Author Topic: Exclusive Preparations (Read 26346 times)

leaf · « **Reply #50 on:** December 15, 2009, 10:24 »

Quote from: gostwyck on December 12, 2009, 11:38

Quote from: sharply_done on December 12, 2009, 11:14
The most important thing I did before deleting images was to prepare for it well ahead of time - it's unrealistic for you to expect to press the button and have your images disappear overnight without a hitch. One of the first things I did was to opt out of partner programs. A few months before my "delete day", I tested each site to see how long it took from pressing the delete/disable button to having the image thumbnail disappear from searches. On some sites the change was almost immediate, on others it a surprisingly long time. On sites where I had to email customer support I informed them of my decision well in advance so that I had a contact name and email address together with a paper trail just in case things went awry. The only thing out of the ordinary was that I had to contact Pixmac.com ([email protected]), a Fotolia vendor, to remove my image thumbnails after I deleted the images on Fotolia.

One thing worth mentioning is that my efforts to always maintain a good working relationship with the agencies played out well - most places responded to my delete request with a nice "sorry to see you go" email, together with an offer to hold my images in limbo for a short while so I wouldn't have to re-upload them if things at iStock didn't work out.

That's really good advice __ thanks.

yes, well put

Freedom · « **Reply #51 on:** December 29, 2009, 15:28 »

I have some questions about FT deletion. How long does it take for Pixmac images to disappear? Or do you have to email them? Do you have to delete FT account or just the images?

abimages · « **Reply #52 on:** December 29, 2009, 15:57 »

Quote from: Freedom on December 29, 2009, 15:28

I have some questions about FT deletion. How long does it take for Pixmac images to disappear? Or do you have to email them? Do you have to delete FT account or just the images?

I deleted all my images from FT, then emailed them to ask them to make sure they were deleted from all affiliate sites. Without announcement FT deleted my account. I then had to chase the money which was in my account..........got it eventually.

cathyslife · « **Reply #53 on:** December 29, 2009, 15:59 »

Good question, Freedom, as I noticed that I have some photos on Pixmac from DT, a partner also. I know I unchecked the partner program box, so hopefully that stopped any more photos going from DT to Pixmac, but will need to remove from Pixmac, should I make that exclusive decision.

autohotkey...bah! it's only for Windows. I disabled a few non-sellers over on DT today, forgot how tedious that was.

edit: wow, abimages, that was kind of stinky that they just deleted your account. guess they didn't take that too well.

Freedom · « **Reply #54 on:** December 29, 2009, 16:21 »

Cclapper, thanks for the reminder. I didn't know DT also sells through Pixmac. I see what you mean now, it's under Alliances.

Another question. Someone said it took Veer 3 months to delete the photos, but the agreement only says the photos may still be in the lightbox for 60 days. So where does this 3-month thing come from?

jsolie · « **Reply #55 on:** December 29, 2009, 23:10 »

Thanks, all for the info. It definitely helps with those of us on the fence about istock exclusivity.

CofkoCof · « **Reply #56 on:** April 14, 2010, 08:32 »

Just a thing I noticed. DT allows you to disable 30% of the files that were accepted in the last 6 months. If you plan on going exclusive it's best to disable those 30% of the newest ASAP (and I mean newest, don't delete the ones that are almost 6 months old). For example: I've submitted almost 200 files in the last 6 months, so that means I could disable 60 of the newest files (30% of 200) and could go ex. at the beginning of August. However if I wait for 3 months I can then only delete 30 of the 100 files that I uploaded in the last 6 months and would have to wait a month longer (because of those 30 undeleted newest files).

Hope that makes sense

gostwyck · « **Reply #57 on:** April 14, 2010, 08:47 »

Quote from: CofkoCof on April 14, 2010, 08:32

Just a thing I noticed. DT allows you to disable 30% of the files that were accepted in the last 6 months. If you plan on going exclusive it's best to disable those 30% of the newest ASAP (and I mean newest, don't delete the ones that are almost 6 months old). For example: I've submitted almost 200 files in the last 6 months, so that means I could disable 60 of the newest files (30% of 200) and could go ex. at the beginning of August. However if I wait for 3 months I can then only delete 30 of the 100 files that I uploaded in the last 6 months and would have to wait a month longer (because of those 30 undeleted newest files).

Hope that makes sense

I think I understand where you're heading with that. It might work, not sure of the exact rules, but it really is only any help to those who upload relatively few images per month and even then it will only save a short time. Basically, if you want to go exclusive elsewhere, just don't upload to DT for 6 months. Simples.

