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Author Topic: What do you strongly dislike about Dreamstime?  (Read 49037 times)

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« Reply #125 on: September 30, 2009, 03:40 »
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BME for me with 1.3 RPD. Very pleased with DT all-around.


alias

« Reply #126 on: September 30, 2009, 04:12 »
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Since the thread has moved into removed images, why do they all show as disabled, after I waited 6 months so I could delete them


Achilles has addressed this issue on a number of occasions including on this thread.

Quote
licensed files and all activity needs to be referred in the future, should such need arise (let's assume a buyer disputes one of your files) ...  the high res files are deleted, permanently. What we keep in reference to your account is your past activity. And that's for internal reference, nothing is public.


I'm very happy with my current arrangements. Which is fortunate because I doubt there would be a way back to DT for me and all the countless other people who argued with them about the 6 months. I rather doubt they welcome people back after a fight.

So here is my advice: Do not fall out with them over the 6 month thing. You will not win the debate and you will end up feeling frustrated and a bit stupid. And one day you might want to go back. It is never a good idea to fall out with people when you go in different directions.

« Reply #127 on: September 30, 2009, 10:56 »
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So here is my advice: Do not fall out with them over the 6 month thing. You will not win the debate and you will end up feeling frustrated and a bit stupid.
I think this is a good example of how we get gradually beaten down by these companies, with their "because we can" and "take it or leave it" attitudes.  If Dreamstime has unanswerable legal arguments backing up this policy, why don't other agencies have the same requirement?


traveler1116

« Reply #128 on: September 30, 2009, 11:09 »
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So here is my advice: Do not fall out with them over the 6 month thing. You will not win the debate and you will end up feeling frustrated and a bit stupid.
I think this is a good example of how we get gradually beaten down by these companies, with their "because we can" and "take it or leave it" attitudes.  If Dreamstime has unanswerable legal arguments backing up this policy, why don't other agencies have the same requirement?



And don't worry if you fall out with them, they will "allow" you back.  You should remember that they need your images as much as we need them, I think they need us more.  We are allowing them to sell our images and that is the only way they make a penny.

alias

« Reply #129 on: September 30, 2009, 11:27 »
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So here is my advice: Do not fall out with them over the 6 month thing. You will not win the debate and you will end up feeling frustrated and a bit stupid.
I think this is a good example of how we get gradually beaten down by these companies, with their "because we can" and "take it or leave it" attitudes.  If Dreamstime has unanswerable legal arguments backing up this policy, why don't other agencies have the same requirement?

Well I did not intend what I wrote to be a good example, or any sort of example, of that. Perhaps I am getting lost in translation.

My intended point was non contentious: in the full context I was saying simply that life is much easier not arguing with people. It applies with all of the agencies. One day you might want to go back somewhere. I got cross with DT because they wouldn't let me go early. It was pointless. It was a few years ago. I certainly would not have got legal with them since I have no doubt that they have checked their facts.

FWIW I do think the 6 month lock in works to their detriment in terms of how they are perceived. I would certainly advise people coming in to microstock from the mainstream (and newbies to a lesser degree) against going with them until they have had a chance to get a sense of the business. Six months is decades in internet years.

traveler1116

« Reply #130 on: September 30, 2009, 11:37 »
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So here is my advice: Do not fall out with them over the 6 month thing. You will not win the debate and you will end up feeling frustrated and a bit stupid.
I think this is a good example of how we get gradually beaten down by these companies, with their "because we can" and "take it or leave it" attitudes.  If Dreamstime has unanswerable legal arguments backing up this policy, why don't other agencies have the same requirement?

Well I did not intend what I wrote to be a good example, or any sort of example, of that. Perhaps I am getting lost in translation.

My intended point was non contentious: in the full context I was saying simply that life is much easier not arguing with people. It applies with all of the agencies. One day you might want to go back somewhere. I got cross with DT because they wouldn't let me go early. It was pointless. It was a few years ago. I certainly would not have got legal with them since I have no doubt that they have checked their facts.

