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Author Topic: Account disabled at Dreamstime.  (Read 43114 times)

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« on: August 05, 2011, 22:21 »
0

Hi,
 This morning i found out that my wife's and my account has been disabled at dreamstime. I suspect it is because we are using the same model/settings and enviroment.

 I'm deeply saddend by dreamstime action of suspending my wife's and my account without consulting us first. I know that dreamstime treats a photo of similar subject with different angle as the completely same photo.

Is it wrong if we share the same model ? equipment ? studio and settings? especially when you are selling at sub price ?
« Last Edit: August 05, 2011, 22:45 by yuliang11 »


nruboc

« Reply #1 on: August 05, 2011, 22:57 »
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Hi,
 This morning i found out that my wife's and my account has been disabled at dreamstime. I suspect it is because we are using the same model/settings and enviroment.

 I'm deeply saddend by dreamstime action of suspending my wife's and my account without consulting us first. I know that dreamstime treats a photo of similar subject with different angle as the completely same photo.

Is it wrong if we share the same model ? equipment ? studio and settings? especially when you are selling at sub price ?

Are either you exclusive to Dreamstime?

« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2011, 00:44 »
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sorry to hear that, hopefully this situation will be resolved quickly, you might want to call them directly by phone to explain your situation
Good luck

« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2011, 01:30 »
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Are either you exclusive to Dreamstime?




Not at all and will never ever be exclusive to any agency


sorry to hear that, hopefully this situation will be resolved quickly, you might want to call them directly by phone to explain your situation
Good luck

well..thanks of the words. i guess i'll wait and see their response first.

« Reply #4 on: August 06, 2011, 11:05 »
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I hope you figure this out too, you have a nice port.  Have you tried contacting Serban directly?  I would try that if you don't get an answer through support.

« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2011, 12:29 »
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So sad. >:(

« Reply #6 on: August 06, 2011, 12:48 »
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Closing accounts without communicating with the contributors first? That is heavy-handed.

« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2011, 12:54 »
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Closing accounts without communicating with the contributors first? That is heavy-handed.

They can easily put the royalties on hold and suspend uploading privileges while they investigate.

But first the contributor should be notified.

« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2011, 20:31 »
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I hope you figure this out too, you have a nice port.  Have you tried contacting Serban directly?  I would try that if you don't get an answer through support.

Thanks, No not yet, anywhere i get hold of him ?

« Reply #9 on: August 06, 2011, 20:38 »
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Closing accounts without communicating with the contributors first? That is heavy-handed.

They can easily put the royalties on hold and suspend uploading privileges while they investigate.

But first the contributor should be notified.

Yes, we received nothing in advance and we are doing stock photography in a full time basis .We have been selling actively for the past 3 years, we may not have large port however we are concentrated on our niche area.

 If you think you have escaped your working life finding a better flexible life in stock business , you are  wrong. Stock photography strictly a master+slave business. Of all the agencies i thought dreamtimes would have the best policy towards contributors. Looks like you cannot build trust in these type of business

 You may be earning something to feed yourself today  but agency can do anything to you tommorow and you'll never know    ;)
« Last Edit: August 06, 2011, 20:46 by yuliang11 »

« Reply #10 on: August 06, 2011, 20:52 »
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I hope you get this issue resolved soon.

By the way, does anyone know what the general practice for a husband and wife team, one of whom is exclusive and another not?

TheSmilingAssassin

    This user is banned.
« Reply #11 on: August 06, 2011, 21:06 »
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Wow, that's rough!

The Dream team are a little disappointing lately.  I used to have a fair bit of respect for them... now not so much.  They're getting too big now and don't have to pretend that they 'care' for their contributor.  They're a corporate and corporates only care about their bottom line.

That's why I can't stand the 'sucky' forums that give you a false impression of a community.

« Reply #12 on: August 06, 2011, 21:51 »
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That is wrong and it only makes it worse that you are full timers. You have not have any prior warnings or disputes with DT? Under all circumstances, I really dont see that DT have any thing to gain from not contacting you first. On the contrary, it just makes them look really bad in the eyes of contributors. Why would a company be mean when they have nothing to gain? That just seems like bad business to me, but maybe I am missing something?

« Reply #13 on: August 07, 2011, 10:29 »
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Its been more than 24 hours. no replies. yawn

« Reply #14 on: August 07, 2011, 11:12 »
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Its been more than 24 hours. no replies. yawn

give them a call, weekend not easy but should be

« Reply #15 on: August 07, 2011, 11:13 »
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Its been more than 24 hours. no replies. yawn

give them a call, weekend not easy but should be

well i'm from the other end of asia. the issue is calls are very expansive here to US.  :-\

« Reply #16 on: August 07, 2011, 11:16 »
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Its been more than 24 hours. no replies. yawn

give them a call, weekend not easy but should be

well i'm from the other end of asia. the issue is calls are very expansive here to US.  :-\

with skype is too? they should be the one to call you, I really dont understand why they dont respect our hard work :/