CofkoCof · « **Reply #58 on:** April 14, 2010, 08:52 »

It doesn't matter how many images you upload per month, as long as you consistently upload. 30% of your newest images accounts for the last ~2 months of your uploads, if you uploaded the exact same number each month.

cathyslife · « **Reply #59 on:** April 14, 2010, 09:04 »

Quote from: gostwyck on April 14, 2010, 08:47

Quote from: CofkoCof on April 14, 2010, 08:32
Just a thing I noticed. DT allows you to disable 30% of the files that were accepted in the last 6 months. If you plan on going exclusive it's best to disable those 30% of the newest ASAP (and I mean newest, don't delete the ones that are almost 6 months old). For example: I've submitted almost 200 files in the last 6 months, so that means I could disable 60 of the newest files (30% of 200) and could go ex. at the beginning of August. However if I wait for 3 months I can then only delete 30 of the 100 files that I uploaded in the last 6 months and would have to wait a month longer (because of those 30 undeleted newest files).

Hope that makes sense

I think I understand where you're heading with that. It might work, not sure of the exact rules, but it really is only any help to those who upload relatively few images per month and even then it will only save a short time. Basically, if you want to go exclusive elsewhere, just don't upload to DT for 6 months. Simples.

That is a good strategy, perfectly ok with DT, and is the best way to go. It cuts down your wait time, depending on your uploads. When I was pondering exclusivity, because of my upload pattern, it cut my wait time down about a month. And once you start deleting, they will tell you when you have taken your 30% because it will automatically not allow you to delete any more. So choose wisely!

Freedom · « **Reply #60 on:** April 14, 2010, 09:51 »

Another site you should be aware is PantherMedia. I requested deletion of all my photos and closure of account in Jan or Feb and even received PM's confirmation that my account was deleted. I can no longer log in. However I got a couple of email notifications that my photos were sold for some pennies, the lattest one was a couple of days ago. My subsequent emails to PM have not been answered.

Does anyone have similar experience?

gostwyck · « **Reply #61 on:** April 14, 2010, 09:55 »

Quote from: cclapper on April 14, 2010, 09:04

That is a good strategy, perfectly ok with DT, and is the best way to go. It cuts down your wait time, depending on your uploads. When I was pondering exclusivity, because of my upload pattern, it cut my wait time down about a month. And once you start deleting, they will tell you when you have taken your 30% because it will automatically not allow you to delete any more. So choose wisely!

Ok, fair enough. To be honest going exclusive, should I ever choose to do so, would be such a massive decision for me that the odd month here or there is totally irrelevant.

The way things are going now I'm really not even sure where would be best to go exclusive. From a purely economic perspective going exclusive at FT, with the huge increase in prices and commissions, is likely to pay just as much as at IS. Whilst it might seem riskier at FT, a glance at my graph tells that my sales/income has been almost doubling every year. Sales at IS have been largely static for years with income only increasing via price increases. Give it another year or two and FT might well be the market leader and highest earning agency for many independent contributors. In that context, when microstock is your main income, 'saving' a month or two by dabbling with your DT uploads is very small beer.

cathyslife · « **Reply #62 on:** April 14, 2010, 10:53 »

Quote from: gostwyck on April 14, 2010, 09:55

Ok, fair enough. To be honest going exclusive, should I ever choose to do so, would be such a massive decision for me that the odd month here or there is totally irrelevant.

The way things are going now I'm really not even sure where would be best to go exclusive. From a purely economic perspective going exclusive at FT, with the huge increase in prices and commissions, is likely to pay just as much as at IS. Whilst it might seem riskier at FT, a glance at my graph tells that my sales/income has been almost doubling every year. Sales at IS have been largely static for years with income only increasing via price increases. Give it another year or two and FT might well be the market leader and highest earning agency for many independent contributors. In that context, when microstock is your main income, 'saving' a month or two by dabbling with your DT uploads is very small beer.

I understand totally what you mean.

Freedom · « **Reply #63 on:** April 15, 2010, 13:36 »

Everyone should be very aware of the PantherMedia, this is what I just got:

"Your cancellation was made effective on Jan 6th, 2010. By this date your images did become invisible for new searches, but clients, who have entered the former image number, could buy this image. The cancellation became effective by end of the month January 2010. PantherMedia is allowed to sell your images for the further 3 months (February, March and April 2010).

