MicrostockGroup

Agency Based Discussion => Adobe Stock => Topic started by: Shutterscript on August 28, 2008, 15:38

Title: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Shutterscript on August 28, 2008, 15:38
I recently started uploading my work to microstock sites and became very perplexed with Fotolia.  I submitted 10 photos to Shutterstock as part of my application and 9/10 were accepted.  I submitted the same 10 to Fotolia and only 1 was accepted.  Not only were 9/10 rejected at Fotolia, but they were rejected within 5 minutes of their submission.  I'm not sure what's going on here, but I'm considering terminating my account with Fotolia rather than continuing to waste my time uploading rejections.  Any opinions on the matter?  Should I stick with them and keep submitting content or just put my efforts elsewhere.

Here are the photos I submitted to shutterstock:

http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery.mhtml?id=252346

I already have 33 downloads in 1 week from those 9 photos.

Thanks for the input.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: nativelight on August 28, 2008, 15:49
Nice images shutterscript!  Fotolia is weird.  They're very hot for some people and cold for others.  I've never done well there although I sell decently at other sites so I apparently don't have the types of images they want or think they need.  I just reached my first payout after more than a year there.  This is one of the sites I am eliminating. 

Keep in mind though that many people do very well there.  You might want to give them some time to see how they work for you.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: melastmohican on August 28, 2008, 15:54
Maybe cause they do not like landscapes or hdr?
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Shutterscript on August 28, 2008, 15:57
Well, if they don't like landscapes then I'm definitely closing my account, but only two of those photos are HDR.  Just from browsing these forums it seems like a lot of people are having bad luck with Fotolia.  I may try one more submission and if they decide to slaughter it I'm taking my work elsewhere.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: epantha on August 28, 2008, 16:01
There are "types" of photos FT doesn't want. And apparently they don't want your gorgeous location shots but there are many other sites that will be more than happy to take them. Very professional, excellent quality photos you have there. :)
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: MicrostockExp on August 28, 2008, 16:01
Maybe they don t like HDR shots haha :)
I am with Fotolia for more than 2 years now, I have about half of my portfolio as exclusive since I begun with them.
I simply stopped uploading to them, no increase in earning for a year now....
I made the same money with 400 pictures than 700.... so why bother plus they rejected a lot these days. I prefer to increase with portfolio at IS it seems to pay off so far...

so it is up to u, but lot of trouble for few $$$
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: fotografer on August 28, 2008, 16:03
Those shots are beautiful, they must be crazy for rejecting them.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Peter on August 28, 2008, 16:05
hi. I love this image:

(http://69.90.174.252/photos/display_pic_with_logo/252346/252346,1219199569,1.jpg)

its great. I recon this one is accepted at FT? Others are nice too, but not stock, rather art.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: peep on August 28, 2008, 16:09
They are getting worse and worse. I have just got half of a batch rejected for "type" or "overabundant". If they did not sell so well for me, I would drop them this minute!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lisafx on August 28, 2008, 17:03
First off, gorgeous images!   As everyone says, they are crazy to have rejected them IMHO. 

That said, melastmohecan is right.  They don't appear to like landscapes much at Fotolia, and in general they are rejecting a LOT of images even of the type they normally take.  Something is definitely wonky with their reviewing process the last couple of months. 

If you can manage to persevere and get some images on the site, though, the sales are pretty good.  They are tied for my third best selling site, along with Dreamstime. 

BTW, Dreamstime has very consistent reviewers and I am pretty sure they would appreciate the quality of your work.  If you don't mind the 6 month lock in they are definitely a site you should try. 
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: leszek on August 28, 2008, 17:53
Fotolia is my No 6 - after SS, StockXpert, Dreamstime, 123RF and BigStock (OK, IStock is quickly moving up the ranks, but is not included in the list due to the fact that IS only started accepting my pics 3 months ago).

 Fotolia is very picky with acceptance (for reasons like the ones listed above), and rather inconsistent with rejection reasons.  At the same - it does not seem to generate many sales (probably because they managed to reject many of the images which sell very well on other sites).
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: DanP68 on August 28, 2008, 22:38
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.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: leaf on August 29, 2008, 03:12
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.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Eco on August 29, 2008, 03:41
Well Fotolia is also a good earner for me. Big contest between them and Dreamstime for #3 on my earnings list. They are thus important and I will not dismiss them entirely. As with most others I also have my share of ridiculous rejections. However, I think I know now what to they will accept and what they will reject. They accept 99% of my African wildlife, but I don't even bother with landscapes anymore. Seems like they don't even give them a second glance. This irritates me because I never submit a generic landscape, but always a specific place or location, which is in high demand by safari operators in the eco-tourism industry who buy these images for marketing purposes. Some of my best sellers (with a lot of EL-sales) on Fotolia are African landscapes that were accepted before they adopted this ridiculous rejection policy.  Now I just keep these images for submission later when Fotolia will (hopefully) regain some sanity and objectivity.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Jimi King on August 29, 2008, 04:10
Well, if they don't like landscapes then I'm definitely closing my account...

It's not that they don't like your landscapes, they look great and I'm sure FT would agree. It's that landscapes don't really sell that well on Microstock. Your portfolio on Shutterstock tells the story. Your most saleable shot there is the cloud shot (which I assume IS an HDR shot). But it's not uncommon to get something like 33 hits in a week there. Most of SS's customers are large agencies who download a load of stuff that they think they MIGHT need someday, to use up their daily quota.

It's a good barometer of sales potential elsewhere but usually an exaggerated one.

Landscapes seem to do better at Dreamstime than Fotolia. You might get a more positive response there.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: peep on August 29, 2008, 05:28
Interesting. Fotolia sells well for me. But I have been with them for a long time and managed to push through a lot of my older images which sell very well elsewhere but which would fotolia most certainly reject now. A lot of people complain about fotolia rejecting their images and not selling well. Other people are satisfied with the sales. I wonder how many of them are the old fotolia dogs (like me) who managed to upload their images BEFORE fotolia started their ridiculous reject-whatever-you-can thing. Or how many of the new clients of fotolia (who are affected by their strange rejections) are satisfied there.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: icefront on August 29, 2008, 09:48
...
I'm not sure what's going on here, but I'm considering terminating my account with Fotolia rather than continuing to waste my time uploading rejections.  Any opinions on the matter?  Should I stick with them and keep submitting content or just put my efforts elsewhere.
...

I suggest to not close your account. Simply forget FL for several months and wait what will happen there.

FL it's a high earner for me, but around 3 months ago they started to reject my work as similar, type of photograph, etc. (stupid reasons), while the other sites accepted them and the images sell well.

I suggest you to wait to see what will change, at least to hear some official guidelines about exactly what they need, what they can accept.

Good luck with the other agencies!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: WarrenPrice on August 29, 2008, 09:57
Interesting. Fotolia sells well for me. But I have been with them for a long time and managed to push through a lot of my older images which sell very well elsewhere but which would fotolia most certainly reject now. A lot of people complain about fotolia rejecting their images and not selling well. Other people are satisfied with the sales. I wonder how many of them are the old fotolia dogs (like me) who managed to upload their images BEFORE fotolia started their ridiculous reject-whatever-you-can thing. Or how many of the new clients of fotolia (who are affected by their strange rejections) are satisfied there.

Made my first submission recently and had 2 out of 3 accepted.  That was encouraging so I submitted another small batch.  That batch is still in review.

I am very new to stock and don't know which way to turn.  I'm using the shotgun approach.   As most of you have noted ... I will go where the sales (if any) are good.   8)
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: msv on August 29, 2008, 10:14
For me it's the #7 earner on 7 sites I submit to.
I don't like Fotolia and Fotolia doesn't like me.

I know, I should sort keywords by relevance, pick up right categories etc, but I'll never do that for them as long as they keep such a poor site and awkward behaviors.