« Reply #17 on: August 07, 2011, 11:18 »
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with skype is too? they should be the one to call you, I really dont understand why they dont respect our hard work :/
[/quote]

no one will, it's microstock world ;) , i'll wait another 48 hours then i'll use skype. thanks for the suggestion

to be honest i feel luckly to have diversified enough on micro/macro stock. submit to more angencies , and taking up photography assignments. it's not the loss of temporary income that saddened me however it's how vulnerable this industry can be especially to small contributors like us.
« Last Edit: August 07, 2011, 11:23 by yuliang11 »

« Reply #18 on: August 07, 2011, 11:45 »
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i'll wait another 48 hours then i'll use skype. thanks for the suggestion

to be honest i feel luckly to have diversified enough on micro/macro stock. submit to more angencies , and taking up photography assignments. it's not the loss of temporary income that saddened me however it's how vulnerable this industry can be especially to small contributors like us.

Good luck with the call and getting your accounts restored. I'm staggered that they haven't even provided a reason or listened to your side of the story before taking such drastic action.

Please keep us posted on your progress.

« Reply #19 on: August 07, 2011, 13:33 »
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AFAIK DT is still dealing with account issues from their European office. Had a similar experience before.

Forget a response within 24 hours during weekends. Nobody works there. Might be different if Yuri would complain though... Who knows?

Tomorrow, Monday you should receive a response which could be: "Thank you for contacting us. Your account is under review, bla bla, we'll get back to you as soon as the investigation has finished - which means wait another 2 or more days until they actually have a proper answer.

It's sad that with a portfolio of that caliber that they wouldn't even bother to let you know what's going on.

As long as you guys used individual/separate releases (no digitized signatures) I have no clue what DT's problem is.

« Reply #20 on: August 07, 2011, 14:29 »
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I have no clue what DT's problem is.

Could it be that DT think the two accounts are an elaborate attempt to sidestep the upload limits and/or 'too similar' rejections? Even if that were the case you'd think that they'd have the courtesy to ask before taking action.

Xalanx

« Reply #21 on: August 07, 2011, 15:16 »
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@yuliang11: Sorry for this happening to you, it must be quite a kick. Do keep us posted about what happens next, please. DT has a bit of a reputation of fairness in treating its contributors.

« Reply #22 on: August 07, 2011, 15:36 »
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FWIW: We've had a similar experience with DT a fwe years ago, when we had a photoshoot together with another photographer. Same models, same themes, same settings, but two different photographers, with two different accounts, and different photographer's names on the model releases.

DT doesn't condone virtually identical images in two different accounts, not even if those accounts belong to different photographers. At the time, DT's reason was that this would confuse buyers.

One of us had to remove the images in question, otherwise both our accounts would've been suspended.

« Reply #23 on: August 07, 2011, 18:16 »
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FWIW: We've had a similar experience with DT a fwe years ago, when we had a photoshoot together with another photographer. Same models, same themes, same settings, but two different photographers, with two different accounts, and different photographer's names on the model releases.

DT doesn't condone virtually identical images in two different accounts, not even if those accounts belong to different photographers. At the time, DT's reason was that this would confuse buyers.

One of us had to removed the images in question, otherwise both our accounts would've been suspended.

This is so ridiculous.

Suspend your accounts? For what?

Jeepers creepers (pardon my french) but I think DT has bigger problems than properly released images in their collection, no matter if it's from one photographer or two or five.

I would have removed the images in questions from both accounts just so DT can go EFF themselves regarding that shoot. Might as well not give them the pleasure at all.

Also it's unfair to you or your fellow photographer friend as one of you will be missing out on those royalties while the other images are up.

Not fair and rather stupid decision of DT.

« Reply #24 on: August 08, 2011, 04:13 »
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AFAIK DT is still dealing with account issues from their European office. Had a similar experience before.

Forget a response within 24 hours during weekends. Nobody works there. Might be different if Yuri would complain though... Who knows?

Tomorrow, Monday you should receive a response which could be: "Thank you for contacting us. Your account is under review, bla bla, we'll get back to you as soon as the investigation has finished - which means wait another 2 or more days until they actually have a proper answer.

It's sad that with a portfolio of that caliber that they wouldn't even bother to let you know what's going on.

As long as you guys used individual/separate releases (no digitized signatures) I have no clue what DT's problem is.

Release are definately seperated.

@yuliang11: Sorry for this happening to you, it must be quite a kick. Do keep us posted about what happens next, please. DT has a bit of a reputation of fairness in treating its contributors.

Ok. still waiting for reply from them. i guess today is Monday here in S.E asia, i think i'll get a reply by tommorow morning.

« Reply #25 on: August 09, 2011, 06:16 »
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waiting is pathetic. it's been more than a few days. i guess i'll have to find a way to contact them

« Reply #26 on: August 09, 2011, 06:47 »
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waiting is pathetic. it's been more than a few days. i guess i'll have to find a way to contact them

Call them, the number is on the bottom left hand corner of the website.

