Hi.
I am sharing my experience for others to be aware. I am almost 5 years doing stock full time, with a portfolio of 15k videos and 5k photos.
3 days ago I found out my Adobe stock account is blocked. No further notice, nothing, just a message says it was blocked and email to contact.
If you ask me, treating this way someone who is working with you, someone who trusted you his work, someone who you share your income with is... Well, you fill the gap.
In my 5 years experience with all the different stock websites, there have never been anything like this.
So after I contacted them they let me know, the reason for blocking is "spamming with duplicated files". Duplicated files by their understanding is when you have the same file with different color grading, for example (that is the exact explanation they sent me).
So, I don't sure, who was checking my portfolio and how qualified he is... But my portfolio consists from dlog raw files + color graded version. This is how I work for a long time already (because both the dlog and the color graded selling to different auditory, not pond5, not SS, not all the other stocks I am working with, never had any problem with me uploading this way...) So... OK, I wrote them a request for someone who is qualified to check this out on their side, and of course, if this is their policy, and this isn't some reviewers mistake who don't know the difference between spamming dupes and uploading source+graded version... Ok, no problem, I'll accept this... 3 days, no answers, account blocked, my income (nearly 800$) blocked. What should I think about those people, who treat their contributors, who invest tons of time, like dogs, or even worse? I hope you read this, Adobe stock people, and ask yourself the same question I am asking: "Are we ok? How can we do better next time?"
Because there is a place for improvement.

I am so sorry for this Rasika! I heard about this practice of Adobe before. Closed accounts without warning for "similar" file uploads. We all know that in stock you have to produce a number of similar files in orders to stay profitable. This is many times a thin line and actually it would help if the agencies gave more feedback regarding this instead of destroying the economic life of someone without warning.

Unfortunately, the lack of contributors to support each other and form a lobbying entity increases the randomly applied power of the agencies. Too many naysayers. While it might be legal or their "right" it is still a very destructive business practise eventually for both parties. Most of us professional contributors build incomes, production pipelines and lifes around stock and do not want to harm the agencies.

I think in the case I heard about it could be fixed, just contact them and explain. Maybe Matt Hayward here can help as well?

From my point of view it does not sound like spam, but giving the client the choice of either colour grade themselves (pro clients which need raw material) or use the pre-graded version (end users which need just a beautiful clip) sounds absolutely reasonable. Understandable to offer this choice to the client IMHO.

Good luck!

Very sorry to hear that.

When you uploaded all this duplicated files?

As I know reviewers reject this kind of uploads with this reason:similar content

Or this are very old uploads?

Hope you resolve this quickly and start uploading again by the rules.

Good luck!

Apparently they can and warned us photo requirements

Be careful not to spam

Select only the best images from a shoot and ensure that each submission offers something different. Don�t submit multiple images with minimal changes in angle or depth, or copies of the same image with different postproduction effects applied. Customers apply their own creative effects to suit their project. Submitting multiple copies of similar or identical content can be perceived as spam by our moderation team. Spamming is strictly prohibited and may prompt us to block your account or close it permanently.

after fotolia adobe stock migration had many rejection reason is: "Similar file already submitted" and one ban for 1 month!
today read this post and
this:

 https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/help/similar-vs-spamming.html

I decided to erase
many online files
from adobe portfolio over 200+ "similar image"
will check carefully before upload after all that

And this from the above link:

�A few versions of a motif best facilitate the commercial success of the respective files in question.�

I take that to mean about 5 from the same shoot, with noticeable changes in angle, proximity, etc. Sometimes I would do a vertical version, and a horizontal version, too. Edit: oops, I see a couple of posts down the op is only talking about video. Which is why I wasn�t sure what color grading meant, as I don�t do video. But apparently the same rules apply for both video and images.

I am so sorry for this Rasika! I heard about this practice of Adobe before. Closed accounts without warning for "similar" file uploads. We all know that in stock you have to produce a number of similar files in orders to stay profitable. This is many times a thin line and actually it would help if the agencies gave more feedback regarding this instead of destroying the economic life of someone without warning.

Unfortunately, the lack of contributors to support each other and form a lobbying entity increases the randomly applied power of the agencies. Too many naysayers. While it might be legal or their "right" it is still a very destructive business practise eventually for both parties. Most of us professional contributors build incomes, production pipelines and lifes around stock and do not want to harm the agencies.