FWIW I do think the 6 month lock in works to their detriment in terms of how they are perceived. I would certainly advise people coming in to microstock from the mainstream (and newbies to a lesser degree) against going with them until they have had a chance to get a sense of the business. Six months is decades in internet years.

You give them a lot more credit than I do.  I doubt it's legal to force us to keep our images there while changing the % they pay us, just because they say they can do anything they want doesn't always make it so.  It is easier to sit back and take unfair policies, but I'd rather have newbies understand what they are getting into if DT won't listen to me.  You are right, 6 months is an eternity when just recently Stockxpert, SV, and Bigstock were bought up not to mention all of the other changes going on within other agencies.  I have for the last year been telling everyone I talk to about joining MS to watch out for DT and BigStock because of their lockin policies, I wasn't at all prepared for the "highest percentage paying agency", like DT was saying, to change their policy without offering us a way to opt out.  Now I will just tell everyone I know to not use them at all just in case they change their policies again.

alias

« Reply #131 on: September 30, 2009, 11:45 »
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Quite ironic me, of all people, playing devil's advocate on behalf of DT.

I think my advice stands. Even if you feel a bit trapped short term, don't argue with them. You might want to re activate your account and start uploading again one day. And I doubt they will want you back if you had a big todo with them previously.

« Reply #132 on: September 30, 2009, 11:50 »
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Yes, I agree that arguing with DT is futile and counterproductive.  Bottom line - once they have your images there's nothing you can do to force them to delete or disable them.  Unless you're a major contributor to DT's bottom line, you have no leverage.  

I too would advise any new contributors to avoid DT unless they drop this requirement.   And I'm not expecting DT to change anything.

At some point, when all we're getting are 25 cent (make that 10 cent) subscription sales on these sites, I'll probably give up on microstock.  I hope by that point some other marketing channel presents itself.  Right now I'm watching my average return on DT, trying to decide if I want to keep submitting new images,  in view of the 6 month requirement.  

 

« Last Edit: September 30, 2009, 12:22 by stockastic »

« Reply #133 on: September 30, 2009, 15:10 »
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You will never get 25 cent or 10 cent subscription sales.  Prices are on the rise and they will not go backward.  These big boys are all just measuring the temperature right now.  IS introduced a good subs program, DT made the first move and introduced a tiered subs program and SS has raised their prices every year but this 2009, and that was a good stand considering the economy.  FT introduce the Premium plan (yet, not so great for us).  YES, a new agency will come along and offer a worse deal.  But - how many here will be joining these new agencies?  The agencies with the crappy returns won't get YOU or ME to contribute, sure they'll get the Mom with a new Rebel, but that doesn't mean they will find buyers for the amateur photos.    The top 4 will not be lowering rates.  If anything, they have introduced smaller sizes, not smaller prices.  The other 3 or 4 might try to introduce some riddiculous scheme to inch forward in the market, but they do so at the risk of every last one of us leaving them.  If 123 suddenly paid you 10 cents for subs, would you stay?  Face it, if you are like me, my top 4 sites earn more than 80% of my micro earnings.  I could drop the bottom sites and not see much of a dip in earnings.  They aren't going to be stupid.

« Reply #134 on: September 30, 2009, 15:32 »
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Pixart, we're already getting 25 cent subscription sales. In fact on SS, that's all I get.  But, I appreciate your optimism and who knows, you might be right. 




KB

« Reply #135 on: September 30, 2009, 17:07 »
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Not to mention, IS/Getty getting rid of JIU and photo.com subs via StockXpert at 30 cents (already too low) and giving us the opportunity to sell them at those places for 25 cents.  >:(

« Reply #136 on: September 30, 2009, 17:17 »
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Not to mention, IS/Getty getting rid of JIU and photo.com subs via StockXpert at 30 cents (already too low) and giving us the opportunity to sell them at those places for 25 cents.  >:(

That's not actually happened yet, although it was announced months ago, and not even a firm date when it will. Clearly there are more issues or difficulties (or maybe it will contribute less to the bottom-line) than originally planned. Keep 'em crossed.

lisafx

« Reply #137 on: September 30, 2009, 17:37 »
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Quite ironic me, of all people, playing devil's advocate on behalf of DT.

