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Author Topic: Revostock Payments  (Read 60027 times)

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« Reply #75 on: September 15, 2015, 16:38 »
0
Is this "not paid" situation an exception or a common practice? I'm uploading footage there for some months now and I'm wondering if there is any point to continue if I'm probably not going to be paid and have to delete hundreds of files one by one...

It is not worth it when you do not get paid. Nobody is getting paid. They sell and keep the money. I gave them a fair chance, requested a payout, didn't get the payout and kindly requested they close my account. I never heard back from them so I manually deleted my content and left in one video just in case they get bought out or something and uploading again is worth the chance.


« Reply #76 on: September 16, 2015, 00:04 »
+1
Is this "not paid" situation an exception or a common practice? I'm uploading footage there for some months now and I'm wondering if there is any point to continue if I'm probably not going to be paid and have to delete hundreds of files one by one...

It is not worth it when you do not get paid. Nobody is getting paid. They sell and keep the money. I gave them a fair chance, requested a payout, didn't get the payout and kindly requested they close my account. I never heard back from them so I manually deleted my content and left in one video just in case they get bought out or something and uploading again is worth the chance.

I got out a few months ago as well.  Totally not worth my time and effort to upload and tag there.  There are only 3 sites worth uploading stock video right now.  Shutterstock, Pond5 and VideoBlocks.  You'll make less than minimum wage for uploading and tagging at other websites now.

Phadrea

    This user is banned.
« Reply #77 on: September 16, 2015, 01:34 »
0
I specifically emailed an FAO to Craig and yet again got the stock email. They are still selling my work but if I pull it that will put hours of uploading, tagging to waste that I did over the last few years. Thier twitter page is also long inactive.

« Reply #78 on: September 16, 2015, 04:37 »
0
There is more - I just saw that they sold my footage on June and July (~42$) and it never appeared on my pending payments page. I checked with my friend and she found that they sold her footage and she even didn't know about it. It could be a website error but the pending payments just take to long (more then a year for me).

« Reply #79 on: September 16, 2015, 06:41 »
+2
Another payout date was missed.  I deleted my clips.  One file remains to keep the account debt on the books. 

I hope Craig and his staff find success.  I'll consider reintroducing my art when their company returns to financial health and their debts are paid.




« Reply #80 on: September 16, 2015, 15:55 »
0
We actually should sue that guy.  How is it possible that he just not paying us and he is coming away with this!? >:(
Contributors should organize themselfs in a union or so to be able to handle cases like this where some arrogant "agencies" who simply decided not to pay us our royalties for sold and paid work!

« Reply #81 on: September 16, 2015, 16:26 »
+1
We actually should sue that guy.  How is it possible that he just not paying us and he is coming away with this!? >:(
Contributors should organize themselfs in a union or so to be able to handle cases like this where some arrogant "agencies" who simply decided not to pay us our royalties for sold and paid work!

That's why I would never upload there again unless there was new owners. This owner is breaking the law, pretty simple. He/she/them will never see another clip from me unless the company changes hands, and their debt is in check.

« Reply #82 on: September 17, 2015, 18:28 »
+1
Mantis/philipus (and just about every disgruntled Revostock producer) are right about the legality of what Revostock has done. Contributor monies (the designated percentage of each purchase price) should have been set aside and not used for Revostock's financial funds.

It's an unfortunate situation, with such an established provider of video content, that they cannot seem to keep their hands out of the Producers' pot (essentially, this is what has caused the entire downfall).

Our position, being owed thousands of dollars right now, means we've had to begin debt recovery proceedings in attempt to recover loss of earnings before Revostock simply decides to fold.

If it helps anyone else, we were advised to create a record of payments (monthly) and to send a business invoice for the amount due. This, to begin the process of recovery. Post or send with email tracking.

Debt recovery is not a pretty process and is generally only used as a last resort (you'll lose a percentage)  but with no payment since March, no constructive communication from the company (radio silence) and the prospect of a large amount of money disappearing - we've had no choice.

Currently we're looking to recoup overdue earnings, yet we're still having sales on the site (which means nothing if they're not being paid) so, it's a tricky one to assess. Do you delete your portfolio, having spent so much time uploading, and in the knowledge that Revostock still has a good online presence for buyers?