Maybe someday they'll change, meanwhile I just upload and try not to care about what they say.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: fotografer on August 29, 2008, 10:20
I follow the rules for keywording and always do catagories and Fotolia has gradually  crept up into 2nd place where it has stayed for the last 3 months.  One month almost catching up with SS even though I have 50% more images on SS. 
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: stokfoto on August 29, 2008, 13:26
OK they have 4million great images and don't need new images.is that the bottom line?

for the time being I decided  stop uploading May be it is just  a bored reviewer who couldn't go on holidays yet .

Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: stokfoto on August 29, 2008, 13:31
oops,sorry accidentally posted twice.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Shutterscript on August 29, 2008, 14:11
Thanks for the replies everyone.  This is all helpful information.  I think I'm going to hold onto my Fotolia account for now, but hold off on submitting photos until / if they change their policy with landscape shots.  Most of the shots I take are evocative landscape shots so I suspect there's no point in submitting them.  The ones I submitted were literally rejected within 5 minutes of their submittal with the "level of aesthetic quality" as the cited reason.  5 minutes is not enough time to inspect 10 images for quality IMO, but I guess the important thing to remember is not to take these rejections personally.  I'm sure you've all received comments about how amazing some of your photos are, just to have them rejected by a microstock agency.  In the end these people really aren't looking for amazing shots or artwork, they are looking for what sells best to whatever clientele they cater to - fair enough.  Perhaps my work isn't very suited for microstock.  I may go the imagekind / fine art route instead - though sales are much harder to make with that approach. It's funny how many people will comment on the quality of my work, but how few will actually spend money on it.  I fear that making money with photography is becoming a fruitless endeavor.  Oh well, it's a good thing I love it!

Also for anyone interested, you can find all of my work here: http://www.shutterscript.com

I offer free downloads for personal use - creative commons license.  Enjoy!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lisafx on August 29, 2008, 18:15
Very nice offer on the free downloads Shutterscript!  I would rather pay for your work though. 

What pay per image sites has the Faneuil Hall Christmas Tree been accepted at?  It's gorgeous and would make a really beautiful Christmas card IMHO. 
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: bravajulia on August 30, 2008, 00:33
Don't worry about the rejection, on fotolia you can resubmit some day after and you will be accepted maybe because another person is checking your photos. In Istock a rejection lower your rating, you lose more time than a week and one of 15 chance to upload for every rejection you have, and some time the reason are very silly, take a look at this one
(http://www.flaviomassari.it/foto/reject.jpg)
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Peter on August 30, 2008, 02:40
your image is blurry and not sharp on 100% view. It would be rejected anyway.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Jimi King on August 30, 2008, 04:28
I know, I should sort keywords by relevance, pick up right categories etc, but I'll never do that for them as long as they keep such a poor site and awkward behaviors.

If you don't sort keywords by relevance then you wont sell very much at Fotolia. Why don't you just write your keywords in order of relevance in the first place? Then FT is happy, nobody else cares and you'll sell more photo's. Right now it's just you who's losing out.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Peter on August 30, 2008, 06:07
that was half year ago. Today keyword order at FT is not important anymore. Tested.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: msv on August 31, 2008, 07:15
If you don't sort keywords by relevance then you wont sell very much at Fotolia. Why don't you just write your keywords in order of relevance in the first place? Then FT is happy, nobody else cares and you'll sell more photo's. Right now it's just you who's losing out.

that was half year ago. Today keyword order at FT is not important anymore. Tested.

I keep all keywords, titles etc in IPTC data in the source TIFF files, I try to keep there in order, but I focus my metadata on top earners.

I'm happy the order in Fotolia is not relevant anymore, now what about the 7 keywords limit? I've read contrasting opinions and tests about.

Anyway I'd follow their guidelines if the search engine was a bit reliable.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Peter on August 31, 2008, 07:52
If you don't sort keywords by relevance then you wont sell very much at Fotolia. Why don't you just write your keywords in order of relevance in the first place? Then FT is happy, nobody else cares and you'll sell more photo's. Right now it's just you who's losing out.

that was half year ago. Today keyword order at FT is not important anymore. Tested.

I keep all keywords, titles etc in IPTC data in the source TIFF files, I try to keep there in order, but I focus my metadata on top earners.

I'm happy the order in Fotolia is not relevant anymore, now what about the 7 keywords limit? I've read contrasting opinions and tests about.

Anyway I'd follow their guidelines if the search engine was a bit reliable.

their guidelines says that you can cache out any amount of credits over 2. lol. those are outdated and they never update it.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on August 31, 2008, 08:15
Don't worry about the rejection, on fotolia you can resubmit some day after and you will be accepted maybe because another person is checking your photos. In Istock a rejection lower your rating, you lose more time than a week and one of 15 chance to upload for every rejection you have, and some time the reason are very silly, take a look at this one
([url]http://www.flaviomassari.it/foto/reject.jpg[/url])

The logo thing is stretching it a bit.  "People" refers to more than one person. But they really don't make that clear so a lot of keywords have different meanings to different people which is part of the problem.

You can use Scout but I think it would get turned down for softness anyway.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: MicrostockExp on September 06, 2008, 05:19
Looks like there is a nice reviewer there these days.I was clearing up my queue and  5/5 were accepted :)
Sales are crap by the way :(
L
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Roadrunner on September 06, 2008, 10:57
The site must have experienced a real slowdown in the number of images being submitted.  Some folks just don't have common sense.  If any site starts rejecting over 70% of the majority of images submitted by nearly every contributer, they have to expect most normal people will become discouraged.

Add to that - crappy sales of less than $75 for a year, and there is little reason to go through a futile upload process.  I realize many contributors make $75 a day there, but not all photogs are equal.  Fot is my worst site for sales, but I do have a small portfolio.  Since I do not use models or people in general, the type images I submit don't do that well there.  On the other hand - many of you guys and gals are doing well there.  Personally, I cannot blame the site for my low sales there - it is my problem. 

To those who are getting a good number of sales, I would recommend hanging in there.  Make all you can
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: takestock on October 03, 2008, 14:33
This one below I'm finding more and more of.

Your photograph did not reach our desired level of aesthetic quality.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Xalanx on October 03, 2008, 15:19
Latest batch - about 70 uploaded, 60 approved. Most of the rejections are "similar photo" - but FT is very intransigent with similarities, much more than anyone else.
Sales started doing pretty good too, after about 1-2 weeks of decline.
Yes, their standards are quite high but that only makes me upload only quality stuff. I normally don't brag about rejection reasons. I just move on, go out and take some new photos.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: graficallyminded on October 03, 2008, 18:12
Nobody usually talks about them, who has the time?  But the reason why this thread was started was because the majority of people (not just newbies) have been getting 70-80% of all uploads rejected.

I'm a photo reviewer myself, for one of the big 6.  I've also been doing stock for 3 years, so I think I know what will cut it and what won't when it comes to stock.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: erwinova on October 03, 2008, 22:41
Fotolia is nice agency...check this http://admin.fotolia.com/p/180036?order=creation
seem everything he uploaded was approved.  ;D
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: louoates on October 03, 2008, 22:56
I haven't uploaded at FT in months. Maybe when the rejection rate eases I'll  spend some time. But what I'm seeing is FT just not yielding the $$ with their miniscule percentage --  so maybe I won't bother spending more time uploading. Just getting the few bucks a month from what's already there. In fact I wouldn't close my account as that would take even more work.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: peep on October 08, 2008, 12:28
I am getting really angry with fotolia and I am starting to think of giving them up. I am fed up with their "similar photo" rejections for photos with USD/EUR/CZK or flasks with potions in different colours or food on different trays or vertical/horizontal compositions. I am absolutely sure that a US customer looking for a money concept WILL NOT buy my pictures with euros! And a customer looking for a RED drink WOULD NOT buy a green one and then try to change the colour!
I used to solve the problem by dividing the "similar" pictures into several batches - and it used to be OK. But now they seem to have hired some new nutters who look at your older images! I have just a lot of pictures rejected for "similars" - and looking into it I have found out they are "similar" to a batch I uploaded a few weeks ago! This is really too much. And since the sales are getting worse there - more and more subs, I think they are not worth my time any more.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: borg on October 08, 2008, 14:13
I am on 50 % app. rate...
What is success, ha!?  :D :D
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: peep on October 08, 2008, 15:15
Yeah, OK, but I used to have about 90% of my files approved! And now that!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: a.k.a.-tom on October 08, 2008, 19:09
I dont have any of these problems.  I have     
   O N E   photo there.  yup, one.  8)=tom
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Tazzy on October 08, 2008, 19:46
I have had more then my share of rejections lately from Fotolia as well.  And, probably 95% of the rejections I get from them are the Overabundant catagory.  Don't they think their customers deserve some fresh new work, or are they going to just lock in the old stuff.  I think they need to weed out some of the stuff that has been on there a couple years that hasn't sold and make room for new work.  Just my 2 cents worth.  I could understand if my photos were being rejected for a technical reason, but it just gripes me when they tell me they are tuning it down just because they already have enough of that subject. >:(
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: RacePhoto on October 08, 2008, 19:51
I dont have any of these problems.  I have     
   O N E   photo there.  yup, one.  8)=tom