« Reply #27 on: August 09, 2011, 15:51 »
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Buy a calling card to call them. It's not that expensive. Also Serban is sometimes active on this site. Send him a sitemail.

« Reply #28 on: August 09, 2011, 15:58 »
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I'm sorry to hear about this. I've always liked DT but it seems that as these sites grow away from their roots they become disrespectful to their contributors. DT SHOULD have found the time to discuss this with you and see if there was an innocent explanation for whatever the problem was.

In general, I think husband and wife teams shooting the same things is a bad idea. When they have one "exclusive" on one site and the other "non-exclusive" everywhere (and I know you said this isn't what you were doing) I think it is verging on the downright dishonest.

« Reply #29 on: August 09, 2011, 20:53 »
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Finally i've got a reply , Looks like i was right with our images being too similar. I explained however there are not replies from dreamstime yet since the past 8 hours. It seems dreamstime only bother to send email to my wife and not me. They have send her the terms and told her having 2 accounts is against the terms. i'll see what happens next.


Buy a calling card to call them. It's not that expensive. Also Serban is sometimes active on this site. Send him a sitemail.

Ok ill send him my regards. Ive looked and there are no user by the name of serban. any knows what username he's using ?


I'm sorry to hear about this. I've always liked DT but it seems that as these sites grow away from their roots they become disrespectful to their contributors. DT SHOULD have found the time to discuss this with you and see if there was an innocent explanation for whatever the problem was.

In general, I think husband and wife teams shooting the same things is a bad idea. When they have one "exclusive" on one site and the other "non-exclusive" everywhere (and I know you said this isn't what you were doing) I think it is verging on the downright dishonest.

Believe me with the current situation, there are no way of me going exclusive to anyone.
« Last Edit: August 09, 2011, 21:42 by yuliang11 »

« Reply #30 on: August 09, 2011, 22:38 »
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Serban, the CEO of Dreamstime, profiles are here...  He goes by the name Achilles

MSG Profile : http://www.microstockgroup.com/profile/Achilles/
Dreamstime Profile: http://www.dreamstime.com/achilles_info

« Reply #31 on: August 09, 2011, 22:39 »
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Serban, the CEO of Dreamstime, profiles are here...  He goes by the name Achilles

MSG Profile : http://www.microstockgroup.com/profile/Achilles/
Dreamstime Profile: http://www.dreamstime.com/achilles_info


Thanks, that was very helpful

« Reply #32 on: August 09, 2011, 22:55 »
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Serban, the CEO of Dreamstime, profiles are here...  He goes by the name Achilles

MSG Profile : http://www.microstockgroup.com/profile/Achilles/
Dreamstime Profile: http://www.dreamstime.com/achilles_info


Thanks, that was very helpful


So has everything been resolved now?  Are both your accounts active?

« Reply #33 on: August 09, 2011, 22:58 »
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Serban, the CEO of Dreamstime, profiles are here...  He goes by the name Achilles

MSG Profile : http://www.microstockgroup.com/profile/Achilles/
Dreamstime Profile: http://www.dreamstime.com/achilles_info


Thanks, that was very helpful


So has everything been resolved now?  Are both your accounts active?


Nope, we replied and explained however there are no replies from Dreamstime yet as of the that message they sent to my wlife. I've pmed serban too.

eggshell

« Reply #34 on: August 10, 2011, 00:25 »
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I didn't see anyone asking - is one of you a referral to the other ?

« Reply #35 on: August 10, 2011, 02:15 »
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I didn't see anyone asking - is one of you a referral to the other ?

I did try to refer her, however there were issues with the refferal that time, it was registered as refferal .So nope, neither of us are refferal of each other in Dreamstime. Any issues with refferal with friends and family ? I do not think so right?

« Reply #36 on: August 10, 2011, 03:01 »
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Normally support deals with this issues and I'm sure a response was already given, but if you posted this thread here, here we go.

Customer support doesn't work during weekends, so if you email on Friday, you should wait for a reply on Monday or Tuesday.

The OP has submitted images via two accounts, claiming one of them belongs to his wife. It is not the case, when two people create photographs the style and technique are significantly different.

If one needs a proof, here you go:
submitted via Yuliang account:
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_591/13002891516gE2c5.jpg
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_587/1299216773RrIfPI.jpg
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_591/1300291194yT3f5R.jpg
--leech-thumb12409953.jpg[/url]
--leech-thumb15750869.jpg[/url]

submitted via Szefei account:
--leech-thumb12409953.jpg[/url]
--leech-thumb15750869.jpg[/url]
http://www.dreamstime.com/girl-writing-thumb18897563.jpg
http://www.dreamstime.com/girl-writing-thumb17753876.jpg

It's not only a matter of distributing content on two accounts, but also of submitting identical images.  

