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Agency Based Discussion => Dreamstime.com => Topic started by: fritz on January 22, 2012, 20:27

Title: Is DT alive ?
Post by: fritz on January 22, 2012, 20:27
This is really strange. Last downloaded file was week ago(01/16/2012).Having only 1200 files there because of their stupid policy(Too many photos/illustrations on the same subject or from the same series) so stopped upload new files months ago. Last January  had 3x more downloads with 50% less files in port.
"Well" done DT ;D
Just for comparison

So far in January:
SS - 581 dl
IS -  400 dl
DT - 36  dl
Even on Photo Dune have 80 - dl

Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: stockastic on January 22, 2012, 20:53
I'm always surprised at how results vary for different photographers.  Obviously these agencies aren't all selling into the same market.

 For my small portfolio, there's no comparison between DT and PD;  PD has produced absolutely zilch while  DT continues to generate a steady trickle of sales.   DT only makes me a fraction of what I make on SS, but on DT my old photos continue to sell now and then; while on SS, most fade away in a few weeks.

Like I said, my portfolio is very small and contains no "people" shots at all.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: click_click on January 22, 2012, 23:49
DT has kept going down for me over the last 2 years - no joy there.

As you mentioned the increasing rejections for similars didn't make things easier.

Therefore I only upload a fraction to their collection, still though, I've seen better times with them like 3 years ago.

I made a lot more money with a lot less images. Shame, especially since most agencies keep earning me more and more royalties, no idea why DT can't keep it up for me???
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: nicku on January 23, 2012, 01:01
DT is in a constant fall for me...

Nov. 60% less than Oct (when i was exclusive)
Dec 30% less than Nov.
Ian. i estimate 10% less than Dec.

FT is in a surprising increase ( already 100% up compared with Dec.)

SS... :)) no terms of comparison.

I hope to be only a temporary think.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: lagereek on January 23, 2012, 01:54
Yep,  its a bit slow at the moment but I think they have been in the process of moving and everything, havent they?  I recon it will all start to pick up again come february.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: hoi ha on January 23, 2012, 02:10
yup slow for me too - especially over the past 6 weeks or so ... but simply ebb and flow methinks ... or so I hope.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: nicku on January 23, 2012, 02:14
I believe that the most harmful think for DT is the lvl system. Is a very good think for contributors but not  attractive for buyers that are using credits.

...they have very high prices for lvl 3-5 pictures.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: sharpshot on January 23, 2012, 03:00
December was strong, January isn't as good but it's not over yet.  I'm sure the prices are putting some buyers off.  I used to make more when they paid a flat 50% commission and had lower prices for the images that have sold a lot of times.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on January 23, 2012, 06:28
I have around 150 images with them and have had a couple of sales  :)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Microstock Posts on January 23, 2012, 07:08
I have around 150 images with them for over a week but not a single sale  :-\

DT have a strong emphasis on older + higher level images in search. New images generally don't take off that much.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: trek on January 23, 2012, 08:12
I'm only uploading one or two images per shoot to DT.  Not necessarily the best images, just the first ones I happen to process.  The strict "too many simulars" rule is a colossal blunder.  Buyers want to see more then one angle per object.  They want to see more then one expression per model.  They want choice and if they can't get it a DT they will shop elsewhere.  I understand DT's pricing strategy but they should let market forces decide which images rise up the ranks...  DT's market share is falling among the 12 sites I upload to.  That trend will accelerate if they continue rejecting the same commercially viable images other sites happily accept. 
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: nicku on January 23, 2012, 11:04
I'm only uploading one or two images per shoot to DT.  Not necessarily the best images, just the first ones I happen to process.  The strict "too many simulars" rule is a colossal blunder.  Buyers want to see more then one angle per object.  They want to see more then one expression per model.  They want choice and if they can't get it a DT they will shop elsewhere.  I understand DT's pricing strategy but they should let market forces decide which images rise up the ranks...  DT's market share is falling among the 12 sites I upload to.  That trend will accelerate if they continue rejecting the same commercially viable images other sites happily accept. 

The ''too similar'' problem on DT is relative. i have uploaded around 8 images with a model (picture from the waist up) , dressed in the same cloths but with different face expressions... they were all accepted. if you photograph an object,model or landscape and change just a little the angle (but the same expression, arrangement, landscape) , the files will be rejected. i don't have any problem with '' too much similar photos'' on DT.

PS: It is true that a good part from the reviewers are rejecting files unjustified.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: sharpshot on January 23, 2012, 11:55
^^^So you feel alright about them because you got lucky with the reviewer?  A significant number of contributors have been put off uploading because it seems such a waste of time when images that would sell are rejected.  Looking at my sales, buyers don't like the changes either.  It's not as bad a situation as istock but they have missed a great opportunity to get more buyers.  As earnings with istock have fallen, they have increased with SS but I can't say the same for DT.  They should be doing really well now but I think they have made changes that have lost them a lot of business.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: gostwyck on January 23, 2012, 12:12
^^^So you feel alright about them because you got lucky with the reviewer?  A significant number of contributors have been put off uploading because it seems such a waste of time when images that would sell are rejected.  Looking at my sales, buyers don't like the changes either.  It's not as bad a situation as istock but they have missed a great opportunity to get more buyers.  As earnings with istock have fallen, they have increased with SS but I can't say the same for DT.  They should be doing really well now but I think they have made changes that have lost them a lot of business.

Agree with that and especially the last bit.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: stockmarketer on January 23, 2012, 12:31
Just compared Jan 1 - 23 2011 vs. 2012, and found that I'm up about 20% at DT.  I'm not too excited about that, because I've seen much stronger gains at most the other sites.

Like just about everyone else here, I started getting hit with the "Too Many Similars" hammer about halfway through the year and started trickling my uploads to just a few a month.  So I blame my paltry year-over-year increase to my constrained uploading.  I'm confident that if I were able to get the same number approved as I used to (nearly 100%), the site would still be performing strongly for me.

It's just so frustrating that they stubbornly cling to such an idiotic definition of "similar."  I can see limiting someone who shoots the same model in the same location from a dozen slightly different angles.  Yes, limit that person to one or two accepted pics.  But the things I'm getting hit with the "similar hammer" for are just insane... totally different subject matter and concepts.  Keywords that are completely different.  It's almost like they have a robot filtering out anything that has a somewhat similar shape to existing images in your port.  My pics that get turned away by DT sell extremely well at the other sites, and I'm 100% certain they'd be snapped up by DT buyers.  Madness.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: WarrenPrice on January 23, 2012, 13:03
My experience really takes the cake:
shot a motorcycle race and submitted editorial images.... different motorcycles, different riders, different colors, different captions .... most rejected for similar.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: stockmarketer on January 23, 2012, 13:10
My experience really takes the cake:
shot a motorcycle race and submitted editorial images.... different motorcycles, different riders, different colors, different captions .... most rejected for similar.

Do you have existing motorcycle race photos in your port?  I only ask because DT isn't just comparing the shots in a batch against others in the batch, but they're looking at your whole port.

I can submit a single image to DT, and if there's something remotely like it... can be just a similarly shaped thing but completely different subject matter, concepts and keywords... and it will get rejected.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: WarrenPrice on January 23, 2012, 13:17
Yes... there are images from several races. 
Should that have an effect on a different event? 
I would think the key interest would be WHO is in the picture? 
Most sales indicate that the search was on an individual name.

I guess a motorcycle is a motorcycle is a motorcycle.   ::)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: stockastic on January 23, 2012, 13:57
All these agencies are slowly admitting that their archives are full of repetitious junk and they need to start adddressing that problem.  At the same time they're all trying to reduce costs by outsourcing inspection to companies that are making low bids based on hiring inexperienced people who will be "trained" to the customer's standards.

Put these 2 trends together and you have a recipe for chaos.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: RacePhoto on January 23, 2012, 14:51
This is really strange. Last downloaded file was week ago(01/16/2012).Having only 1200 files there because of their stupid policy(Too many photos/illustrations on the same subject or from the same series) so stopped upload new files months ago. Last January  had 3x more downloads with 50% less files in port.
"Well" done DT ;D
Just for comparison

So far in January:
SS - 581 dl
IS -  400 dl
DT - 36  dl
Even on Photo Dune have 80 - dl

Any thoughts?

Yes. Glad I left DT although they are a respectable and upfront origination. Someone who people should want to work with. All based on lack of sales in my case, nothing else.

Yes. Wondering if I should have apply at Photo Dune?  ;D
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: THP Creative on January 23, 2012, 20:59
Yep DT is having an unusually slow month for me too, especially when for the previous 5 or 6 months things were picking up.

PhotoDune is going pretty well - should you join?

Yep! By using my referral link...  ;D

http://photodune.net/?ref=THP (http://photodune.net/?ref=THP)

They have become about my 4th or 5th best agency.

But back to DT, I'm hoping it's just a January slump.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: rinderart on January 24, 2012, 00:59
Been there since the beginning. They better step up soon.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: pixmicro on January 24, 2012, 08:00
Yes, DT is very slow for me for a week or so. weird...
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on January 24, 2012, 09:28
Yes, DT is very slow for me for a week or so. weird...

+1
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: ShadySue on January 24, 2012, 09:34
I can submit a single image to DT, and if there's something remotely like it... can be just a similarly shaped thing but completely different subject matter, concepts and keywords... and it will get rejected.
Another site off the 'possibly worthwhile list', then.
That sounds as arbitrary as the iStock editorial inspector who persists in wrongly rejecting for date, month, year.
Who's got the time/patience for that sort of hassle.  >:(
Sometimes, I think they do it just to annoy us, or just 'because they can'.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: hofhoek on January 24, 2012, 14:41
On the forum at DT many are complaining about the lack of sales these last weeks. Guess what? Thread is CLOSED......
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on January 24, 2012, 14:56
^^Great, another agency following IS's example (firstly in falling sales, secondly in total censorship)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: cathyslife on January 24, 2012, 15:11
I can submit a single image to DT, and if there's something remotely like it... can be just a similarly shaped thing but completely different subject matter, concepts and keywords... and it will get rejected.
Another site off the 'possibly worthwhile list', then.
That sounds as arbitrary as the iStock editorial inspector who persists in wrongly rejecting for date, month, year.
Who's got the time/patience for that sort of hassle.  >:(
Sometimes, I think they do it just to annoy us, or just 'because they can'.

Up until this past week I was doing same as usual, so I will give them another week or so bounce back. But I am also uploading some new stuff this week, and when I set up a shot, I don't just make one shot. I most definitely do different angles, etc. and I will see how many get rejected for being similar. If they are going to play that game, I'll be crossing them off my list for new uploads, too.

As a side note, not about DT though, I have actually seen some small movement in my Stockfresh images. I think I only have a couple of hundred uploaded there so far, so any movement is a plus.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: borg on January 24, 2012, 16:44
December was strong, January isn't as good but it's not over yet.  I'm sure the prices are putting some buyers off.  I used to make more when they paid a flat 50% commission and had lower prices for the images that have sold a lot of times.
Sharpshot, me and you always have same pattern...  ;)

Yep! December was stronger than usual, for Decembers...
But, my prediction so far for January is -25% if we compare with December, usual was quite opposite...
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: KB on January 24, 2012, 16:47
^^Great, another agency following IS's example (firstly in falling sales, secondly in total censorship)
Where you been, Wut? DT (& FT) lead the way in censorship; IS followed them.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on January 24, 2012, 17:00
^^Great, another agency following IS's example (firstly in falling sales, secondly in total censorship)
Where you been, Wut? DT (& FT) lead the way in censorship; IS followed them.

