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Author Topic: Dreamstime - Is it time to leave  (Read 29140 times)

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« Reply #50 on: March 06, 2009, 11:29 »
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my sales have increased rapidly on there never had any probs I certainly wont consider leaving


« Reply #51 on: March 06, 2009, 13:05 »
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Wow - how can you even begin to analyze micro stock companies results with a portfolio of on 142 images - and I would guess those 142 images haven't been available online for long either...?
I have a lot of problems with DT.  Mostly I am not happy with my sales there.  ...

fred


Hey, I just got fed up with everybody else whining about FT and thought I would whine about DT for a change.  They are NOT god's (or whoever's) gift to MicroStrock you know!

c h e e r s
fred
   
« Last Edit: March 06, 2009, 13:10 by Fred »

lisafx

« Reply #52 on: March 06, 2009, 13:52 »
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Everyone's experience is different, and people are entitled to their own opinions. It's not a contest - you don't have to like one (DT) and complain about the other (FT) or visa versa. 

Each site has its different issues, strengths and weaknesses. 

Personally Dreamstime is my favorite - not for touchy feely reasons and not because I am just a hobbyist or just have a few images.  I have named my reasons for preferring them in numerous other threads and don't need to reiterate them all here.  My opinion is based on over 4 years of doing this, and having over 4K images on all the major micros.   

This is my full time living and Dreamstime treats its contributors like professionals, not like third world sweatshop workers to be exploited.   

« Reply #53 on: March 06, 2009, 14:41 »
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Everyone's experience is different, and people are entitled to their own opinions. It's not a contest - you don't have to like one (DT) and complain about the other (FT) or visa versa. 

Each site has its different issues, strengths and weaknesses. 

Personally Dreamstime is my favorite - not for touchy feely reasons and not because I am just a hobbyist or just have a few images.  I have named my reasons for preferring them in numerous other threads and don't need to reiterate them all here.  My opinion is based on over 4 years of doing this, and having over 4K images on all the major micros.   

This is my full time living and Dreamstime treats its contributors like professionals, not like third world sweatshop workers to be exploited.   

My favorite is the site that pays me most for my time.  DreamsTime has failed pretty miserably in that department for me.  I wouldn't want any newbies to think that because they can make a $100 payout at IS or SS in a few months with 100 images that they can do the same at DT.  DT is just not in the same league.  Better to go with FT and other sites with lower payout limits until you build a portfolio of 500 or so unless you like waiting a long time for your money.

 

« Reply #54 on: March 06, 2009, 14:54 »
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I don't know about anyone else but things happening at Dreamtime lately have seriously made me consider pulling my portfolio from there.

-Their only credible resource has announced she's leaving.

-It's impossible to upload there using any FTP software.

-Yesterday they had a major security breach and are recommending everyone change their password (although they're doing their best to play this down in the forum)

-Sales lately have just plummeted.

-But the final insult for me was reading in the forum about their latest editor, not only has this guy got a mediocre portfolio with low sales, but one of his latest uploads is a photo of a duck, and not just a photo of a duck but one he took standing up and looking down and he even managed to cut the tail out of the frame, I mean for crying out loud this guy is going to be reviewing our work!!!

Yes, given your above statement you should leave now. Do not kick the can down the road. It is nice knowing you! Go Now! Go Quick!

tan510jomast

« Reply #55 on: March 06, 2009, 14:54 »
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agree with lisafx and download . i have a small port like you too , and just only beginning to understand what DT is about. but i am not even one year old. i think realistically, we have to get a larger portfolio . if even the dabblers have 1000 images like download mentioned. even so, 1000 images in your port is not alot, but it shows you're serious and in micro stock for the long run, or at least, it shows you are trying to  .
and oh, one last thing fred, Fotolia nor DT is NOT god's (or whoever's) gift to MicroStrock, IStock is  ;)
« Last Edit: March 06, 2009, 14:56 by tan510jomast »

lisafx

« Reply #56 on: March 06, 2009, 16:20 »
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agree with lisafx and download . i have a small port like you too , and just only beginning to understand what DT is about. but i am not even one year old. i think realistically, we have to get a larger portfolio . if even the dabblers have 1000 images like download mentioned. even so, 1000 images in your port is not alot, but it shows you're serious and in micro stock for the long run, or at least, it shows you are trying to  .


This is the right attitude IMO.  The get-rich-quick days when a couple hundred images will yield profitable results are rapidly growing to a close, if they aren't gone already.  Patience in building a large portfolio of high quality images will be rewarded on pretty much any site worth its salt.  :)

« Reply #57 on: March 07, 2009, 02:17 »
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I agree, if I want to do better anywhere I need to get more images online.     However,  if it takes one site two or three times as long to deliver a payout as several of its competitors on a comparable portfolio, then something is wrong.  I would suggest that DT has simply set their payout level too high. 

After doing this for three years I realize my portfolio is also neither particularly high quality nor particularly well suited to stock - but it works well enough for me elsewhere.  I believe DT has factored the Acceptance Rate into the search algorithm and this could also be part of my problem.  Perhaps other things are factored in that work against me - participation in their forum for example.  I am certainly willing to listen to any explanations of the wide discrepancy on my sales there vice elsewhere.