We don't tolerate any kind of spam or fraud attempts. No, it's not true that as a big agency we are now arrogant. It's just that we don't like people using tricks to multiply their portfolios or pushing fraudulently their work in front of others. And then playing the honest contributor role... If you were caught red-handed at least admit your guilt and act responsibly. Most probably we would've closed the newer account as a penalty. Considering this continued "mouse and cat" game aggravated we will now suspend both accounts.

PS: I no longer read this forum due to the anonymous rants and flaming so if anyone wants any extra details, please contact me via Dreamstime.
« Last Edit: August 10, 2011, 03:09 by Achilles »

« Reply #37 on: August 10, 2011, 03:08 »
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Normally support deals with this issues and I'm sure a response was already given, but if you posted this thread here, here we go.

Customer support doesn't work during weekends, so if you email on Friday, you should wait for a reply on Monday or Tuesday.

The OP has submitted images via two accounts, claiming one of them belongs to his wife. It is not the case, when two people create photographs the style and technique are significantly different.

If one needs a proof, here you go:
submitted via Yuliang account:
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_591/13002891516gE2c5.jpg
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_587/1299216773RrIfPI.jpg
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_591/1300291194yT3f5R.jpg<br --leech-thumb12409953.jpg[/url]<br --leech-thumb15750869.jpg[/url]

submitted via Szefei account:
--leech-thumb12409953.jpg[/url]
--leech-thumb15750869.jpg[/url]
http://www.dreamstime.com/girl-writing-thumb18897563.jpg
http://www.dreamstime.com/girl-writing-thumb17753876.jpg

It's not only a matter of distributing content on two accounts, but also of submitting identical images.  

We don't tolerate any kind of spam or fraud attempts. No, it's not true that as a big agency we are now arrogant. It's just that we don't like people using tricks to multiply their portfolios or pushing fraudulently their work in front of others. And then playing the honest contributor role... If you were caught red-handed at least admit your guilt and act responsibly. Most probably we would've closed the newer account as a penalty. Considering this continued "mouse and cat" game aggravated we will now suspend both accounts.

PS: I no longer read this forum due to the anonymous rants and flaming so if anyone wants any extra details, please contact me via Dreamstime.


Hi,
I can assure sure that there are 2 people behind the accounts. We have been shooting together for more than 5 years, we shoot together all the time that explains the angle.. That's explains the similarity in style. We also uses the same equipment that explains the same angle. Sometimes its just too bulky to 2 people to carrying the same equipment in a single shoot.

« Reply #38 on: August 10, 2011, 03:12 »
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Normally support deals with this issues and I'm sure a response was already given, but if you posted this thread here, here we go.

Customer support doesn't work during weekends, so if you email on Friday, you should wait for a reply on Monday or Tuesday.

The OP has submitted images via two accounts, claiming one of them belongs to his wife. It is not the case, when two people create photographs the style and technique are significantly different.

If one needs a proof, here you go:
submitted via Yuliang account:
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_591/13002891516gE2c5.jpg
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_587/1299216773RrIfPI.jpg
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_591/1300291194yT3f5R.jpg
--leech-thumb12409953.jpg[/url]
--leech-thumb15750869.jpg[/url]

submitted via Szefei account:
--leech-thumb12409953.jpg[/url]
--leech-thumb15750869.jpg[/url]
http://www.dreamstime.com/girl-writing-thumb18897563.jpg
http://www.dreamstime.com/girl-writing-thumb17753876.jpg

It's not only a matter of distributing content on two accounts, but also of submitting identical images.  

We don't tolerate any kind of spam or fraud attempts. No, it's not true that as a big agency we are now arrogant. It's just that we don't like people using tricks to multiply their portfolios or pushing fraudulently their work in front of others. And then playing the honest contributor role... If you were caught red-handed at least admit your guilt and act responsibly. Most probably we would've closed the newer account as a penalty. Considering this continued "mouse and cat" game aggravated we will now suspend both accounts.

PS: I no longer read this forum due to the anonymous rants and flaming so if anyone wants any extra details, please contact me via Dreamstime.


Hi, i think it's also very unfair that you took only a few of the images to be compared. Sze fei has over 2000 photos on her profile while I have only over 1000 photos.
« Last Edit: August 10, 2011, 05:30 by yuliang11 »


« Reply #40 on: August 10, 2011, 03:25 »
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You can't persuade me that your wife (appearing in the photos above) did a self-portrait of her:
Szefei:
and then you also did a portrait of her
Yuliang:

These may be from different sessions, is just that we don't believe you after receiving these image on both accounts:
Szefei:
Yuliang:




anyway the leech photo was my leg. Its not so so hard to get the same photo on a tripod if you are using the same equipments or things get mixed up when you submit to > 7 micro sites and a few macro sites.  But we are still two different people with 2 different accounts. Would it be possible for us to delete the similar photos and just enable back our accounts?
« Last Edit: August 10, 2011, 03:28 by yuliang11 »

Xalanx

« Reply #41 on: August 10, 2011, 03:36 »
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Well this is one very good example of why is important to hear both sides of the story. I completely agree with Serban.