I'm way, way, ahead of you. I deleted all my photos except two!  ;D Just in case I wanted the account to stay alive, but I'm giving up for now. That's right only two. I have nothing against them, I was just cutting back on sites.

How does Fotolia get this into their press release? "[Fotolia]...the largest global online marketplace for micro-priced digital stock images, announced today a corporate subscription-based offering that will give users four tiers of subscription access to its image library of nearly 4 million stock images."

Are they really the largest?
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Fran on October 09, 2008, 03:23
My huge problem with Fotolia is that I'm not learning anything from their rejections. They accepted an image with purple fringing (ooooooops, sorry for that, totally missed it in that image of the series) and they rejected for quality of the photograph an entire series that was accepted everywhere else. They just didn't need that subject, fair enough, don't be shy, tell me.

I never complain about rejections, it's always my fault, but please tell me why it was rejected. That helps me more than random rejections with random reasons.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: cascoly on October 09, 2008, 13:36
....  Don't they think their customers deserve some fresh new work, or are they going to just lock in the old stuff.  I think they need to weed out some of the stuff that has been on there a couple years that hasn't sold and make room for new work.  Just my 2 cents worth.  I could understand if my photos were being rejected for a technical reason, but it just gripes me when they tell me they are tuning it down just because they already have enough of that subject. >:(

actually FT is the only agency i know of that promised to winnow the files - their terms said they would delete any images that didnt sell after 18 mo -- i thought that was brave talk when i read it -- since agencies brag about quantity, what MS is going to post a banner saying "we just went from 2 million to 1.5 million, but trust us, they're all really good now!"

steve
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: emphimy on October 10, 2008, 10:26
Fotolia rejected all photos last batch. Can't believe it :) really still can't believe it... ok this will be another xp for me
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: travelstock on October 11, 2008, 14:16
Fotolia is nice agency...check this [url]http://admin.fotolia.com/p/180036?order=creation[/url]
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...
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Nemo1024 on October 11, 2008, 17:45
I submit to 8 sites (not counting MostPhotos), tracking approvals/rejections of each file at each site in a cumulative sreadsheet. This gives me a nice option to collect some statistics when I feel like it.

I now looked at FL rejections relative to the number of approvals at other sites and here are the numbers!

9 images were approved by 7 sites (only Fotolia rejected them!)
50 images were approved by 6 sites
82 images were approved by 5 sites
131 image was approved by 4 sites

I won't list 3's and 2's as they were probably right to be rejected by FL, but anything, which was approve by 5 sites or more I would consider stock-worthy.

What is also interesting, is that I have images approved by FL, which are rejected by most of the other agencies...
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: RH on October 12, 2008, 11:46
Fotolia is nice agency...check this [url]http://admin.fotolia.com/p/180036?order=creation[/url]
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...


Really frustrating >:(
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: jsnover on October 12, 2008, 13:32
Fotolia is nice agency...check this [url]http://admin.fotolia.com/p/180036?order=creation[/url]
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?
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: dirkr on October 12, 2008, 14:16
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.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: madelaide on November 19, 2008, 16:49
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
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: RacePhoto on November 19, 2008, 17:12
Fotolia is nice agency...check this [url]http://admin.fotolia.com/p/180036?order=creation[/url]
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
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: tommroch on November 19, 2008, 22:10
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'
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: helix7 on November 20, 2008, 00:41
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.


Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Fred on November 20, 2008, 01:57
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
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: saniphoto on November 20, 2008, 02:52
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!

Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: madelaide on November 20, 2008, 09:17
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
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: tdoes on November 20, 2008, 09:27
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!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: madelaide on November 24, 2008, 16:08
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
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: jsnover on November 24, 2008, 16:16
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.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Roadrunner on November 24, 2008, 16:40
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!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: hali on November 24, 2008, 16:49
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.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: litifeta on November 25, 2008, 02:09
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 ....
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Roadrunner on November 25, 2008, 12:00
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!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: AVAVA on November 25, 2008, 12:16
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
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Roadrunner on November 25, 2008, 15:08
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
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: AVAVA on November 25, 2008, 16:01
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
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lisafx on November 25, 2008, 19:42
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!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Roadrunner on November 26, 2008, 11:32
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!!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lisafx on November 26, 2008, 17:13
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....
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: litifeta on November 26, 2008, 17:23
Would love a wacom tablet. I do lots of drawings.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: username on November 29, 2008, 11:39

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
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lisafx on November 29, 2008, 14:24

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. 
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: madelaide on November 29, 2008, 14:38
I can understand, even if not agree, support not acting in some rejections, but this is simply ridiculous. 

Regards,
Adelaide
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: AVAVA on November 29, 2008, 14:42
Hi Lisa,

 I think I would be inclined to send them back a third time and this time add those releases. Ms. Cabbage Head, Mr. Tomato, The Onion twins, Susan and Sally. See if that works and get back to us. I am a bit concerned it might actually work. ;D

Best,
AVAVA
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: cdwheatley on November 29, 2008, 15:21
model release for vegies??...sheesh!! what next?

The tablet thingy was terrible in the begining but after forcing myself to work with it, I couldn't imagine editing without it now. It makes things a lot easier once you feel comfortable with it.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lisafx on November 29, 2008, 15:27

 I think I would be inclined to send them back a third time and this time add those releases. Ms. Cabbage Head, Mr. Tomato, The Onion twins, Susan and Sally. See if that works and get back to us. I am a bit concerned it might actually work. ;D

ROFL!  Now that is a solution that wouldn't have occurred to me.  :D
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on November 29, 2008, 15:40
Or upload an image of your middle finger with a model release.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lisafx on November 29, 2008, 17:12
Or upload an image of your middle finger with a model release.

LOL!  Spoken just like your namesake :D
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: CofkoCof on November 30, 2008, 05:18
I'm lucky that they like renders and illustrations. Just checked my acceptance rate and couldn't find a rejected image in the first three pages (50 images per page :D).
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: OM on December 08, 2008, 05:17
I recently started uploading my work to microstock sites and became very perplexed with Fotolia.  I submitted 10 photos to Shutterstock as part of my application and 9/10 were accepted.  I submitted the same 10 to Fotolia and only 1 was accepted.  Not only were 9/10 rejected at Fotolia, but they were rejected within 5 minutes of their submission.  I'm not sure what's going on here, but I'm considering terminating my account with Fotolia rather than continuing to waste my time uploading rejections.  Any opinions on the matter?  Should I stick with them and keep submitting content or just put my efforts elsewhere.

Here are the photos I submitted to shutterstock:

[url]http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery.mhtml?id=252346[/url]

I already have 33 downloads in 1 week from those 9 photos.

Thanks for the input.


