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Author Topic: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account  (Read 60647 times)

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jsnover

« Reply #50 on: October 12, 2008, 13:32 »
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Fotolia is nice agency...check this http://admin.fotolia.com/p/180036?order=creation
seem everything he uploaded was approved.  ;D



That's a lot of photos - over 18,000. The contributor is only gold and yet their minimum price is 3 credits - I thought only emerald got to set their own price?

Perhaps this is a collection (like WizData) of multiple photographers' works and they did some deal with Fotolia that's different from what regular contributors have to live with?


« Reply #51 on: October 12, 2008, 14:16 »
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you can set your own price for exklusive pictures from bronze on. Every new level gives you one more credit to begin with, so with gold status you can start at 4 credits.

« Reply #52 on: November 19, 2008, 16:49 »
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Maybe an old thread, but I didn't want to start a new one on similar subject.

3 of 4 images on a series accepted. The rejected one was the weakest, so ok.  75% acceptance, I felt good.

Another series, 2 images, both rejected for "overabundant photo category". I can't find much similar ones (same subject, yes; same angle, no) so I wrote a note to support.  In their reply, they said "Please note that the selection team is a separate department, so we have no influence on their decision.".

So, when an image is rejected in FT and support says it has nothing to do about it, who do we appeal to?   :-\

Regards,
Adelaide

RacePhoto

« Reply #53 on: November 19, 2008, 17:12 »
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Fotolia is nice agency...check this http://admin.fotolia.com/p/180036?order=creation
seem everything he uploaded was approved.  ;D



yep that's incredible. The thing that frustrates me is that there is no rhyme or real reason behind rejections. The way they're notified makes it very hard to line up why an image was rejected also.

Then you see some galleries with what appear to be endless variations of the same thing...


Not just Fotolia, there are cases like this on every site.

And then there are series like, tomato, tomato sliced in half, tomato sliced in quarters, whole tomato with sliced tomato, two tomato halves and sliced tomato, two sliced tomatoes...  ;D

At what point do all the sites eventually decide, we have enough sliced and dice, vegetables and fruits?  :D

« Reply #54 on: November 19, 2008, 22:10 »
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My recent experiencs with fotolia amount to:

Last batch 7% acceptance

2nd last batch 23%

Most have been rejected for quality, followed up by similar (similar subject, but clearly different images), then overabundant.

Previous to that my batches were between 50% to 100% acceptance.

The most annoying thing though is my that recent batches were taken on a EOS450D, the previous (more 'acceptable') ones on a Powershot A640.

Due to the fact that I was previously using a compact, I would go to great lengths to reduce the noise, sharpen the areas of photos where necessary and minor curve tweaks.

When I got the 450D the images I was getting out of the box (jpgs) were, as expected, far superior to my tweaked A640 images, so in theory my DSLR images should get accepted at a better ratio than my little A640?

Even though I now have a better camera, my acceptance ratio has dropped dramatically, despite the far improved technical quality of the DSLR over the compact.

Puzzled!!!  ???

Perhaps Fotolia is 'doing an ebay'

helix7

« Reply #55 on: November 20, 2008, 00:41 »
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A string of rejections is not a good reason to close an account...

Exactly.

This is a business of patience. If you're thinking about closing an account already, you're in trouble.



« Reply #56 on: November 20, 2008, 01:57 »
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I do not really understand the reasoning behind the "overabundance" rejection. If it is to control the size of the database it would seem to me that the worst approach is to start rejecting images based on "full" subject areas. This virtually guarantees that quality will lag the rest of the market. Some newly submitted images are definitely going to be of higher quality than similar images already in the database. Considering the technology factor alone over time image quality will improve because technology improves.  One sites rejects will just end up in some other site with more enlightened management and the quality of that site's database will improve with time rather than stagnate.

If "overabundance" rejections are supposed to help the buyer by providing fewer results to select from as search results then over time this approach will just provide fewer results of lower quality - a better approach would be to clamp down on keyword spamming. 

fred

saniphoto

« Reply #57 on: November 20, 2008, 02:52 »
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A string of rejections is not a good reason to close an account.  However when you consider that most MSG contributors have lackluster sales at Fotolia, then perhaps the aggravation is not worth it.

Some people swear by the sales at Fotolia.  For me, they are below 123RF and just about tied with BigStock.  Judging by our Earnings Ratings, the majority of contributors here rate Fotolia nowhere near the Top 3.  I'm going to earn over $500 this month, and only about $27 of that will come from Fotolia.  Yesterday I had over $30 of sales overall, none from FT.

If they are going to hold their contributors to very high standards, maybe it's time for contributors to hold Fotolia to a similarly high standard.