« Reply #42 on: August 10, 2011, 03:39 »
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Well this is one very good example of why is important to hear both sides of the story. I completely agree with Serban.

Me too.
It would have been impossible for your wife to have taken a photo of herself sat down and got into exactly the same position so that you could then take her photo. The hand positioning and everything is the same.

« Reply #43 on: August 10, 2011, 03:41 »
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Well this is one very good example of why is important to hear both sides of the story. I completely agree with Serban.

Me too.
It would have been impossible for your wife to have taken a photo of herself sat down and got into exactly the same position so that you could then take her photo. The hand positioning and everything is the same.

What if you are using the same equipment sometimes on a tripod ?

« Reply #44 on: August 10, 2011, 03:52 »
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Because for your wife to have taken that photo herself she would have had to have moved the position of her hands and they are in exactly the same position in both photos.  You tried to buck the system and got caught out.  In a way I feel sorry for you both but if you cheat you have to accept the consequences if you get found out.


What if you are using the same equipment sometimes on a tripod ?

« Reply #45 on: August 10, 2011, 03:57 »
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Anyway , there are no extra profits in posting the exact same photos again or on a different account. The popularity of the photos will also be diluted as buyers will be confused.

Because for your wife to have taken that photo herself she would have had to have moved the position of her hands and they are in exactly the same position in both photos.  You tried to buck the system and got caught out.  In a way I feel sorry for you both but if you cheat you have to accept the consequences if you get found out.


What if you are using the same equipment sometimes on a tripod ?

eggshell

« Reply #46 on: August 10, 2011, 04:01 »
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Well this is one very good example of why is important to hear both sides of the story. I completely agree with Serban.

Me too.
It would have been impossible for your wife to have taken a photo of herself sat down and got into exactly the same position so that you could then take her photo. The hand positioning and everything is the same.

What if you are using the same equipment sometimes on a tripod ?

You're just trying to rationalize an obvious situation . Try another what if - what if many contributors start using multiple accounts .

« Reply #47 on: August 10, 2011, 04:02 »
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Well this is one very good example of why is important to hear both sides of the story. I completely agree with Serban.

Me too.
It would have been impossible for your wife to have taken a photo of herself sat down and got into exactly the same position so that you could then take her photo. The hand positioning and everything is the same.

What if you are using the same equipment sometimes on a tripod ?

You're just trying to rationalize an obvious situation . Try another what if - what if many contributors start using multiple accounts .

We are NOT using multiple accounts.

eggshell

« Reply #48 on: August 10, 2011, 04:07 »
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Anyway , there are no extra profits in posting the exact same photos again or on a different account. The popularity of the photos will also be diluted as buyers will be confused.

Because for your wife to have taken that photo herself she would have had to have moved the position of her hands and they are in exactly the same position in both photos.  You tried to buck the system and got caught out.  In a way I feel sorry for you both but if you cheat you have to accept the consequences if you get found out.


What if you are using the same equipment sometimes on a tripod ?

Of course there is an extra profit - in your case you get double the exposure of the same content in the search , not to mention that you completely circumvent the anti-similars policy at DS

Of course there is an extra profit - in your case you get double the exposure of the same content in the search , not to mention that you completely circumvent the anti-similars policy at DS


« Reply #50 on: August 10, 2011, 04:12 »
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Once again Serban has been more than fair and I hope that you appreciate just how fair he has been.  I don't think that many of the other sites would have acted with such class and yet again DT have shown that they deserve to be at the top.

« Reply #51 on: August 10, 2011, 04:14 »
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For me it's not that important if the images were taken by you or by you and your wife. They are very similar, some almost identical and they are sold from two accounts. Moreover - on dreamstime that started their fight against similars.
It's great to discuss arrogance of big sites but in this case - I'm sorry - DT is absolutely right.
All you can do is to hope that only one of your accounts can be deleted.

edit: I didn't read previous Serban's post - I think that deleting of one of your accoutns is more than fair.

« Reply #52 on: August 10, 2011, 04:29 »
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If I were you, I'd admit the mistake and move on with Serban's offer.

« Reply #53 on: August 10, 2011, 04:47 »
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Yes, Dreamstime has acted reasonably (though I would suggest they issue a mail explaining their reasoning at the time when action is being considered or taken, rather than acting and then waiting for the inevitable protest).

In the circumstances, you are lucky that Serban has offered to let you keep one account.

« Reply #54 on: August 10, 2011, 05:27 »
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After looking into the "Why are you anonymous" thread I realized that we don't really want to punish someone for criticizing while making it public, especially as your tone was polite. I hope this will make people understand that their posts should be decent and as objective as possible, while their identity shouldn't be hidden.

I strongly disagree with your current denials and hope you will realize and admit it. Most probably if it wasn't for that thread we would've blocked both of them. As a general rule, one shouldn't aggravate results when things are obvious. Burning bridges is also very unwise as the recent migration from elsewhere shows.