I think my advice stands. Even if you feel a bit trapped short term, don't argue with them. You might want to re activate your account and start uploading again one day. And I doubt they will want you back if you had a big todo with them previously.

Yeah, it says a lot about the mood here lately that reasonable advice which basically translates to "Don't burn your bridges" could be considered controversial ;)

« Reply #138 on: September 30, 2009, 17:58 »
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Pixart, we're already getting 25 cent subscription sales. In fact on SS, that's all I get.  But, I appreciate your optimism and who knows, you might be right. 

Thanks for setting me straight stocktastic, I was only thinking of my experience.  I think I made 20 cents, but sales were so strong back then it didn't take long at all to get a bump in earnings.  Now, that's much harder because either (a) more photographers are diluting the sales; or (b) they don't have the sales they used to (c) combination of (a)&(b).  I am still at least 4 months away from my next bump in earnings at SS.  I have one referral who has really, really nice model released photos and he doesn't even sell every day.  If he joined when I did he would have been a star and done very well - but these days it must be discouraging.  Thankfully there is still a reward for sticking with them.

Then there's Crestock.... I don't contribute there so I will censor my true feelings about their 25 cent subs:)   And I did not opt-in for the IS/Jupiter deal.  At least I had a choice.

Anyhow - these are legitimate businesses that exist only to make a profit.  The industry is still young, but it is showing signs of maturity.  The top 4 are leaving the others in the dust and can now raise their prices, introduce "Vetta" and premium collections.   The biggest problem for us is to keep mass producing amazing quality photos to get a piece of that pie.  RPD may be getting higher, but sales may be lower = the plateau that many are experiencing.

« Reply #139 on: September 30, 2009, 19:08 »
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I'm not an economist.  But I'm picturing a strip mall with 4 stores, all selling the exact same products.  They've reduced the prices of those products down to commodity levels, all 4 basically the same,  and they're attempting to compete by offering complicated "subscription" plans.

How can any of the microstocks start raising prices unless they differentiate themselves in some way?

All I can think of is better keywording, reduced duplication, improved search results. 

« Last Edit: September 30, 2009, 20:29 by stockastic »

KB

« Reply #140 on: September 30, 2009, 23:12 »
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How can any of the microstocks start raising prices unless they differentiate themselves in some way?

All I can think of is better keywording, reduced duplication, improved search results. 

I think you just outlined iStock's business plan in one sentence.  ;D

RacePhoto

« Reply #141 on: October 01, 2009, 00:59 »
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Since the thread has moved into removed images, why do they all show as disabled, after I waited 6 months so I could delete them


Achilles has addressed this issue on a number of occasions including on this thread.

Quote
licensed files and all activity needs to be referred in the future, should such need arise (let's assume a buyer disputes one of your files) ...  the high res files are deleted, permanently. What we keep in reference to your account is your past activity. And that's for internal reference, nothing is public.


I'm very happy with my current arrangements. Which is fortunate because I doubt there would be a way back to DT for me and all the countless other people who argued with them about the 6 months. I rather doubt they welcome people back after a fight.

So here is my advice: Do not fall out with them over the 6 month thing. You will not win the debate and you will end up feeling frustrated and a bit stupid. And one day you might want to go back. It is never a good idea to fall out with people when you go in different directions.


I have no argument with them, I waited and removed the dormant files and duds. I left the files that have sold and those that may sell. I was just not understanding how they could deactivate a file, not delete it and when I re-activated it, months later, it was there again, full resolution. Like magic. So it must not be deleted?

"Achilles has addressed this issue on a number of occasions..." is not an answer

Which brings up the same question. When do the hi-res files actually get deleted?   ???

Hmm, no real answer from anyone? Must be a tough question.  ;D
« Last Edit: October 05, 2009, 19:09 by RacePhoto »

« Reply #142 on: October 01, 2009, 02:15 »
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I'm not an economist.  But I'm picturing a strip mall with 4 stores, all selling the exact same products.  They've reduced the prices of those products down to commodity levels, all 4 basically the same,  and they're attempting to compete by offering complicated "subscription" plans.