Wow, I didn't know that, I couldn't have known it first hand of course, since I've never even been in their forums, but I haven't come across such info in this forum as well. There are numerous threads regarding IS though
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on January 24, 2012, 18:05
Still zero downloads. Not impressed  :-[
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: heywoody on January 24, 2012, 18:17
^^Great, another agency following IS's example (firstly in falling sales, secondly in total censorship)
Where you been, Wut? DT (& FT) lead the way in censorship; IS followed them.

In fairness, that thread was locked by the author not the admins
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: ShadySue on January 24, 2012, 18:25
^^Great, another agency following IS's example (firstly in falling sales, secondly in total censorship)
Where you been, Wut? DT (& FT) lead the way in censorship; IS followed them.

Wow, I didn't know that, I couldn't have known it first hand of course, since I've never even been in their forums, but I haven't come across such info in this forum as well. There are numerous threads regarding IS though

A couple of years back, it was always said that DT and FT were far stricter in their censorship than IS. I couldn't possibly say whether the balance of power has changed.
Nobody seems all that interested in DT or FT nowadays; it's all iStock bad, SS good, and a few other posts here and there.  ;) (slight hyperbole)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: KB on January 24, 2012, 18:27
^^Great, another agency following IS's example (firstly in falling sales, secondly in total censorship)
Where you been, Wut? DT (& FT) lead the way in censorship; IS followed them.

Wow, I didn't know that, I couldn't have known it first hand of course, since I've never even been in their forums, but I haven't come across such info in this forum as well. There are numerous threads regarding IS though
You haven't missed anything.

Maybe most here no longer bother with DT's forums, that's why no one talks about it. The censorship there is very high. (Perhaps someone can say which board has the most censorship: DT or FT? As far as I can recall, they both tend to be very heavy-handed and quick to delete posts as well as entire threads.)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Freedom on January 24, 2012, 18:28
ShadySue, if you use DM to submit editorial images, it provides the correct form.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: KB on January 24, 2012, 18:31
ShadySue, if you use DM to submit editorial images, it provides the correct form.
I'm guessing this was posted to the wrong thread?

But, by the way, even DM gets it wrong: It still shows CITY, COUNTRY in caps, which is rejected by the good ol' editorial inspectors (unless you are Edstock, of course).
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: luissantos84 on January 24, 2012, 18:31
this is the only forum we can talk freely BUT watch out once they are looking into here too  ::)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: ShadySue on January 24, 2012, 18:36
ShadySue, if you use DM to submit editorial images, it provides the correct form.

No, it locks you into the US date form, which is only one possible correct form.
The sticky by Sirimo clearly says:
(Location data might be "City, County" or "City, State, Country" etc. Date data might be 'month date year" or "date month year" or in rare circumstances where the specific date isn't known just "month year".)
http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=299102&page=1 (http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=299102&page=1)
I don't use DM for uploading, and that would be another mark against it. I know most people rave about it, but I'm not totally wild on it, and it just seems to be an unecesary extra step in the upload process. I know, it's not DM, it's me; but there you go. I do use it e.g. when I recently found I'd missed an important keywords on several files.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: ShadySue on January 24, 2012, 18:38
ShadySue, if you use DM to submit editorial images, it provides the correct form.
I'm guessing this was posted to the wrong thread?
I was totally confused, thinking he meant I could submit to DT, which I don't, via DM, which one can't, AFAIK. I think it was referring to a remark about random rejections I made above.
Quote
But, by the way, even DM gets it wrong: It still shows CITY, COUNTRY in caps, which is rejected by the good ol' editorial inspectors (unless you are Edstock, of course).
That too.

As you were DTers. Sorry, my original fault for waylaying the thread.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on January 24, 2012, 18:46
^^Great, another agency following IS's example (firstly in falling sales, secondly in total censorship)
Where you been, Wut? DT (& FT) lead the way in censorship; IS followed them.

Wow, I didn't know that, I couldn't have known it first hand of course, since I've never even been in their forums, but I haven't come across such info in this forum as well. There are numerous threads regarding IS though

A couple of years back, it was always said that DT and FT were far stricter in their censorship than IS. I couldn't possibly say whether the balance of power has changed.
Nobody seems all that interested in DT or FT nowadays; it's all iStock bad, SS good, and a few other posts here and there.  ;) (slight hyperbole)

Yeah I started back then, yo I guess I just missed it. Indeed, why should they be, they're much closer by earnings to mid tier agencies than to the top 2. So not something to get too excited about :D . It is a bit of a hyperbole, SS really ain't all that good and neither IS is as bad (in every way, not just earnings or censorship).

P.S. I just love the incredible richness and depth of your vocabulary. I learn a new word/expression in almost every post of yours. I'm thankful for that ;) . I notice Brits tend to use a lot more of the vocabulary (here or in real life), it's just the same with Baldrick's, gostwyck's or jsnover's posts. Not that other native speakers can't express themselves beyond talking like "naive" characters in H-wood teenage movies, but there is a pretty big difference. Well Lisafx is one that comes to mind, that is similar to the MSG bunch I mentioned.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: fritz on January 24, 2012, 18:58
DT forum rule #1
Don't criticize and don't ask questions about refusals!
Kim Jong-il is dead but his spirit is ............
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Artemis on January 24, 2012, 19:15
Buuut, afaik DT never punished anyone for speaking their mind outside their forums, FT on the other hand.....
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: fritz on January 24, 2012, 19:39
Buuut, afaik DT never punished anyone for speaking their mind outside their forums, FT on the other hand.....
Are you sure?
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Artemis on January 24, 2012, 20:01
Not entirely, hence the afaik (as far as i know)...  ;)
Have to admit they're still my favourite agency, but thats also because im barely affected by their similars policy because i usually only pick one, max. two pictures from one shoot...i can definitely see how this policy gets on peeps nerves. They're the only agency where i often get $5-8 on a download though.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: FD on January 24, 2012, 20:27
Maybe most here no longer bother with DT's forums, that's why no one talks about it.
"Happy people have no history". There is nothing wrong with the DT forum but of course it's a site forum read by some buyers too. Most of all, it's a company forum and it serves also as a front for them. There is one taboo on the DT : rejections and similars as a special case of it. No other taboos and I have seen some very straightforward discussions lately (if you sift through the noise of woohoo I got my first 100$). Achilles himself suggested on the forum that the MSG was the place to talk about rejections to get a second opinion.
The censorship there is very high.
I'm sorry but that's simply not true. What happens occasionally is that Achilles intervenes at the end with a roundup, then closes the thread pointing to other (non-closed) threads that dealt with the issue before. Often also the author locks the thread.
(Perhaps someone can say which board has the most censorship: DT or FT?
What sky object gives the most light? The sun or the moon? You must be kidding. On the FT forum you feel like walking on eggs and threads often vanish. iStock, well... you know.
A couple of years ago I had a clash with Achilles but I never felt anything sales-wise. On XYZ at the other hand, there have been cases reported here. Also read what happened to Baldrickstrousers on XYZ.
As far as I can recall, they both tend to be very heavy-handed and quick to delete posts as well as entire threads.)
You must be mixing up agencies or have false memories, at least concerning DT  ;)

Back on topic: after a splendid November, December was barely 1/2 of it and it doesn't recover in January. I had the same trend on 123RF and FT so it must be industry-wide. There are some nasty things going on in Europe, economy-wise, and it feels worse than in 2008.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: fritz on January 24, 2012, 20:32
Anyway, I'm sure my 14 years old daughter with her P&S will be more successful than me on DT.(no similars). I'll keep my work for much much more serious agencies like IS and SS in terms of quality of inspection process.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: KB on January 24, 2012, 20:38
As far as I can recall, they both tend to be very heavy-handed and quick to delete posts as well as entire threads.)
You must be mixing up agencies or have false memories, at least concerning DT  ;)
A third possibility: You don't know everything.  ;D

I guess I'm biased, but DT was the first place I ever had a forum post deleted. In fact, it was the entire thread, which had a few replies in it even though it was deleted in less than one hour. But then, if a thread is deleted, how would you know it, so it's no wonder that you might not know what really happens there sometimes.

I'm not going to go into exact details, but the thread was simply a question about the subscription plan. It had nothing to do with rejections. So there are at least two taboos, and I'd be surprised if it stopped there.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: FD on January 24, 2012, 20:40
Anyway, I'm sure my 14 years old daughter with her P&S will be more successful than me on DT.(no similars).
Sign her up then and make sure she uses my referral  ;)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: FD on January 24, 2012, 20:51
A third possibility: You don't know everything.  ;D
That's all too true. In fact, the longer I live, the less I know. I had all my forum posts deleted on iStock in 2006 and one in 2010 had the lifetime of a quark. That's why I stopped reading it but people report here that it's policed by somebody I would qualify as a low-life sociopath.
I take your word for the deletion of one (your) thread on DT but isn't it a generalization to state that "DT is the worst or as bad as XYZ"? Since you don't like to tell what's it about (canceling the 1 week subs plan? there was a very grumpy nickels & dimes "designer" that complained about it a few weeks ago), it's hard to comment. Peace  8)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: nicku on January 25, 2012, 00:49
I'll keep my work for much much more serious agencies like IS and SS in terms of quality of inspection process.

IS ??? serious agency??  looool  :D :D

Sorry...  I could not resist.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: lagereek on January 25, 2012, 01:25
Alive and kicking!  great day yesterday. :)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: FD on January 25, 2012, 08:06
On the forum at DT many are complaining about the lack of sales these last weeks. Guess what? Thread is CLOSED......
Please, don't spread around un-truth. That topic ("Sad") : This topic was locked by its author.
http://www.dreamstime.com/thread_30241 (http://www.dreamstime.com/thread_30241)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Grandpa on January 25, 2012, 10:03
Sometimes after critique DT in forum, i receive from Achilles/Serban comment for one of my images:
Your posts on the forums are full of negative things about Dreamstime or the stock photo industry overall. Please stop doing that.
After such ''comments'' everybody will lock his/her topic...
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: luissantos84 on January 25, 2012, 10:14
Sometimes after critique DT in forum, i receive from Achilles/Serban comment for one of my images:
Your posts on the forums are full of negative things about Dreamstime or the stock photo industry overall. Please stop doing that.
After such ''comments'' everybody will lock his/her topic...

FD please continue :)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: velocicarpo on January 25, 2012, 10:16
All these agencies are slowly admitting that their archives are full of repetitious junk and they need to start adddressing that problem.  At the same time they're all trying to reduce costs by outsourcing inspection to companies that are making low bids based on hiring inexperienced people who will be "trained" to the customer's standards.

Put these 2 trends together and you have a recipe for chaos.

True. They should adress this Problem through giving more incentive to create real creative content. E.g. an special collection at a different price tag. Exclusives at istock do really well with vetta and this is the way it should be. Yes, istock screwed up, but the good thing about them was that they really invented new concepts while I see no innovation from any of the other ones.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: stockastic on January 25, 2012, 10:25
Sometimes after critique DT in forum, i receive from Achilles/Serban comment for one of my images:
Your posts on the forums are full of negative things about Dreamstime or the stock photo industry overall. Please stop doing that.
After such ''comments'' everybody will lock his/her topic...

I had a similar experience - he left a nasty comment on one of my photos.  I never used the DT forum again.  The guy's a bit high-strung I'd say.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: lisafx on January 25, 2012, 11:31
Anyway, I'm sure my 14 years old daughter with her P&S will be more successful than me on DT.(no similars).
Sign her up then and make sure she uses my referral  ;)

LOL!  Great response!  Thanks for a good chuckle ;D
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: lisafx on January 25, 2012, 11:50

P.S. I just love the incredible richness and depth of your vocabulary. I learn a new word/expression in almost every post of yours. I'm thankful for that ;) . I notice Brits tend to use a lot more of the vocabulary (here or in real life), it's just the same with Baldrick's, gostwyck's or jsnover's posts. Not that other native speakers can't express themselves beyond talking like "naive" characters in H-wood teenage movies, but there is a pretty big difference. Well Lisafx is one that comes to mind, that is similar to the MSG bunch I mentioned.