We will not suspend both your accounts but the newer one. Reuploading those photos and losing all work made in the past are penalties drastical enough.

Hi Achilles,
thanks for the offer. I Apologize for the similar contents for both my wife's and my acounts. However only 1 would be my account and i insist on that.  Could my account be deleted instead of my wife's account? She's far more active than me and had worked very hard to build good content for customers.
« Last Edit: August 10, 2011, 05:30 by yuliang11 »

« Reply #55 on: August 10, 2011, 05:33 »
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Of course there is an extra profit - in your case you get double the exposure of the same content in the search , not to mention that you completely circumvent the anti-similars policy at DS

My wife's content sells 3 times higher than me. It must have been her profile has been booked marked by some designers. Would it be much more better if i'm uploading to her account ? There are still plenty of microstock sites to be submitting too . Why would i want to waste my time to sign up for 2 accounts in the same agencies to submit 2 times while i'm having issues to submit to all agencies.
« Last Edit: August 10, 2011, 05:37 by yuliang11 »

« Reply #56 on: August 10, 2011, 05:43 »
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I know our profiles are linked to same website too ,which is mine .maybe that caused further suspiscious. Just last week i recieved a complimence for a happy dreamstime customer who bought photo from her but sent the message to me instead as she followed her profile link to my website.

Quote
Hi,
 The photo was taken by my wife. She said it's a lovely postcard and thanks for the nice complimence.

Cheers!
 


Yuliang
Photographer
Kuala lumpur , Malaysia
012-6361022

www.yuliang11.com


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    Sent: Thursday, 14 July 2011 10:52 PM
    Subject: Your photo of the tea plantation

    Hello, I bought your photo of the tea plantation in the Cameron Highlands from Dreamstime. What a stunning, beautiful photo! I have an inspirational website, and I used it for today's picture (www.PostcardsFromGusto.com). I've had people email me already this morning asking where the photo was taken. I told them and then gave them your website, as listed in Dreamstime, so they could see more of your amazing work. Also, I have a Facebook page and will be crediting you for the photo there as well today (the facebook page is called "Gusto").

    Keep taking beautiful photos! I love your art.


    ~ Gusto
« Last Edit: August 10, 2011, 05:45 by yuliang11 »

« Reply #57 on: August 10, 2011, 05:56 »
0
Why would i want to waste my time to sign up for 2 accounts in the same agencies to submit 2 times while i'm having issues to submit to all agencies.
The fact is that you did do it, whatever your reasons.
My advice to you is to stop trying to make excuses and justify yourself as you could make things worse and cause Serban to take back his offer.  Just accept what Serban has offered without insisting on getting more ( having your wife's port reinstated instead of yours) and think yourself very lucky for getting even that.

« Reply #58 on: August 10, 2011, 06:01 »
0
Why would i want to waste my time to sign up for 2 accounts in the same agencies to submit 2 times while i'm having issues to submit to all agencies.
The fact is that you did do it, whatever your reasons.
My advice to you is to stop trying to make excuses and justify yourself as you could make things worse and cause Serban to take back his offer.  Just accept what Serban has offered without insisting on getting more ( having your wife's port reinstated instead of yours) and think yourself very lucky for getting even that.

No, I did not sign up for 2 accounts. it's a fact.

« Reply #59 on: August 10, 2011, 06:22 »
0
I'll back out from this thread now.  None of this is any of my business.

« Reply #60 on: August 10, 2011, 06:23 »
0
Yes, Dreamstime has acted reasonably (though I would suggest they issue a mail explaining their reasoning at the time when action is being considered or taken, rather than acting and then waiting for the inevitable protest).

In the circumstances, you are lucky that Serban has offered to let you keep one account.

Not only inevitable protest but, it doesn't make DT (and other agencies) appear in a good light, if they disable accounts without an explanation to the account holder (even if it is obvious to them as to why). If a simple email was sent, then noone can go on a forum saying my account was closed and I didn't receive clarification.

As far as I determine, DT felt that they had enough evidence to disable the account (permanently) and the account was not just disabled pending further investigation, so at the time of disabling the account, send an email to the account holder and then you've done everything right (by the book as it were) and we can not draw conclusions that it's a case of the agency being disrespectful.

« Reply #61 on: August 10, 2011, 06:36 »
0
Hi guys,
 Let's wrap things up, I think there will be no more results from this thread and no point of protesting further.

First my account has been instated, however I'm still need to verify my wife's account when she's back( althought i think it's not good) .  We would like to thank Serban for enabling my account back and for the helps provided.

I would like to personally thank all of you who have shown support and gave us the contacts. Anyway let this be a warning to any husband/wife/team who has been using the same setups , equipments,computers , etc. I guess this incident will have a huge impact on ,our goals/directions in life, and the way My wife and I need to work together during stock assignments.