"Our distribution partner do receive from us 4-monthly a removal list of such images and are allowed not sell (not to offer) for further three months (means until end of July 2010).

"Therefore it might happen that you still will receive sales reports until end of July 2010 from PantherMedia."

For the amount sales I had there, it was definitely not worth it.

WarrenPrice · « **Reply #64 on:** April 15, 2010, 14:08 »

Another one that hasn't really lied, but certainly avoided the truth, abusing the rights of contributors in their sales approach.

Freedom · « **Reply #65 on:** April 15, 2010, 15:23 »

Don't you find it absurd that PantherMedia's distribution partners will not receive notice until 4 months after PM deleted my images? Why didn't the distribution partners receive the deletion notice at the time when PM received it? I think the 4 months for the partners should tick as soon as PM received the notice

Basically, PantherMedia will hijack my images for 7 months after the notice was given. It should be the worst and longest holding period in the industry as far as I am aware of.

Quote from: WarrenPrice on April 15, 2010, 14:08

Another one that hasn't really lied, but certainly avoided the truth, abusing the rights of contributors in their sales approach.

jsolie · « **Reply #66 on:** April 15, 2010, 15:25 »

Quote from: Freedom on April 15, 2010, 15:23

Basically, PantherMedia will hijack my images for 7 months after the notice was given. It should be the worst and longest holding period in the industry as far as I am aware of.

Hearing this makes me soooo glad I never even opened an account with them...

Danieloncarevic · « **Reply #67 on:** October 12, 2010, 12:12 »

First hello to everyone, I just registered my account over here..

I wanted to avoid creating a new thread about the same topic so I will raise up this one even it's warning me that nobody posted here in the last 4 months...

I'm considering the idea to go Exclusive on iStockPhoto.

The major problem I have is that I'm already working for several agencies and one of them is Dreamstime who is causing me most of troubles because of their 6-months waiting period.

The last upload I did over there was about 2 months ago so basically I will have to wait another 4 months to be able to go exclusive on iStockPhoto.

The first question I have is:

What is the 'deal' with the other stock agencies like 'BigStockPhoto', 'Fotolia' and 'ShutterStock'? I know BigStockPhoto changed the Terms of Use and now you have to wait 90 days of the last upload in order to terminate the contract with them. What about Fotolia and ShitterStock? Can you terminate the contract with them at any time you want? I've read the Terms of Use and didn't find anything like the 90 days on BigStock or 6 months on DT but I'd still like to double-check here to be 100% sure.

The second question is:

Is there any way to terminate the contract with Dreamstime before the 6-months period? I know there are no nice ways like contacting them and telling them that I want to leave DT but is there any alternative like telling them to go to hell... spam with photos that have porno content or whatever... or anything like that?

I mean 4 months is quite a long period and I'd like to know if there is any other way to leave DT as soon as possible? Anyone tried some alternative when leaving DT and going exclusive with iStock?

Thanks in advance,

Daniel

luissantos84 · « **Reply #68 on:** October 12, 2010, 12:24 »

Quote from: Danieloncarevic on October 12, 2010, 12:12

First hello to everyone, I just registered my account over here..

I wanted to avoid creating a new thread about the same topic so I will raise up this one even it's warning me that nobody posted here in the last 4 months...

I'm considering the idea to go Exclusive on iStockPhoto.

The major problem I have is that I'm already working for several agencies and one of them is Dreamstime who is causing me most of troubles because of their 6-months waiting period.

The last upload I did over there was about 2 months ago so basically I will have to wait another 4 months to be able to go exclusive on iStockPhoto.

The first question I have is:

What is the 'deal' with the other stock agencies like 'BigStockPhoto', 'Fotolia' and 'ShutterStock'? I know BigStockPhoto changed the Terms of Use and now you have to wait 90 days of the last upload in order to terminate the contract with them. What about Fotolia and ShitterStock? Can you terminate the contract with them at any time you want? I've read the Terms of Use and didn't find anything like the 90 days on BigStock or 6 months on DT but I'd still like to double-check here to be 100% sure.

The second question is:

Is there any way to terminate the contract with Dreamstime before the 6-months period? I know there are no nice ways like contacting them and telling them that I want to leave DT but is there any alternative like telling them to go to hell... spam with photos that have porno content or whatever... or anything like that?

I mean 4 months is quite a long period and I'd like to know if there is any other way to leave DT as soon as possible? Anyone tried some alternative when leaving DT and going exclusive with iStock?