I had exactly the same experience with Fotolia a couple of months ago. Submitted 9 images and within an hour, they were all rejected on "quality of image" which in Fotoliaspeak meant that the reviewer thought that they were 'commercially compromised' ie wouldn't sell.
That same day,I looked to see what had been accepted and some of the stuff was just horrific.
At the time, I got the feeling that the reviewer had reached his/her limit of accepted images for the day and was rejecting everything that came in. Made me consider closing my small account too. As Lisa said, it's very unprofessional. Although, if I'd had her experience with a request for model releases for vegetables........I'd probably have needed medical treatment for the fit I would have had. 
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Phil on December 08, 2008, 22:04
Hi Lisa,

 I think I would be inclined to send them back a third time and this time add those releases. Ms. Cabbage Head, Mr. Tomato, The Onion twins, Susan and Sally. See if that works and get back to us. I am a bit concerned it might actually work. ;D

Best,
AVAVA

I have a metal background on istock that is a picture of me.  they rejected for model release I emailed saying wrong button, then got sick of waiting for them to fix, so uploaded my model release and it was approved.  (My kids tell me the resemblance is strong :(

phil
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: ichiro17 on December 08, 2008, 22:56
I've said it a million times, they are pathetic (edited) with regards to their acceptance (edited).  1,000,001 times now I guess

Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: NYTumbleweeds on December 11, 2008, 13:52
that was half year ago. Today keyword order at FT is not important anymore. Tested.

What?? I just stumbled onto that issue, had no idea keywords were to be in specific order at FT and now it's meaningless?? No wonder they are my bottom earner, a day late & $1 short!

Yesterday I started cleaning all of my keywords up there hoping for some improvement...back to the drawing board!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lisafx on December 11, 2008, 18:27
This is news to me that keyword order is no longer important at Fotolia.  Where's the evidence of that?  Did I miss some announcement or something?

Either way, I will continue to front-load my keywords with the best ones at the top. 
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: vonkara on December 11, 2008, 18:36
that was half year ago. Today keyword order at FT is not important anymore. Tested.
Heuu?? ??
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: NYTumbleweeds on December 11, 2008, 23:45
Better to be safe I suppose... will go organize keywords anyway.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Peter on December 12, 2008, 03:04
Yep, it is true. Keyword order does not matter any more (since half year ago).
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Sophia on December 12, 2008, 04:10
Keyword order may not matter right now, but all fotolia's advice even now is to keyword in order of importance. At fotolia there is no way to add new keywords, and I'm not sure if the reordering function is working now but for sure there was a time when it did not work. If fotolia changes the search engine again to take only the first 7 relevant keywords then where will that leave your images if you haven't taken the time to put them in order of importance. Because it may not seem that it is important now, doesn't mean it won't be important at some time in the future.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: OM on December 16, 2008, 19:24
I recently started uploading my work to microstock sites and became very perplexed with Fotolia.  I submitted 10 photos to Shutterstock as part of my application and 9/10 were accepted.  I submitted the same 10 to Fotolia and only 1 was accepted.  Not only were 9/10 rejected at Fotolia, but they were rejected within 5 minutes of their submission.  I'm not sure what's going on here, but I'm considering terminating my account with Fotolia rather than continuing to waste my time uploading rejections.  Any opinions on the matter?  Should I stick with them and keep submitting content or just put my efforts elsewhere.

Here are the photos I submitted to shutterstock:

[url]http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery.mhtml?id=252346[/url]

I already have 33 downloads in 1 week from those 9 photos.

Thanks for the input.


Your images look excellent to me. Fotolia reviewers are a law unto themselves. If you really want to get mad, look at some of the 'recently accepted' page on the day that your images get rejected. You will be totally amazed at some stuff that passed review on the day you got rejected.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: microstockinsider on December 17, 2008, 04:05
Quote
You will be totally amazed at some stuff that passed review on the day you got rejected.

I don't think I would choose the word 'amazed' to describe it, disgusted? :/

... just don't close an account over it, perhaps just stop uploading to them it you don't like their rejections.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Carla on December 17, 2008, 04:43
Acceptance at fotolia is very irregular, but those of mine which are accepted sell well at the moment (better than dreamstime and istockphoto together), so in your place I would leave the accepted pictures there and wait for better times  .
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: travismanley on February 26, 2009, 13:22
I am one of the many why started out on Fotolia a couple years ago and got just about everything approved I could throw at them and now my approval rating has dropped through the floor.

My big problem with FT is their rejection reasons are all very vague. More often than not I just get the "your photo was rejected because..." and they list all the reasons it might have been rejected. Talk about lazy reviewing.

The even bigger problem is if you have a question or want a more specific reason why your image was rejected (which im guessing about 99% of people who get rejects are) you have to post on their forum and listen to other contributes speculate over why it might have been rejected and hope maybe someone from FT will actually get on there and answer your question for you.

I am currently having a problem with a rejection I have spent three days posting on the FT forum and have got no response from FT. I finally emailed them and they said that reviews are through a different department so they couldnt help me.

What a waste of time!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: jim_h on February 26, 2009, 13:26
I tried Fotolia.  On the first FTP batch, some of the IPTC data was missing and/or wasn't picked up.  I made some fixes, uploaded again but still saw the old data.  Then I found out that you really can never delete photos there, or replace the IPTC data by uploading new ones. So the first batch was essentally lost.  I went around with 'support' a few times, got useless one-sentence replies that missed the point.  Posted in the forum, got nothing.

So I gave up.  Life is short and there are many other sites that have it together.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: KB on February 26, 2009, 13:32
Yep, that's pretty much been my experience as well. Fotolia "support" is pretty much worthless for any rejection questions, as are the rejection "reasons", and their forums.

I've stopped UL'ing; it just isn't worth the bother.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: travismanley on February 26, 2009, 13:57
Yep, that's pretty much been my experience as well. Fotolia "support" is pretty much worthless for any rejection questions, as are the rejection "reasons", and their forums.

I've stopped UL'ing; it just isn't worth the bother.

I think the reason im so frustrated is because I my sales at FT are pretty good, about less than half what I pull in at DT, IS, and SS, but still in my top five. If sales sucked I would just throw in the towel.

Im hoping this is just a phase that will eventually pass. I remember things were like this at Stockxpert for a long time but have got a lot better recently.
Title: churn
Post by: jim_h on February 26, 2009, 14:17
Coming into this now for the first time, I get the feeling all these microstocks are unstable businesses, constantly changing their game, getting messed up internally for a while and maybe straightening it out later.  Shakeout will happen, and maybe some stability and predictability for contributors in time. For now, it's just a hit-or-miss thing.   If you want to make all the money you possibly can, you are going to spend a lot of time dealing with the individual quirks, problems and frustrations of these companies. 

Title: Re: churn
Post by: travismanley on February 26, 2009, 14:41
I get the feeling all these microstocks are unstable businesses, constantly changing their game, getting messed up internally for a while and maybe straightening it out later. 

I think you hit the nail on the head. The companies that really have it together will be the ones that last.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lienkie on February 26, 2009, 15:16
For me(a newbie of 5 months) the algorythm is easy
Rejection=learning opportunity
Less rejections=I've learnt something
More rejections=I'm not learning/listening to the pro's
And do this again,and again,and again.......
It's as simple as that.
NEVER take a rejection personally,it's just part of the learning curve.
If you don't want to learn,this is the wrong industry to be in.
Sites differ and they know what their buyers want,and they are propably more knowledgable about market trends than we are(me in any case).If you spend enough time reading the forums etc. you'll start getting an idea of which sites want what.
I love landscapes but know that FL doesn't,so I just don't send them any.Give 'em the stuff they want and they will sell it.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: KB on February 26, 2009, 17:01
For me(a newbie of 5 months) the algorythm is easy
Rejection=learning opportunity

This is true for me at iStock, and perhaps a few other agencies. But I submit to 8 agencies, and when they all take an image except Fotolia, which rejects it for "technical reasons", what am I supposed to think? The reviewers at Fotolia are so good that they see something wrong that no other reviewer can find? Or is the more obvious answer the right one?