And my main point is not that DT is so bad or that FT is so good but just that the major sites all tend to be equal, each emphasizing different aspects of the business - i.e. sales, marketing, contributor relations etc.

fred

« Reply #58 on: March 07, 2009, 04:20 »
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I like the $100 payout level.  It isn't difficult to make that every month with DT.  They payout quickly, unlike some of the sites with lower payout levels that have more to process every month.

« Reply #59 on: March 07, 2009, 04:47 »
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I like the $100 payout level.  It isn't difficult to make that every month with DT.  They payout quickly, unlike some of the sites with lower payout levels that have more to process every month.

Well, I can't see your portfolio so I really don't know how your getting a monthly payout relates. If you have a small portfolio it would be an interesting fact.  If you like the $100 level that is fine but DT could (like SS) allow contributors to set it lower if they wanted to be fair (and lose some of the income from zombie accounts and small ports).

I have probably not had as many payouts as most here but I have had a few and never had any problem with any site once I reached their limit.  I even managed to get paid from LuckyOliver once they lowered their payout to a reasonable level.  fred

« Reply #60 on: March 07, 2009, 17:49 »
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I tested the microstock waters last year with a mere 12 photos, I'm currently focusing on improving my camera skill before I dive in properly. Out of all the sites, I've removed my microscopic portfolios from all except BigStock, DT and FT. The rest accepted pictures that I know weren't good enough and never made a hint of a view let alone a sale. Out of them all DT was totally dead until last week when I found sales, the best sales out of all the sites, my pictures are still reasonably close to the first page and I'd say out of all the sites, they've done the best for me. Obviously I'm a mere duckling to it all, but I thought I'd pop my head up.

lisafx

« Reply #61 on: March 07, 2009, 18:56 »
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... I believe DT has factored the Acceptance Rate into the search algorithm and this could also be part of my problem.  Perhaps other things are factored in that work against me - participation in their forum for example.  I am certainly willing to listen to any explanations of the wide discrepancy on my sales there vice elsewhere.


Yes, they definitely do factor in acceptance ratio in search placement. 

I don't think forum participation is a factor though.  I rarely participate in the site forums anymore.  Especially since discovering this group :)

« Reply #62 on: March 08, 2009, 03:25 »
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I also don't think that forum participation is factored into it as they would be rewarding people that are constantly in the forums complaining or asking questions.
I think that this confusion came about as positive participation in the forums is one of the factors that Serban said is involved in being chosen as featured photographer.

 


I don't think forum participation is a factor though.  I rarely participate in the site forums anymore.  Especially since discovering this group :)

« Reply #63 on: March 08, 2009, 06:27 »
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I also don't think that forum participation is factored into it as they would be rewarding people that are constantly in the forums complaining or asking questions.
I think that this confusion came about as positive participation in the forums is one of the factors that Serban said is involved in being chosen as featured photographer.

 


I don't think forum participation is a factor though.  I rarely participate in the site forums anymore.  Especially since discovering this group :)

Appreciate both of your comments.  Can you tell me if appealing reviews is of any use on DT?  I am afraid that my poor acceptance rate in the past may have reviewers giving my stuff greater scrutiny - assume reviewers have this information - I've had some questionable rejections lately but I'm not sure how to appeal or if it is even worth it. 

c h e e r s
fred

« Reply #64 on: March 08, 2009, 08:05 »
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In the midst of all these paeans to DT I'd like to offer a contrasting opinion.  I started doing microstock a couple months ago and have about 40 photos on several sites.  Disclaimer: I'm never going to be hot, I'm just doing objects, my expectations are low, my conclusions apply only to myself. 

I made a few sales on DT in the first 2 weeks, then nothing. After a month, I rather suddenly stopped getting any more views of either old OR recently submitted photos. This pattern was repeated on a couple of other sites.

SS however was completely different. Same photos, but over 10 times the sales, which are continuing. Of course this is mostly 25 cent subscription sales. But I've stopped submitting to any agency except SS, the others are now "dead" as far as my account is concerned. 

I draw 2 conclusions. The main one is that if you're new and don't start selling right away, you're downgraded at some point and might as well give up because people aren't even seeing your images any more. It's not hard to figure this out.  Reviewing is expensive - maybe the biggest cost of running a microstock business - and if you're not selling, they're losing money by paying people to review your images and would really like you to just go away. 

The other conclusion is that ShutterStock does things differently, or maybe the probation period is just longer - we'll see.





Hi Jim,
Perhaps you make the wrong conclusion of these "facts".

You contribute a few months. I think the patron you describe is  kind of typical for what more are experiencing. At least, it's the same, I saw happening in my first months. By the way: 40 files is too less to have more than incidental sales! It's a very very tiny microstock portfolio!

