MicrostockGroup

Agency Based Discussion => Dreamstime.com => Topic started by: stockastic on August 19, 2012, 10:38

Title: the new DT
Post by: stockastic on August 19, 2012, 10:38
Here's how it's been looking for me lately:


subscription   $0.35   maximum
subscription   $0.35   maximum
subscription   $0.35   maximum
subscription   $0.35   maximum
subscription   $0.35   maximum
subscription   $0.35   maximum
subscription   $0.35   maximum
subscription   $0.35   maximum
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: WarrenPrice on August 19, 2012, 10:40
Here's how it's been looking for me lately:


subscription   $0.35   maximum
subscription   $0.35   maximum
subscription   $0.35   maximum
subscription   $0.35   maximum
subscription   $0.35   maximum
subscription   $0.35   maximum
subscription   $0.35   maximum
subscription   $0.35   maximum

+1 ... having a terrible month.  Must be offering a subscription special?
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Roadrunner on August 19, 2012, 12:37
I have a very small portfolio - under 200 images, but I can't complain.
subscription            $0.35      maximum
subscription            $0.35      maximum
subscription            $0.35      large
subscription            $0.35      large
13 credits (2010)     $5.85      small
subscription            $0.35      maximum 
17 credits (2010)     $7.08      large
subscription            $0.35      medium
4 credits (2010)       $0.77      medium
10 credits (2010)     $3.46      medium
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: fotografer on August 19, 2012, 13:03
This August I probably won't even make half as much as I did last August !!
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: w7lwi on August 19, 2012, 13:56
Here's a small sample of recent sales in August.  Credit sales have been running about twice the volume of subscription sales.

Subscription - 5 for $0.35 each, all maximum
9 credits - $1.96   extra large
7 credits - $1.62   medium
15 credits - $5.56 large
16 credits - $6.35 medium
9 credits - $3.60   extra small
5 credits - $1.50   extra small
13 credits - $4.50 maximum
6 credits - $2.50   small
9 credits - $3.64   small

All the credits are marked 2010, although I don't really know what that means.  Small port of only 327 images.

edit - just noticed I left off the sizes.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: red on August 19, 2012, 17:16
Serban mentioned this in a forum questioning prices recently (and then closed the thread) -

"We test new prices, in fact various tests are up very often. We can't make an official announcement, at least not yet."
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: fritz on August 19, 2012, 18:37
DT is going down, down and down............
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: velocicarpo on August 19, 2012, 18:42
I somehow fail to take DT seriously. Their approval policy is counterproductive. They continue to add ridiculous rules / rejection reasons. The income I get from them is declining from month to month. Plus: I haven`t yet forgiven them that they skipped the 50% royalty rate. I still upload but do not care about their rules, policies, what they accept from my material, etc. Depositphotos already brings me more and is less stress. I hope their importance will fade to zero over the time so that I can justify to stop uploading to them completely.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: sgoodwin4813 on August 20, 2012, 08:25
DT has done great for me the past few months but so far this month has fallen from a strong #3 to #5, not much ahead of the pack of low earners.  I get frustrated by their "too many similars" policy also but it does keep the searches reasonable and this may help in the future as the databases get more and more clogged.  For example, I just did a keyword search for a subject I am thinking to shoot.  On iS the search returned 89 hits, most by exclusives, on DT 491 and on SS 1307.  Many of those that came up on SS contained neither of my keywords in the image, compared to iS and DT where almost all were relevant.  Even if I can make a decent image it will never be seen on SS due to the ridiculous keyword spanning and acceptance of too many similars.  So maybe the DT policy will pay off if buyers get too frustrated sorting through too many similar images to find what they want.  I wish there was a way to flag keyword spamming on SS.

Of my last 10 sales on DT, 6 were $.0.35 subs, and the rest were from 3-8 credits averaging $1.25 per DL - much lower RPDL than in the past so hope it is just a statistical anomaly.

BTW, the default sort on SS came up as Recent.  Popular and Relevant gave much better results for the keywords I checked. This is the first comparative search I've done where iS gave a better result (i.e., more relevant to what I had in mind and expected to find) than SS - hopefully they have fixed their search issues.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Wim on August 20, 2012, 10:39
Quote
- Subject of your submission is already well covered in our data base and the image does not exceed in quality, composition and technique most images already online. - Lighting and composition are very important in creating a quality stock image with high sale potential.

