Hello.

Back in Feb 2010, because I mistakenly wrote from my self (malamus) using the company buyer account (LL) here is the mistake ( http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=180261&messageid=3118701#post3118701) I wrote this to Istock in December...

At present I do have access to another account created and funded and owned by my employer, I am employed as a graphic designer, who needs to be able to purchase images on behalf on my employer. But due to my exposure to iStock I decided to become a contributor my self and create the account malamus-uk. Is this OK? I don't see why not. here is the link in which it appeared ( http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=282442&page=1)

There was no answer given, just a lot of banter. This morning I (malamus-uk) received a site mail threatening the closure of my Istock account as a contributor with no reason given. It appears that recently, the company I work for's account (strictly a buyer) has requested a refund on mis-purchased files. here is the link ( http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=330630&page=1 ) Is this a scare tactic?

So are buyers allowed to contribute, and more accurately, as a contribute am I allowed to purchase files on behalf of my employer under their account.

I have tried very hard not to be rude in forums, but with all the hard work I have put into photography, to be treated this way is annoying. Also I cannot be responsible for the closure of my company's account.

Does any body have any advice? (appart from lobo whos advice is close one account) not an option unless I am happy to give up all my hard work as a contributer.

I remember when all this started and I think they have really been treating you like dirt.
It was so low of everyone's favorite forum moderator to try and accuse you of dishonesty just to smoke screen the issues you raised as a buyer.
I'm with Baldrick, easiest way to solve it is to convince your employer to stop buying at IStock.

Its hard to pick up sarcasim in text, dot you realy think lobo/istock would prefer us to purchase images else where? I cant understand the logic. And who is this lobo in relation to the big picture. Does he own istock or is he an employ with a chip on his shoulder

Quote from: BaldricksTrousers on June 16, 2011, 04:37

Try persuading your employers to close their account and open one at Shutterstock or Dreamstime. That should keep Lobo/iStock happy

+1

+2
It's sarcasm, but istock has been publicly (in their own forums) disregarding buyer's questions and complaints, as though they don't care. Lobo = employee with chip on his shoulder, as you said. Lousy customer service skills. Your company is likely to find just as good quality using one of the other sites, as well as saving some money.

I think FWIW you should push back and ask (politely) what rule you have violated.

It's clear lobo isn't happy about this, but threatening to close a contributor account (even if they can do it for no reason at any time because the contract is all written in iStock's favor) is a serious matter. Basic fairness (and legal principles in many western countries) requires that (a) rules/laws be clear enough that you know when you're breaking them and (b) you have information about what rule/law you're being accused of breaking.

This smells like bullying rather than fair discipline for some sort of infraction.

Try persuading your employers to close their account and open one at Shutterstock or Dreamstime. That should keep Lobo/iStock happy

If I could guarantee the loss of earnings to istock were going to come straight out of lobos pocket, well I think that would be very tempting, but I don't have that power. I just use the account when its my shift on the magazine.