Thanks Wut!  Happy to be included in such eloquent company :)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Elenathewise on January 25, 2012, 12:38
I have to agree with some people here - limiting choice for customers doesn't help with the sales. After being in this business for 6 years and about 13,000 images in my portfolio I am still surprised sometimes at what becomes a best-selling image. But I am pretty sure I can predict what would be selling and how many "similars" a customer would need better than the average reviewer at DT. They pick a handful of files out of submission seemingly at random and the customers just go elsewhere where they have more choice. I bet one of the reasons SS is so successful is because they have large and diverse library.
Fighting your own contributors is just so stupid. The nature of this business is cooperation. We are as interested to sell as the agency - for a lot of us, it's our only income. And yet they treat us as some dimwits that go around taking random pictures and having no idea of what customers want. That's just insulting.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: gostwyck on January 25, 2012, 12:43
I have to agree with some people here - limiting choice for customers doesn't help with the sales. After being in this business for 6 years and about 13,000 images in my portfolio I am still surprised sometimes at what becomes a best-selling image. But I am pretty sure I can predict what would be selling and how many "similars" a customer would need better than the average reviewer at DT. They pick a handful of files out of submission seemingly at random and the customers just go elsewhere where they have more choice. I bet one of the reasons SS is so successful is because they have large and diverse library.
Fighting your own contributors is just so stupid. The nature of this business is cooperation. We are as interested to sell as the agency - for a lot of us, it's our only income. And yet they treat us as some dimwits that go around taking random pictures and having no idea of what customers want. That's just insulting.

Yep. One of the ironies of this business is that those who do the inspecting are mostly those who are not good enough to do the photography. If they were then they wouldn't waste their time inspecting.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on January 25, 2012, 12:44
I have to agree with some people here - limiting choice for customers doesn't help with the sales. After being in this business for 6 years and about 13,000 images in my portfolio I am still surprised sometimes at what becomes a best-selling image. But I am pretty sure I can predict what would be selling and how many "similars" a customer would need better than the average reviewer at DT. They pick a handful of files out of submission seemingly at random and the customers just go elsewhere where they have more choice. I bet one of the reasons SS is so successful is because they have large and diverse library.
Fighting your own contributors is just so stupid. The nature of this business is cooperation. We are as interested to sell as the agency - for a lot of us, it's our only income. And yet they treat us as some dimwits that go around taking random pictures and having no idea of what customers want. That's just insulting.

Yep. One of the ironies of this business is that those who do the inspecting are mostly those who are not good enough to do the photography. If they were then they wouldn't waste their time inspecting.

I'm not sure about that, at IS there are numerous diamond, even 100k+ inspectors...
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: WarrenPrice on January 25, 2012, 12:50
I have to agree with some people here - limiting choice for customers doesn't help with the sales. After being in this business for 6 years and about 13,000 images in my portfolio I am still surprised sometimes at what becomes a best-selling image. But I am pretty sure I can predict what would be selling and how many "similars" a customer would need better than the average reviewer at DT. They pick a handful of files out of submission seemingly at random and the customers just go elsewhere where they have more choice. I bet one of the reasons SS is so successful is because they have large and diverse library.
Fighting your own contributors is just so stupid. The nature of this business is cooperation. We are as interested to sell as the agency - for a lot of us, it's our only income. And yet they treat us as some dimwits that go around taking random pictures and having no idea of what customers want. That's just insulting.

Yep. One of the ironies of this business is that those who do the inspecting are mostly those who are not good enough to do the photography. If they were then they wouldn't waste their time inspecting.

So... is this Rule #2?

 :P
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: gostwyck on January 25, 2012, 12:54
I'm not sure about that, at IS there are numerous diamond, even 100k+ inspectors...

There are but I think for many of them becoming an inspector is simply the first step to gaining a coveted Admin badge and the money that comes with it. Istock is somewhat different to the others in that respect and I get the impression that they pay better too. I've seen quite a few Diamonds who became inspectors and then quickly dropped it soon afterwards, presumably because it was a poor use of their time and talent. I know Hidesy was one example and I'm not sure if I remember correctly our own SJL displaying an Inspector badge many years ago (?).
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Elenathewise on January 25, 2012, 12:59

I'm not sure about that, at IS there are numerous diamond, even 100k+ inspectors...

And IS is usually more consistent with inspecting than DT. Of course, there is still an issue of conflict of interest - rejecting files of competition, but I won't even go there... that's been discussed many times before and still most of micro agencies totally ignore the elephant in the room.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: FD on January 26, 2012, 05:28
Sometimes after critique DT in forum, i receive from Achilles/Serban comment for one of my images:
Your posts on the forums are full of negative things about Dreamstime or the stock photo industry overall. Please stop doing that.
After such ''comments'' everybody will lock his/her topic...
Come on Viesturs, I'm sure you're a very nice guy in real but I have to admit that one of your latest posts on DT was a trifle grumpy, if I may say so  ;)
Achilles is very possessive and caring about his brainchild he started at a time and a place that wasn't that obvious. I smell ambition and total dedication, also to his photographers. Sometimes the porcupine put its spines up when it feels threatened, even if it's a very cuddly little animal. You have to know the people you are dealing with. Did you ever see somebody of XYZ stand up for his case? They let the dirty work do by retards like Lobo and despise you deep down counting their "revenue".
Specimens like Lobo will soon be gone, Achilles will stand on his ship till the last man (or woman).

Now cheer up and enjoy life  8)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Grandpa on January 26, 2012, 08:11
Sometimes after critique DT in forum, i receive from Achilles/Serban comment for one of my images:
Your posts on the forums are full of negative things about Dreamstime or the stock photo industry overall. Please stop doing that.
After such ''comments'' everybody will lock his/her topic...
Come on Viesturs, I'm sure you're a very nice guy in real but I have to admit that one of your latest posts on DT was a trifle grumpy, if I may say so  ;)
Achilles is very possessive and caring about his brainchild he started at a time and a place that wasn't that obvious. I smell ambition and total dedication, also to his photographers. Sometimes the porcupine put its spines up when it feels threatened, even if it's a very cuddly little animal. You have to know the people you are dealing with. Did you ever see somebody of XYZ stand up for his case? They let the dirty work do by retards like Lobo and despise you deep down counting their "revenue".
Specimens like Lobo will soon be gone, Achilles will stand on his ship till the last man (or woman).
Now cheer up and enjoy life  8)


 Glad to meet you, Hugo! I read many of your posts and understand - you are smart and good man only angry to postsoviet peoples, especially russians, who i`m not...
  I begin with  DT on 2006 (it was too late...), became exclusive, sales were growing, but slow, very slow! I remowed my exclusivity on 2008, submit with the same portfolio on different sites and only on Shutterstock i get regular everyday sales. I regret the lost years, incomes on DT decrease month by month, especially after beginning subscription, very often errors, mistakes, long pending line. DT is  doing ''negative things'', but nobody may write about them! If you critique DT, your sales decrease or stop to some time ( manipulating with search engine). All it is, why i am angry to DT. It can be better site, earn more, but they are doing nothing...
P.S. for example, this months i have on SS - 85 sales/ $38 but on DT- 9 sales/ $5.80, with approximately the same small portfolio. Why must i love DT?!
  

Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: heywoody on January 26, 2012, 13:04
Here's the thing about DT - on what other site will someone with a small port and less than several thousand lifetime DLs regularly get >2$ for an extra small and correspondingly more for bigger files?
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on January 26, 2012, 13:13
Here's the thing about DT - on what other site will someone with a small port and less than several thousand lifetime DLs regularly get >2$ for an extra small and correspondingly more for bigger files?

Those sales indeed are a beauty. 1.05$ subs too (you can't control the size, but compared to subs rates at other sites)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: FD on January 26, 2012, 18:54
Glad to meet you, Hugo! I read many of your posts and understand - you are smart and good man only angry to postsoviet peoples, especially russians, who i`m not...
Let me correct that. There are things I can't touch here because I'm also involved in politics albeit on the back-benchers number-crunching side for now. More than 2/3 of our criminality is imported from "there" but in this professional forum we should avoid politics and religion.

Let's just say that stereotyping is never good and I'm sorry I gave that impression. I have been working online with a group from St.Petersburg the 2nd half of last year and those people are darn good, very good. Before I worked with an Indian company and although they were very good technically, they totally missed any cultural empathy, and that reflected in their usability, design and content. Last but not least, the company we're talking about here and I'm defending (and why not, admiring) is from the other side of the ex-iron curtain fence while XYZ originated in France. There might be some truth in stereotypes (living in the Far East I'm confronted every minute with that) but gifted individuals (like everybody here on this forum is) can easily excel some tendencies in any society. If not, we would still be living in the threes with the other apes.  ;)
I begin with  DT on 2006 (it was too late...), became exclusive, sales were growing, but slow, very slow! I remowed my exclusivity on 2008, submit with the same portfolio on different sites and only on Shutterstock i get regular everyday sales. I regret the lost years, incomes on DT decrease month by month, especially after beginning subscription, very often errors, mistakes, long pending line. DT is  doing ''negative things'', but nobody may write about them! If you critique DT, your sales decrease or stop to some time ( manipulating with search engine). All it is, why i am angry to DT. It can be better site, earn more, but they are doing nothing...
Well your story is as valid as anyone else's. Point taken but it serves no purpose to vent that anger on their forum. It creates bad vibes. Maybe things will change one day (we witnessed quite some drastic changes in this industry) and it's useless to burn bridges. I know since I did it myself a few times to often.  :P
P.S. for example, this months i have on SS - 85 sales/ $38 but on DT- 9 sales/ $5.80, with approximately the same small portfolio. Why must i love DT?!
Aaah, love! That multi-splendorous thing! I feel we shouldn't mix it up with business. As Buddha says : emotions and longings are the source of unhappiness.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Elenathewise on January 26, 2012, 23:41
Aaah, love! That multi-splendorous thing! I feel we shouldn't mix it up with business. As Buddha says : emotions and longings are the source of unhappiness.

true... when DT reviewer takes 6 files out of batch of 70 from one of the best-selling photographers she experiences whole range of emotions and longs for a reasonable review process that would - please! -  allow her to make money for that agency and just a little bit for herself. This is not really source of unhappiness for me, just great annoyance . But it is definitely not good business. I work on my own - I am not a production company that churns out thousands images per month, nor do I submit painfully similar images that pollute the library. And yet I am getting this kind of treatment from DT - how is that standing up for photographers?
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: pixmicro on January 27, 2012, 03:30
still not much sales for me at this day on DT
it has never happened this long before... hope it's just a "january" bug or something
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Metsafile on January 27, 2012, 03:33
I've noticed that if you don't upload new images to DT you seem to drop off the radar.
No new files = less sales.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: trofia on January 27, 2012, 12:44
I am exclusive with them and considering switch to non-exc..lately I have noticed less sales but higher revenue...
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Pixart on January 27, 2012, 14:15
Holy crap Elena, 6/70 that's not even 10%!  I would suspect these same files coming from you would be well over 90% or maybe close to 100% at the other agencies. 

Scratching my head....
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Elenathewise on January 27, 2012, 14:48
Holy crap Elena, 6/70 that's not even 10%!  I would suspect these same files coming from you would be well over 90% or maybe close to 100% at the other agencies. 

Scratching my head....

Me too... and yes those files are accepted everywhere else and selling well. The irony is what DT picks out of a batch to accept are often images with least sales potential.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: luissantos84 on January 27, 2012, 19:58
Holy crap Elena, 6/70 that's not even 10%!  I would suspect these same files coming from you would be well over 90% or maybe close to 100% at the other agencies. 