 ::)
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: luissantos84 on August 20, 2012, 13:19
in Portugal we use the following expression: "uns são filhos, outros são enteados"

some are sons, others are stepsons
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: WarrenPrice on August 20, 2012, 14:33
@luis - You had me really thinking before you changed from "orphans."   ;D

DT is really driving me bonkers but ... it was a short trip.   :-[
I'm really stunned by the number of files getting accepted at IS that were rejected on DT.  I would have thought it was the other way around.    ???
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Pixart on August 20, 2012, 20:23
I am in mourning for the old DT.  This new version is really disheartening.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: velocicarpo on August 21, 2012, 08:56

We have to prove ourselves every day with our work, it's time they put in some effort too and prove themselves worthy.
Sales do not show any improvement with their strict policy so why bother giving them the extra treatment?

Well said
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: MatHayward on August 22, 2012, 18:06
 What can we conclude, except that something totally corrupt is going on?  

Something TOTALLY corrupt must be going on!  Gasp!

If I've told you once I've told you 100 MILLION Times...Don't exaggerate! 

"Something totally corrupt"....oh brother, are you kidding me?...what would be the corruption?  Maybe he's trading drugs for approval?  Maybe DT has a huge gambling debt and this photographer is the bookie?  Give me a break.  Wouldn't there be...oh, I don't know...MORE photos in the portfolio if he or she is running some giant conspiracy to undermine all the legitimate photographers? 

I think it's sad when people...especially anonymous people choose to single out a photographer that isn't involved in the forum in any way to talk about them, make fun of them and invent conspiracy theories involving them.  There are enough crappy photographers that are involved in the forum that should be able to occupy your time and effort in this sad, insecure attempt at feeling better about yourselves.

Have fun.

Mat
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: stockastic on August 22, 2012, 18:33
 What can we conclude, except that something totally corrupt is going on?  

Something TOTALLY corrupt must be going on!  Gasp!

If I've told you once I've told you 100 MILLION Times...Don't exaggerate! 

"Something totally corrupt"....oh brother, are you kidding me?...what would be the corruption?  Maybe he's trading drugs for approval?  Maybe DT has a huge gambling debt and this photographer is the bookie?  Give me a break.  Wouldn't there be...oh, I don't know...MORE photos in the portfolio if he or she is running some giant conspiracy to undermine all the legitimate photographers? 

I think it's sad when people...especially anonymous people choose to single out a photographer that isn't involved in the forum in any way to talk about them, make fun of them and invent conspiracy theories involving them.  There are enough crappy photographers that are involved in the forum that should be able to occupy your time and effort in this sad, insecure attempt at feeling better about yourselves.

Have fun.

Mat

Perhaps you are taking me a bit too literally - I actually don't see a direct connection to the Kennedy assassination.  But I think it's quite reasonable to ask how a group of 11 virtually indistinguishable head shots of a dog gets past a publicly acknowledged 'similars' policy which is being enforced on the rest of us with an iron hand.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: luissantos84 on August 22, 2012, 18:34
 What can we conclude, except that something totally corrupt is going on?  

Something TOTALLY corrupt must be going on!  Gasp!

If I've told you once I've told you 100 MILLION Times...Don't exaggerate! 

"Something totally corrupt"....oh brother, are you kidding me?...what would be the corruption?  Maybe he's trading drugs for approval?  Maybe DT has a huge gambling debt and this photographer is the bookie?  Give me a break.  Wouldn't there be...oh, I don't know...MORE photos in the portfolio if he or she is running some giant conspiracy to undermine all the legitimate photographers? 

I think it's sad when people...especially anonymous people choose to single out a photographer that isn't involved in the forum in any way to talk about them, make fun of them and invent conspiracy theories involving them.  There are enough crappy photographers that are involved in the forum that should be able to occupy your time and effort in this sad, insecure attempt at feeling better about yourselves.

Have fun.

Mat

I would love to hear you thought on this matter, what should we as contributors do? contact agencies, contributors? please explain us
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: stockastic on August 22, 2012, 18:58
I guess sometimes the humor in a situation isn't as obvious as I think it is.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: MatHayward on August 22, 2012, 21:59
If I were to have a batch of similar images that I wanted all approved (not a big stretch right?) I would consider uploading them at separate times, keywording them at separate times and submitting them at separate times.  Do you really think the editors are going through your entire portfolio when reviewing?