Thanks in advance,

Daniel

looking at your portfolio, sales, etc.. I don't see why you are wanting to be exclusive at IS, don't have enough time to the others?.. I am sure you know what you are doing sorry

gostwyck · « **Reply #69 on:** October 12, 2010, 12:28 »

Basically no. You've committed to DT's terms and conditions and therefore you should honour your contract without argument or attempting to cause trouble. Attempting to spam or whatever will not do you any good and can only harm your chances of being allowed to re-open your account at some point in the future.

Why would you want to go exclusive at this time when so many are regretting that they ever did? You're giving Istockphoto too much power which, as we know to our cost, they will abuse to further their insatiable greed.

cathyslife · « **Reply #70 on:** October 12, 2010, 15:07 »

I saw this and thought it was a joke. I can't believe anyone would be contemplating going exclusive with IS now, but hey, whatever.

I agree with gostwyck. You made a commitment to DT, you need to honor it. Regarding Shutterstock (or Shitterstock, as you typed it

) you can leave whenever, no commitment. Don't know about Fotolia, haven't been on that site for a long time.

The 4 more months you have to fulfill your commitment on DT might work to your advantage. By that time, the new and improved istock commission structure will be in full swing and you will be able to judge whether it would be a good move for you to go exclusive or a bad one.

crazychristina · « **Reply #71 on:** October 12, 2010, 15:13 »

It's a while since I was on DT but I believe you can deactivate a fraction of your images at any time. If you deactivate the most recent uploads then the waiting time may be reduced as it will be taken from images still online.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #72 on:** October 12, 2010, 15:22 »

Quote from: cclapper on October 12, 2010, 15:07

I saw this and thought it was a joke. I can't believe anyone would be contemplating going exclusive with IS now, but hey, whatever.

I agree with gostwyck. You made a commitment to DT, you need to honor it. Regarding Shutterstock (or Shitterstock, as you typed it ) you can leave whenever, no commitment. Don't know about Fotolia, haven't been on that site for a long time.

The 4 more months you have to fulfill your commitment on DT might work to your advantage. By that time, the new and improved istock commission structure will be in full swing and you will be able to judge whether it would be a good move for you to go exclusive or a bad one.

why have you left Fotolia? communication with them? thanks

bunhill · « **Reply #73 on:** October 12, 2010, 15:37 »

Quote from: Danieloncarevic on October 12, 2010, 12:12

Is there any way to terminate the contract with Dreamstime before the 6-months period? I know there are no nice ways like contacting them and telling them that I want to leave DT but is there any alternative like telling them to go to hell... spam with photos that have porno content or whatever... or anything like that?

What you are suggesting would be unprofessional and basically offensive. And it would not put you in a good light. You would likely end up regretting it.

I had a difficult conversation with Dreamstime when I de-activated my images from them a few years ago. I regret that now because it was childish of me. There is never any point in being anything other than quiet and cool about these things. Especially when you have signed an agreement. And six months is no time. Think of it as a cooling off period, a chance to think about whether you are sure. Be professional about it if you decide it is for the best.

Over the years I have begun to make more sense of why DT and some other agents require a time commitment. It makes much more sense to me now. They have invested time and resources in your images. Potential buyers may have bookmarked your images. They have taken you seriously and they are asking the same in return. It's a small commitment. (A lock in was the norm in the days before microstock btw).

More than all that and as someone who very much believes in diversity and competition, I am starting to think that requiring work to be online for an agreed period of time may help protect the industry in general (and therefore all of us contributors) against short-termism. It reduces the possibility of huge numbers of artists jumping ship on a whim.

cathyslife · « **Reply #74 on:** October 12, 2010, 15:44 »

Quote from: luissantos84 on October 12, 2010, 15:22

why have you left Fotolia? communication with them? thanks

I left a couple of years back during some uproar over something they did to contributors. To be frank, I can't even remember what the "crisis du jour" was, but basically I had had it and took my photos down. Something similar to the latest istock restructuring.

A lot of others here are still with them and doing well, but I think the drama still continues.

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Author Topic: Exclusive Preparations (Read 26346 times)

leaf

Freedom

abimages

cathyslife

Freedom

jsolie

CofkoCof

gostwyck

CofkoCof

cathyslife

Freedom

gostwyck

cathyslife

Freedom

WarrenPrice

Freedom

jsolie

Danieloncarevic

luissantos84

gostwyck

cathyslife

crazychristina

luissantos84

bunhill

cathyslife

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