Maybe when you're no longer a newbie, your algorithm might change:
Rejection=learning opportunity, except Fotolia = coin toss.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: OM on February 26, 2009, 20:41
For me(a newbie of 5 months) the algorythm is easy
Rejection=learning opportunity
Less rejections=I've learnt something
More rejections=I'm not learning/listening to the pro's
And do this again,and again,and again.......
It's as simple as that.
NEVER take a rejection personally,it's just part of the learning curve.
If you don't want to learn,this is the wrong industry to be in.
Sites differ and they know what their buyers want,and they are propably more knowledgable about market trends than we are(me in any case).If you spend enough time reading the forums etc. you'll start getting an idea of which sites want what.
I love landscapes but know that FL doesn't,so I just don't send them any.Give 'em the stuff they want and they will sell it.

With Fotolia, I'm afraid that's not the case. You can rarely learn anything from an FT rejection because even when the reason given is eg 'quality of photograph' , it can mean many things; none of which has to do with the 'quality of the photograph'.
It can mean, "I don't personally like the shot........I don't think it's commercial.....Sorry, but I've hit my quota for allowed submissions for this shift and I'm going home, oops hit the wrong button etc."

One contributor had some great photo's rejected on the basis that  FT already had too many the same(complete lie) and when he complained and mentioned success on other sites with the same shots, they were all allowed. Therefore, rejections on FT should be accorded with the disdain  by which they are given.........serendipitous: lucky for some and unlucky for others. IS is another matter entirely and is most educational.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - NOT Thinking of closing account
Post by: RacePhoto on February 26, 2009, 22:09
Not saying they are wrong. This was a marginal effort, shot with the G6 for a lighting test. But here's the rejection "information".

We regret to inform you that photo ######## was not accepted. Your photograph did not reach our desired level of aesthetic quality.

Oh that clears it up.  ;D aesthetic quality. Good that I could get something helpful from that so I don't waste their time with more photos like this.

On the other hand, here's one from a couple weeks ago:

The image contains one or more technical problems:

    * Blurry or out of focus
    * Over/Under exposure
    * Framing problem
    * Over or under saturated colors
    * Problems with contrast
    * Noise or Pixelation
    * Quality of routing
    * Interpolation problem


Or maybe all of the above?  ::)

Or none of the above, because they just pick a button that has no meaning. The one with the vague rejection has None of the above, and could have been rejected for over abundant or something else, but not what that reviewer used. It was a very sharp 4800 dpi flatbed scan of a B&W intaglio printed line drawing. Out of copyright.

Second only to SS in sales this month, no big complaints. Just that they do have some quirky rejections.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lienkie on February 27, 2009, 01:40
For me(a newbie of 5 months) the algorythm is easy
Rejection=learning opportunity
Less rejections=I've learnt something
More rejections=I'm not learning/listening to the pro's
And do this again,and again,and again.......
It's as simple as that.
NEVER take a rejection personally,it's just part of the learning curve.
If you don't want to learn,this is the wrong industry to be in.
Sites differ and they know what their buyers want,and they are propably more knowledgable about market trends than we are(me in any case).If you spend enough time reading the forums etc. you'll start getting an idea of which sites want what.
I love landscapes but know that FL doesn't,so I just don't send them any.Give 'em the stuff they want and they will sell it.

With Fotolia, I'm afraid that's not the case. You can rarely learn anything from an FT rejection because even when the reason given is eg 'quality of photograph' , it can mean many things; none of which has to do with the 'quality of the photograph'.
It can mean, "I don't personally like the shot........I don't think it's commercial.....Sorry, but I've hit my quota for allowed submissions for this shift and I'm going home, oops hit the wrong button etc."

One contributor had some great photo's rejected on the basis that  FT already had too many the same(complete lie) and when he complained and mentioned success on other sites with the same shots, they were all allowed. Therefore, rejections on FT should be accorded with the disdain  by which they are given.........serendipitous: lucky for some and unlucky for others. IS is another matter entirely and is most educational.

Even when an image is rejected by FL that was accepted at other sites I still learn-about what FL wants.
I'd be lying if I said I haven't been perplexed by rejections,but not losing any sleep over it.Just get up and move on.I've upped my AR quite considerably since I started by being fussy with what I upload.
And so far I'm having the BEST feb at FL ever(hum...ever being 5 months in my case....LOL)For feb they are # 2 earner,only beaten by SS.

I also upload a little every day instead of one big batch at a time-this way you'll propably get another reviewer that's friendlier,or less tired or,heaven forbid, worse-this is something that forgiss taught me and it seems to work.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: fotografer on February 27, 2009, 01:45
i've only ever been hit once by a bad reviewer who refused 5 perfectly good images.  A couple of weeks later I sneaked them into  other batches and all 5 were accepted.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lienkie on February 27, 2009, 04:17
Ha-ha-Ha...so we CAN play them ;) Good for you!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: OM on February 27, 2009, 09:26
Agree with 'submit slowly' for the best chances.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lisafx on February 27, 2009, 09:28
For what it's worth:

FT = Fotolia.

FL = Florida

:)

Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lienkie on February 27, 2009, 15:06
 ;D ;DIf you live in the States I suppose.......I'll remember
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lisafx on February 27, 2009, 16:17
Actually, I live in Florida, so I do a little double take when I see the FL abbreviation used :)
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: yecatsdoherty on February 28, 2009, 12:38
Florida would be so nice right now.....spring in this part of Canada is mucky, wet and cold.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Dreamframer on March 19, 2009, 07:58
Fotolia rejected these photos. I really thought those photos will be good sellers because they are from a touristic place. All photos are rejected because they didn't reach desired aesthetic level.
I'm still waiting for more rejection, cause I still have some files pending.  :-\

Here are the photos:
(http://images.stockxpert.com/pic/m/w/wh/whitechild/36432471_35418073.jpg)(http://images.stockxpert.com/pic/m/w/wh/whitechild/36432421_79745385.jpg)(http://images.stockxpert.com/pic/m/w/wh/whitechild/36432381_62944392.jpg)(http://images.stockxpert.com/pic/m/w/wh/whitechild/36432451_34216917.jpg)



Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Hottommi on March 19, 2009, 08:41
Hi Whitechild,
it is always dificult to discuss the quality of those pictures, because they are to small.

But, I believe there are so much touristic place pictures, that they kick off the most of them!

regards

Thomas
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: goldenangel on March 19, 2009, 10:24
it is always dificult to discuss the quality of those pictures, because they are to small.
As I understand, they were not rejected for technical flaws but rather not satisfying Fotolia's level of aesthetic quality so the size should not matter here.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: tempura on March 19, 2009, 10:27
Fotolia rejected these photos. I really thought those photos will be good sellers because they are from a touristic place. All photos are rejected because they didn't reach desired aesthetic level.
I'm still waiting for more rejection, cause I still have some files pending.  :-\

Here are the photos:
([url]http://images.stockxpert.com/pic/m/w/wh/whitechild/36432471_35418073.jpg[/url])([url]http://images.stockxpert.com/pic/m/w/wh/whitechild/36432421_79745385.jpg[/url])([url]http://images.stockxpert.com/pic/m/w/wh/whitechild/36432381_62944392.jpg[/url])([url]http://images.stockxpert.com/pic/m/w/wh/whitechild/36432451_34216917.jpg[/url])

very good images of Mostar Bridge Whitechild, can't help remember seeing that bridge on the news, back in the 90's when war started, great seeing it like this now. Back then it shocked me to see such a beautiful place in such circumstances. Sorry a bit O.T. I'm aware.


Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Dreamframer on March 19, 2009, 13:08
Hi Whitechild,
it is always dificult to discuss the quality of those pictures, because they are to small.