I think in the case I heard about it could be fixed, just contact them and explain. Maybe Matt Hayward here can help as well?

From my point of view it does not sound like spam, but giving the client the choice of either colour grade themselves (pro clients which need raw material) or use the pre-graded version (end users which need just a beautiful clip) sounds absolutely reasonable. Understandable to offer this choice to the client IMHO.

Good luck!

I don�t support any contributor who spams a site in an attempt to cheat. And the rules are there in the agreement for everyone to read. How is it Adobes fault if a contributor doesn�t? And it�s certainly not a destructive business practice for Adobe to punish those who try to cheat. I�d say they are doing those contributors who follow the agreement a favor.

I am not submitting images for 2 years, so we are talking about footage. And I have about 10,000 videos in my Adobe stock portfolio, so there is no way I can know which of the files they found to be problematic.
Now, don't get me wrong, I am not insisting I am right. The problem is they can at least let you know, something is not fit for them, or any other issue.
If you don't want it, you can just reject it and say "sorry, this is similar" etc. I wrote them 3 days ago asking to work this out/show me where is the problem/have any communication, but no replay so far.

You don�t know which files you just made color changes to, or you just don�t want to be bothered sorting them out? And they did let you know, before you even started uploading! You are learning the hard way, unfortunately.

Quote from: cathyslife on July 08, 2019, 15:58

Quote from: Rasika on July 08, 2019, 15:49

I am not submitting images for 2 years, so we are talking about footage. And I have about 10,000 videos in my Adobe stock portfolio, so there is no way I can know which of the files they found to be problematic.
Now, don't get me wrong, I am not insisting I am right. The problem is they can at least let you know, something is not fit for them, or any other issue.
If you don't want it, you can just reject it and say "sorry, this is similar" etc. I wrote them 3 days ago asking to work this out/show me where is the problem/have any communication, but no replay so far.

You don�t know which files you just made color changes to, or you just don�t want to be bothered sorting them out? And they did let you know, before you even starting uploading! You are learning the hard way, unfortunately.

Do you know the difference between graded footage and raw footage?

I do now, but no, I don�t do video. You still violated their terms, so what I know or don�t know is irrelevant. I am sure Adobe does, so why don�t you ask them that same question? I bet you won�t.

Quote from: Rasika on July 08, 2019, 16:02

Quote from: cathyslife on July 08, 2019, 15:58

Quote from: Rasika on July 08, 2019, 15:49

I am not submitting images for 2 years, so we are talking about footage. And I have about 10,000 videos in my Adobe stock portfolio, so there is no way I can know which of the files they found to be problematic.
Now, don't get me wrong, I am not insisting I am right. The problem is they can at least let you know, something is not fit for them, or any other issue.
If you don't want it, you can just reject it and say "sorry, this is similar" etc. I wrote them 3 days ago asking to work this out/show me where is the problem/have any communication, but no replay so far.

You don�t know which files you just made color changes to, or you just don�t want to be bothered sorting them out? And they did let you know, before you even starting uploading! You are learning the hard way, unfortunately.

Do you know the difference between graded footage and raw footage?

I do now, but no, I don�t do video. You still violated their terms, so what I know or don�t know is irrelevant. I am sure Adobe does, so why don�t you ask them that same question? I bet you won�t.

I don't know who are you so angry with, but I wish you happiness Sorry, I am unusual to being blamed and pushed by unknown to me people. Please keep your judgment to yourself. Everything is going to be allright

Quote from: cathyslife on July 08, 2019, 16:07

Quote from: Rasika on July 08, 2019, 16:02

Quote from: cathyslife on July 08, 2019, 15:58

Quote from: Rasika on July 08, 2019, 15:49

I am not submitting images for 2 years, so we are talking about footage. And I have about 10,000 videos in my Adobe stock portfolio, so there is no way I can know which of the files they found to be problematic.
Now, don't get me wrong, I am not insisting I am right. The problem is they can at least let you know, something is not fit for them, or any other issue.
If you don't want it, you can just reject it and say "sorry, this is similar" etc. I wrote them 3 days ago asking to work this out/show me where is the problem/have any communication, but no replay so far.

