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Author Topic: Dreamstime Revealing Contributors' Real Names and Location on the Website  (Read 15827 times)

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« on: September 23, 2016, 08:04 »
+3
https://www.dreamstime.com/thread_45679

For now, it doesn't affect all contributors but only' test rabbits' (who were not informed or asked for permission before).
They claim it will improve the sales, because some buyers have allegedly complained that they can't see the real names and locations of the copyright holders.

For crying out loud, no other major microstock site does it, so how can it improve sales?
I think some lawyers must teach these guys the hard way why the right to privacy matters, because they apparently don't get it.
« Last Edit: September 23, 2016, 08:10 by LDV81 »


« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2016, 08:35 »
+8
A lot of agency list my name under the copyright. It doesn't seem like anything new. It would be annoying if they showed my address or phone number, but name and location seems like good basic info to have.

« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2016, 08:47 »
+7
I would like to have my business contact information widely available.   It's my business, after all. 

« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2016, 09:00 »
+5
A lot of agency list my name under the copyright. It doesn't seem like anything new. It would be annoying if they showed my address or phone number, but name and location seems like good basic info to have.

They show it because you chose to show it. Every other major site has an option to show only the username and not the identity. Many people have legitimate reasons not to reveal their identity on microstock sites.

« Reply #4 on: September 23, 2016, 09:01 »
+17
I would like to have my business contact information widely available.   It's my business, after all.

Some people have also businesses in other fields and might not want to be associated with the micros.

« Reply #5 on: September 23, 2016, 09:23 »
+5
I remember one photographer which after similar but accidental case stopped all stock activities. He was threatened to loose a day time job. In my case during interview for a contracting i was requested to shut down all online shops and portfolios. If for me it was a condition for future contract, for him it was a consequence of HR research about him.

« Reply #6 on: September 23, 2016, 09:24 »
+2
Boy, that's a slippery slope with copyright ownership.  No one wants DT to claim ownership but if it's up for sale by Shutterbug1973 the pseudonym isn't the owner either.

« Reply #7 on: September 23, 2016, 09:51 »
+4
I would like to have my business contact information widely available.   It's my business, after all.

Some people have also businesses in other fields and might not want to be associated with the micros.

Just to play devil's advocate here... Does an agency have more responsibility to help someone maintain some sort of subterfuge or to be more transparent about the people/businesses that provide artwork to their company?

« Reply #8 on: September 23, 2016, 10:27 »
+6
I would like to have my business contact information widely available.   It's my business, after all.

Some people have also businesses in other fields and might not want to be associated with the micros.

Just to play devil's advocate here... Does an agency have more responsibility to help someone maintain some sort of subterfuge or to be more transparent about the people/businesses that provide artwork to their company?

This is absolute nonsense. The agency knows exactly who the image supplier is, they can request a copy of the ID, whatever. If the buyer has important reasons to know who the copyright holder is, they can contact the agency and ask for this info. They buyers enter a contractual agreement with the agency, not with the contributors.

Justanotherphotographer

« Reply #9 on: September 23, 2016, 11:15 »
+1
I thought they all did it. I keep finding my work attributed "copyright My Real Name/ Agency Name" even for agencies where I have a different username.

You are the copyright holder so expect to have to inform your buyer who you are when licencing your work.

« Reply #10 on: September 23, 2016, 11:59 »
+2
I would like to have my business contact information widely available.   It's my business, after all.

Some people have also businesses in other fields and might not want to be associated with the micros.

Just to play devil's advocate here... Does an agency have more responsibility to help someone maintain some sort of subterfuge or to be more transparent about the people/businesses that provide artwork to their company?

This is absolute nonsense. The agency knows exactly who the image supplier is, they can request a copy of the ID, whatever. If the buyer has important reasons to know who the copyright holder is, they can contact the agency and ask for this info. They buyers enter a contractual agreement with the agency, not with the contributors.

That's what transparency is though. It's letting buyers know without having to ask because they can already see it.

« Reply #11 on: September 23, 2016, 12:12 »
+11
I would like to have my business contact information widely available.   It's my business, after all.

Some people have also businesses in other fields and might not want to be associated with the micros.