Scratching my head....

Me too... and yes those files are accepted everywhere else and selling well. The irony is what DT picks out of a batch to accept are often images with least sales potential.

I will never understand it.. as a low earner I am for a few time picking the best of that batch and submit that one first or I will have the less potential online.. just great :D
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: rinderart on January 28, 2012, 02:07
I for one after 6 years am getting tired of DT and there silly policies. Image Looks to much like this or that. Judge the  individual Image already!!!!!!  Gee, My Image was flagged???? please. But, it's still well worth it to upload to, Just frustrating and I agree they and others should remove old stuff BUT.... as we know SS the last few months are selling primarily Old Images, Some I don't even remember submitting and if SS did that , a lot of folks would be losing a lot of money now. Maybe if they tweaked the search?? I dunno.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: lagereek on January 28, 2012, 02:39
I personally welcome that reviewing is getting tougher. One of the reasons why the Micro is in a bit of a mess, is the fact that just about "anybody"  can get in. Shouldnt be like that at all.
Too similar or too much, comments,  well, it just shows, the reviewers are doing their job, really.  Might feel a bit tough but in the loing run it will work for our benefit. :)

Be honest, whats the point of doing like IS,  accepting every bit of generic rubbish followed by spamming, broken searches, glitches and bugs all over the place.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on January 28, 2012, 06:20
I personally welcome that reviewing is getting tougher. One of the reasons why the Micro is in a bit of a mess, is the fact that just about "anybody"  can get in. Shouldnt be like that at all.

Indeed, but with the rising level of quality, prices (and our earnings) should follow as well. Otherwise it makes no sense, it's like offering a Ferrari for the price of a Corvette
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: red on January 28, 2012, 10:33
The Tata Nano is an inexpensive, rear-engined, four-passenger city car built by Tata Motors and is aimed primarily at the Indian domestic market. Some say it is the cheapest car in the world. The jury is out on whether it is successful or not. Ferraris and Corvettes have been around for a long time but are bought by too few "everyday" people.

The quality may be rising but the drek is still there. I wish more agencies would get rid of old non-sellers. Right now DT allows non-sellers to be sent to a queue where they can be re-keyworded. Adding different words will not resurrect these images, they are just plain bad. Why the emphasis on how many images any micro agency has? There is always a race at DT to the next million. How about less but more quality (i.e. saleable) images? Yes, it might be hard to decide what is "bad" but there are many early images with crummy lighting, bad knock-outs, ridiculous cropping, even with lousy color shifts. Some kind of basic criteria could and should be applied to images every 2 or 3 years so non-sellers could be thrown out.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on January 28, 2012, 11:36
The Tata Nano is an inexpensive, rear-engined, four-passenger city car built by Tata Motors and is aimed primarily at the Indian domestic market. Some say it is the cheapest car in the world. The jury is out on whether it is successful or not. Ferraris and Corvettes have been around for a long time but are bought by too few "everyday" people.

The point was really that the price should rise along with quality, you can't charge a Ferrari price, for the worst supersports car. Perhaps it would be better if I mentioned Kia vs Rolls or something...
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Elenathewise on January 28, 2012, 12:44
I personally welcome that reviewing is getting tougher. One of the reasons why the Micro is in a bit of a mess, is the fact that just about "anybody"  can get in. Shouldnt be like that at all.
Too similar or too much, comments,  well, it just shows, the reviewers are doing their job, really.  Might feel a bit tough but in the loing run it will work for our benefit. :)

Be honest, whats the point of doing like IS,  accepting every bit of generic rubbish followed by spamming, broken searches, glitches and bugs all over the place.

Trust me, it's not tougher, it's just stupid. When I say a "batch" I don't mean it's all same series. I shoot anything from landscape and food to studio portraits to concepts and still lives. The images I submit are diverse in content and well as style, and they are the highest technical quality. When I submit to macros, most of my stuff is getting accepted (and sells).
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Karimala on January 28, 2012, 12:58
I personally welcome that reviewing is getting tougher. One of the reasons why the Micro is in a bit of a mess, is the fact that just about "anybody"  can get in. Shouldnt be like that at all.
Too similar or too much, comments,  well, it just shows, the reviewers are doing their job, really.  Might feel a bit tough but in the loing run it will work for our benefit. :)

Be honest, whats the point of doing like IS,  accepting every bit of generic rubbish followed by spamming, broken searches, glitches and bugs all over the place.

Trust me, it's not tougher, it's just stupid. When I say a "batch" I don't mean it's all same series. I shoot anything from landscape and food to studio portraits to concepts and still lives. The images I submit are diverse in content and well as style, and they are the highest technical quality. When I submit to macros, most of my stuff is getting accepted (and sells).

And your images are flawless.  Reviewed enough of them at LuckyOliver to say with confidence that any reviewer who rejects your images doesn't have a clue about what they are doing.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: lagereek on January 28, 2012, 12:59
I personally welcome that reviewing is getting tougher. One of the reasons why the Micro is in a bit of a mess, is the fact that just about "anybody"  can get in. Shouldnt be like that at all.
Too similar or too much, comments,  well, it just shows, the reviewers are doing their job, really.  Might feel a bit tough but in the loing run it will work for our benefit. :)

Be honest, whats the point of doing like IS,  accepting every bit of generic rubbish followed by spamming, broken searches, glitches and bugs all over the place.

Trust me, it's not tougher, it's just stupid. When I say a "batch" I don't mean it's all same series. I shoot anything from landscape and food to studio portraits to concepts and still lives. The images I submit are diverse in content and well as style, and they are the highest technical quality. When I submit to macros, most of my stuff is getting accepted (and sells).

Oh I believe you, but thats you,  I was talking about the average submitter. I know your stuff is top-notch. :)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: FD on January 28, 2012, 13:36
Trust me, it's not tougher, it's just stupid. When I say a "batch" I don't mean it's all same series. I shoot anything from landscape and food to studio portraits to concepts and still lives. The images I submit are diverse in content and well as style, and they are the highest technical quality. When I submit to macros, most of my stuff is getting accepted (and sells).
Nobody will contradict you Elena since most of us know your portfolio as one of the monuments of stock.

The "similars" policy of DT is pretty stubborn but Achilles swears by it and it's his site. He is a nice guy but he hasn't the monopoly on stock-truth. By coincidence I had a look at DT this evening with another IP/browser and not logged in. I was shocked to see them use the argument too of "cheapest in the industry" (sic). Hey sorry, I don't want to be the "cheapest" since I have to pay my equipment and bus rides to the studio and if a customer wants it "cheap", he can go to heroturko. Flickr or shoot it himself.

There are 2 possible attitudes one can have. One is to scorn the agency, and the other one is to just take it as it is. Other sites will sell it, and by Jove, nobody is married to one single site except exclusives that sold their soul. Dammit those rules of exclusivity, they wouldn't stand any trial at a decent labor court. They own your total personality, especially DT with their very strict exclusivity rules. At iStock, you can still sell RM. Even if a DT exclusive earns 4x more than me with a comparable port (I got evidence) I'd rather throw all my stuff for free on Flickr than give my soul away for peanuts and I don't care other people will step in to copy good sellers.

One of my current focuses is to shoot tribal folks in the Philippines. I know it isn't stock but I don't care. Of the last series  they started rejecting after just 4 because of "similars". But is was a story. I will soon delete those 4 shots they accepted since they aren't worth it. They even took the worst shots.

I had an editor of a German travel magazine that site-emailed me if I had more of the Intha leg-rowing people in Myanmar of which there are a couple exclusive on DT. I said sure, but DT won't accept them since they are "similars". Send them all, said the editor and I made more on those shots than 3 months regular income on DT. If DT would have accepted all those "similar" shots I wouldn't even be bothered to sell those privately. That's how they miss business by the taboo "similars" hangup but I have no critique at all since it's their business. I just don't want to go exclusive there any more. Unless they sponsor my camera and my time.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: MatHayward on January 28, 2012, 13:58


There are 2 possible attitudes one can have. One is to scorn the agency, and the other one is to just take it as it is.

I think this is a great quote.  Because there really isn't much of an alternative.  As a lot of you know I'm pretty new to uploading at sites other than Fotolia.  I am making less than $100 a month at Dreamstime right now and to me the reason is pretty clear.  I've got just around 600 photos in my portfolio where with SS I started the exact same time and have over 2,000. 

There is a little bit of fear of uploading to DT because of their policy to lower your upload limits with excessive rejections which as has been thoroughly discussed come quickly and often regardless of the quality of the image or the ludicrous comparison to a moderately similar image.  So to avoid having my upload limit lowered for whatever reason, I let images sit in my queue un-submitted.  I am aware this is stupid because by doing so I'm not even maximizing my upload limit as it sits.   

I like the site.  I'm getting to like the concept more now of the increased price based on sales (it took a while for me to appreciate it).  I believe there is a lot of money to be made there.  I just see it as a real challenge to build a portfolio there that will consistently bring in large payouts.  As it stands, I put it second to last on my list of priorities when submitting images.

Mat
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Elenathewise on January 28, 2012, 22:11
@Karimala and @Lagereek and @FD - thank you guys.  But that's exactly the thing I am frustrated about - shouldn't reviewers be able to tell the difference between someone who submits 20 images of a pizza slice on white shot from different angles and someone who submits a series of images that actually tell a story? My expectations were that a reviewer should. I actually had very reasonable reviews when Ellen Boughn was DTs creative director, was sad to see her leave.
I wonder how much of these ridiculous reviews we are seeing is Achilles' original idea and how much of it is just reviewers not understanding what he wants them to do. A guy who founded such successful agency should be able to see that they are shooting themselves in the foot here.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: rinderart on January 29, 2012, 02:14
@Karimala and @Lagereek and @FD - thank you guys.  But that's exactly the thing I am frustrated about - shouldn't reviewers be able to tell the difference between someone who submits 20 images of a pizza slice on white shot from different angles and someone who submits a series of images that actually tell a story? My expectations were that a reviewer should. I actually had very reasonable reviews when Ellen Boughn was DTs creative director, was sad to see her leave.
I wonder how much of these ridiculous reviews we are seeing is Achilles' original idea and how much of it is just reviewers not understanding what he wants them to do. A guy who founded such successful agency should be able to see that they are shooting themselves in the foot here.

I hear ya girlfriend, We both go back awhile. This similar thing is really getting me down.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: trofia on January 31, 2012, 09:49
I don' know about you guys, but this January on DT was unbelievable for me. A 50 credits sale, a lot of 7'8'10 credits ones...really excellent. The problem is they are rejecting 70% of my images and they became really strict...
I just passed SS appication and trying iStock. Now I have to decide when to quit exclusivity with DT...tough call...
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: JPSDK on January 31, 2012, 10:11
a tough call?
You dont mean that.

Exclusivity it the same as limiting your possibilities.

and on one of the minor agencies. That doesnt make sence.
DT doest not really provide the turnover that justifies such a decition.

Now get used to SS and see what amount of DLs your pictures are worth.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: lagereek on January 31, 2012, 11:06
@Karimala and @Lagereek and @FD - thank you guys.  But that's exactly the thing I am frustrated about - shouldn't reviewers be able to tell the difference between someone who submits 20 images of a pizza slice on white shot from different angles and someone who submits a series of images that actually tell a story? My expectations were that a reviewer should. I actually had very reasonable reviews when Ellen Boughn was DTs creative director, was sad to see her leave.
I wonder how much of these ridiculous reviews we are seeing is Achilles' original idea and how much of it is just reviewers not understanding what he wants them to do. A guy who founded such successful agency should be able to see that they are shooting themselves in the foot here.

I hear ya girlfriend, We both go back awhile. This similar thing is really getting me down.