You don�t know which files you just made color changes to, or you just don�t want to be bothered sorting them out? And they did let you know, before you even starting uploading! You are learning the hard way, unfortunately.

Do you know the difference between graded footage and raw footage?

I do now, but no, I don�t do video. You still violated their terms, so what I know or don�t know is irrelevant. I am sure Adobe does, so why don�t you ask them that same question? I bet you won�t.

I don't know who are you so angry with, but I wish you happiness Sorry, I am unusual to being blamed and pushed by unknown to me people. Please keep your judgment to yourself. Everything is going to be allright

You posted on an open forum. I am entitled to my opinion, even if it doesn�t agree with what you want to hear. And I will continue to post my opinion, as I have done since 2004. About every month a contributor comes here whining that their account got blocked �for no apparent reason,� It turns out, there always is a reason. 😄

Ok, lets say reviewers are always right and never make mistakes. Being here from 2004 you must know this is truth

I never said that. You yourself admitted wrong. This isn�t Adobe�s mistake. And I am no more angrier, and no less angrier, than any other contributors. Between spammers and thieves, and poor sales, it�s tough for even the top contributors to make a buck anymore. That said, I do pretty well with Adobe. 😃

Hi.
I am sharing my experience for others to be aware. I am almost 5 years doing stock full time, with a portfolio of 15k videos and 5k photos.
3 days ago I found out my Adobe stock account is blocked. No further notice, nothing, just a message says it was blocked and email to contact.
If you ask me, treating this way someone who is working with you, someone who trusted you his work, someone who you share your income with is... Well, you fill the gap.
In my 5 years experience with all the different stock websites, there have never been anything like this.
So after I contacted them they let me know, the reason for blocking is "spamming with duplicated files". Duplicated files by their understanding is when you have the same file with different color grading, for example (that is the exact explanation they sent me).
So, I don't sure, who was checking my portfolio and how qualified he is... But my portfolio consists from dlog raw files + color graded version. This is how I work for a long time already (because both the dlog and the color graded selling to different auditory, not pond5, not SS, not all the other stocks I am working with, never had any problem with me uploading this way...) So... OK, I wrote them a request for someone who is qualified to check this out on their side, and of course, if this is their policy, and this isn't some reviewers mistake who don't know the difference between spamming dupes and uploading source+graded version... Ok, no problem, I'll accept this... 3 days, no answers, account blocked, my income (nearly 800$) blocked. What should I think about those people, who treat their contributors, who invest tons of time, like dogs, or even worse? I hope you read this, Adobe stock people, and ask yourself the same question I am asking: "Are we ok? How can we do better next time?"
Because there is a place for improvement.

Hi Rasika,

With you as an anonymous member of MSG I'm not able to find your account information or your submitted case. I'll be happy to take a look for you if you want to send me a PM with your Adobe ID. What you described does seem to be consistent with our general policy when it is discovered contributors are submitting multiple variations of identical files. The same would hold true if you are sending both vector and jpg versions of the same image. You need to pick a format you think is best and stick with that. In my experience you are better off submitting a color graded version of your clip vs log but that's entirely up to you. As noted, you cannot do both. When the moderation team sees a pattern of violations your account may be blocked and you are given a message to contact support to help get whatever the issue was sorted out. This is to keep the moderation system flowing consistently to keep review times as short as possible fo rall contributors.

This past week, Adobe in the US was closed for the Fourth of July holiday. We had team members working and answering contributor questions but there may have been some delays in response time. We strive for 2 hours max to get back to you when you write via the contact us page during regular business hours.

-Mat Hayward

Quote from: MatHayward on July 08, 2019, 17:44

This past week, Adobe in the US was closed for the Fourth of July holiday. We had team members working and answering contributor questions but there may have been some delays in response time. We strive for 2 hours max to get back to you when you write via the contact us page during regular business hours.

-Mat Hayward

That hasn't been my experience. I sent a help message yesterday and haven't received any acknowledgement that they received it. I thought maybe they had the wrong email address, so I sent another message asking them to change my email for me (there does not appear to be a way to do it myself) and I still haven't heard back. I don't know if they received my help request or not. I have heard nothing at all from Adobe.

Sorry for this! They did get back to me, the 'from' didn't say Adobe and I missed it. Sorry, my bad.