Just to play devil's advocate here... Does an agency have more responsibility to help someone maintain some sort of subterfuge or to be more transparent about the people/businesses that provide artwork to their company?

This is absolute nonsense. The agency knows exactly who the image supplier is, they can request a copy of the ID, whatever. If the buyer has important reasons to know who the copyright holder is, they can contact the agency and ask for this info. They buyers enter a contractual agreement with the agency, not with the contributors.

That's what transparency is though. It's letting buyers know without having to ask because they can already see it.

In that case I want to know who buys my images and where they live, so that I can monitor if their usage complies with the license conditions. Will DT reveal this info? I don't think so.

« Reply #12 on: September 23, 2016, 12:36 »
0
I would like to have my business contact information widely available.   It's my business, after all.

Some people have also businesses in other fields and might not want to be associated with the micros.

Just to play devil's advocate here... Does an agency have more responsibility to help someone maintain some sort of subterfuge or to be more transparent about the people/businesses that provide artwork to their company?

This is absolute nonsense. The agency knows exactly who the image supplier is, they can request a copy of the ID, whatever. If the buyer has important reasons to know who the copyright holder is, they can contact the agency and ask for this info. They buyers enter a contractual agreement with the agency, not with the contributors.

That's what transparency is though. It's letting buyers know without having to ask because they can already see it.

In that case I want to know who buys my images and where they live, so that I can monitor if their usage complies with the license conditions. Will DT reveal this info? I don't think so.

You probably could, but you typically have to buy that type of private customer information.  ;D

Justanotherphotographer

« Reply #13 on: September 23, 2016, 12:48 »
+2
Sellers have proven they can't be trusted with that info. by bothering buyers. It's what you get when you crowd source content.

« Reply #14 on: September 23, 2016, 13:02 »
+7
Sellers have proven they can't be trusted with that info. by bothering buyers. It's what you get when you crowd source content.

Oh, but revealing the contributor's identity to the whole world, including all the world's scammers and crooks is OK? Some people have been uploading pictures of their kids and kids of their friends, on the assumption that their identity is not revealed to the whole world. And now what, a few fussy buyers complained and DT revealed this information, just like this, without any warning or permission from the affected contributors.

If the buyers have problems with trustworthiness, then it is a problem of the agency, not the contributors. After this stunt I lost my trust in DT.

If a buyer doesn't like the fact that some contributors don't show their identity, very well. They can go to FT, SS, IS, 123. Oh, these agencies also have a privacy option... But somehow only DT buyers have a problem with that. Therefore it is the agency's problem. 

« Reply #15 on: September 23, 2016, 13:10 »
+2
If the buyers have problems with trustworthiness, then it is a problem of the agency, not the contributors. After this stunt I lost my trust in DT.

That's what it usually boils down to in the end though. Contributors aren't particularly important. They can always find more.

« Reply #16 on: September 23, 2016, 14:22 »
+4
I don't get it. Why would buyer need contributors' name? I thought they only care for image, that they need. Why would they care, who is owner of the file? It makes no sense...

I think there's something else behind this, maybe they want to go around agency and buy directly from contributor?

« Reply #17 on: September 23, 2016, 16:36 »
+1
A valid point was made in their forum - the "confidential info" label is the real problem and they could easily allow a display name and country like everyone else.  The other downside of confidentiality is that you can't search for someone's port using his name.

« Reply #18 on: September 23, 2016, 17:48 »
+5
I would like to have my business contact information widely available.   It's my business, after all.

Some people have also businesses in other fields and might not want to be associated with the micros.

Just to play devil's advocate here... Does an agency have more responsibility to help someone maintain some sort of subterfuge or to be more transparent about the people/businesses that provide artwork to their company?

Ridiculous!  If you have photos of models, especially kids in your port, why would you want your location available?   Not hard to go from where the studio is to be able to find the models.

I don't mind my name being used.  It is my address, even as little as the city,  that is an issue.
« Last Edit: September 23, 2016, 17:53 by PixelBytes »

« Reply #19 on: September 23, 2016, 20:31 »
+1
 IM FEELING ABSOLUTELY UNCONFORTABLE BEING ASSOCIATED WITH A COMPANY GIVING AWAY IMAGES SO CHEAP!
How to explain this to clients?