You can only submit 70 images per week anyway..might as well switch it up.

Though it could be connected to the Kennedy assassination.  Maybe he has the Kenyan Obama Birth Certificate?  Just a thought.

Mat
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: grp_photo on August 22, 2012, 22:39
Why don't you care about DT anyway they have never be a real major player and now they are pretty much dead. And yes I agree with Mat to single out a photographer is lame.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: luissantos84 on August 22, 2012, 23:24
Do you really think the editors are going through your entire portfolio when reviewing?

I dont think, I am sure of that, they look into keywords already on your portfolio
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: sharpshot on August 23, 2012, 02:19
If I were to have a batch of similar images that I wanted all approved (not a big stretch right?) I would consider uploading them at separate times, keywording them at separate times and submitting them at separate times.  Do you really think the editors are going through your entire portfolio when reviewing?

You can only submit 70 images per week anyway..might as well switch it up.

Though it could be connected to the Kennedy assassination.  Maybe he has the Kenyan Obama Birth Certificate?  Just a thought.

Mat
That doesn't work.  They use software to find what they call "similars".  The problem seems to be that lots of reviewers rely on the results for that and will reject images that are actually quite different and in short supply on their site.  I don't mind them only accepting two different versions of each subject but they have taken it to an extreme.  I've had some quite unique photos rejected, probably because there were several elements that I use in lots of other photos and that gets caught by the software.  Some reviewers must be ignoring the software because they accept almost everything.  So they have a bad policy and it's a bit of a lottery.  As I find it tedious uploading there, compared to the newer sites, I don't do it very often anymore.  And I'm annoyed that they seem to be following the istock policy of raising prices and lowering commissions.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: leaf on August 23, 2012, 04:14
I've removed a few posts from this thread.

Please don't link to people's port's for the purpose of negative critique. I realize it's nice to have examples but it creates bad culture to start pointing fingers at each other.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Mantis on August 23, 2012, 07:37
Do you really think the editors are going through your entire portfolio when reviewing?

I dont think, I am sure of that, they look into keywords already on your portfolio

Hey Luis,

DT does look into your portfolio for similar keywords.  Serban posted that in his own forum that they use software to do a search in your port and many rejections for to similar are automated and never see the eyes of an inspector.  I think that's the big beef. 
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: ShadySue on August 23, 2012, 08:27
It's certainly not going to encourage specialists or those with unique access to a subject.
I wonder if their software is like the google reverse search thingy, which is often excellent, but sometimes the similars it throws up are hysterical, based on colour composition only.
Though I guess if DT's automated match is based on the image AND the keywords, it should be better.
Still, useless for specialists.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: sgoodwin4813 on August 23, 2012, 08:32
If I were to have a batch of similar images that I wanted all approved (not a big stretch right?) I would consider uploading them at separate times, keywording them at separate times and submitting them at separate times.  Do you really think the editors are going through your entire portfolio when reviewing?

You can only submit 70 images per week anyway..might as well switch it up.

Though it could be connected to the Kennedy assassination.  Maybe he has the Kenyan Obama Birth Certificate?  Just a thought.

Mat
That doesn't work.  They use software to find what they call "similars".  The problem seems to be that lots of reviewers rely on the results for that and will reject images that are actually quite different and in short supply on their site.  I don't mind them only accepting two different versions of each subject but they have taken it to an extreme.  I've had some quite unique photos rejected, probably because there were several elements that I use in lots of other photos and that gets caught by the software.  Some reviewers must be ignoring the software because they accept almost everything.  So they have a bad policy and it's a bit of a lottery.  As I find it tedious uploading there, compared to the newer sites, I don't do it very often anymore.  And I'm annoyed that they seem to be following the istock policy of raising prices and lowering commissions.

