a representative. I wasn't saying anything about whether agency employees are speaking the truth or not, my post was only about the temper of the DT person.
Rolmat's response has quite a different flavour, that's something to be appreciated.

heywoody · « **Reply #20 on:** November 02, 2011, 06:28 »

So Viorel poked a little fun, no biggy, I’ve seen much worse. I think he picked the wrong target though as Grandpa is 100% correct in what he said and very positive about DT and not disrespectful of their contributors as some have interpreted:

Quote from: Grandpa on November 01, 2011, 08:31

But i can recommend DT to all users:
- to buyers, becose i have my photos for sale on this site, but DT has too love sales...

- I’d certainly pimp my DT port before any of the others but it is true that sales per image are much lower than on IS or SS

Quote from: Grandpa on November 01, 2011, 08:31

- to photographers, expecially dreaming about exclusivity- they will not be allowed submit their images on others, better selling sites! DT is the best site for beginners: no exams, no tests, most friendly. Who stay on DT, never will be an competitor for us on better sites. So, all to Dreamstimes!!!

DT certainly is the best for beginners for the reasons stated. He isn’t saying they remain beginners, in fact saying that exclusives will never be competition on other sites is stating that the work is good enough to be competition.

Microstock Posts · « **Reply #21 on:** November 02, 2011, 07:48 »

Quote from: Tabimura on November 02, 2011, 04:58

Quote from: Microstock Posts on November 02, 2011, 03:13
Quote from: Tabimura on November 02, 2011, 01:51
If you're in this forum often enough, you may take notice of how professional and polite responses are given by representatives of other agencies here.

A lot of sweet words have been given here by various agencies over the years. Learn to see through it.

I am in this longer than you think and I know very well what can lie behind a pretty dressed post from a representative. I wasn't saying anything about whether agency employees are speaking the truth or not, my post was only about the temper of the DT person.
Rolmat's response has quite a different flavour, that's something to be appreciated.

@heywoody I don't know, maybe u are better at deciphering it than I am. "Who stay on DT, never will be an competitor for us on better sites." This just read to me as dt contributors are no competition to other site contributors (although they are often the same people anyway). But at the end he says "So, all to Dreamstimes!!!". So maybe he just wasn't able to express clearly what he was thinking. I'm certainly confused now anyway

@Tabimura I can see ur point. But I wasn't implying or even thinking that you weren't in this a long time. What people should understand is that DT is an agency where a lot of the staff have backgrounds similar to our own. They are artists/photographers including the owner etc. These are people who in general are by nature passionate. On Viorel's contributor page he says "I guess this is why we are all here at Dreamstime. We all want to live off our passion. And it’s great when we succeed." Doesn't every artist want to live off their passion. DT is their passion now, they aren't a business or business people who have come in to this industry to do their 9-5 jobs and live off other peoples passion, which is the common trend of agencies, both new and old. I'm sure that a lot of these agencies would give the perfect clinical response to perceived criticism, if they respond at all. They are detached from their business and will move to another job easily because of this detachment. But while they work for the agency that they are with, they will go through the motions, with their clinical responses and their "you can trust us" jargon. But you can't trust them as ultimately they don't really care about their business, the only thing they care about is their pay packet.

I trust a person more who gives an unconventional answer but shows his passion for his company, rather than a person who gives a clinical answer but doesn't really give a dam.

WarrenPrice · « **Reply #22 on:** November 02, 2011, 09:08 »

Quote from: RolMat on November 02, 2011, 02:18

Quote
Is this a joke?
Do you really represent a professional organisation?
I hope an official DT representative will offer a correction to this childish, irresponsible response.
Maybe you are just another troll?

Viorel did reply in a quite detailed manner to the OP. As for GrandPa's post, honestly I also didn't get it either. Finally, as for being in this forum often enough, I guess we don't have to post regularly to see what's going on. Guess what, I do, and the big picture as well. That's why some opinions don't surprise me at all. Like Warren's one, who just called Viorel Dudau a troll. Not a joke, he happens to be an official DT representative.

I think you are finally getting a sense of humor, Rolmat.

And you are learning to "Spin." But, please reread my post. I didn't call anyone anything.
Twisting my words is why I am banned from your forum.
Say hi to Serban.

PS: he sure came across as a troll. Did you think the response was representative of a professional organization? I honestly thought he was trying to start just what this has turned in to.

digitalexpressionimages · « **Reply #23 on:** November 03, 2011, 08:39 »

Quote from: Grandpa on November 01, 2011, 08:31

But i can recommend DT to all users:
- to buyers, becose i have my photos for sale on this site, but DT has too love sales...
- to photographers, expecially dreaming about exclusivity- they will not be allowed submit their images on others, better selling sites! DT is the best site for beginners: no exams, no tests, most friendly. Who stay on DT, never will be an competitor for us on better sites. So, all to Dreamstimes!!!

Dreamstime tests contributors every time they submit. That's what reviewers do. If an image isn't good enough it's rejected, you fail but are free to try again tomorrow. I don't understand istocks test. Any amateur with a decent camera who shoots everyday will eventually come up with 3 shots that pass their little test. That doesn't suddenly make them pros.

I also know of many contributors on Dreamstime with less than a dozen images in their ports, not because they don't submit but because most of their work is not good enough. They are always free to keep trying though and they don't have to wait 6 months. The point is, the quality of material is as good as any site that makes you pass a stupid test first. To say dreamstime is for beginners is an insult to both a top tier agency and it's contributors.

heywoody · « **Reply #24 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).

Microstock Posts · « **Reply #25 on:** November 03, 2011, 10:06 »

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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?

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."

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. $:-\$

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

ThomasAmby · « **Reply #30 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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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?"

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

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.

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

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).

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. $:-\$

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.

hoi ha · « **Reply #35 on:** November 12, 2011, 21:52 »

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

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).

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. $:-\$

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.

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.

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

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- [nofollow]

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.

Cogent Marketing · « **Reply #37 on:** November 14, 2011, 16:56 »

"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.

jbarber873 · « **Reply #38 on:** November 14, 2011, 22:02 »

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

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.

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.

helix7 · « **Reply #39 on:** November 14, 2011, 23:04 »

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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Author Topic: Cannot Recommend Dreamstime (Read 20116 times)

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