So that's who keeps voting fotolia down in the poll :)

I find it surprising that they are #6 on the poll.  It seems there are a lot of people who have them in their top 2 or 3, but at the same time there must be many with them quite a bit lower down.    fotolia is the #2 earner for me.  Earning 1/2 of of shutterstock earnings and 2X what the third site earns (which is dreamstime)

I have noticed though that they are getting rather picky with their acceptance and there are definitely certain types of images which are very hard to get accepted - such as landscape, and also backgrounds (probably others as well)... so if your portfolio is mainly these types you might have a hard time getting many photos online.

Well said leaf. I add that the fact one site accept a photo doesn't make it necessarily (automatically) a good photo (or a good agency)!

The images in question are undoubtedly interesting (hdr is now so 'cool'! isn't ? :-)  and SS downloads don't count at all, as it is a place where you sell almost 95% of your images at least once, due the their special selling scheme. Here the question is if these images in the opinion of reviewer will sell or not, if it is a good adding to the online archive and have the necessary technical quality. These should be the guidelines, right? If the quality thing is pretty easy to 'measure', the others are sometimes a bit more blurry, undefined. And reviewers are not always able to judge from the complexity of a 4-5 million images archive. For a fair evaluation, they should spend a lot of time searching the site for every photo you submit and compare what is there already, what are similar, how many there are on that subject already... you can imagine that? not possible.

Fotolia may be picky, but ultimately all sites must to do something from now on:
1) accept more images to continue this insane race to who have the most (see all advertising when they reach new millionth milestone?) or
2) decline a lot more images, be more selective and built a better agency profile with less duplicates and more variety of images of higher quality. The latter would means to cut back a lot of photographers, so I suppose they will not choose this option.  :) 
They will continue to rise the bar, to make almost impossible to enter the market for new competitors (ever considered that new agencies will have to start with the aim to reach at least 2-3 millions images to be 'competitive'? that's why I advise always photographers not to lose time with new micro or how I call them 'nano-agencies'...

In my view the refusal at FT in this specific case has to do probably with a 'in bad mood' reviewer. This things happens in all microsites. Everybody experimented that once, at least. The question is to evaluate with cool mind if the rejection is justified or not in view of what is already there online and the specific merit of the images. There will be cases where the photographer has reason to feel frustrated and others not. This is a problem that will not go away because the reviewers are humans, sometimes less skilled than us, and probably often frustrated as well...  If anybody comes out with a great innovative idea to how to solve this problem it would be beloved by all agencies and photographers as well!  :)

I myself experienced some refusals that get me really angry, but then decided to move on. If you get refused always, this is a problem. If just sometimes, maybe is only bad luck with the reviewer in that day!


« Reply #58 on: November 20, 2008, 09:17 »
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When I got the 450D the images I was getting out of the box (jpgs) were, as expected, far superior to my tweaked A640 images, so in theory my DSLR images should get accepted at a better ratio than my little A640?

I think this is indeed one aspect they should consider.  If they have too many images on a subject, but the new ones are larger and with better quality, accept them.  They are more likely to please a customer.

Regards,
Adelaide

« Reply #59 on: November 20, 2008, 09:27 »
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The rejection rate may change for the better!  I say this because Fotolia used to be alot more lenient when another agency was overly picky.  Now the other agency has tamed its review process for the better and Fotolia is now hard to figure out!

« Reply #60 on: November 24, 2008, 16:08 »
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I would still appreciate a comment about how to appeal from rejections in FT, as support doesn't take this matter.

Maybe an old thread, but I didn't want to start a new one on similar subject.

3 of 4 images on a series accepted. The rejected one was the weakest, so ok.  75% acceptance, I felt good.

Another series, 2 images, both rejected for "overabundant photo category". I can't find much similar ones (same subject, yes; same angle, no) so I wrote a note to support.  In their reply, they said "Please note that the selection team is a separate department, so we have no influence on their decision.".

So, when an image is rejected in FT and support says it has nothing to do about it, who do we appeal to?   :-\

Regards,
Adelaide

jsnover

« Reply #61 on: November 24, 2008, 16:16 »
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AFAIK FT is like SS in that there is no appeals process on rejections. Both of them will tell you to take it to the forums for assistance from your peers - but that assumes that the image has a problem rather than they made a mistake.

I know I've read in off site forums that people just resubmit images to both sites figuring they're likely to get a different reviewer.  You could post in FT's "academy" forum and hope some admin sees it, but I think you just need to move on and sell the image elsewhere.

Roadrunner

  • Roadrunner
« Reply #62 on: November 24, 2008, 16:40 »
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I'm not sure what is going on in MS, but I have decided to cut loose four of the seven sites I was working with.  I have more to do than supply sites with images they just don't want or need.  Fotolia and 123 are the worst to try to satisfy. 