How can any of the microstocks start raising prices unless they differentiate themselves in some way?

All I can think of is better keywording, reduced duplication, improved search results. 


I think most buyers stick with the site they are used to unless they can't find what they want.  Prices are so low at the moment, it doesn't seem to be a big issue.  When I look at my portfolio on a few sites, it looks quite different.  Some of my best sellers are rejected by some sites, they all have their own style and they are not selling the exact same images.  The search is different on all the sites and images that make the front pages on some sites are hard to find on others.  The difference isn't as big as I would like, hopefully all the big sites will start a premium collection and offer image exclusivity, that would make a real difference.

« Reply #143 on: October 01, 2009, 06:58 »
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Stock sites should delete all crap they accepted years ago, snap shots,pics with poor background removal, dark pictures,etc. They should do a big clean up and accept more pictures on what they consider "very well covered" by cleaning old and crap ones

« Reply #144 on: October 01, 2009, 12:17 »
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Stock sites should delete all crap they accepted years ago, snap shots,pics with poor background removal, dark pictures,etc. They should do a big clean up and accept more pictures on what they consider "very well covered" by cleaning old and crap ones

Does Istock still move poor sellers to the dollar bin?  I don't have any there, but I believe they used to approach the artist when a photo has no sales for a year or maybe 2 years and this gives the photo a new chance for downloads.

FT tells you that your photo has had 24 months with no sales and suggest you add it to the free photos section.  I would rather delete it, or just let it sit there.

The other sites should really do something similar.  In a way I like it that FT automatically doesn't delete the files, but maybe they should.

« Reply #145 on: October 02, 2009, 13:52 »
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Just my quick list:
1.  6 months of holding images
2.  increased amount of subscription sales
3.  falling RPI
4.  new pricing policy
5.  disabling images not deleting them
6.  slowest disabling process for images, having to put a reason for each one
7.  getting images rejected for having a model release
8.  locking keywords on basically every image
9.  giving away free images

I don't like
10. Changing policies for old contributors. No possibility to option-in/out or close account when TOS change.
11. Exclusive images - you can check in but cannot check out
12. Assignment images blocked for one year
13. They pay only 25$ for assignment image and in the same time recommend 250$ for others
14. "Selective" forum, what they don't like disappears
15. Very slow earnings compared to IS and SS
16. About 40%!!!  commission drop.
17. No information send to contributors about important changes, like new prices policy
18. Lack of information about Partners program
19. Sometimes strange earnings like 0,24. DT team never explain that
20. Usually announces made are not clear, not precise for me. Like politicians speech.
21. Subscriptions not limited in size.
22. "sale is a sale" reasoning


$100 minimum payout, low sales and subs, add up to they keep all the money for new photogs and never pay them because they never reach payout.

« Reply #146 on: October 04, 2009, 13:28 »
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I really like Dreamstime just not the constant sub sales but apart from that its one of my fave sites :)

Noodles

« Reply #147 on: October 04, 2009, 20:20 »
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Topic: What do you strongly dislike about Dreamstime?

I strongly dislike the time it takes for payout - normally within 48 hours - should be within 24 hours! ;)

traveler1116

« Reply #148 on: October 05, 2009, 10:05 »
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Topic: What do you strongly dislike about Dreamstime?

I strongly dislike the time it takes for payout - normally within 48 hours - should be within 24 hours! ;)

The payouts for me are only an issue with IS, sometimes more than 2 a week is a pain but for DT you must be doing very well if this is an issue.  You don't have your portfolio listed so we can't see what is making you 100 bucks a day, but good job if you are.  All the terrible things about dreamstime being said (and I have a ton to say), they do payout faster than most sites but it doesn't make up for how long it takes to get there or all the other bs they do.
« Last Edit: October 05, 2009, 10:16 by traveler1116 »

lisafx

« Reply #149 on: October 05, 2009, 18:14 »
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Uhhhmm...  The ;) after his post "complaining" about waiting 48 hours for payouts was a pretty good indicator that he wasn't serious. 



 

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