Dont kid yourself, she has been my girlfriend for over 20 years, now we are planing children, one boy and one girl and theyre going to be microstockers.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: disorderly on January 31, 2012, 11:15
What's ironic and particularly frustrating to me is that in the past three days I've had sales of two series.  In both cases, a buyer (I assume it's one buyer) purchased a bunch (nine in one case, eleven in the other) of images of the same model from the same shoot.  I can't help believing that DT would be making more money for me and for themselves if more of my work from each shoot were available.  It certainly works out that way at Shutterstock and CanStock.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Microstock Posts on January 31, 2012, 11:34
@Karimala and @Lagereek and @FD - thank you guys.  But that's exactly the thing I am frustrated about - shouldn't reviewers be able to tell the difference between someone who submits 20 images of a pizza slice on white shot from different angles and someone who submits a series of images that actually tell a story? My expectations were that a reviewer should. I actually had very reasonable reviews when Ellen Boughn was DTs creative director, was sad to see her leave.
I wonder how much of these ridiculous reviews we are seeing is Achilles' original idea and how much of it is just reviewers not understanding what he wants them to do. A guy who founded such successful agency should be able to see that they are shooting themselves in the foot here.

I hear ya girlfriend, We both go back awhile. This similar thing is really getting me down.

Dont kid yourself, she has been my girlfriend for over 20 years, now we are planing children, one boy and one girl and theyre going to be microstockers.

Yeah it's good not to have high expectations for ur kids so u don't end up being disappointed. ;D
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: rimglow on January 31, 2012, 14:04
The first image was rejected by Dreamstime for too many images of the same subject. The second image is the only other candle in my port.

(http://static8.depositphotos.com/1343666/837/i/450/dep_8377947-Palm-Tree-Candlestick-Holder-isolated.jpg)  (http://static8.depositphotos.com/1343666/825/i/450/dep_8258373-Candle-and-Holder-with-Flame-isolated-on-white.jpg)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: luissantos84 on January 31, 2012, 14:35
not surprised.. amazing.. from one of the best stock executers.. colors, isolation, incredible stuff always.. really nuts looking what they are doing..
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: MikLav on January 31, 2012, 14:49
The first image was rejected by Dreamstime for too many images of the same subject. The second image is the only other candle in my port.


the rejection of "too many of this subject" is different to rejection for similars. In this case they meant they have plenty handles already, even if not yours: http://www.dreamstime.com/search.php?srh_field=candle+holder (http://www.dreamstime.com/search.php?srh_field=candle+holder)

p.s. I am very annoyed too by their policy about "similar images" :(
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: rimglow on January 31, 2012, 14:54
Here's the rejection:

"Too many photos/illustrations on the same subject or from the same series. Your submission should not duplicate content already in your portfolio or content which you plan to upload separately in the future (ie. collages based on your images). Please be more selective and choose only the best shots or illustrations. Avoid submitting simple variations on the same subject or duplicating content already in your portfolio (including from collages). You can create sets of similars (several shots included within the same image)."

Maybe the flames were too similar. Seems pretty picky.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: MikLav on January 31, 2012, 15:15
probably in this case inspector just selected the wrong reason from the list :)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: luissantos84 on January 31, 2012, 16:08
The first image was rejected by Dreamstime for too many images of the same subject. The second image is the only other candle in my port.


the rejection of "too many of this subject" is different to rejection for similars. In this case they meant they have plenty handles already, even if not yours: [url]http://www.dreamstime.com/search.php?srh_field=candle+holder[/url] ([url]http://www.dreamstime.com/search.php?srh_field=candle+holder[/url])

p.s. I am very annoyed too by their policy about "similar images" :(


are you serious? if we look into that they would approve 10 pics a month..
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: THP Creative on February 01, 2012, 01:03
Pretty poor month on DT, but then last January was the same, so hoping Feb will pick up.  However, I can confirm they are still alive as I just got a 15 Credit TIFF sale - wish there were more of those!
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: qwerty on February 01, 2012, 01:35
probably in this case inspector just selected the wrong reason from the list :)

I would bet against that they just selected the wrong reason. This is an example that is repeated time and time again.
They must have automatic software that flags images in your portfolio with the same or similar keywords.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Microstock Posts on February 01, 2012, 02:22
Unusual month for me on DT as there was significant growth (with no Els). I made almost as much in January as I made in the entire last quarter of 2011. I think it's a lucky blip though rather than an upward trend.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Mellimage on February 01, 2012, 02:34
I had a BME at Dreamstime.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on February 01, 2012, 07:41
DT and FT are just the kind of agencies that show no promise whatsoever to me. I uploaded more content in January than ever before and it doesn't show at all. New files get buried and the month ended in average numbers on both sites. That being said, quadrupling UL at SS doesn't boost sales nearly as much as it used to, but still it shows, looking at new content graph, you can see a big (not huge like I used to) bump and a BME in one of the worst months.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: FD on February 01, 2012, 08:27
@Karimala and @Lagereek and @FD - thank you guys.  But that's exactly the thing I am frustrated about - shouldn't reviewers be able to tell the difference between someone who submits 20 images of a pizza slice on white shot from different angles and someone who submits a series of images that actually tell a story? My expectations were that a reviewer should. I actually had very reasonable reviews when Ellen Boughn was DTs creative director, was sad to see her leave.
I wonder how much of these ridiculous reviews we are seeing is Achilles' original idea and how much of it is just reviewers not understanding what he wants them to do. A guy who founded such successful agency should be able to see that they are shooting themselves in the foot here.
Well Achilles is pretty stubborn about it. It's a person I personally admire the most over all other agencies but I think he is wrong on this one. I feel (but not sure of course) it has to do with the unbiased search engine, as far as everybody is rotated on front in due time. Over 10M is just not feasible with a linear search engine based on 1, 2 words. It's pure math. With this kind of unbiased search engine only relying on keywords you will find similars in rows on the first pages of the search engine. There are solutions for that but to apply those to a database of 11M+ images is a daunting task. Probably the agencies don't think it's worth the time and the resources since they make their money anyhow, whether it's a fantastic shot or a good enough shot.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: stockmarketer on February 01, 2012, 10:15
DT and FT are just the kind of agencies that show no promise whatsoever to me.


I used to see DT and FT as "siblings" running neck and neck every month to see who would deliver more earnings.

Then I reached Emerald at FT and doubled my prices and nearly doubled my earnings overnight.  Then DT cracked down on "similars" and started rejecting almost everything I submit.  Now FT challenges SS for #1 agency each month, while DT is joining IS in the "remember the good old days?" camp. 

So, is DT alive?  Yes, it's hanging in there, delivering good sales every month... but it's almost impossible now to grow there.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on February 01, 2012, 10:21
DT and FT are just the kind of agencies that show no promise whatsoever to me.


I used to see DT and FT as "siblings" running neck and neck every month to see who would deliver more earnings.

Then I reached Emerald at FT and doubled my prices and nearly doubled my earnings overnight.  Then DT cracked down on "similars" and started rejecting almost everything I submit.  Now FT challenges SS for #1 agency each month, while DT is joining IS in the "remember the good old days?" camp. 

So, is DT alive?  Yes, it's hanging in there, delivering good sales every month... but it's almost impossible now to grow there.

Indeed. I had identical monthly earnings up to a few months ago. Not that there's much difference now, but I don't get to a payout at the same time at both sites anymore. It seemed as they were somehow connected :s . And yes, it's impossible to make it there if your port isn't already established for years.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Elenathewise on February 01, 2012, 20:47
Well Achilles is pretty stubborn about it. It's a person I personally admire the most over all other agencies but I think he is wrong on this one. I feel (but not sure of course) it has to do with the unbiased search engine, as far as everybody is rotated on front in due time. Over 10M is just not feasible with a linear search engine based on 1, 2 words. It's pure math. With this kind of unbiased search engine only relying on keywords you will find similars in rows on the first pages of the search engine. There are solutions for that but to apply those to a database of 11M+ images is a daunting task.
Yeah could be the search engine, it is a probable cause. That would also explain the choice of files they deleted from my portfolio when they were doing a library "cleanup" - didn't make much sense to me, but if they did searches and those files showed up in a row to their dislike, that would be their reason for expelling them... It does seem silly though to define the content of your library by the way your search engine works.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on February 04, 2012, 08:23
I have had hardly any downloads with over 200 files.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: luissantos84 on February 04, 2012, 08:39
I have had hardly any downloads with over 200 files.

200 files and wanting big sales, they need to be over the roof...
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on February 04, 2012, 10:05
I have had hardly any downloads with over 200 files.

No offense, but 200 or even 300+ and no or virtually no sales at all sites, you must be doing everything really wrong. Instead of bitching about it here every 5 minutes, do something about your photography skills. Or just forget about it altogether it's really not worth wasting yours, nor out time. It's absolutely futile to continue uploading such content, you wouldn't make 500$/month with over 5k photos (while you should be making over 5k every month if your photos were any good)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: 7Horses on February 04, 2012, 10:25
I have had hardly any downloads with over 200 files.

No offense, but 200 or even 300+ and no or virtually no sales at all sites, you must be doing everything really wrong. Instead of bitching about it here every 5 minutes, do something about your photography skills. Or just forget about it altogether it's really not worth wasting yours, nor out time. It's absolutely futile to continue uploading such content, you wouldn't make 500$/month with over 5k photos (while you should be making over 5k every month if your photos were any good)

Woow, you really had to leave the first two words out of this. More wars were started this way.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on February 04, 2012, 11:20
I have had hardly any downloads with over 200 files.

No offense, but 200 or even 300+ and no or virtually no sales at all sites, you must be doing everything really wrong. Instead of bitching about it here every 5 minutes, do something about your photography skills. Or just forget about it altogether it's really not worth wasting yours, nor out time. It's absolutely futile to continue uploading such content, you wouldn't make 500$/month with over 5k photos (while you should be making over 5k every month if your photos were any good)

Woow, you really had to leave the first two words out of this. More wars were started this way.

I guess so. But I also guess no one else annoys so many ppl around here. I said what needed to be said, I hate beating around the bush and someone needs to straighten this guy out, it's for the greater good ;)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: janecat on February 07, 2012, 15:12
I like DT so far they have been fairly consistent for me, $1 a day on average, however SS is all of a sudden doing better for me, since Decemeber, so I shall see.     
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on February 13, 2012, 13:23
It's not possible to get 2 even remotely similar photos online, they've gone totally mental with this too many similar images rejections, so no wonder they're barely alive. I'd support it if their reviewers were up to the job, since high volume/low quality contributors are good for no one, but this is pure insanity.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: heywoody on February 13, 2012, 16:55
It's not possible to get 2 even remotely similar photos online, they've gone totally mental with this too many similar images rejections, so no wonder they're barely alive. I'd support it if their reviewers were up to the job, since high volume/low quality contributors are good for no one, but this is pure insanity.
It's site policy and everyone knows it's site policy so no point in submitting similars - just send them where they'll be accepted.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on February 13, 2012, 17:25
It's not possible to get 2 even remotely similar photos online, they've gone totally mental with this too many similar images rejections, so no wonder they're barely alive. I'd support it if their reviewers were up to the job, since high volume/low quality contributors are good for no one, but this is pure insanity.
It's site policy and everyone knows it's site policy so no point in submitting similars - just send them where they'll be accepted.

Indeed, I care less and less every day about any agency besides SS. After all they all represent just crumbs falling off the table compared to SS. My worrying should equal the size of the earnings from an agency (or piece of the pie), I'm getting there ;)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: WarrenPrice on February 15, 2012, 15:05
Probably alive but certainly ailing.  Image reviews are taking an eternity.  Even when "under review" it may take several days.  Pending since the 5th.  Wondering if it has anything to do with the rollout of New Language capabilities?
And, I don't believe the excuse that istock ex-exclusives have overloaded the site ... that would be evident at more than one site.