I seem to be doing ok with Almay, SS, BS and DT.  I do hope they don't sstart rejecting 90 to 100% of images submitted.  It could be that I'm just getting old & tired, but I just don't give a crap any more.  I'll do my best for those still accepting my images, but to those that start acting like 123RF and Fot I'm going to cut them loose.

I can give thanks this Thanksgiving that I don't need them any more than they need me.  I already have all the equipment I need and have found a couple of new nitches so I still have something to do.  Good part is - no problems with reviewers!  Seems providing a design service is working out better, and I don't have to buy images.  ;D

Good luck Madelaide!
« Last Edit: November 25, 2008, 11:47 by Roadrunner »

hali

« Reply #63 on: November 24, 2008, 16:49 »
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It could be that I'm just getting old & tired, but I just don't give a crap any more.
or as AVAVA suggested to me, "the lens is in focus, you just have to drink that jug of ale AFTER you shoot your isolation shot, NOT BEFORE that. ;D"

seriously Roadrunner, good to know you 're doing well with those who truly want your images.
way to go.

« Reply #64 on: November 25, 2008, 02:09 »
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I have started deleting my photos from Fotolia. Slow at everything they are. Worst is their attitude when you bring up an issue. I am now waiting 14 days to get a payment. All I get back is some half smart remark.

So delete is the key ....

Roadrunner

  • Roadrunner
« Reply #65 on: November 25, 2008, 12:00 »
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Someone pointed out that Alamy is a place where images submitted as RM>>For Editorial use Only does well.  The nice thing about that, I don't have to sweat MRs, PRs or removing a name or license plate number.  So if Old Roadrunner gets lucky once a year with a single sale - I'll beat the snot out of the total sales on IS and Fot combined.  ;D

For me DT is my best so far, but SS iss catching up.  I don't have large portfolios because I'm just not a quantity shooter.  If I'm blessed, I'll get five or six worth uploading on any given shoot.  So I have to do two shoots a week to get my 10 or twelve images for SS.  I only takes one shoot for Alamay as I only need a few at a time.

Most of you guys and gals are truly great.  I learned a lot about digital in the past two years thanks to many of you who shared your knowledge, and for that I am truly thankful!  So I do hope you don't interpret what I am saying to be a complaint.  I am merely admitting that things are tough for old Roadrunner.  Any decision for me to give up a site is only due to inability to come up with their standards.  I also have to give up on iS even though I have tried several times to get over the hump of "Overfiltered".  I just can't do it.  How they accepted 10 of my images in a year's time I can't figure out. ::)

Since old Roadrunner is still able to satisfy SS, BS and DT, you newbees may want to give them a try.  If I can do it; anyone can.

Happy Thanksgiving everbody - make a killing!
« Last Edit: November 25, 2008, 15:01 by Roadrunner »

AVAVA

« Reply #66 on: November 25, 2008, 12:16 »
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Dear RR,

 I am sorry for your sorrow. Please search and find what makes you truly happy in life and enjoy the search. There you will find your reward.

BEEP-BEEP

AVAVA

Roadrunner

  • Roadrunner
« Reply #67 on: November 25, 2008, 15:08 »
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AVAVA - Thanks for your concern, but I'm not sorrowful about anything.  I am already happy- just decidedd to limit my upload time based on my personal stats.  Actually I'm just trying to say just because we may not succeed on a particular site is not to take it personal.

I am quite satisfied, because I have just about everything I need and want - That is something to give thanks about!  I already earned a great pension, so I'm just doing this for a little pin money.  I can't say what any particular newbee is after, but many are no doubt in my position.  It is my love for photography that keeps me shooting; having an image someone else can use is a bonus.

So keep shooting and working at it, because we all fit in somewhere.  ;D

AVAVA

« Reply #68 on: November 25, 2008, 16:01 »
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RR,

 Congrats! You won the race. Enjoy your years of pleasure. I am sure well deserved through years of hard work. I hope to be there some day soon myself. Shooting what I love and saying . with anyone that doesn't like it. You are empowering.

Best,
AVAVA

lisafx

« Reply #69 on: November 25, 2008, 19:42 »
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Roadrunner, don't get discouraged about your skills based on Fotolia's rejections.  They have the most arbitrary, random rejections in the business. 

I am emerald on Fotolia and until a few months ago had an acceptance rate above 90%.  But the last few months, with better skills, better equipment, and more experience,  they have been rejecting a good quarter or more of what I submit and there is no rhyme or reason to it.  No way to predict it and nothing to do about it.

Honestly, I am beginning to get the feeling that all they want is isolations on white.  Too bad because location stuff is more in demand at most sites I upload to. 