If only they would keep us informed.

Very frustrating.

« Reply #83 on: September 17, 2015, 18:35 »
+1

Currently we're looking to recoup overdue earnings, yet we're still having sales on the site (which means nothing if they're not being paid) so, it's a tricky one to assess. Do you delete your portfolio, having spent so much time uploading, and in the knowledge that Revostock still has a good online presence for buyers?


It's illogical to leave your art at a agency that clearly lacks the ability to pay their contributors. 


« Reply #84 on: September 18, 2015, 03:31 »
0
I got payed out after some complaining, but it wasn't thousands of dollars. I don't want to delete my clips there just yet, in the (increasingly unlikely) event that they manage to get this going again. But in the meantime, I don't want them to sell my stuff because I won't get paid. Chicken/egg I know.

So instead of deleting all my clips, I'm considering of pricing all my clips as high as possible.  8)

« Reply #85 on: September 18, 2015, 04:18 »
0

Currently we're looking to recoup overdue earnings, yet we're still having sales on the site (which means nothing if they're not being paid) so, it's a tricky one to assess. Do you delete your portfolio, having spent so much time uploading, and in the knowledge that Revostock still has a good online presence for buyers?


It's illogical to leave your art at a agency that clearly lacks the ability to pay their contributors.

Removing our portfolio entirely is an option we've considered, obviously but to what end?

"Cutting off your nose to spite your face" everyone loses, I'd say.

« Reply #86 on: September 18, 2015, 04:34 »
0
I got payed out after some complaining, but it wasn't thousands of dollars. I don't want to delete my clips there just yet, in the (increasingly unlikely) event that they manage to get this going again. But in the meantime, I don't want them to sell my stuff because I won't get paid. Chicken/egg I know.

So instead of deleting all my clips, I'm considering of pricing all my clips as high as possible.  8)

I think you're right about not removing clips (yet).

We've recently cleaned up our portfolio by taking out non-sellers, but not without trepidation. Apart from the time it takes to resubmit, the existence of the files has already permeated the internet, and who knows what deeper links we've inadvertently removed.

Our fear is that removing files may damage web search exposure, albeit short-term.

« Reply #87 on: September 18, 2015, 07:25 »
+2
I got payed out after some complaining, but it wasn't thousands of dollars. I don't want to delete my clips there just yet, in the (increasingly unlikely) event that they manage to get this going again. But in the meantime, I don't want them to sell my stuff because I won't get paid. Chicken/egg I know.

So instead of deleting all my clips, I'm considering of pricing all my clips as high as possible.  8)

I think you're right about not removing clips (yet).

We've recently cleaned up our portfolio by taking out non-sellers, but not without trepidation. Apart from the time it takes to resubmit, the existence of the files has already permeated the internet, and who knows what deeper links we've inadvertently removed.

Our fear is that removing files may damage web search exposure, albeit short-term.

Why on earth would you want to keep your port on REVO when:

1. They CHOOSE to ride the backs of hard working contributors but not give them water
2. They have a proven track record of screwing the contributor for their own inadequacies
3. Their payout system is turned off
2. They do not answer emails requests for an explanation as tho why they aren't paying

And you hanging tight that, while your clips keep selling and they keep 100%, someday they will become honest, ethical business people and all will be rosy after that? Their reputation has already been defined. Seriously, if they walk like a duck, if they quack like a duck............

« Last Edit: September 18, 2015, 07:43 by Mantis »

« Reply #88 on: September 18, 2015, 10:39 »
+1
I find it interesting the various levels people are willing to get taken and not do anything about it.

« Reply #89 on: September 18, 2015, 10:40 »
+2
Why on earth would you want to keep your port on REVO when:

1. They CHOOSE to ride the backs of hard working contributors but not give them water
2. They have a proven track record of screwing the contributor for their own inadequacies
3. Their payout system is turned off
2. They do not answer emails requests for an explanation as tho why they aren't paying

And you hanging tight that, while your clips keep selling and they keep 100%, someday they will become honest, ethical business people and all will be rosy after that? Their reputation has already been defined. Seriously, if they walk like a duck, if they quack like a duck............