 How vulnerable things at microstock can be. Years of hard work gone in a night. We will start to slowly diversify into a more tangible industry.

cheers
« Last Edit: August 10, 2011, 06:58 by yuliang11 »

« Reply #62 on: August 10, 2011, 06:37 »
0
I guess this incident will have a huge impact on ,our goals/directions in life, and the way My wife and I need to work together during stock assignments.

Yeah, don't use tripods next to each other, lol.

« Reply #63 on: August 10, 2011, 06:39 »
0
I guess this incident will have a huge impact on ,our goals/directions in life, and the way My wife and I need to work together during stock assignments.

Yeah, don't use tripods next to each other, lol.

To be honest, we share the camera during some assignments ;)  
« Last Edit: August 10, 2011, 06:49 by yuliang11 »

« Reply #64 on: August 10, 2011, 07:06 »
0
To be honest, we share the camera during some assignments ;)  

I think you really should be something else than taking turns pressing the shutter button. How about having your own shoots; one of you shoots and the other one is an assistant? You know; "This is my shoot, tomorrow is your shoot."

« Reply #65 on: August 10, 2011, 07:12 »
0
I guess this incident will have a huge impact on ,our goals/directions in life, and the way My wife and I need to work together during stock assignments.

Yeah, don't use tripods next to each other, lol.

To be honest, we share the camera during some assignments ;)  

So the exif data would tell the agency that pictures of the same subject, taken moments apart on the same camera are being uploaded to different accounts. That's just asking for trouble - particularly as the duplication seems to suggest you don't know who took what. In any case, it would be better use of your time for you to be shooting different things so that you don't compete against each other.

If you have separate accounts elsewhere you probably ought to do some thinking about what you are going to do about them, before other admins wake up to the apparent problem.

« Reply #66 on: August 10, 2011, 08:01 »
0
To be honest, we share the camera during some assignments ;)  

I think you really should be something else than taking turns pressing the shutter button. How about having your own shoots; one of you shoots and the other one is an assistant? You know; "This is my shoot, tomorrow is your shoot."

yeah. that would be perfect scenario and what we will plan in future. however, during certain times, timing, sunset, it will be much easier to do shoot from one camera from convenience purpose. you are selling for less than 1usd anyway.  also we'll have to watch out shoots in small studios





So the exif data would tell the agency that pictures of the same subject, taken moments apart on the same camera are being uploaded to different accounts. That's just asking for trouble - particularly as the duplication seems to suggest you don't know who took what. In any case, it would be better use of your time for you to be shooting different things so that you don't compete against each other.

If you have separate accounts elsewhere you probably ought to do some thinking about what you are going to do about them, before other admins wake up to the apparent problem.

yes. we are looking into it. we faced issues too but they weren't so fussy about similar photos  however we gotta becarefu, doing a review now
« Last Edit: August 10, 2011, 08:16 by yuliang11 »

« Reply #67 on: August 10, 2011, 08:19 »
0
Achilles, you did a good job on speaking here on the forums to provide DT's side of the story.

Communication is key and often we contributors feel that some agencies do not care anymore.

As long as we don't hear/see both sides of the story it obviously shows how biased we contributors can be.

Of course the OP did NOT tell us here that some photos were shot by two people on the same camera on a tripod. That would have changed things dramatically.

Only because you Achilles decided to make this public we all understand the situation.

Well done and you have been very, very fair.

Please keep an eye on these forums in the future so the communication continues to be open.

It makes a huge difference in the trust that some of us put into Dreamstime!

« Reply #68 on: August 10, 2011, 08:30 »
0
Of course the OP did NOT tell us here that some photos were shot by two people on the same camera on a tripod. That would have changed things dramatically.

He did say in this in the first post.
"Is it wrong if we share the same model ? equipment ? studio and settings?"

« Reply #69 on: August 10, 2011, 08:42 »
0
Of course the OP did NOT tell us here that some photos were shot by two people on the same camera on a tripod. That would have changed things dramatically.

He did say in this in the first post.
"Is it wrong if we share the same model ? equipment ? studio and settings?"

Ok my bad, I assumed they share a camera which is one thing.

But to use the same camera mounted onto a tripod taking turns in pressing the shutter button in order to upload those images on different accounts is a very, very questionable practice.

Give me one reason why a photographer couple "has to" take turns taking images from a mounted camera? Will it be like: "Look my image is better because of the angle?"

Sorry for my sarcasm, but this was handled more than fair by Achilles and I really do not always agree with the agencies.

They can share equipment all they want. Have one photographer shoot the tree scene and then have the other one shoot another scene.

The examples posted by Achilles speak voumes and the OP didn't object to the accuracy of which account the images belonged to so I assume Achilles posted the correct account related images. Therefore I think DT's decision is understandable.

« Reply #70 on: August 10, 2011, 08:43 »
0
Of course the OP did NOT tell us here that some photos were shot by two people on the same camera on a tripod. That would have changed things dramatically.

He did say in this in the first post.
"Is it wrong if we share the same model ? equipment ? studio and settings?"