So anyway, don't take the rejections as any kind of reflection on your abilities.  Especially if you have good acceptance rates elsewhere. 


Someone pointed out that Alamy is a place where images submitted as RM>>For Editorial use Only does well.  The nice thing about that, I don't have to sweat MRs, PRs or removing a name or license plate number.  So if Old Roadrunner gets lucky once a year with a single sale - I'll beat the snot out of the total sales on IS and Fot combined.  ;D

For me DT is my best so far, but SS iss catching up.  I don't have large portfolios because I'm just not a quantity shooter.  If I'm blessed, I'll get five or six worth uploading on any given shoot.  So I have to do two shoots a week to get my 10 or twelve images for SS.  I only takes one shoot for Alamay as I only need a few at a time.

Most of you guys and gals are truly great.  I learned a lot about digital in the past two years thanks to many of you who shared your knowledge, and for that I am truly thankful!  So I do hope you don't interpret what I am saying to be a complaint.  I am merely admitting that things are tough for old Roadrunner.  Any decision for me to give up a site is only due to inability to come up with their standards.  I also have to give up on iS even though I have tried several times to get over the hump of "Overfiltered".  I just can't do it.  How they accepted 10 of my images in a year's time I can't figure out. ::)

Since old Roadrunner is still able to satisfy SS, BS and DT, you newbees may want to give them a try.  If I can do it; anyone can.

Happy Thanksgiving everbody - make a killing!

Roadrunner

  • Roadrunner
« Reply #70 on: November 26, 2008, 11:32 »
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Thanks for the kind words and encouragement AVAVA and Lisafax!  I spent many years with the film medium, and I enjoyed the success that finally rewarded me with a Hasselblad.  I also enjoyed seeing my students become successful Weding Photographers.  Things seemed much easier then.  The digital age came along, and we old birds had to learn to fly all over again.  I must say, you younguns are truly dedicated.

Lisafax - I have noticed you, and you are quite successful.  I have a high regard for you and others in your class.  If you are having difficulties on FT, no wonder I 'm in trouble. ???  I am blessed to even be on this forumn - give em hell guys and gals!

BTW - I just ordered one of those tablet things I found on Amazon for $62.  I'm getting the pen and tablet which is supposed to work with PS CS.  Now Ihave to learn another fangdangled thin-of-a-majig.  ;D  I always wanted one to make selection work a little easier, but they were a ;ittle high priced.  Who knows; I might even learn to make illustrations before the Lord calls me up to help clean the stables or something like that.

Have a verry Happy Thanksgiving!!
« Last Edit: November 27, 2008, 11:43 by Roadrunner »

lisafx

« Reply #71 on: November 26, 2008, 17:13 »
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Thanks for the kind words Roadrunner.  They mean a lot coming from somebody with your photographic experience :)

FWIW I have a wacom tablet.  Can't stand it.  Never could manage to get the hang of the thing.  Gave it to my daughter and she just loves it.   Different strokes for different folks...

Happy Thanksgiving backatcha!  Which reminds me - gotta go cook....

« Reply #72 on: November 26, 2008, 17:23 »
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Would love a wacom tablet. I do lots of drawings.

« Reply #73 on: November 29, 2008, 11:39 »
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Honestly, I am beginning to get the feeling that all they want is isolations on white.  Too bad because location stuff is more in demand at most sites I upload to. 


lisafx, wrong assumption.
I do a good deal of them. The last batch with fruit and vegetables was 9/10 rejected. The reason ? Missing model release.
I wrote to support saying that they probably had a glitch in the software. They answered that they had no say on rejections.

So I resubmitted with a note to the reviewer stating that I have no objection to rejections , but since asking the signature of an onion looks on the weird side, maybe the reviewer hit the wrong button. Would you please hit the right one ?

They were all rejected again with the same reason: missing model release

lisafx

« Reply #74 on: November 29, 2008, 14:24 »
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Honestly, I am beginning to get the feeling that all they want is isolations on white.  Too bad because location stuff is more in demand at most sites I upload to. 


lisafx, wrong assumption.
I do a good deal of them. The last batch with fruit and vegetables was 9/10 rejected. The reason ? Missing model release.
I wrote to support saying that they probably had a glitch in the software. They answered that they had no say on rejections.

So I resubmitted with a note to the reviewer stating that I have no objection to rejections , but since asking the signature of an onion looks on the weird side, maybe the reviewer hit the wrong button. Would you please hit the right one ?

They were all rejected again with the same reason: missing model release


LOL!  Completely insane. 

I am guessing that either they have a glitch or (more likely) the second reviewer resented your note and was being an a**hole. 

Either way its completely unprofessional. 


 

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