Our focus right now is to retrieve the substantial monies owed to us.

Despite this lengthy period of unprofessional behaviour, we'd previously enjoyed several years of steady productivity through Revostock.

Whether Revostock can turn itself around and become the marketplace it once was? Only one man has that answer.

« Reply #90 on: September 18, 2015, 20:02 »
+1
It's sad when businesses fail.  I don't believe they will recover.  At this point even pondering Revostock is a waste of productivity.  Time to move on. 

Phadrea

    This user is banned.
« Reply #91 on: September 19, 2015, 14:19 »
+1
It's disgraceful conduct and tantamount to theft. It makes me angry that my money is being kept from me. Still no response to emails.

« Reply #92 on: September 19, 2015, 15:10 »
+2
You really never know what kind of a guy Craig or whoever is in charge of Revostock really is in person.  He may be completely honest about everything, or just playing games keeping contributors' money.  It's best to leave and forget about that website to avoid further headache.

« Reply #93 on: September 19, 2015, 16:55 »
0
Maybe he's actually a standup comedian.

« Reply #94 on: September 19, 2015, 22:21 »
0
Why not send a notarized letter from your attorney requesting clarification with when payment can be expected? It wouldn't be very expensive and you may get results.

« Reply #95 on: September 24, 2015, 10:33 »
+2
I deleted my clips manually back in May and I can't see why anyone would still stick with this crap. Oh and they still owe me $102 thanks for nothing Revo

« Reply #96 on: September 28, 2015, 02:16 »
0
I am pretty hacked off with them now. My sympathy bucket is empty. They owe me $122 that is rightly my money earned from my work. I just get a stock email reply and then no response to the follow up. I now only get sales once every blue moon. I just want to take my money and go.


Does google own the internet!!??

Phadrea

    This user is banned.
« Reply #97 on: September 29, 2015, 02:30 »
0
I am pretty hacked off with them now. My sympathy bucket is empty. They owe me $122 that is rightly my money earned from my work. I just get a stock email reply and then no response to the follow up. I now only get sales once every blue moon. I just want to take my money and go.


Does google own the internet!!??

I don't understand what you mean ?

« Reply #98 on: September 29, 2015, 06:03 »
0
Look at this, an update from Revostock.. http://www.revostock.com/ProducerNews.html?&ID=257

Copy paste for those who can't login:

Quote
PRODUCER UPDATE FROM CRAIG

By: Craig Lillard    0   0
Hi Revo Producers,

I am late on this payment update and I completely understand any and all frustration due to delayed communication on my part.  I have delegated emails to Larry and Laura for the time being as I am working on the bigger picture items I am needing to dedicate my time to.  Additionally, I am having to manage some unfortunate family health issues that have made things a bit more challenging than usual.  I am hoping I will be able to address any messages I need to as soon as I am able.

As I mentioned in my previous video last month, while Revo was starting to gain some ground the first of 2015, we hit a pretty significant traffic/revenue drop again at the end of Spring and at that point I felt that I needed to jump into fund-raising (trying to raise money via investors, partners, co-founders, etc.) which has led to a lot of meetings, planning, spreadsheets, etc.  I also unfortunately had to cut back on some employees that we really needed, but didnt need to be spending money on.  Because of this I have had to delegate emails and tickets to Laura and Larry who are working to cover things on the communication side.

If you havent heard from me, it isnt because you are purposefully being ignored.  I am just a bit overloaded at the moment and hopefully things will level out soon.

We do have a small amount of funding coming in this month and because of that plus some other expenses I have been able to cut out this month, we should be able to get monthly payments on time starting later this month.  However, that doesnt solve any past due amounts.

While I am still talking to investors, I am taking things to another level by also talking to potential acquirers.  While the last couple of years have been up and down, the last few months have been more so.  In a previous post I mentioned a competitor, ClipCanvas who went through a similar situation.  Cato, the CEO worked as hard as I am to solve the problem, but was not able to secure outside funding.