I know this should probably be posted in the DT forum but speaking so boldly got me banned from the forum long ago.   ::)

PS:  I know that the important characteristic is sales but they are also ailing.   :P
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: frozensage on February 15, 2012, 20:26
did DT just fire half of their review team? 200 hours eta for a review?!?! it was less than half this amount of time before the new year.... unless there have just been a huge increase in number of submission which I doubt... liking IS more and more by the day
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: heywoody on February 16, 2012, 04:06
Probably alive but certainly ailing.  Image reviews are taking an eternity.  Even when "under review" it may take several days.  Pending since the 5th.  Wondering if it has anything to do with the rollout of New Language capabilities?
And, I don't believe the excuse that istock ex-exclusives have overloaded the site ... that would be evident at more than one site.

I know this should probably be posted in the DT forum but speaking so boldly got me banned from the forum long ago.   ::)

PS:  I know that the important characteristic is sales but they are also ailing.   :P

I've noticed SS & FT slower also but you will notice this less where reviews are normally quick - i.e. normal review going from 1 to 2 days is not as noticable as from 1 to 2 weeks even though both have doubled.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: ChasingMoments on February 18, 2012, 21:40
Whoa, pretty amazing how DT performance varies for people! I have recently been again revisiting the idea of going exclusive with DT. I already gave it some serious thought last year and decided to wait... One thing I noticed is that exclusive images rank a lot higher in search results than non-exclusive (I compared some of my baby images with comparable keywords and exclusives were always on page one of relevance search whereas non-exclusives did not do as well). Also, DT may be slow in the beginning for "new" joiners, but after images "mature" and sell more, they gain more visibility and momentum.

On the other hand, I am giving up on SS as it just does not find in searches and does not sell any of the new images I submit... very upsetting because I used to be the biggest fan of SS and now here I am again, wondering about DT exclusivity...
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: heywoody on February 19, 2012, 07:44
Whoa, pretty amazing how DT performance varies for people! I have recently been again revisiting the idea of going exclusive with DT. I already gave it some serious thought last year and decided to wait... One thing I noticed is that exclusive images rank a lot higher in search results than non-exclusive (I compared some of my baby images with comparable keywords and exclusives were always on page one of relevance search whereas non-exclusives did not do as well). Also, DT may be slow in the beginning for "new" joiners, but after images "mature" and sell more, they gain more visibility and momentum.

On the other hand, I am giving up on SS as it just does not find in searches and does not sell any of the new images I submit... very upsetting because I used to be the biggest fan of SS and now here I am again, wondering about DT exclusivity...

Why not just put everything on IS and FT also?
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: nicku on February 19, 2012, 07:59
Whoa, pretty amazing how DT performance varies for people! I have recently been again revisiting the idea of going exclusive with DT. I already gave it some serious thought last year and decided to wait... One thing I noticed is that exclusive images rank a lot higher in search results than non-exclusive (I compared some of my baby images with comparable keywords and exclusives were always on page one of relevance search whereas non-exclusives did not do as well). Also, DT may be slow in the beginning for "new" joiners, but after images "mature" and sell more, they gain more visibility and momentum.

On the other hand, I am giving up on SS as it just does not find in searches and does not sell any of the new images I submit... very upsetting because I used to be the biggest fan of SS and now here I am again, wondering about DT exclusivity...

Why not just put everything on IS and FT also?


IS have the habit to refuse what microstock buyers really wants.

in my personal case pictures that are selling 30-40 times /day.... every day on SS are just not good enough for IS. so... I do not bother them any more. FT is a good agency... in fact my no. 2 earner, above DT
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: ChasingMoments on February 19, 2012, 16:30
Whoa, pretty amazing how DT performance varies for people! I have recently been again revisiting the idea of going exclusive with DT. I already gave it some serious thought last year and decided to wait... One thing I noticed is that exclusive images rank a lot higher in search results than non-exclusive (I compared some of my baby images with comparable keywords and exclusives were always on page one of relevance search whereas non-exclusives did not do as well). Also, DT may be slow in the beginning for "new" joiners, but after images "mature" and sell more, they gain more visibility and momentum.

On the other hand, I am giving up on SS as it just does not find in searches and does not sell any of the new images I submit... very upsetting because I used to be the biggest fan of SS and now here I am again, wondering about DT exclusivity...

Why not just put everything on IS and FT also?

After last year's (or has it been two years?) changes on IS I pulled my port from IS and only left about 60-70 best sellers, they sell consistently and still bring in as much $ as my port used to. I am on FT, but FT doesn't do as well for me as DT (with almost identical portfolios); on FT only my older images do well, not newer ones. I am on a couple other sites too but nearly not as much income from them. Going exclusive with DT makes sense as my images would bring in more  $ per sale and they'd probably appear better ranked in searches (and there's a small upload bonus per upload for exclusives)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: nicku on February 20, 2012, 05:20
Whoa, pretty amazing how DT performance varies for people! I have recently been again revisiting the idea of going exclusive with DT. I already gave it some serious thought last year and decided to wait... One thing I noticed is that exclusive images rank a lot higher in search results than non-exclusive (I compared some of my baby images with comparable keywords and exclusives were always on page one of relevance search whereas non-exclusives did not do as well). Also, DT may be slow in the beginning for "new" joiners, but after images "mature" and sell more, they gain more visibility and momentum.

On the other hand, I am giving up on SS as it just does not find in searches and does not sell any of the new images I submit... very upsetting because I used to be the biggest fan of SS and now here I am again, wondering about DT exclusivity...



Why not just put everything on IS and FT also?

After last year's (or has it been two years?) changes on IS I pulled my port from IS and only left about 60-70 best sellers, they sell consistently and still bring in as much $ as my port used to. I am on FT, but FT doesn't do as well for me as DT (with almost identical portfolios); on FT only my older images do well, not newer ones. I am on a couple other sites too but nearly not as much income from them. Going exclusive with DT makes sense as my images would bring in more  $ per sale and they'd probably appear better ranked in searches (and there's a small upload bonus per upload for exclusives)

how are your sales on SS compared with DT?
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on February 20, 2012, 05:25
DT was always on par with FT, this month it's not even 50% of FT (FT went up a bit as well). Looks like this site is loosing ground, a shame, I kind of liked them for their level system
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: nicku on February 20, 2012, 08:29
DT was always on par with FT, this month it's not even 50% of FT (FT went up a bit as well). Looks like this site is loosing ground, a shame, I kind of liked them for their level system

The lvl system is  the reason.... from lvl 3 up the images are just too expensive for the buyers (using credits) and lvl 5 using subs.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: stockmarketer on February 20, 2012, 09:02
DT was always on par with FT, this month it's not even 50% of FT (FT went up a bit as well). Looks like this site is loosing ground, a shame, I kind of liked them for their level system

The lvl system is  the reason.... from lvl 3 up the images are just too expensive for the buyers (using credits) and lvl 5 using subs.

Yes, the level system could be keeping the volume of sales down, but I still do a fair number of high level sales per day, in the $5 or $6 dollar range.

What I still can't figure out is why they run in waves... I'll get a ratio of 80% OD to 20% subs on a good day, then the next day get 95% subs to 5% OD.  My volume is too high to chalk this up to one or two sub buyers downloading a bunch of my stuff.  I wonder if it's something in the reporting system at DT.  Maybe the system gets "backed up" and they end up reporting one type or another in waves, like a faucet being turned on or off?
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Metsafile on February 20, 2012, 15:00

Maybe the system gets "backed up" and they end up reporting one type or another in waves, like a faucet being turned on or off?
[/quote]

I been suspecting something similar at DT for some time now. It's either feast or famine.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Tabimura on February 21, 2012, 17:43
Worst site, out of the big four, sales wise. Not even half of FT this month. My acceptance rate last months is 99-100% because I took care of their "no similars" brain disease, but it doesn't seem to help sales at all. For me this site has faded slowly in the last 2 years and it doesn't look like it will ever get back on track.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: ChasingMoments on February 21, 2012, 18:59
Whoa, pretty amazing how DT performance varies for people! I have recently been again revisiting the idea of going exclusive with DT. I already gave it some serious thought last year and decided to wait... One thing I noticed is that exclusive images rank a lot higher in search results than non-exclusive (I compared some of my baby images with comparable keywords and exclusives were always on page one of relevance search whereas non-exclusives did not do as well). Also, DT may be slow in the beginning for "new" joiners, but after images "mature" and sell more, they gain more visibility and momentum.

On the other hand, I am giving up on SS as it just does not find in searches and does not sell any of the new images I submit... very upsetting because I used to be the biggest fan of SS and now here I am again, wondering about DT exclusivity...



Why not just put everything on IS and FT also?

After last year's (or has it been two years?) changes on IS I pulled my port from IS and only left about 60-70 best sellers, they sell consistently and still bring in as much $ as my port used to. I am on FT, but FT doesn't do as well for me as DT (with almost identical portfolios); on FT only my older images do well, not newer ones. I am on a couple other sites too but nearly not as much income from them. Going exclusive with DT makes sense as my images would bring in more  $ per sale and they'd probably appear better ranked in searches (and there's a small upload bonus per upload for exclusives)

how are your sales on SS compared with DT?

Both make very similar monthly $$ for me, but whereas I am confident that DT will stay at the same level, I am not sure about SS as I feel my income from it slowly decreasing (only ELs and ODs save the day, not subscription downloads... which sort of takes me to a totally different question - about the role of non-subscription downloads for SS and in the industry... Photogs certainly love them!
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Microstock Posts on February 22, 2012, 02:13
how are your sales on SS compared with DT?


Both make very similar monthly $$ for me, but whereas I am confident that DT will stay at the same level, I am not sure about SS as I feel my income from it slowly decreasing (only ELs and ODs save the day, not subscription downloads... which sort of takes me to a totally different question - about the role of non-subscription downloads for SS and in the industry... Photogs certainly love them!


For me ss continually grows where as dt continually stagnates. ss new images seldom take off anymore, but my old pics do very well. Agencies always change things around and we never know where are images will be placed from one year to the next.

"only ELs and ODs save the day, not subscription downloads"

The other agencies adopted sub packages and ss adopted ODs and SODs, so they all have similar things now and are eating in to each others original markets. Have a look at this post and you can get an indication of just how much subs have dropped from significance on ss Just how much of a subscription site is Shutterstock? (http://www.microstockposts.com/just-how-much-of-a-subscription-site-is-shutterstock/). There is also a poll in the post which is still open.

On another point, something interesting that Serban has said, which will probably mean something bad for us.  ;)

"At this time we give more royalties than competitors and we charge customers more based on the level-based system. Both these are putting very significant pressure on the agency's growth. As per one of my previous posts, sooner or later we will have to address this."

http://www.dreamstime.com/thread_30555 (http://www.dreamstime.com/thread_30555)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: ChasingMoments on February 22, 2012, 09:16
how are your sales on SS compared with DT?


Both make very similar monthly $$ for me, but whereas I am confident that DT will stay at the same level, I am not sure about SS as I feel my income from it slowly decreasing (only ELs and ODs save the day, not subscription downloads... which sort of takes me to a totally different question - about the role of non-subscription downloads for SS and in the industry... Photogs certainly love them!


For me ss continually grows where as dt continually stagnates. ss new images seldom take off anymore, but my old pics do very well. Agencies always change things around and we never know where are images will be placed from one year to the next.

"only ELs and ODs save the day, not subscription downloads"

The other agencies adopted sub packages and ss adopted ODs and SODs, so they all have similar things now and are eating in to each others original markets. Have a look at this post and you can get an indication of just how much subs have dropped from significance on ss Just how much of a subscription site is Shutterstock? (http://www.microstockposts.com/just-how-much-of-a-subscription-site-is-shutterstock/). There is also a poll in the post which is still open.