Since 2012 theres only one way on DT, the way down, and i dont think DT gonna pay my bills in the future.
Iwould have no problem if a buyer requests my identity, and of course, i get his data in this case.

The shady thing here is the total lack of control on my side, not the on the buyers one.

DT should remove confidential and then concentrate on advertising and repairing the search engine.



ps:
"Lets see, mh, contibutor is in xy, we are on the other side of this planet, mh, guess what, i think we dont need an EL"


« Reply #20 on: September 24, 2016, 17:06 »
+2
Now how difficult can be for a hacker to find out all information about anyone, phone number..... when your name, country and city is publicly displayed? How can it be helpful for buyers if they know my exact location? Is this some kind of discrimination?
They should remove the text itself (confidential info) and let people choose what they want.
This comes after Facebook blocked millions of users and they ask a copy of a governmental ID to unblock them.
Unbelievable, and some of you still believe that this is done in good faith.

Please keep us informed if anything happens. I have nothing to hide but I can't stand to be pressed, especially not form people who make their money from my work. I will close my account on DT the moment they force me, they are not worth it anyway.
« Last Edit: September 24, 2016, 17:19 by Dodie »

« Reply #21 on: September 25, 2016, 02:34 »
+3
Out of curiosity do we know the names of the Directors and location of their homes?

« Reply #22 on: September 25, 2016, 02:37 »
+2
Dreastime is dying and is looking for ( ridiculous)ways to survive.
Who thinks that Giving contributor name will change something ?!
Aren't there more important problems to solve ?



« Reply #23 on: September 25, 2016, 03:36 »
+2
Now how difficult can be for a hacker to find out all information about anyone, phone number..... when your name, country and city is publicly displayed? How can it be helpful for buyers if they know my exact location? Is this some kind of discrimination?
They should remove the text itself (confidential info) and let people choose what they want.
This comes after Facebook blocked millions of users and they ask a copy of a governmental ID to unblock them.
Unbelievable, and some of you still believe that this is done in good faith.

Please keep us informed if anything happens. I have nothing to hide but I can't stand to be pressed, especially not form people who make their money from my work. I will close my account on DT the moment they force me, they are not worth it anyway.

I agree. It's just one part of the puzzle how contributors are treated by agencies.

The point IMHO is not the brought question disclosure of personal data or not but the attempt of an agency to take away the inherent right to every single person to decide him-/herself where to publish personal data. It's a No-Go that an agency publishes full names and home location to people (buyers) we even have not the slightest clue about. That's absolutely not acceptable.

BTW in Germany we have the Bundesdatenschutzgesetz (Law to protect personal data). It might be one of the most severe laws in this field. It's simply unlawful to disclose any information without the written permission of the person.

Anyway if an agency seems to be dying it seems to me counterproductive to chase away contributors. Obviously ports had already been deleted.





« Reply #24 on: September 25, 2016, 05:21 »
0
Out of curiosity do we know the names of the Directors and location of their homes?

I understand this is rhetorical question but theirs is as easy to find out as ours.

Serban Enache, CEO and co-founder  - http://blog.digitalmedialicensing.org/?tag=dreamstime
with a little more digging on google, facebook, twitter and telephone companies, you can find out everything you want to know.
location: Bucharest, Romania  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamstime
« Last Edit: September 25, 2016, 05:24 by Dodie »

« Reply #25 on: September 25, 2016, 05:30 »
+2
I agree. It's just one part of the puzzle how contributors are treated by agencies.

The point IMHO is not the brought question disclosure of personal data or not but the attempt of an agency to take away the inherent right to every single person to decide him-/herself where to publish personal data. It's a No-Go that an agency publishes full names and home location to people (buyers) we even have not the slightest clue about. That's absolutely not acceptable.

BTW in Germany we have the Bundesdatenschutzgesetz (Law to protect personal data). It might be one of the most severe laws in this field. It's simply unlawful to disclose any information without the written permission of the person.

Anyway if an agency seems to be dying it seems to me counterproductive to chase away contributors. Obviously ports had already been deleted.
I totally agree with you.
Besides, my country, Romania is well know for having the most efficient and unscrupulous hackers (and thieves) in the world (shame or not). We are constantly warned on TV and news not to disclose our personal data, except to governamental entities. Now an agency from the same region tells me to do the oposite, that's ridiculous.