He did an excellent job of finding another company which took over ClipCanvas and took care of the outstanding payments as well as invested funds into ClipCanvas for future growth.  While that was a very difficult thing for Cato to do with the company he built and grew from the bottom up, I have a lot of respect for Cato being able to make that transition.  While, this is obviously not ideal, it is a solid option if it is needed and I am pursuing it as an option as well. There is a lot of value in RevoStock, our producers and content and while I have loved the journey, I really want to get these outstanding payments resolved.  If the way to do that is by partnering or merging, so be it. 

Finally, we have, in the past, required you to email us to close your account.  This was a security measure to keep someone logging into your account fraudulently and deleting your files.   

However, I am going to modify this and allow you to close or pause your account on the Edit Profile page.  I will let you know when this feature is up.  However, I hope you will hang in there with us, as removing content makes may make it difficult for us to get an investor or acquirer and therefore difficult to get past due payouts resolved (its a bit of a Catch-22), but I totally understand otherwise and appreciate you working with RevoStock. 

Thank you so much for your support and patience!

Craig

« Reply #99 on: September 29, 2015, 08:20 »
+1
Look at this, an update from Revostock.. http://www.revostock.com/ProducerNews.html?&ID=257

Copy paste for those who can't login:

Quote
PRODUCER UPDATE FROM CRAIG

By: Craig Lillard    0   0
Hi Revo Producers,

I am late on this payment update and I completely understand any and all frustration due to delayed communication on my part.  I have delegated emails to Larry and Laura for the time being as I am working on the bigger picture items I am needing to dedicate my time to.  Additionally, I am having to manage some unfortunate family health issues that have made things a bit more challenging than usual.  I am hoping I will be able to address any messages I need to as soon as I am able.

As I mentioned in my previous video last month, while Revo was starting to gain some ground the first of 2015, we hit a pretty significant traffic/revenue drop again at the end of Spring and at that point I felt that I needed to jump into fund-raising (trying to raise money via investors, partners, co-founders, etc.) which has led to a lot of meetings, planning, spreadsheets, etc.  I also unfortunately had to cut back on some employees that we really needed, but didnt need to be spending money on.  Because of this I have had to delegate emails and tickets to Laura and Larry who are working to cover things on the communication side.

If you havent heard from me, it isnt because you are purposefully being ignored.  I am just a bit overloaded at the moment and hopefully things will level out soon.

We do have a small amount of funding coming in this month and because of that plus some other expenses I have been able to cut out this month, we should be able to get monthly payments on time starting later this month.  However, that doesnt solve any past due amounts.

While I am still talking to investors, I am taking things to another level by also talking to potential acquirers.  While the last couple of years have been up and down, the last few months have been more so.  In a previous post I mentioned a competitor, ClipCanvas who went through a similar situation.  Cato, the CEO worked as hard as I am to solve the problem, but was not able to secure outside funding.

He did an excellent job of finding another company which took over ClipCanvas and took care of the outstanding payments as well as invested funds into ClipCanvas for future growth.  While that was a very difficult thing for Cato to do with the company he built and grew from the bottom up, I have a lot of respect for Cato being able to make that transition.  While, this is obviously not ideal, it is a solid option if it is needed and I am pursuing it as an option as well. There is a lot of value in RevoStock, our producers and content and while I have loved the journey, I really want to get these outstanding payments resolved.  If the way to do that is by partnering or merging, so be it. 

Finally, we have, in the past, required you to email us to close your account.  This was a security measure to keep someone logging into your account fraudulently and deleting your files.   

However, I am going to modify this and allow you to close or pause your account on the Edit Profile page.  I will let you know when this feature is up.  However, I hope you will hang in there with us, as removing content makes may make it difficult for us to get an investor or acquirer and therefore difficult to get past due payouts resolved (its a bit of a Catch-22), but I totally understand otherwise and appreciate you working with RevoStock. 

Thank you so much for your support and patience!

Craig



Too bad. I removed all my clips. It should not be the contributors' commissions who have to shore up your financial needs. That's how expendable I believe you believe we are. I do think it is a good idea to allow deactivation of ports, but history is often a good indication of the future and if things do get better then worse again, I know what to expect, so I choose to cut ties altogether.


 

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