It really does seem to vary a lot between reviewers.  My last batch of 10 had 5 isolations of flowers from my garden and 5 architecture-type shots of buildings from a recent trip.  I expected the architecture shots might get a rejection or two for similars because three were of the same building (although very different perspectives), but all were accepted and instead all five isolations were rejected as already being well covered in their database.  That was annoying, because although they may have lots of isolated flowers, they have few to none of the ones I submitted.  For example, one was a spuria iris, of which they have zero in their database, while another was a kniphofia (red hot poker), which gives you 34 results in their database but only one is isolated.  That reviewer was being lazy and just rejecting every isolated flower without checking whether they are present in the database.  Very annoying.  If that keeps up I'll stop submitting nature isolations there as they sell much better elsewhere, but probably with a different reviewer they will be fine and instead they will reject the buildings.  The inconsistency is the hardest part to deal with.

BTW, I have submitted images that might be considered similars in different batches and sometimes they get through no problem, other times they are nailed - it seems to depend on the reviewer.  So that strategy can work as long as they aren't too similar.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: stockastic on August 23, 2012, 09:16
... although they may have lots of isolated flowers, they have few to none of the ones I submitted.  For example, one was a spuria iris, of which they have zero in their database, while another was a kniphofia (red hot poker), which gives you 34 results in their database but only one is isolated.

I guess if they now have reviewers who just think that a flower is a flower, it's becoming pointless. 

Not long ago I submitted a few isolated sea shells, with scientific names as keywords, and they were accepted, but maybe today they'd be rejected.  We don't even know what game we're playing - how can we win?
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Jo Ann Snover on August 26, 2012, 09:55
DT has been way down this month and I just checked my last 20 sales - 14 are subs. I don't think I've seen that high a ratio of subs to credit sales since I came back last June. I think this month will end up slightly more than half July's total at DT :(
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: stockastic on August 26, 2012, 10:40
I'm also seeing nothing but subs - even worse than when I started this thread.   Based on August, there's no point in staying on DT.  I think soon I'll be down to just SS and Alamy. 


   
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: WarrenPrice on August 26, 2012, 10:49
Also a high ratio of subs and sales are slow at DT ... BUT, it's the same across the board; SS sales are WAY off.  One EL for SS, however, has eased the pain.

Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: stockastic on August 31, 2012, 11:01
The best part is that DT's wonderful system of 'levels' means nothing for subscription sales - no matter how many times an image has sold, a subscription sale is always just 35 cents.  And all I ever get now are subscription sales.

Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: vonkara on August 31, 2012, 11:15
I left them in 2010 for that reason. Basically, half of my images went to level 2 and 3, and then slowly, started to get over 70% subs. I can't imagine how bad it is now.

Dreamstime was my 3rd best agency before I go exclusive. But I didn't think it was a place to make constant incomes on the long term. The pricing structure might scare small buyers and leave a majority of subs buyer.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: basti on August 31, 2012, 11:51
August 2012 is by far the worst month in last 2 or 3 years. $2 with 650 pictures online is just insane. Plus I got 70% rejected because of "too many similar" crap. I wouldn't mind if they sell those "non-similar" but they simply don't :(

Even DepositPhotos or 123RF with just 400 pictures make more then double what DT makes...
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: pancaketom on August 31, 2012, 12:49
DT has actually bounced back somewhat from an absolutely horrible July for me - It is near my 12 month average and above average for RPD. I must admit the level 4 and 5 subs for .35 are painful to see though.  My acceptance ratio (on a small number submitted) is pretty sad though.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: modviz on August 31, 2012, 15:02
I don't bother submitting anymore. They've made it clear that they have far too
many submissions to deal with and that reflects in the number of rejections I was getting. Pretty frustrating when YOU KNOW their reasons for rejections are borderline absurd.

DP has, in the past few months, surpassed # of sales. DT is an agency, that I feel, is failing. Weren't they somewhere in the 30-32 "earnings rating" last January? Too bad. This was/is an agency that has the highest "per image payout" in the industry.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Smithore on August 31, 2012, 15:37
When i read this thread, i wonder why my sales this month are all almost credits and not subscription!!!
It's my BME here and the first time things go up since 3 years, I suppose it's a change in the search algorithm, but it's fit exactly for me!  :D

 
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: stockastic on August 31, 2012, 15:52
When i read this thread, i wonder why my sales this month are all almost credits and not subscription!!!
It's my BME here and the first time things go up since 3 years, I suppose it's a change in the search algorithm, but it's fit exactly for me!  :D

It's weird isn't it?  What could explain this?  It's like contributors have been somehow put into 2 categories, one of which is presented preferentially to credit buyers, the other to subscription buyers.  Or maybe the separation is by subject matter.  Whatever it is,  DT for me is now just another ThinkStock, and if nothing changes, I'll leave, rather than continue to undercut sales elsewhere.



Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: gostwyck on August 31, 2012, 15:58
DT has been way down this month and I just checked my last 20 sales - 14 are subs. I don't think I've seen that high a ratio of subs to credit sales since I came back last June. I think this month will end up slightly more than half July's total at DT :(

Same here __ way down. My RPD has slipped from $2.40+ a few months ago to just $1.67 this month.

My sales are so poor at DT that this month that they will almost certainly be pushed into 5th place in my earnings by Istock's PP.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Poncke on August 31, 2012, 16:18
subscription   $0.35
subscription   $0.35
7 credits (2010)   $1.52
2 credits (2010)   $0.50
subscription   $0.35
8 credits (2010)   $2.00
3 credits (2010)   $0.75
subscription   $0.35
subscription   $0.35
subscription   $0.35
1 credit (2010)   $0.25
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Smithore on August 31, 2012, 16:27
Quote
Same here __ way down. My RPD has slipped from $2.40+ a few months ago to just $1.67 this month
OK I see, mine was always around 1$ and this month, for the fist time near 2$.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: gostwyck on August 31, 2012, 17:16
OK I see, mine was always around 1$ and this month, for the fist time near 2$.

Ouch! That sounds painful for just $2. I'd want much more for 'fist time'.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: lisafx on August 31, 2012, 17:43
OK I see, mine was always around 1$ and this month, for the fist time near 2$.

Ouch! That sounds painful for just $2. I'd want much more for 'fist time'.

ROFLMAO!!  Thanks for the much needed laugh ;D
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: cathyslife on August 31, 2012, 17:55
OK I see, mine was always around 1$ and this month, for the fist time near 2$.

Ouch! That sounds painful for just $2. I'd want much more for 'fist time'.

ROFLMAO!!  Thanks for the much needed laugh ;D

 :D
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: djpadavona on August 31, 2012, 18:36
It's a very sad day for me too. DT has always been one of my favorites. But this was my worst month since March 2011, and revenue is down nearly 50% since just 2 months ago. Subscriptions are way, way up, but total downloads are holding steady. RPD is down to $1.44 this month.

Very frustrating to see so many Level 3,4, and 5 subscription sales for $0.35. Might just as well do away with Levels altogether if this is going to be a subscription site.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: WarrenPrice on August 31, 2012, 18:54
Maybe it's the Olympics; or, maybe they're caught up in their own web.  Results of the "Spin Masters."   :P
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: stockastic on August 31, 2012, 19:44
Very frustrating to see so many Level 3,4, and 5 subscription sales for $0.35.

Yes, all this time they led us to believe we were 'getting somewhere' because of their unique level system.  Turns out to be a sand castle.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Pixart on August 31, 2012, 20:14
August 2012 earnings at DT are the lowest since July 2009.  It seemed as though subs were way up, but when I actually look at the trends, subs are almost exactly the same number as they have been all year (of course earning way less with no levels) - it's the credit sales since "the change" that are less than half what they had been trending.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: fotografer on September 01, 2012, 02:56
I checked my last 100 sales and 48 were credit sales which is about the same as usual.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: stockastic on September 01, 2012, 10:23
August 2012 earnings at DT are the lowest since July 2009.  It seemed as though subs were way up, but when I actually look at the trends, subs are almost exactly the same number as they have been all year (of course earning way less with no levels) - it's the credit sales since "the change" that are less than half what they had been trending.

I started looking more carefully at my numbers from a year ago, and to some extent you're right - what's really happening is that the credit sales have evaporated.   

Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: sc on September 01, 2012, 10:56
I just checked August (2012) sales and it was 63 credit sales and 53 sub sales  (total 116)

last august (2011) it was 56 credit sales and 72 sub sales  (total 128)

RPD was higher in 2012 by $0.38
Fewer sales but more $ in 2012


Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: stockastic on September 01, 2012, 14:21
It seems like some of us just don't get credit sales any more.   Could be an indication that DT has hacked this forum and learned our identities.  Just kidding.  ;)
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: lisafx on September 01, 2012, 15:10
I'm down on Dreamstime too, but they are still very firmly in my Big 4.  The one who has dropped like a rock is Fotolia.  Fotolia are down 55% from last year and 75% from two years ago.  By contrast, DT only dropped less than 20%. 