Many simple-minded people have disclosed their data to retailers on those application forms for loyalty cards, points cards, which also entail agreements by the store concerning customer privacy. The end result is that more and more bank accounts are emptyed day by day, not to mention phone calls and emails.

Everyone who wants to build a buisiness around his/her name, is free to do it but let me decide what I want for myself.

« Reply #26 on: September 25, 2016, 05:46 »
0
Out of curiosity do we know the names of the Directors and location of their homes?

I understand this is rhetorical question but theirs is as easy to find out as ours.

Serban Enache, CEO and co-founder  - http://blog.digitalmedialicensing.org/?tag=dreamstime
with a little more digging on google, facebook, twitter and telephone companies, you can find out everything you want to know.
location: Bucharest, Romania  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamstime
Actually I was genuinely curious just wondered if its easily available on their site. I'm not overly concerned but it just seems poor form to change things without telling people.

« Reply #27 on: September 25, 2016, 06:03 »
0
Out of curiosity do we know the names of the Directors and location of their homes?

I understand this is rhetorical question but theirs is as easy to find out as ours.

Serban Enache, CEO and co-founder  - http://blog.digitalmedialicensing.org/?tag=dreamstime
with a little more digging on google, facebook, twitter and telephone companies, you can find out everything you want to know.
location: Bucharest, Romania  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamstime
Actually I was genuinely curious just wondered if its easily available on their site. I'm not overly concerned but it just seems poor form to change things without telling people.

I agree.
« Last Edit: September 25, 2016, 06:19 by Dodie »

« Reply #28 on: September 25, 2016, 14:54 »
0
let me decide what I want for myself.

yep!!! I can't agree more

« Reply #29 on: September 25, 2016, 17:25 »
+1
Contributors' names and locations were "confidential information", at least it was labeled as such on DTs website. And now what, out of the blue, they decided that the right way to handle "confidential information" is to reveal it to the whole world, just like this, without even asking the affected people.

Until now, I perceived Achilles as an intelligent person. After this stunt I changed my mind. Hard to trust these guys anymore.

For the sake of "transparency" and "trust" they should also publish the entire list of their customers with their locations and the list of files that they have licensed, without asking them for permission. Let me guess, ain't gonna happen...
« Last Edit: September 25, 2016, 17:32 by LDV81 »

« Reply #30 on: September 25, 2016, 21:04 »
0
Quote
Just to play devil's advocate here... Does an agency have more responsibility to help someone maintain some sort of subterfuge or to be more transparent about the people/businesses that provide artwork to their company?

Where is the "subterfuge" here? There are plenty of valid reasons why people choose to protect their anonymity on the Internet.
DT asked for contributors' feedback and it was overwhelmingly negative. I, for one, I'm still hoping the company will do the right thing, and decide against revealing everyone's name and location.

angelawaye

  • Eat, Sleep, Keyword. Repeat

« Reply #31 on: September 25, 2016, 21:29 »
+2
I looked at my page and it says "confidential info" - how are buyers seeing this? Did you check your settings? I definitely don't want people seeing all my info... Screw transparency. No other agency shows it ...

« Reply #32 on: September 25, 2016, 21:58 »
+1
Quote
Just to play devil's advocate here... Does an agency have more responsibility to help someone maintain some sort of subterfuge or to be more transparent about the people/businesses that provide artwork to their company?

Where is the "subterfuge" here? There are plenty of valid reasons why people choose to protect their anonymity on the Internet.
DT asked for contributors' feedback and it was overwhelmingly negative. I, for one, I'm still hoping the company will do the right thing, and decide against revealing everyone's name and location.

The first couple reasons mentioned in the thread were about wanting to hide from employers or not wanting people to know they were in microstock. There are a million great reasons to want to be anonymous, but those made me chuckle a bit. That said, I can see the other side too of buyers having good reasons to want to know about contributors. I guess it's probably just easier to make it optional.

« Reply #33 on: September 26, 2016, 02:16 »
0
Does anyone know how to delete the entire port without deactivation every single image?