On another point, something interesting that Serban has said, which will probably mean something bad for us.  ;)

"At this time we give more royalties than competitors and we charge customers more based on the level-based system. Both these are putting very significant pressure on the agency's growth. As per one of my previous posts, sooner or later we will have to address this."

http://www.dreamstime.com/thread_30555 (http://www.dreamstime.com/thread_30555)
[/quote

All interesting points, thanks for posting. I am quite fond of DT and would like it to do well in the long term... I understand their concern with the level-based system (it seems to be hurting both customers & sellers - higher prices drive customers to get subs or cheaper images)... It makes sense for exclusive images that you canm't get anywhere else, but not for ALL images, imho.

I have not been uploading much recently, but whatever I do upload does not sell on SS, period. May be with the current algorithm images take time on SS to mature until they appear in better positions in search results, my old images sell well on SS. I am not sure I like this algorithm (if that's what it is) because many older images are of sub-par quality... both mine and other photogs'...
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on February 24, 2012, 05:29
It's strange because I was starting to get regular sales, better than SS but in the last week it has dropped right off AND I now have double the amount of images up with them.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Microstock Posts on February 24, 2012, 06:28
It's strange because I was starting to get regular sales, better than SS but in the last week it has dropped right off AND I now have double the amount of images up with them.

Imagine DT as a Mexican wave. Your arms are down now but someone else is raising their arms, it will be ur turn for sales again soon.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on February 25, 2012, 09:17
I beg to differ. It still doesn't make any sense to have regular downloads on a daily basis to absolutely nothing for over a week and counting with TWICE as many files up.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Microstock Posts on February 25, 2012, 09:37
I beg to differ. It still doesn't make any sense to have regular downloads on a daily basis to absolutely nothing for over a week and counting with TWICE as many files up.

It's been discussed/theorised many times both here and on their forum over the past few years. FD explained it once very well in a thread not so long back on msg (I think it was msg), but I've no idea in what thread.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Newsfocus1 on February 25, 2012, 10:57
I beg to differ. It still doesn't make any sense to have regular downloads on a daily basis to absolutely nothing for over a week and counting with TWICE as many files up.


It's been discussed/theorised many times both here and on their forum over the past few years. FD explained it once very well in a thread not so long back on msg (I think it was msg), but I've no idea in what thread.


This one maybe? http://www.microstockgroup.com/dreamstime-com/subs-taking-control-of-dt/75/ (http://www.microstockgroup.com/dreamstime-com/subs-taking-control-of-dt/75/)
And, yes, that is just how DT works for me -bursts of sales (subs or credit sales) then nothing for days and then another burst of sales. Luckily I am on my credit sales part of the Mexican Wave this week! Regards, David.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on February 25, 2012, 13:31
Very strange. Oh well, let's see what happens :-)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: heywoody on February 25, 2012, 13:37
I beg to differ. It still doesn't make any sense to have regular downloads on a daily basis to absolutely nothing for over a week and counting with TWICE as many files up.


It's been discussed/theorised many times both here and on their forum over the past few years. FD explained it once very well in a thread not so long back on msg (I think it was msg), but I've no idea in what thread.


This one maybe? [url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/dreamstime-com/subs-taking-control-of-dt/75/[/url] ([url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/dreamstime-com/subs-taking-control-of-dt/75/[/url])
And, yes, that is just how DT works for me -bursts of sales (subs or credit sales) then nothing for days and then another burst of sales. Luckily I am on my credit sales part of the Mexican Wave this week! Regards, David.


I'll bet being featured on the front page didn't hurt   ;D
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Newsfocus1 on February 25, 2012, 14:07
I beg to differ. It still doesn't make any sense to have regular downloads on a daily basis to absolutely nothing for over a week and counting with TWICE as many files up.


It's been discussed/theorised many times both here and on their forum over the past few years. FD explained it once very well in a thread not so long back on msg (I think it was msg), but I've no idea in what thread.


This one maybe? [url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/dreamstime-com/subs-taking-control-of-dt/75/[/url] ([url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/dreamstime-com/subs-taking-control-of-dt/75/[/url])
And, yes, that is just how DT works for me -bursts of sales (subs or credit sales) then nothing for days and then another burst of sales. Luckily I am on my credit sales part of the Mexican Wave this week! Regards, David.


I'll bet being featured on the front page didn't hurt   ;D


Lol! In actual fact Mike I didn't see a mass of downloads from that at the time. I'm sure anyone doing "stocky" commercial images probaly does but my port is mainly editorial and I guess you either need that type of image or you don't at  any given time. I am sure though that, going forward,  it will help. Probaly the interview thing they did on their blog will help more as it's permanent.
BTW just checking your DT port and I really liked your Troll Portrait (there are a few posters here that might care to buy that for their avatar ;D). Kind regards, David.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on February 27, 2012, 14:34
We're almost at the end of the month and I'm barely at 2/3 of my monthly average...Something is wrong with this agency, it looks like it's going to be my #5 earner, perhaps even #6 this month. Taking time consuming UL process and similar images restriction into account it's not even worth my time at the moment. I'll hold off new uploads and just see what happens in the next few weeks/months
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: nicku on February 27, 2012, 15:32
We're almost at the end of the month and I'm barely at 2/3 of my monthly average...Something is wrong with this agency, it looks like it's going to be my #5 earner, perhaps even #6 this month. Taking time consuming UL process and similar images restriction into account it's not even worth my time at the moment. I'll hold off new uploads and just see what happens in the next few weeks/months

Big disappointment this month :(... under half compared with average.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: bad to the bone on February 27, 2012, 15:37
Uploud restrictions are getting harder at DT (and where allways the most stupid i experienced).
Earnings going down since a year or so.
Seems like all the changes and greed of any agency only helps SS to gain marketplace.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: emeebe on February 27, 2012, 22:58
I think like any site selling stock we have to remember 'Individual Results May Vary'...
For me, I'm back to exclusive at Dreamstime after a dip in the Shutterstock pool and I have to say, I make more being exclusive on DT. February would have been a BME if part of it hadn't been exclusive, and January was a BME before that... My portfolio is small, 250+ vector illustrations, but my approval is high, almost 90%, and this couple with exclusivity gets me very good page rankings, which in turn lead to good sales...
I remember a post a while back where people were questioning why someone would ever be exclusive at Fotolia.... someone piped in how it made sense for them and that they made great sales... it does make sense for some...
So, yes, DT is alive and for me very much kickin' it!
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: heywoody on February 28, 2012, 07:33
I though DT was poor this month but, in reality, it was average but has dropped to #3 as FT has exceeded previous best by > 50%.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: sgoodwin4813 on February 28, 2012, 08:58
DT is holding steady for me at a solid #4 after SS, iS and 123.  It's been basically that way for the past several months.  In lifetime earnings DT is my #3 but if current trends continue they will be overtaken by 123 by the end of the year due to increases at 123 and steady sales at DT.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: heywoody on February 28, 2012, 10:57
Spoke too soon - a few late higher level sales move DT back to #2 (and only 25% behind SS on revenue overall)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on February 29, 2012, 02:41
It's still dead as a door nail for me after a great run. I can't accept the "waves" of buyers theory. All other stock sites don't have "waves". There are always people buying. It's not logical that my sales were good with half the files to Zero with twice as many. The numbers don't add up. ???
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Microstock Posts on February 29, 2012, 02:56
It's still dead as a door nail for me after a great run. I can't accept the "waves" of buyers theory. All other stock sites don't have "waves". There are always people buying. It's not logical that my sales were good with half the files to Zero with twice as many. The numbers don't add up. ???

It's not waves of buyers it's the rotation of images (or contributors). I've tested it myself with search, one week my images can be on the first or second page with search terms, the next week they're as good as not on the site. It's just the way that dt do it, they have  a system up putting different contributors in front at different times, hence the waves of sales.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Mantis on February 29, 2012, 08:19
I can't accept the "waves" of buyers theory. All other stock sites don't have "waves". There are always people buying.

Sorry, but there are ALWAYS waves on any site.  Just like the ocean, there are simply different frequencies (or intervals).  I can say that it is less obvious on a site like Shutterstock who has a lot of buyers.  The fewer buyers the more waves. Waves are a simple fact of business in general, for any business.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on February 29, 2012, 08:34
This is the only website where this happens for me so it's not normal at all.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: imageegami on February 29, 2012, 14:43
Having great month everywhere else except DT where downloads seem to be coming to a screeching halt.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on February 29, 2012, 19:03
Having great month everywhere else except DT where downloads seem to be coming to a screeching halt.

I rest my case.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: WarrenPrice on February 29, 2012, 19:16
Having great month everywhere else except DT where downloads seem to be coming to a screeching halt.

I rest my case.

Had above norm downloads ... just too many level 0 and subs.  61 cent RPD is disappointing
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: heywoody on February 29, 2012, 19:41
Having great month everywhere else except DT where downloads seem to be coming to a screeching halt.

I rest my case.

Had above norm downloads ... just too many level 0 and subs.  61 cent RPD is disappointing
On the positive side, the level 0s are level 0s no longer and subs are subs with a better return than subs generally  ;)  Unless an IS exclusive, DT has to be a "must submit to" site.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: THP Creative on February 29, 2012, 19:54
Pretty decent month, lot better than Feb last year, but then again my port has increased a lot too.

Good mix of subs and credit sales.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on February 29, 2012, 20:15
On the positive side, the level 0s are level 0s no longer and subs are subs with a better return than subs generally  ;)  Unless an IS exclusive, DT has to be a "must submit to" site.

I would very much like to understand that part of the sentence ;)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: imageegami on February 29, 2012, 22:54
.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: heywoody on March 01, 2012, 04:12
On the positive side, the level 0s are level 0s no longer and subs are subs with a better return than subs generally  ;)  Unless an IS exclusive, DT has to be a "must submit to" site.

I would very much like to understand that part of the sentence ;)

A single sale moves the image up a level so the next time it sells ...  Level 0 extra small is less than a sub but that's one time only for each image. 
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on March 01, 2012, 13:18
On the positive side, the level 0s are level 0s no longer and subs are subs with a better return than subs generally  ;)  Unless an IS exclusive, DT has to be a "must submit to" site.

I would very much like to understand that part of the sentence ;)

A single sale moves the image up a level so the next time it sells ...  Level 0 extra small is less than a sub but that's one time only for each image. 

Yeah, but it still puts me in a bad mood for a moment when I get a 10 cr level 0 sale...
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: stockastic on March 01, 2012, 17:54
And in today's "Race To The Bottom" news,  I just had a sale on DT for 25 cents.   I think that's a first for me, on DT.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: dirkr on March 01, 2012, 17:57
And in today's "Race To The Bottom" news,  I just had a sale on DT for 25 cents.   I think that's a first for me, on DT.

I had one for 23 cents yesterday.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on March 01, 2012, 18:15
And in today's "Race To The Bottom" news,  I just had a sale on DT for 25 cents.   I think that's a first for me, on DT.

I had one for 23 cents yesterday.