He did. But he didn't say that they change behind camera every two seconds.

TheSmilingAssassin

    This user is banned.
« Reply #71 on: August 10, 2011, 09:13 »
0
LOL well this changes everything and I take back what I said earlier. 

rubyroo

« Reply #72 on: August 10, 2011, 09:26 »
0
Maybe the OP doesn't see it this way - maybe they just don't think this way - but to me and to many who only have one account, this definitely looks like "two bites of the same cherry".

I think allowing one account to remain open is more generous than some other agencies would have been.   I do agree wholeheartedly with Serban on this one.

It's great to finally see the whole story on one of these issues - we've been left in the dark on similar issues with other agencies, and it can make us all feel very insecure about threats to our livelihood.

Thanks so much Serban, for stepping in and clarifying this one.  It's very reassuring to see that when these things happen it's justified.  In an industry where our incomes are so vulnerable and unpredictable, it's hard to feel sure-footed when we only hear half the story.

I wish all the agencies would have a presence in MSG to clarify these things and allay our fears.

« Reply #73 on: August 10, 2011, 10:03 »
0
Thanks so much Serban, for stepping in and clarifying this one.  It's very reassuring to see that when these things happen it's justified.  In an industry where our incomes are so vulnerable and unpredictable, it's hard to feel sure-footed when we only hear half the story.

I wish all the agencies would have a presence in MSG to clarify these things and allay our fears.

Absolutely. I think Serban has been generous to a fault in permitting one account to remain open.

To the OP. Consider yourself VERY lucky indeed. Thanks for nothing for giving us such a one-sided and inaccurate picture of events. IMHO this was intentional fraudulent activity rather than an 'accident' as you claim. I find it laughable that you are still attempting to claim innocence.

« Reply #74 on: August 10, 2011, 10:05 »
0
Thanks so much Serban, for stepping in and clarifying this one.  It's very reassuring to see that when these things happen it's justified.  In an industry where our incomes are so vulnerable and unpredictable, it's hard to feel sure-footed when we only hear half the story.

I wish all the agencies would have a presence in MSG to clarify these things and allay our fears.

Absolutely. I think Serban has been generous to a fault in permitting one account to remain open.

To the OP. Consider yourself VERY lucky indeed. Thanks for nothing for giving us such a one-sided and inaccurate picture of events. IMHO this was intentional fraudulent activity rather than an 'accident' as you claim. I find it laughable that you are still attempting to claim innocence.

Yes keep the bashing coming in. I'm very tired of explaning again and again...
« Last Edit: August 10, 2011, 10:18 by yuliang11 »

« Reply #75 on: August 10, 2011, 10:33 »
0
Thanks for jumping in here Achilles, it is very nice to hear both sides of the situation.

@Yuliang, I would agree with the others, I would accept Achilles generous offer.

I think Perry had a good solution for you to work together but keep your shoots separate. Today is my shoot, tomorrow is your shot. Or if you want to shoot together and take turns pressing the shutter button, share a single account.

« Reply #76 on: August 10, 2011, 10:36 »
0
Thanks for jumping in here Achilles, it is very nice to hear both sides of the situation.

@Yuliang, I would agree with the others, I would accept Achilles generous offer.

I think Perry had a good solution for you to work together but keep your shoots separate. Today is my shoot, tomorrow is your shot. Or if you want to shoot together and take turns pressing the shutter button, share a single account.

I've gone through and agreed with Achilles. We are in the midst of reorganizing everything. which is including deleting 20% of our contents.

« Reply #77 on: August 10, 2011, 10:44 »
0
I think Perry had a good solution for you to work together but keep your shoots separate. Today is my shoot, tomorrow is your shot. Or if you want to shoot together and take turns pressing the shutter button, share a single account.

exactly! wish you the best yuliang

« Reply #78 on: August 10, 2011, 10:45 »
0
I think Perry had a good solution for you to work together but keep your shoots separate. Today is my shoot, tomorrow is your shot. Or if you want to shoot together and take turns pressing the shutter button, share a single account.

exactly! wish you the best yuliang

Thanks for not bashing me. We are still in the midst of consolidations at near 12 am here

nruboc

« Reply #79 on: August 10, 2011, 10:46 »
0
Achilles, you did a good job on speaking here on the forums to provide DT's side of the story.

Communication is key and often we contributors feel that some agencies do not care anymore.

As long as we don't hear/see both sides of the story it obviously shows how biased we contributors can be.

Of course the OP did NOT tell us here that some photos were shot by two people on the same camera on a tripod. That would have changed things dramatically.

Only because you Achilles decided to make this public we all understand the situation.

Well done and you have been very, very fair.

Please keep an eye on these forums in the future so the communication continues to be open.

It makes a huge difference in the trust that some of us put into Dreamstime!

+1, highly commend Achilles communication and actions !!

« Reply #80 on: August 10, 2011, 10:56 »
0
I'll lock this thread now.  Both sides have made their case and things are in the works to resolve the situation.


 

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