« Reply #34 on: September 26, 2016, 02:44 »
0
Does anyone know how to delete the entire port without deactivation every single image?
I've just read the FAQ and you can only deactivate your files (some of them). It takes 12 month after deactivation and inactivity to delete your account.
Although, I've seen some exclusives with recently deactivated accounts, always with 4 images still shown. I think they asked DT to do that.

There is a new posting from Achille on their forum. They reverted to the old version but they are cooking something in secret:
"We will revert this info for the initial batch as well, while we will work to bring the best decision for everyone."
They are not trustworthy any more
« Last Edit: September 26, 2016, 03:04 by Dodie »

« Reply #35 on: September 26, 2016, 03:02 »
+3
The first couple reasons mentioned in the thread were about wanting to hide from employers or not wanting people to know they were in microstock. There are a million great reasons to want to be anonymous, but those made me chuckle a bit. That said, I can see the other side too of buyers having good reasons to want to know about contributors. I guess it's probably just easier to make it optional.
Could you please name just one of them?

I have (just deleted) my website link on my personal info page in case anyone needs more insight about me, so it's not a secret but I don't like to be bullied by anyone.
It is not as much about revealing this info but about elementary human rights like privacy.

« Reply #36 on: September 26, 2016, 05:46 »
0
Does anyone know how to delete the entire port without deactivation every single image?
... I think they asked DT to do that.

There is a new posting from Achille on their forum. They reverted to the old version but they are cooking something in secret:
"We will revert this info for the initial batch as well, while we will work to bring the best decision for everyone."
They are not trustworthy any more

unacceptable for me.

Leaving it to DT deleting my images I wouldn't have any control on my images and account any more.

In the past they sold some of my deactivated images. They didn't give any satisfying explanation for this although I asked them to do so. 

I am cautious :-\




« Reply #37 on: September 26, 2016, 07:24 »
0
Quote
I wouldn't have any control on my images and account
I know but you don't have control anyway. Apparently most agencies (if not all) have changed delete to disable. Once in, there is no way out.

« Reply #38 on: September 26, 2016, 08:29 »
+1
The first couple reasons mentioned in the thread were about wanting to hide from employers or not wanting people to know they were in microstock. There are a million great reasons to want to be anonymous, but those made me chuckle a bit. That said, I can see the other side too of buyers having good reasons to want to know about contributors. I guess it's probably just easier to make it optional.
Could you please name just one of them?

I have (just deleted) my website link on my personal info page in case anyone needs more insight about me, so it's not a secret but I don't like to be bullied by anyone.
It is not as much about revealing this info but about elementary human rights like privacy.

I would think some buyers just like to know who they are buying from or want to follow them on social media. Others might prefer to work with local artists from their city, state or country. Some may want to contact the artist first because they want the option of additional freelance work in the same style or to hire them to make slight changes. I try to make myself easily available, so I get contacted for a variety of freelance work and different people sometimes just popping in to say hi.

« Reply #39 on: September 26, 2016, 11:47 »
0
I upload travel photos only and can't see how my location will help the potential buyer

« Reply #40 on: September 26, 2016, 12:17 »
+3
Now they came up with a new reason saying that we "don't see the big picture" which would be:
- some exclusives are lying, uploading to other places too;
- some contributors are thieves and upload other peoples pictures too;

So, it's not the buyers any more. I don't understand what has this to do with my name.
We all had to upload a copy of a valid government issued photo ID at the moment of sign up, didn't we all?
So how can't they identify those liars?



« Reply #41 on: September 26, 2016, 20:03 »
+1
Some people have also businesses in other fields and might not want to be associated with the micros.

Right, I would close my port if any of the agencies that I submit reveal my real name. It's better if they let us select the name we want to show in copyright statement, like SS do. Unfortunately, agencies like 123RF show username  in copyright statement (but it's still better than showing real name).
« Last Edit: September 26, 2016, 20:05 by anathaya »

« Reply #42 on: October 03, 2016, 03:20 »
0
Mere BS. Some people are selling their stock as RM and this with DT revealing real name is pure rip-off again! Not to mention that some people are selling under pseudonym because they must keep low profile because of various mob-related subjects... E.G. various theifs and extortionist or even ex wifes who just wait to get their hands in authors pockets!


 

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