I get them all the time, what are y'all on about?
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: modviz on March 01, 2012, 18:49
I'm a newbie...been at it for six months with three agencies.
DT has been declining since October despite still being my
top earner. But February was a complete disaster despite
having far more uploads. Even DP beat DT this month. Very
disappointing.  ???
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: heywoody on March 01, 2012, 19:21
I think 23c for an extra small level 0 is as low as I've had but it's only once per image - had a 09c at IS last month which I hope will hold the record for a long time  ;D
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: pancaketom on March 01, 2012, 19:47
I've gotten as low as about 18 cents per credit there, but revenue seems to be doing ok after a pretty sad 2010 (the year they dropped commissions so much).
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on March 02, 2012, 03:23
Still dead for me  :-\
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: emeebe on March 02, 2012, 03:53
I finally have some Level 3 files and am getting 84 cent subs... feels good, but I wonder how many sales would come our way if the level system was dropped... would it be more than double? How many 25 a day subscribers would jump ship from Shutterstock to go to Dreamstime? Just things I wonder about...
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: lagereek on March 02, 2012, 05:25
Have had three terrific days at DT!  and its alive and kicking. Its a great agency. :)  I like the fact they are cleaning up their files, getting rid of lots of rubbish and irrelevant stuff.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Paulo M. F. Pires on March 02, 2012, 06:50
Still not "kicking in" for me... the few sales are editorial. Some agencies like FT, 123RF start rising this year ( in download numbers.. ) but DT stil dead.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: heywoody on March 02, 2012, 08:30
I finally have some Level 3 files and am getting 84 cent subs... feels good, but I wonder how many sales would come our way if the level system was dropped... would it be more than double? How many 25 a day subscribers would jump ship from Shutterstock to go to Dreamstime? Just things I wonder about...

The levels system is the best thing about DT as far as I'm concerned - rather than decreasing, images seem to sell more often after they hit higher levels
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: lisafx on March 02, 2012, 15:10
My earnings from Dreamstime are up 17% over Feb. of last year.  That's enough to make me happy :)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: pancaketom on March 03, 2012, 01:09
I finally have some Level 3 files and am getting 84 cent subs... feels good, but I wonder how many sales would come our way if the level system was dropped... would it be more than double? How many 25 a day subscribers would jump ship from Shutterstock to go to Dreamstime? Just things I wonder about...

The levels system is the best thing about DT as far as I'm concerned - rather than decreasing, images seem to sell more often after they hit higher levels

I agree that the levels system is something DT has done right. I would also be sad to turn .38 subs into .35 or maybe even .28 subs (my last 2 were .28).
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on March 03, 2012, 05:21
I finally have some Level 3 files and am getting 84 cent subs... feels good, but I wonder how many sales would come our way if the level system was dropped... would it be more than double? How many 25 a day subscribers would jump ship from Shutterstock to go to Dreamstime? Just things I wonder about...

The levels system is the best thing about DT as far as I'm concerned - rather than decreasing, images seem to sell more often after they hit higher levels

I agree that the levels system is something DT has done right. I would also be sad to turn .38 subs into .35 or maybe even .28 subs (my last 2 were .28).

I liked it better when everybody was getting 50% flat ;)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on March 04, 2012, 14:13
Have had three terrific days at DT!  and its alive and kicking. Its a great agency. :)  I like the fact they are cleaning up their files, getting rid of lots of rubbish and irrelevant stuff.

Still nothing doing.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: THP Creative on March 05, 2012, 17:27
Absolutely alive and well. Probably best start to a month in the last 6 months. Nice mixture of old and new files, and sub and credit sales.

I too am finding that some of my level 3 files are starting to pick up pace, which I thought would go the other way and slow down. But pleasant surprise nonetheless.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on March 06, 2012, 02:51
Absolutely alive and well. Probably best start to a month in the last 6 months. Nice mixture of old and new files, and sub and credit sales.

I too am finding that some of my level 3 files are starting to pick up pace, which I thought would go the other way and slow down. But pleasant surprise nonetheless.

Not from where I am standing it isn't. Absolutely stone dead. Ghost town. Less files=good sales. Twice as many files=zero sales.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Perry on March 06, 2012, 04:54
My DT is almost completely dead this month. I'm down about 90% from the usual levels. What is happening? :(
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on March 06, 2012, 05:12
They had some downtime yesterday, at least I wasn't able to access their site twice
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Wim on March 08, 2012, 11:15
Apparently not alive, sales were steady until a few days ago then dropped dead (same with IS)
SS on the other hand almost doubled in sales so I guess customers are jumping ship?
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Microstock Posts on March 08, 2012, 12:46
Apparently not alive, sales were steady until a few days ago then dropped dead (same with IS)
SS on the other hand almost doubled in sales so I guess customers are jumping ship?

I'm the opposite. Just had a full week without any sales. Today so far I've had 3 sales, $7.39.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: lisafx on March 08, 2012, 16:52
I've been doing pretty well at DT.  No complaints about them specifically, but sales are off across all sites for me this week.  My daughter's on Spring Break this week and next.  Wondering it it is Spring Break in a lot of other places too? 
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: stockastic on March 08, 2012, 16:55
Just think, only a week ago I complained about a 25 cent sub sale.  Today I had one for 22 cents!  Now that's progress. 
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on March 08, 2012, 17:42
Just think, only a week ago I complained about a 25 cent sub sale.  Today I had one for 22 cents!  Now that's progress. 

Complain some more and soon you'll be owing them money :P
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: lisafx on March 08, 2012, 19:28
Just think, only a week ago I complained about a 25 cent sub sale.  Today I had one for 22 cents!  Now that's progress. 

Complain some more and soon you'll be owing them money :P

LOL!
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Wim on March 09, 2012, 02:49
I've been doing pretty well at DT.  No complaints about them specifically, but sales are off across all sites for me this week.  My daughter's on Spring Break this week and next.  Wondering it it is Spring Break in a lot of other places too? 

Same here Lisa, except for SS of course, strong as always.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on March 10, 2012, 05:15
For the second month FT has double sales compared to DT and they were always on pair, DT was even a bit better since it's still ahead when I look at all time earnings. Looks like their days are numbered at least among top 4 or at the very least as an important player. I don't really know why, but I always kind of liked DT...
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Wim on March 10, 2012, 10:21
Still dead here since march 5th. Sales were regular before.
FT is also performing quite well for me lately.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: gemmy12 on March 10, 2012, 10:58
Dead for me because Status of my 5 images is "image under review" for last 1 week.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Microstock Posts on March 10, 2012, 11:32
Dead for me because Status of my 5 images is "image under review" for last 1 week.

My images have also been in review for a week. Weird huh! However, sales are still going well this month, despite a very slow start.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on March 16, 2012, 03:31
Apparently not alive, sales were steady until a few days ago then dropped dead (same with IS)
SS on the other hand almost doubled in sales so I guess customers are jumping ship?

I'm the opposite. Just had a full week without any sales. Today so far I've had 3 sales, $7.39.

I thought you said you are not complaining about lack of sales  ;)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: BaldricksTrousers on March 16, 2012, 05:19

Maybe the system gets "backed up" and they end up reporting one type or another in waves, like a faucet being turned on or off?

I been suspecting something similar at DT for some time now. It's either feast or famine.
[/quote]

Interesting theory. I've been wondering for years why the different types of sales seem to get turned on and off as the month progresses.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: nicku on March 16, 2012, 06:51
DT is slowly gowing down every month for me.

FT on the other hand is increasing .... ( have become my 2nd earner)
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on March 16, 2012, 07:01
DT is slowly gowing down every month for me.

FT on the other hand is increasing .... ( have become my 2nd earner)

Indeed most ppl believe balancing like that, most said SS is up, because IS is down etc. I see the same trend, FT is up, DT down, well it could be about average this month but it was way down last month.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Wim on March 16, 2012, 07:20
Same here, FT up and DT down. To be honest, I'm quite happy how FT is performing lately, almost no rejections and regular sales.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: helenlbuxton on March 16, 2012, 10:07
Yep, me too ... with my small portfolio, hardly any sales any more at DT, sales every day at FT, about the same as at SS to be honest.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Microstock Posts on March 16, 2012, 10:26
Apparently not alive, sales were steady until a few days ago then dropped dead (same with IS)
SS on the other hand almost doubled in sales so I guess customers are jumping ship?

I'm the opposite. Just had a full week without any sales. Today so far I've had 3 sales, $7.39.

I thought you said you are not complaining about lack of sales  ;)

Doesn't sound like a complaint to me, more like a statement. If I were to say my sales are "dire" constantly about every site, like yourself for example, I'd be worried about my own ability especially when others are not having dire sales across the board ;).

Either that or I would think I've not given it enough time. Patience Herg, u can't expect to leave exclusivity at IS and then be an instant success, especially as your images are no longer given preferential exclusivity treatment. And stop battling me and others here. I and others have tried to help you, but u know best and you just won't listen to anyone else.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on March 16, 2012, 13:43
Not worried about my ability at all. Not coming up in the searches is nothing to do with ability. Getting great sales with Dreamstime and then halt doesn't seem normal. Also, there are others who are having bad sales here, not just me.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Microstock Posts on March 16, 2012, 14:58
Not worried about my ability at all.

Well fine, if it's not ur ability then it's ur lack of patience then.

Getting great sales with Dreamstime and then halt doesn't seem normal.

I've explained to you about that and others reiterated it but you don't get it.

You've been on DT for 3 months, me a lot longer. I know about the sites more than some but less than others. After 3 months, where do you think you fit in on the ladder of knowledge? I imagine that most of your images are still at level 1, once they gain more sales they will climb levels, once they climb levels the prices increase, plus so will your commissions, so you will earn more money on each sale. Higher prices (higher levels) don't make the images sell less, very often the opposite happens. So if you could wait a little while instead of reporting back every 5 minutes on how badly you are doing, u may start to understand this.

If ur not willing to learn anything from the msg folk you might as well go back to istock, tell them you went independent and it sucked and rejoin the ever dwindling wooyay brigade. 
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on March 16, 2012, 20:13
Fair Point.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on March 16, 2012, 20:27
Fair point.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Mantis on March 16, 2012, 20:27
okay
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Mantis on March 16, 2012, 20:29
 <>
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Microstock Posts on March 17, 2012, 01:48
I'm always asleep when everyone else seem to be most active on msg, so I miss things. The last 3 posts are a complete mystery. Blinkin time zones!  :D
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on March 17, 2012, 04:20
I posted twice by mistake.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: Phadrea on March 24, 2012, 04:48
For me it's still dead. SS and IS are now getting more sales. Not sure if coming on here and reporting slow sales has affected them in some way. It doesn't make sense that from the beginning I get regular sales to nothing for weeks and weeks. I know it's said that it takes time but I was getting good sales.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: fotografer on March 24, 2012, 05:11
Quote
For me it's still dead. SS and IS are now getting more sales. Not sure if coming on here and reporting slow sales has affected them in some way. It doesn't make sense that from the beginning I get regular sales to nothing for weeks and weeks. I know it's said that it takes time but I was getting good sales.

DT seem to change their best match quite often.  For those of us that are well established sellers it never seems to make any difference whatever they do but for the people that don't sell much it can make a huge difference.  One day soon you will probably find that your sales have been turned back on.

Quote
You've been on DT for 3 months, me a lot longer. I know about the sites more than some but less than others. After 3 months, where do you think you fit in on the ladder of knowledge? I imagine that most of your images are still at level 1, once they gain more sales they will climb levels, once they climb levels the prices increase, plus so will your commissions, so you will earn more money on each sale. Higher prices (higher levels) don't make the images sell less, very often the opposite happens. So if you could wait a little while instead of reporting back every 5 minutes on how badly you are doing, u may start to understand this

This post is absolutely correct.
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: nicku on March 24, 2012, 05:11
Update at the original topic question:

No!
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: CD123 on March 24, 2012, 06:30
Update at the original topic question:

No!
+1
Title: Re: Is DT alive ?
Post by: wut on March 24, 2012, 06:54
Not as pathetic as previous month, could be average if next week will be really good and if I'll get another EL (got 1 this week), but that's still a bad results since it doesn't follow the trends of the rest of top 4 (constant rise and when it comes to SS and IS consecutive BMEs for 3 months now). DT is not my priority anymore, I'll upload there when and if I'll have the time (but will UL to the other 3 regularly)