MicrostockGroup

Agency Based Discussion => Dreamstime.com => Topic started by: Allen on February 18, 2009, 12:03

Title: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: Allen on February 18, 2009, 12:03
I got a rejection for this image, and the only reason given was that the term "pickpocket" was not relevant.

I don't really care that it got rejected there, but was just wondering if "pickpocket" really was just spam or what.(http://69.90.174.249/photos/display_pic_with_logo/153391/153391,1234546671,1.jpg)

I should also note that this is the very first "keyword rejection" I have received from any stock agency.
Title: Re: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: Microbius on February 18, 2009, 12:11
I think it might be, because even though the guy is holding a wallet a pickpocket wouldn't be dressed in that way. It's hardly inconspicuous.

Also the reviewer may not have realized it was  a wallet, at first I thought it was a terrorist reading a book!
Title: Re: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: Allen on February 18, 2009, 12:15
True enough.  I believe you are right.
Title: Re: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: travismanley on February 18, 2009, 13:00
Was this an iSock reject? I wouldnt consider it spam at all, some sites are just crazy when it comes to keywords.
Title: Re: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: sharply_done on February 18, 2009, 13:09
I'd agree that 'pickpocket' is not a valid keyword.

I'd also like to add that although you have a good concept, I think you've totally blown its execution. It's not immediately obvious that he's looking at a wallet, and his expression is completely off-the-wall for the situation - I can't help but think to myself "Just what the bejeezuz is he looking at?". And he appears to be wearing a suit. Given that the thief is wearing black, white might have been a better background  choice. Or better yet a brick wall, as in 'thief/mugger examines stolen wallet in alley'.

Sorry to be so critical ... just trying to give you a 'leg up' so to speak.
Title: Re: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: Allen on February 18, 2009, 13:46
Yeah, I was trying a concept like, Businessman is robbing a company behind it's back, kind of idea (hence the suit).  In the world of Microstock, no comment is being critical.  It's just life.  Over the course of time I have heard it all, and I have tried and continue trying to improve.  :)
Title: Re: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: Microstock Posts on February 19, 2009, 09:09
I saw straight away that he was looking at a wallet. Even common thieves wear suits and bankers of course  ;). Wearing suits by criminals is a very old ploy, as people often perceive people wearing suits to be honourable  ???. Yeah a pickpocket probably won't be wearing a mask. Nonetheless a buyer might buy an image like this if he is looking for a picture or a concept of a pickpocket. It's an excellent image. To be rejected for the word pickpocket, for an image like this is being a bit pedantic to say the least.
Title: Re: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: Freedom on February 19, 2009, 09:23
Your concept is valid to me. I think the reviewer was overzealous.
Title: Re: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: Stu99 on February 19, 2009, 10:17
Some banknotes sticking out of the top might have helped clarify the concept. However, if this was the only keyword that was 'ambiguous' then it is unfortunate that the image was rejected.
Title: Re: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: Allen on February 19, 2009, 15:22
Some banknotes sticking out of the top might have helped clarify the concept. However, if this was the only keyword that was 'ambiguous' then it is unfortunate that the image was rejected.

I thought about having some money sticking out the top,  but correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe microstock sites won't accept images with Canadian money.  It seems USA money is ok if only parts are shown.  Maybe I will have to trade some just so I can redo this idea. lol :D
Title: Re: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: travismanley on February 19, 2009, 17:27
Some banknotes sticking out of the top might have helped clarify the concept. However, if this was the only keyword that was 'ambiguous' then it is unfortunate that the image was rejected.

I thought about having some money sticking out the top,  but correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe microstock sites won't accept images with Canadian money.  It seems USA money is ok if only parts are shown.  Maybe I will have to trade some just so I can redo this idea. lol :D

Photos of money (USD or Canadian) should be fine as long as they are used as part of a composition not just flat scans.
Title: Re: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: Allen on February 19, 2009, 17:37
Some banknotes sticking out of the top might have helped clarify the concept. However, if this was the only keyword that was 'ambiguous' then it is unfortunate that the image was rejected.

I thought about having some money sticking out the top,  but correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe microstock sites won't accept images with Canadian money.  It seems USA money is ok if only parts are shown.  Maybe I will have to trade some just so I can redo this idea. lol :D

Photos of money (USD or Canadian) should be fine as long as they are used as part of a composition not just flat scans.

If that is true, I wonder which one would sell more?  I would probably still be better off using American money.... but then again there are a lot less photos with Canadian moola! ;)
Title: Re: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: CCK on February 20, 2009, 03:32
Well, I'll have to count myself as a keyword spammer as well - I got the result of my latest batch at SS this morning - about half rejected with the reason "Keywords--Your keywords must directly relate to the image (relevancy). Please edit your keyword choices and resubmit." I've never had any problem with keywords before.

I'm all against keyword spamming, but I think I'm rather careful when choosing keywords. I do my best to use keyword I think a potential buyer looking for my images will be using. Strange aspect - for the images accepted in this very same batch, I used the same keywords as for the rejects.
Title: Re: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: hroe on February 20, 2009, 07:01
Isn't a pickpocket dressed like anybody else in the street, unrecognizable? Do you really think this guy can be in the metro or walking the streets without getting attention to him? He looks like Zorro! The dressing code doesn't convey the idea, I think it should have been much better with jewelry in his hand. This rather symbolizes a "robber", no?
Title: Re: Am I Starting To Keyword Spam?
Post by: Peter on February 20, 2009, 07:41
the real issue here is black background, and black subject.

they told you they rejected it because of keywords, so it hurt you less, but real reason is bad image. :D