Of course any drop is worrisome, but 75% is much more problematic for me than 20%. 
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: mayaartist on September 02, 2012, 05:05
I've got a good month on DT
But they refused my last batch it's sad. 

Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: stan on September 03, 2012, 19:04
Just a bunch of perverts buying on DT lately ;D

(http://i48.tinypic.com/2m6n9ys.jpg)
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: fotografer on September 04, 2012, 06:14
I'm down on Dreamstime too, but they are still very firmly in my Big 4.  The one who has dropped like a rock is Fotolia.  Fotolia are down 55% from last year and 75% from two years ago.  By contrast, DT only dropped less than 20%. 

Of course any drop is worrisome, but 75% is much more problematic for me than 20%.
That's similar to my figures then.  I am also seeing a 20 -25% drop at DT.  As you say it is worrisome but but nothing like Fotolia.  SS was usually only ever in 3rd place for me but has been quite firmly in first for quite a few months now.
My search placement doesn't seem to be affected at Dt so I can only assume that they are losing customers.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: heywoody on September 04, 2012, 07:29
Just a bunch of perverts buying on DT lately ;D

([url]http://i48.tinypic.com/2m6n9ys.jpg[/url])


and evidently found what they were looking for in your port  ;D
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Pixart on September 05, 2012, 23:00
Have they changed the search engine this month?   Please please say yes.   I am actually getting credit sales again.  I've earned more than half of August results in less than a week.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 06, 2012, 08:40
Have they changed the search engine this month?   Please please say yes.   I am actually getting credit sales again.  I've earned more than half of August results in less than a week.

I'm almost positive that it is a planned cycle.  I've seen my sales come to a complete standstill.  And, it isn't the first time.  I can't predict it but have learned to expect it.

2 theories -- they are losing buyers and rotating sales through remaining contributors to disguise the loss or:
They are having too much fun in Las Vegas. 
 :P ;D
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Mantis on September 06, 2012, 08:43
Have they changed the search engine this month?   Please please say yes.   I am actually getting credit sales again.  I've earned more than half of August results in less than a week.

I'm almost positive that it is a planned cycle.  I've seen my sales come to a complete standstill.  And, it isn't the first time.  I can't predict it but have learned to expect it.

2 theories -- they are losing buyers and rotating sales through remaining contributors to disguise the loss or:
They are having too much fun in Las Vegas. 
 :P ;D

I recall Serban saying that they do cycle their images to give everyone a fair sales shake, so during some periods your sales will be low and then they will go up during the next cycle.  I will try to find that post but I am fairly sure he made that comment. 
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Poncke on September 06, 2012, 08:45
Have they changed the search engine this month?   Please please say yes.   I am actually getting credit sales again.  I've earned more than half of August results in less than a week.

I'm almost positive that it is a planned cycle.  I've seen my sales come to a complete standstill.  And, it isn't the first time.  I can't predict it but have learned to expect it.

2 theories -- they are losing buyers and rotating sales through remaining contributors to disguise the loss or:
They are having too much fun in Las Vegas. 
 :P ;D

I recall Serban saying that they do cycle their images to give everyone a fair sales shake, so during some periods your sales will be low and then they will go up during the next cycle.  I will try to find that post but I am fairly sure he made that comment.

Sounds similar to something Vincent Jansen of SS said on the SS boards.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: stockastic on September 07, 2012, 19:42
Actually a credit sale isn't that exciting when it pays you 23 cents.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: THP Creative on September 07, 2012, 20:48
more credit sales here too since Sep 1
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 07, 2012, 21:27
Nada, nothing, zilch --- not a single sale of any kind since August 25.  What the Ef is going on?

Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: sgoodwin4813 on September 07, 2012, 22:24
I had a BME there in May with very strong sales during June and July - strong third place, fighting iS for second.  I thought by now DT would be beating iS.  However, sales fell of a cliff last month - made less than $5 on 500 images, the worst there in years.  Now nothing, not a single sale since a sub on Aug. 22 - this is probably the first time since I started there with no sales in more than two weeks.  If they made a change then it has killed my sales completely.  I'm glad to know that some are still getting sales as it means buyers are still there, although frankly if they all went elsewhere it wouldn't bother me too much since I'm currently getting 0% of the DT pie.  I always liked DT in the past.  Hope it turns around again soon...
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 08, 2012, 09:16
I'm hoping it turns around soon too.  I'm getting very concerned.  Something ain't right.  ???
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Pixart on September 08, 2012, 10:47
All I know is as of yesterday I beat Augusts sales so I won't be having a WME this month!
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: velocicarpo on September 08, 2012, 11:03
All I know is as of yesterday I beat Augusts sales so I won't be having a WME this month!

Wow, Congrats!
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Pixart on September 08, 2012, 19:08
LOLz , sounds impressive but it's not - it's just an indication  of how bad last month was!  Very relieved to have passed that mark though.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: luissantos84 on September 08, 2012, 19:19
I just checked August (2012) sales and it was 63 credit sales and 53 sub sales  (total 116)

last august (2011) it was 56 credit sales and 72 sub sales  (total 128)

RPD was higher in 2012 by $0.38
Fewer sales but more $ in 2012

of course your numbers are way more relevant than mine but take a look

Aug 2011 - 84 (56.74$) (0.68$)
Aug 2012 - 42 (38.90$) (0.93$)
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 10, 2012, 10:39
Hey Hey Hey... it finally got back to me.  Getting good sales starting this morning. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Pixart on September 10, 2012, 11:24
Haha, I haven't had a sale since I was bragging on Saturday!  Serves me right!
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: digitalexpressionimages on September 11, 2012, 07:35
According to Alexa.com visits to Dreamstime's site have dropped 21.62% in the last 3 months and global pageviews have dropped 29.24%.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 11, 2012, 09:36
My hot streak didn't last long ... not even a day; just a few hours.  Then ... just to really piss me off -- Level 4 selling for 35 cents.   Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: pancaketom on September 12, 2012, 11:45
Out of my last 20 sales 13 are subs, mostly low level but one is a 4 and one a level 5 - ouch. Actually what hurts worse is the 50 credit EL that I got something like 17.3 cents per credit.  I wonder if they switched the default statistics from monthly to quarterly to mask the sudden drop - although when this quarter is done it is going to be pretty obvious in my stats (unless things really pick up).
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Smithore on September 12, 2012, 11:55
In august I have had almost only credits sales with a rpd 1.9, this month only subs with rpd 0.75, thank you so much Dreamstime, it's a funny game.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: rimglow on September 12, 2012, 14:08
According to Alexa.com visits to Dreamstime's site have dropped 21.62% in the last 3 months and global pageviews have dropped 29.24%.

Not enough smilars.

Visit Dreamstime. We offer less choices!
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: stockastic on September 12, 2012, 14:36
Maybe they're blocking 'similar' visits to the site   :)
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: velocicarpo on September 12, 2012, 15:28
Maybe they're blocking 'similar' visits to the site   :)

HAhahaha, yes. And customers who buy more than one version of a cocnept get blocked too :D
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Mantis on September 12, 2012, 16:37
Maybe they're blocking 'similar' visits to the site   :)

HAhahaha, yes. And customers who buy more than one version of a cocnept get blocked too :D

The traffic is down clearly because they have forced buyers to buy in composite increments.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Poncke on September 12, 2012, 17:00
Maybe they're blocking 'similar' visits to the site   :)
lol eheheh
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Dan on September 14, 2012, 11:44
     No  sales  lately  but  have  4  extra  accepted.  Not  trying  to  do  this  on  a  ig  sale  because  of  recurring  health  probleems.  But  it  gives  me  somethin  to  do  to  take  my  mind  off  my  health  problems.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: lisafx on September 14, 2012, 12:09
     No  sales  lately  but  have  4  extra  accepted.  Not  trying  to  do  this  on  a  ig  sale  because  of  recurring  health  probleems.  But  it  gives  me  somethin  to  do  to  take  my  mind  off  my  health  problems.