But, I believe there are so much touristic place pictures, that they kick off the most of them!

regards

Thomas

Hi Thomas,
Goldenangel was right. The rejection was only because of aesthetic level. Technically images are OK, but they didn't like the composition :)
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Dreamframer on March 19, 2009, 16:00
Tempura, thank you for your comment.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: louoates on March 23, 2009, 19:04
I quit uploading to FT almost a year ago because of their idiotic rejection ratio. I thought things may have changed since then so last week I uploaded 14 new images, all accepted and selling elsewhere. 11 were rejected for the same mostly vague reasons so many of us have been complaining about. I'm not accepting that kind of rejection so I guess I'll wait another year and try again. It probably won't matter much because their commissions are so low I rarely even check the site except when close to payout amounts. I'll stay with the proven, and profitable, IS, SS, DT, and StkEXp. 
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: RaFaLe on March 24, 2009, 04:18
I agree,

FT is absolutely ridiculous in terms of rejection ratio.
They're certainly the highest for me, and in turn, the least profitable of the big 6 (for me).

Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: fljac on March 24, 2009, 04:28
I just uploaded a batch of 14 images...  13 was APPROVED - 1 rejected... The stated rejection reason was inaccurate, but apart from that, I have to agree that it actually was the one image that decerved to be rejected, if any...

So both from this batch and from a few previous uploads, I feel that the rejection rate is going down and even the review time is imporving... About half of this batch eas approved within 2hours from upload. The rest about 18 hours after upload....

Have you all stopped uploading or something?   ;D

/flemming
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: RaFaLe on March 24, 2009, 05:06
Hmmm...
I'm wondering what's going on here.
I've had images waiting for almost 30 hours now.

Maybe their reviewers have their favourites and I'm clearly not one of them ;)
In fact, it's probably like that at DT too (for me).
The rest seem to favour my uploads (for now anyway) ;)
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Dreamframer on March 24, 2009, 08:42
I always wait some 3-4 days for review, and all my rejections lately are because my images didn't reach their desired aesthetic level. But I don't bother with reuploading because these images sell well on other sites. I rarely decided to resubmit my images to any agency. That's why I like to be independent... some agency always accepts images rejected by other agency, so when I count the biggest 6 agencies, I almost don't have rejected images. If some agency doesn't like my image, it won't have it, and I will always sell it on other agency.
 
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: tempura on March 24, 2009, 09:32
I have only had rejection on backgrounds, (so I don't submit them any more) and a pair of too similar (on files that were remotely similar). Other than that most get accepted.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: donding on March 24, 2009, 11:09
I don't have any luck with Fotolia. They are always rejecting photos for inacurate reasons or over abundant photo's. I just recently uploaded two photos that were the pretty much the same in nature as one of the photos that sells the most on there and they were rejected. I can't figure them out. Can you delete an account before your FIRST payout, or do you lose that pay if you decide to delete the account? Does any one know. I personally think you should get it since it is your earnings but then they are weird so I really wonder. I'm at and have been at $46.00 for proubably 6 months now and don't look for any increase any time soon. It's the only agency of the big six that doesn't sell and I've even continued to upload to them just like the rest. I think they bury you in the pile if you don't have a good rank, which makes one wonder how they are ever going to get up in rank when they do that. They should be more helpful to those who make their living for them because if it wasn't for us they would be in the bankruptcy pile.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: studio10 on March 24, 2009, 11:41
I'm not very happy with them either. I just added Fotolia a couple months ago, so I don't have a lot there, but lots of images that are getting accepted elsewhere are getting rejected with poor reasoning. I get a sale every couple of days so I will continue with them for now.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: RaFaLe on March 24, 2009, 12:46
Seems we're slowly opening a can of worms here..

To give an indication - I have a somewhat poor acceptance ratio regardless on SS for example (only about 60% I think).
FT, however is ridiculous.
I've submitted around the same number of pics, and although I'm still new to this, my port on SS is around 55 images only. My port on FT is around 16!!!
That's not very encouraging at all.
I've made 35 downloads this month and counting, on a port of 55 images.
I can't say that's bad at all for SS, but shocking for FT.

Seems they're shooting themselves in the foot - if they accepted some fine images from the rest of us, they may actually make more money.
Quality is important - I get that - and there's no compromise, however, in financial times like this, they should potentially be looking into growing their base to make more sales, or at least broaden horizons.

If I was a marketer, I would likely go to the site that has the most images available.
This increases my chances of finding what I'm looking for - surely?
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: tdoes on March 24, 2009, 13:56
Fotolia's rejections are still hard to explain but their buyers keep me uploading there.   Just wish I could get more accepted then I'd really clean up!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: goldenangel on March 25, 2009, 17:41
For your amusement, I am posting the pics that did not reach aesthetic level of quality for today:
 
(http://images.stockxpert.com/pic/m/g/go/goldnangel/36913191_31107500.jpg)

(http://images.stockxpert.com/pic/m/g/go/goldnangel/36913211_41581691.jpg)

(http://images.stockxpert.com/pic/m/g/go/goldnangel/36913221_11512381.jpg)

(http://images.stockxpert.com/pic/m/g/go/goldnangel/36913201_12586947.jpg)

Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Dreamframer on March 25, 2009, 18:09
Beautiful images goldenangel.
I had 2 accepted and 8 rejected in my last batch. All images were rejected with the same reason...they are not beautiful enough for Fotolia. What surprised me, two ugliest images were accepted....
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: borg on March 25, 2009, 18:40
Fotolia has killed my last batch also...

2/10 were approved only...

Here is some of them,also touristic motives but few hundred km from Mostar,island Cres... ;)
Rejected:
(http://www.slichke.com/images/klz1238025905v.jpg)

(http://www.slichke.com/images/bwy1238025555r.jpg)

Approved:
(http://www.slichke.com/images/opt1238025595d.jpg)

(http://www.slichke.com/images/klz1238025684t.jpg)
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lisafx on March 25, 2009, 18:46

Seems they're shooting themselves in the foot - if they accepted some fine images from the rest of us, they may actually make more money.
Quality is important - I get that - and there's no compromise, however, in financial times like this, they should potentially be looking into growing their base to make more sales, or at least broaden horizons.

If I was a marketer, I would likely go to the site that has the most images available.
This increases my chances of finding what I'm looking for - surely?


I agree that Fotolia has some crazy rejections.  I certainly would not dispute that.

But to your broader point, no, it does not benefit sites to be less picky and "broaden their horizons".  All the major micros have in the millions of images now.  The sites that do better and attract more buyers are the ones that have higher standards of image quality.    

If you look at the top sites to the right of this forum, you will find that there is a more or less direct correlation between how selective they are and how many sales they generate.  

As an example - istock, which is very selective, is able to charge more and keep its position among the top sites because customers know they can find quality there.  OTOH Canstock, which until very recently took nearly anything submitted, hardly has any sales at all.  


Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: WarrenPrice on March 25, 2009, 18:54

Seems they're shooting themselves in the foot - if they accepted some fine images from the rest of us, they may actually make more money.
Quality is important - I get that - and there's no compromise, however, in financial times like this, they should potentially be looking into growing their base to make more sales, or at least broaden horizons.

If I was a marketer, I would likely go to the site that has the most images available.
This increases my chances of finding what I'm looking for - surely?


I agree that Fotolia has some crazy rejections.  I certainly would not dispute that.

But to your broader point, no, it does not benefit sites to be less picky and "broaden their horizons".  All the major micros have in the millions of images now.  The sites that do better and attract more buyers are the ones that have higher standards of image quality.    

If you look at the top sites to the right of this forum, you will find that there is a more or less direct correlation between how selective they are and how many sales they generate.  

As an example - istock, which is very selective, is able to charge more and keep its position among the top sites because customers know they can find quality there.  OTOH Canstock, which until very recently took nearly anything submitted, hardly has any sales at all.  





Before they pulled the capability to see some details on the buyer, I was able to surmise that most of my sales were to European customers.  I really think that FT has a totally different take on what their buyers want.

Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Pixart on March 25, 2009, 21:18
I'm not sure what time zone you are in Warren, but I am Central Canada and my Fotolia sales are almost all before I'm at my desk in the morning.  That would lead me to believe that, yes, the buyers are European!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: bad to the bone on March 25, 2009, 22:11
As coming out of germany and selling most on Fotolia i can say: yes, most of the customers from Fotolia are out of germany and nearby in europe.
...and don't give any attention to the rejection reasons on FT, they roll a dice for their rejection mails (don't understand this as abuse, they know itself and laugh about it. My own rejection rate is less than 10% on FT and the rejections i get are allmost complet nonsense. Latest rejection i get was about pixelproblems and blur...unfortunately it was a vector illustration).

Greets from Bertold
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: RaFaLe on March 26, 2009, 01:18
Agreed to all of the above.
However, SS seems to be the leader at this point, yet their rejection rate for me is nowhere NEAR as bad as FT.

So, the differences are apparent in terms of what they are looking for between markets and sites.

Interesting reading the input though, I learn a lot through these forums - thanks!

Chris
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Fred on March 26, 2009, 01:31

Of the seven sites I have contributed to over the last 2 years - largest portfolio is only 262 on SS -  only on FT have my revenues increased faster than my portfolio size  (121).  Earnings have collapsed elsewhere (WME on SS in spite of the fact that I just got my raise to $0.33) or at best stayed even (IS).  FT must be doing something right.

fred
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: djmorgan on March 30, 2009, 16:40
Add my voice to the FT craziness  ::) they seem to run hot and cold or there is a reviewer out of step with others, I just had a batch hit, in it were images taken on the same background and setup just the object changed yet I got rejections for aesthetic level of quality, most times it makes no sense especially when 9 other agencies approve the same image including IS which people deem to be the toughest to work with.

David
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Fred on March 31, 2009, 00:22
Add my voice to the FT craziness  ::) they seem to run hot and cold or there is a reviewer out of step with others, I just had a batch hit, in it were images taken on the same background and setup just the object changed yet I got rejections for aesthetic level of quality, most times it makes no sense especially when 9 other agencies approve the same image including IS which people deem to be the toughest to work with.

David

Rejections at FT are a pain but they are easy to upload to.  I recently found out that you really don't have to assign any categories if you don't want to and that speeds their upload process a lot.

c h e e r s
fred
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: MikLav on March 31, 2009, 01:51
In the last months Fotolia rejects 25-30% of my submissions. It is indeed higher than most other sites but I don't see it a big problem, especially upload is easy and sales isn't bad. This is my BME at Fotolia and Fotolia earnings take 3rd place this month (usually it was 4th or even 5th).
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: stockastic on April 01, 2009, 13:33
Fotolia has also turned out to be my harshest critic by far.  :(

They reject photos that all other sites accepted. Even phots that IS accepted (!).  They reject my best sellers.  And always with that snotty line about not meeting their "level of aesthetic quality".   Couldn't they change that to something with a bit less edge, maybe "not what we're looking for"?

Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: WarrenPrice on April 01, 2009, 13:39
Just got battered again by FT.  I use them to keep my ego in check.  LOL

Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: travismanley on April 01, 2009, 13:46
This is my BME at Fotolia and Fotolia earnings take 3rd place this month (usually it was 4th or even 5th).

I had a pretty good month at Fotolia, not BME, but good.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: OM on April 01, 2009, 19:28
Just got battered again by FT.  I use them to keep my ego in check.  LOL



Ah! An equal opportunity masochist, like myself! :D
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: OM on April 01, 2009, 19:36
As coming out of germany and selling most on Fotolia i can say: yes, most of the customers from Fotolia are out of germany and nearby in europe.
...and don't give any attention to the rejection reasons on FT, they roll a dice for their rejection mails (don't understand this as abuse, they know itself and laugh about it. My own rejection rate is less than 10% on FT and the rejections i get are allmost complet nonsense. Latest rejection i get was about pixelproblems and blur...unfortunately it was a vector illustration).

Greets from Bertold

 :D :D

I just try to sneak 'em back in later....one at a time!

Seriously though, I believe that most of my sale on FT come from the Eurozone (credit price 1.00 Euro) whereas FT likes to keep me on the UK site at 60 pence/0.66 Euro per credit. This is good business for FT but some things do sell so I'm not whining.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Milinz on April 02, 2009, 13:50
Quite interesting expiriences... I don't have such on FT... More likely I have such rejections on iStock  ::)

Nevertheless more ELs and single sales there than on some other places with much more images in my port...

But, in last 2 months I really had boost in approval rate on FT as well as from 82 images went to 240 accepted and up approval ratio from lower 30% (less than on iStock) to over 60% (less than on many other sites)... Also there was bronze tier very fast for me as well some image which sells everywhere but the best on FT...

Now, with EPS vectors possible to upload I will boost even more... And I am just happy for that they like my images as well as European buyers are more likely more content with some of them as well as American buyers like some other images ;)

Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: WarrenPrice on April 02, 2009, 14:01
Just got clobbered again.  It is very confusing.  I uploaded mostly flowers to a European-leaning site.  That wasn't real smart.  Europeans are way deep in flowering culture.  But, the only one accepted was a flower?  Go figure.   :-\
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: anton9 on April 02, 2009, 14:23
I think we have all thought about doing that at some point they are very frustrating. some of the rejections I get just puzzle me. now when i get a rejection from them it doesnt even come as a suprise anymore
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: stockastic on April 02, 2009, 14:45
It only bothers me when they reject photo that I know is good and has been selling elsewhere. 
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: graficallyminded on April 02, 2009, 15:08
Fotolia rejections are almost as bad as Crestocks for me.  I just submit and forget about it now.  I don't understand it at all.  Images that are all 100% approved on SS, DT, StockXpert will be denied on Fotolia and it never ceases to amaze.  Hey, their loss.  Maybe you have to be exclusive or one of their top selling contributors to get better reviews.  My rank is currently 545 if that has anything to do with it.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Calamity_John on April 02, 2009, 15:17
what fotolia has taught me is if the image is isolated on white they almost always accept it .. no matter how horrid my technique .. if it has anything to do with nature they almost never accept .. anything else is a toss up ..
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: stockastic on April 02, 2009, 15:30
There is just one rejection I couldn't seem to let go of. I think it's the best photo I've ever done, period, although it wouldn't be of interest to everyone, and that "aesthetic standards" thing just stuck going down.  Fotolia apparently doesn't have an appeal process, but they have an "Academy Board" forum section in which you can post rejected photos and supposedly get feedback. I did so and never got a reply.  I'm trying to move on with my life, now, but it's difficult.  The rejection of that photo haunts me.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Calamity_John on April 02, 2009, 15:39
I have never posted something to the "academy board" section .. that said .. the few times I have looked at it (and to be fair most similar places at the other sites) .. what I have seen is since true perfection is an infinite goal anybody can take a photograph and find some justification to rationalize their preconception.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: travelstock on April 02, 2009, 15:39
Rejections are one of the most discouraging aspects of this business. I can understand the frustration that many have with FT - as someone who does mainly travel images, this is a category they're also not fond of. At the end of the day, you have to do what makes you happy. If not contributing to a site makes you feel better, then that's what you should do.

There's plenty of other places to spend time and energy in this business - if those places make you feel better, then chances are you'll be more productive and successful as a result.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: vonkara on April 03, 2009, 16:07
Wow, I agree FT is the weirdest place to submit. They batch reject like crazy. When I started in 2007 they was accepting much of people images. I pointed out at this time as many people here the lack of quality in their collection.

Now I wonder what they are trying to do. It seem now, that all images taken out of the studio worth nothing for them. As I am shooting urban shot in Montreal for all the summer, I'm in big trouble
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: madelaide on April 03, 2009, 16:15
Given the change I observed last month in FT (ok, it's just ONE month), with increased downloads, higher RPD and a significant decrease in subscriptions, I might consider resuming uploading to them.  These stories about rejections make wonder however...
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: RaFaLe on April 04, 2009, 04:12
Yeah this is by far the worst for a budding photographer, trying to grow a portfolio!
The smallest portfolio I have is with FT.
They reject my work like crazy.
I think I now have something stupid like an 8% acceptance ratio!!!!!!  ???
That's insane!!!!!!!

