No official word on if it is allowed??

I dont like the idea as if it is allowed, people will create multiple versions just to get referal income.

I actually contacted Chad and his reply was: I know that sites like this exist, it is allowed under the Fotolia TOS and I can't see anything negative in it for the photographer concerned. I see two negative things: 1) Nowhere on the the site is said that the images are not his nor could I find any copyright notice on the said itself, you know the usual disclaimer the content of this site and all bla bla bla is copyrighted and can't be used without bla bla bla... 2) I want to decide who represents my images and in which context, with this site I would have no problem (if he had asked), but what if he puts content up I don't agree with and my images are seen in this context? Ok, and a last thing: I would have preferred to be asked before, to have the possibility to opt in our out, rather then stumbling over it. I think I write the guy a friendly email and ask him to remove my images from his site, let's see how he reacts.... SY

I also don't see a problem there - am I missing something?  I was much more upset about that case in BigStock, because the other site was selling images directly, at another price, and or names were not seen.  Ok, in this present case the guy could make it more obvious that images are some else's, but still.  In fact it can be a good idea if someone builds themed collections that can be more readily used by a buyer than a search.

Regards,
Adelaide

I understand your point of view now.  I can't see however if it can be avoided.  Is the person doing anything illegal? 

In my personal home page, every month I select a set of images, sites, jokes and texts and put them all in my "Page of the Month".  I put links and credits to all material used, I don't even copy the images.  Although I don't think this may be offensive to anyone, but should I be asking for their authorization before putting them in my website?

Regards,
Adelaide

When chosing to buy, it directs us to the Fotolia site with the partner reference added to the link: "..../partner/3597"

I wonder if it's an independent enterprise, or if Fotolia has a direct agreement with them.

Since there is a referal link, I think it is just once guy who has created the code and just puts a different template on the multiple sites he has (I think the referal numbers you mention are the same as the two sites at the top of the post).  Very simple (i assume if you know what you are doing) and he should get a lot of referals out of it.

Fotolia are probably doing short term thinking and think it is good for them as it is increased exposure.  Long term though, i think they will lose control of their brand.  Buyers may get confussed on who they are buying from or get bad service etc.