Dan, best of luck with your health issues.  I can see how photography would be a great distraction.  I am sure your health will improve and your sales too :D
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: rubyroo on September 14, 2012, 12:13
I wish you well with health issues too, Dan.  All the best to you.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 14, 2012, 18:49
I'm getting more and more of these rejections and am getting so frustrated with DT.  I do not know what it means.  And, it isn't consistent.  It happens a lot with food images.  But, they turn right around and accept very similar "type" images.  Is it just one reviewer?  I don't know.  I just don't know?

The composition of a successful commercial image needs to be clear and supportive of the image's main concept and primary subject.

What is NOT clear and supportive about a piece of chocolate candy and a cup of coffee?

 ???

Reflection of a swan and mermaid (ceramics) in an aquatic garden.   What is not clear or supportive?  What does that mean?

 :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Metsafile on September 15, 2012, 04:14
The new DT but still the worst reviewers in the business.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: ruxpriencdiam on September 18, 2012, 06:34
Here's one!

They have also hit me before with the Aesthetics crap and there are already many more already here.

So when I go look to find the excellent quality many more on site already by the one Major Keyword that would be used to search by I find 41 images! Only 41! so where are the already many better?

And if you add the second Keyword to it you only find 17 images.

Bullchit total Bullchit I tell ya.

EDIT:

Big time blown skies and piss poor composition with parts being cut off.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Poncke on September 18, 2012, 13:03
Maybe they only have 41 because they dont want any photos of that subject. So they have 41 they dont want, and then yours is the one too many.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: fritz on September 18, 2012, 13:23
The new DT but still the worst reviewers in the business.
+1
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: JPSDK on September 18, 2012, 13:37
I dont like that they put you back in searces ( If they do) when you are close to a payout and every second week.
My sales at DT are very inconsistant, some weeks they perform well, other weeks they are completely dead.

It is as if the dead periods are longer and increasing.
I dont upload much to them anymore.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: blamb on September 26, 2012, 10:20
The new DT but still the worst reviewers in the business.
+1

+20
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: stockastic on September 26, 2012, 11:09
And now, after starting this thread as a rant about getting nothing but subscriptions for several weeks, I get a burst of credit sales.   What could possibly explain these weird ups and downs?  Are contributors really on some sort of rotation in search placement?

I expect the credit sales will dry up fairly soon and the cycle - whatever it is - will repeat.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: luissantos84 on September 26, 2012, 11:22
from my ridiculous 41 sales this month 33 are subs ;D (80%) (highest month I had 74 sales)

60% subs at SS this month
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Poncke on September 26, 2012, 11:25
And now, after starting this thread as a rant about getting nothing but subscriptions for several weeks, I get a burst of credit sales.   What could possibly explain these weird ups and downs?  Are contributors really on some sort of rotation in search placement?

I expect the credit sales will dry up fairly soon and the cycle - whatever it is - will repeat.

I see that happening more and more on every agency. Some weeks are roaring the next is almost dead. Even on SS I see fluctuations that are weird. One week all sales are in Europe and Asia, next week all sales are in the Americas, one day sales go through the roof, the next day I sell hardly anything. Its fickle to say the least.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: THP Creative on September 28, 2012, 03:00
Heaps of subs here too, low RPD. So sad seeing level 3 & 4 files only getting 35 cents.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: Mantis on September 28, 2012, 07:19
Heaps of subs here too, low RPD. So sad seeing level 3 & 4 files only getting 35 cents.

Yea, I haven't seen that revenue lift Serban was claiming would happen one he clawed back the commissions.
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: DiscreetDuck on October 06, 2012, 03:49
How deep can dive the rpd ? Here are my numbers :
May 12 : $3.08
Jun 12 : $2.64
Jul 12 : $1.90
Aug 12 : $1.74
Sep 12 : $1.11
Oct 12 : $0.50
 >:(
Title: Re: the new DT
Post by: digitalexpressionimages on October 06, 2012, 08:14
How deep can dive the rpd ? Here are my numbers :
May 12 : $3.08
Jun 12 : $2.64
Jul 12 : $1.90
Aug 12 : $1.74
Sep 12 : $1.11
Oct 12 : $0.50
 >:(

Dramatic nose dive. Especially with October included, but since it's only the 6th don't you think that number might change in the next 25 days? Myself I've made more in the first 6 days of October than I did in the entire month of August. It seems there is some kind of cyclical search engine rotation for contributors. I thought they had tanked in August and things were looking gloomy and then September and now October has been raining money from them.