I'm actually beginning to think this is personal.
Most of the same images get accepted at SS, CS, 123, DT etc.
Seems FT is the absolute worst for me.

I'm frustrated. Maybe I'll start taking advice mentioned earlier and not submit anything nature related or anything that's not isolated on a white BG.
I'm ready to hurt someone around now - I'm mad!
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: stockastic on April 04, 2009, 14:39
I'm already getting used to the weird rejections.  As I think other posters have pointed out, they don't like selective focus or narrow DOF (they call those "technical problems) and they don't like nature.   I can deal with that.  However in my first couple of weeks with FT my photos have received essentially no views and I've made exactly 30 cents.  So it's not looking like the place for me.




Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: gbcimages on April 04, 2009, 14:57
I do mostly all isolated work and out of 97 they kept 35. where the other places keep almost 100% of them
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Pixart on April 04, 2009, 14:59
14 of my last 20 sales were subs.  What is with this subs explosion?  Is it just me?
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: madelaide on April 04, 2009, 16:22
Pixart,

I'm knocking on wood here because I'm having the opposite experience.  Of my latest 50 sales, 7 were subs.  Of the latest 20, only one was subs.  I was getting 30-50% subs before.

Your report makes me believe I just have been lucky and FT is still taken over by subs buyers.

Regards,
Adelaide
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Pixart on April 04, 2009, 17:04
Of my last 50 not as bad, only 27 subs.   Wow, 27 sales = $8.37.  At least I can bring a friend out for coffee as long as we lay off the donuts.  :)

It's mostly the last couple weeks that there's been so many.  They are totally random too, not the same buyers picking up a series.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Dreamframer on April 04, 2009, 17:46
If you ask me, FT could leave just one reason for rejection: "Your photo did not meet aesthetic level"
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Poncke on May 20, 2012, 06:48
3 years later and nothing has changed  at FT.  ;D
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: noodle on May 20, 2012, 07:18
Yeah this is by far the worst for a budding photographer, trying to grow a portfolio!
The smallest portfolio I have is with FT.
They reject my work like crazy.
I think I now have something stupid like an 8% acceptance ratio!!!!!!  ???
That's insane!!!!!!!

I'm actually beginning to think this is personal.
Most of the same images get accepted at SS, CS, 123, DT etc.
Seems FT is the absolute worst for me.

I'm frustrated. Maybe I'll start taking advice mentioned earlier and not submit anything nature related or anything that's not isolated on a white BG.
I'm ready to hurt someone around now - I'm mad!

what I think is frustrating on many sites oonce you have a certain percentage of acceptance/rejection - they will stick to that same ratio - even if you upload a batch of techniqly sound good stock photos - the magic ration will be applied.
So if your acceptance ratio is 8 % - I bet that if you uploaded a batch of great photos - only 10% will get accepted - no matter what.
Kind of crappy, but thats the way it is
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Mantis on May 20, 2012, 07:37
that was half year ago. Today keyword order at FT is not important anymore. Tested.

Is this a FT confirmed thing? I try to do my keywording in Word and put the words in order of importance there so when I upload to Alamy and FT I don't have to do a lot of extra work, but I always end up dicking around (wasting time, perhaps?).
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Wim on May 20, 2012, 09:29
In my case, out of all the top tiers FT has always been the best where reviewing is concerned, almost zero rejections there lately.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: heywoody on May 20, 2012, 10:07
Very old thread btw

Out of curiousity just did a quick check.  I've had 3 rejections in the last year.  1 was well deserved and the other 2 are almost random like I was "due" a rejection (they were better than many accepted).  Subjectively, they have the best reviewers.  Objectively, I would expect good reviewers to reject the weaker and accept the better images and 3 of the top 4 fail by that yardstick.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Danybot on May 20, 2012, 10:52
Very old thread btw

Out of curiousity just did a quick check.  I've had 3 rejections in the last year.  1 was well deserved and the other 2 are almost random like I was "due" a rejection (they were better than many accepted).  Subjectively, they have the best reviewers.  Objectively, I would expect good reviewers to reject the weaker and accept the better images and 3 of the top 4 fail by that yardstick.

It seems to depend very much on the type of photo you are unloading.   I just looked at Fotolia's "latest uploads" page.   About 90% of what's accepted is photos of attractive models, vectors, and manipulated composite images.   Only 10% are traditional still life/scenic photos.   It appears that Fotolia doesn't want a lot more of the latter types, and for them Fotolia's rejection rate is much higher than for other micro sites.   
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: heywoody on May 20, 2012, 11:49
The recent files (and the best sellers which sometimes ony have 1 dl in total) look like editors' picks so what you say seems pretty likely.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: lagereek on May 20, 2012, 13:37
Strange to hear all this. I have almost never had any problems with the FT reviewing. Its always been fair to me. I think we have to understand that in this kind of business, rejections is something that goes with the territory, Its frustrating but there you are. Best to just forget it and move on really.

As an example I always use, is the Getty-RM housecollection, when sending them say 50 files, you are honored if they accept 4.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: luissantos84 on May 20, 2012, 15:17
interesting topic back from 2008, even more curious is that his/her account is with the same pictures so why this?
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Oshoot on June 08, 2012, 17:24
Over the years, I've learned to just shrug off rejections. But lately Fotolia stands out from the others in that it appears they are following the trend of Crestock: accepting marginal images, while nixing the ones that are selling elsewhere.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: OM on June 08, 2012, 19:00
If you ask me, FT could leave just one reason for rejection: "Your photo did not meet aesthetic level"

Nah. That's reserved for the ones that they can't find a single objective thing wrong with but the reviewer doesn't like (maybe because of some repressed childhood trauma).  ;D
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: OM on June 08, 2012, 19:04
14 of my last 20 sales were subs.  What is with this subs explosion?  Is it just me?

Same here........madelaide is getting all the dl's and we're getting all the subs. :D

Oh dear, sucked into ancient thread........mind you, much higher percentage of subs than 2 years ago.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Pixart on June 08, 2012, 21:39
14 of my last 20 sales were subs.  What is with this subs explosion?  Is it just me?

Same here........madelaide is getting all the dl's and we're getting all the subs. :D

Oh dear, sucked into ancient thread........mind you, much higher percentage of subs than 2 years ago.

Haha, but that was the good old days when they only sold 14 subs per 20 sales.  Now it's more like 18 or 19.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: princigalli on June 09, 2012, 03:04
Every agency has a different market, and they try to select photographs based on their respective markets. Fotolia is very big in Europe, including Germany, Scandinavian countries, and France. I might be wrong, but from what I see North European countries is a preference for photographs that are very white with people staring at the camera with a cheesy smile, usually all looking the same. So my point is , every market is different and every agency selects for its customers. It's not a personal thing.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Wim on June 09, 2012, 08:53
Almost zero rejections here, lots of credit sales, fast reviews too, mostly within 24h.
I'm not planning to leave this agency anytime soon, on the contrary, it's becoming one of my favorites lately.

Good weekend all.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: princigalli on July 23, 2012, 15:28
Almost zero rejections here, lots of credit sales, fast reviews too, mostly within 24h.
I'm not planning to leave this agency anytime soon, on the contrary, it's becoming one of my favorites lately.

Good weekend all.

As I said before. Different agencies have different types of customers, or nationality. Each knows their client taste generally.
Title: Re: Fotolia Rejections - Thinking of closing account
Post by: Wim on July 24, 2012, 01:39
I don't photograph people mate so wouldn't know, as I said, they take just about anything I send them but I'm not the snap/up type of shooter, I do a lot of PP.
Sales are still low compared to other top tier agencies but I'm sure they will rise in time, their promotion of new images is a good sign of progress.