At SS new contributers have an extra exposure to their files for 4 to 6 weeks from their start! In the first two months you sell a lot. After that it will slow down soon! To reach the same amount of downloads, you have to "feed the beast" on a regular base! Send in files and keep doing that. If you don't, your files will just go under in the millions other "lost in time". Feeding it is not only to sell new stuff, but also necessary to get views and so selling possebilities to the rest of your portfolio.

On other sites like Dreamstime the way people search is different. It takes some months before you have more or less regular sales and before your files will be seen. But they have better change to be seen and found still than on SS, after some years.

In general SS is a good earner in the long time, only if you feed it. You'll sell lots of smalls and earn inbetween 25 to 50 % of all from just SS.
Other sites sell less in general, but the fee is higher. Not selling at first there, doesn't mean it will not sell ever!

Of course a lot depends on what you contribute and all kinds of coincidences, we as contributers can not control. But with not at least several hundreds of files on line, you never can get a sale-stream...


Good luck!
Weknow




« Reply #65 on: March 08, 2009, 08:35 »
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Can you tell me if appealing reviews is of any use on DT?  I am afraid that my poor acceptance rate in the past may have reviewers giving my stuff greater scrutiny - assume reviewers have this information - I've had some questionable rejections lately but I'm not sure how to appeal or if it is even worth it. 

c h e e r s
fred

I never appealed any rejections, but what works pretty good is trying to correct whatever they found and re-submit. Most of my re-submits were accepted and that helps to keep your acceptance rate up (mine is a bit above 80%).

« Reply #66 on: March 08, 2009, 09:56 »
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double post
« Last Edit: March 08, 2009, 09:58 by fotografer »

« Reply #67 on: March 08, 2009, 09:57 »
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If you appeal the review I think that if it is then accepted the original refusal will still count against you  and if you re-submit and it is again refused you will then have another refusal against you.



Appreciate both of your comments.  Can you tell me if appealing reviews is of any use on DT?  I am afraid that my poor acceptance rate in the past may have reviewers giving my stuff greater scrutiny - assume reviewers have this information - I've had some questionable rejections lately but I'm not sure how to appeal or if it is even worth it. 

c h e e r s
fred
« Last Edit: March 08, 2009, 09:59 by fotografer »

jim_h

« Reply #68 on: March 08, 2009, 10:57 »
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weknow, thanks for the interesting information. I will find out if my experience follows that pattern.   Many posters seem to be saying that at least some microstocks want a constant flow of new images to feed subscription buyers, so they reward regular submissions with higher search rankings. 

« Reply #69 on: March 10, 2009, 06:04 »
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DT is the best!!!

lisafx

« Reply #70 on: March 10, 2009, 10:29 »
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Appreciate both of your comments.  Can you tell me if appealing reviews is of any use on DT?  I am afraid that my poor acceptance rate in the past may have reviewers giving my stuff greater scrutiny - assume reviewers have this information - I've had some questionable rejections lately but I'm not sure how to appeal or if it is even worth it. 

c h e e r s
fred

I've never appealed a rejection there.  I second the advice about listening to the reason and making sure your new uploads don't fall into the same category.

DT is very picky but I have always found their rejections to be consistent and logical rather than random and arbitrary like on some others. 

As far as I can tell Attilla doesn't work for DT ;)

vonkara

« Reply #71 on: March 10, 2009, 13:23 »
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For old timers who look at the Dreamstime statistic page, you can see the number of users online growth. From an average of 1500 on weekdays 1 or 2 years ago, it goes up to 2500 today. The number of guests online came from around 2000 to 5400 today.

KB

« Reply #72 on: March 13, 2009, 09:58 »
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I'm approaching my 3rd anniversary with Dreamstime, and they'd always been one of my favorite agencies. They continue to perform well for me, a constant #3 in sales behind iStock and Shutterstock.

But I am oh so tired of the "well-covered or too specific" rejections. I had stopped uploading to them for a month, to give them a rest, and see if things change. But they haven't; just got that same rejection this morning on my trial balloon (no, it isn't one that was previously rejected).

As for this thread's title, I'm not about to leave me #3 performer. But I have to decide how to balance my desire to add new images with my fear of harming my acceptance ratio (and thus my search ranking). For now, I guess I'll go back to wait mode, and continue to monitor the situation.

cmcderm1

  • Chad McDermott - Elite Image Photography
« Reply #73 on: March 13, 2009, 23:24 »
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It's funny.  Having read through some of these posts I have never really realized how good DT actually is.  I mean sales are okay, but the site itself and the whole process and experience is totally first rate.  It's one of those sites that just keeps quiet but does what it's supposed to do, day in and day out.

Funny after reading these posts, but I have come to realize that DT is a really good site.  And I've been there 2 1/2 years.  Thanks DT.

tan510jomast

« Reply #74 on: March 14, 2009, 22:50 »
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DT is very picky but I have always found their rejections to be consistent and logical rather than random and arbitrary like on some others. 
yes, they are (picky)... but yes again, their rejections are consistent and logical and if you heed the reviewers reason, you will get better results next time.

As far as I can tell Attilla doesn't work for DT ;)

phew ! may the gods  of microstock be praised  ... :P
 (oh and the man Achilles too).. ;D


 

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