Author Topic: Istock F5 epic fail (Read 268414 times)

BooKitty · « **Reply #200 on:** December 21, 2010, 20:54 »

Quote from: lisafx on December 21, 2010, 12:04

from srjmarketing:

Wow. This site is an utter mess. Time for me to move on to a new stock site. Too many problems with iStock this past year and I only foresee worse problems for 2011. Good luck guys. I'm moving on and not waiting around for you to fix your "issues".

Just curious - are the search functions at Getty Images, and at Thinkstock still working? Maybe that should tell us something...

The company I work for has an account with Thinkstock and the search works fine.

Quote from: caspixel on December 21, 2010, 19:05

The logo program is still MIA. Still no official launch date. Not even a "soon". Not even an indication that it might be launched in 2011. I wonder how many submissions they are still getting. Is anyone even applying to the program anymore?

http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=234232&page=1

I think there aren't going to be anymore customers left by the time they get the thing launched at the rate they are going.

I stopped uploading logos in Jan 2010 when the logo program was supposed to launch. I'm not going to spend time making logos for something that may never happen. I don't know if others stopped uploading too, but the in the logo forum challenges (which span two months) it is basically the same 3-4 people who participate. I am sure many others are as disappointed as me in this program. They launched it with such fanfare and then it puttered out.

I am not a photographer but I hope this does not happen to the editorial program since it has so many folks excited.

jamirae · « **Reply #201 on:** December 21, 2010, 23:12 »

Quote from: caspixel on December 21, 2010, 19:05

The logo program is still MIA. Still no official launch date. Not even a "soon". Not even an indication that it might be launched in 2011. I wonder how many submissions they are still getting. Is anyone even applying to the program anymore?

http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=234232&page=1

I think there aren't going to be anymore customers left by the time they get the thing launched at the rate they are going.

yeah.. I was wondering about that too. I am in the program, but only submitted one logo awhile back and it was rejected because I didn't follow the directions. (duh

).. anyhow, I never resubmitted and now it doesn't really seem there is much incentive to do that anyway.

Chico · « **Reply #202 on:** December 22, 2010, 02:34 »

I gave up on updating this list. I can't follow the fiascos. It's a lot of new fiascos everyday. No stats updates, no latest uploads, IS people say that the errors were corrected but in fact still there... It's a Herculean task.

Sorry, it's not sustainable.

- F5 fiasco
- Logo program fiasco
- Agency collection start fiasco
- Business card eternal fiasco
- EL percentage reduction fiasco
- Agency search fiasco
- Magical mystery changing vector prices fiasco
- A old and good live stats fiasco
- Partner Program fiasco. Once you're in you will never get out.
- Support tickets long times to response fiasco.
- Search engine Agency pics fiasco.
- Vector dudes are second rate contributors now fiasco.
- XXXL size removals fiasco.
- Fixes Released Nov 24 fiasco
- Stockys fiasco
- Vetta sale prices for of December with RC bonus. Again, nothing for illustrators.
- New faceted search start fiasco.

cathyslife · « **Reply #203 on:** December 22, 2010, 09:36 »

I know what you mean about keeping up. But you have done a pretty good job.

klsbear · « **Reply #204 on:** December 22, 2010, 11:20 »

Quote from: Chico on December 22, 2010, 02:34

I gave up on updating this list. I can't follow the fiascos. It's a lot of new fiascos everyday. No stats updates, no latest uploads, IS people say that the errors were corrected but in fact still there... It's a Herculean task.

Sorry, it's not sustainable.

- F5 fiasco
- Logo program fiasco
- Agency collection start fiasco
- Business card eternal fiasco
- EL percentage reduction fiasco
- Agency search fiasco
- Magical mystery changing vector prices fiasco
- A old and good live stats fiasco
- Partner Program fiasco. Once you're in you will never get out.
- Support tickets long times to response fiasco.
- Search engine Agency pics fiasco.
- Vector dudes are second rate contributors now fiasco.
- XXXL size removals fiasco.
- Fixes Released Nov 24 fiasco
- Stockys fiasco
- Vetta sale prices for of December with RC bonus. Again, nothing for illustrators.
- New faceted search start fiasco.

Sorry, it's not sustainable.
LOL - that sums it all up!

pancaketom · « **Reply #205 on:** December 22, 2010, 13:04 »

IS does seem to be able to sustain these blunders though. It is somewhat impressive in a sort of train wreck way.

Chico · « **Reply #206 on:** December 22, 2010, 16:12 »

Meanwhile, Mr Thompson claims against Apple via Twitter. Bugs, that annoying thing...

"Is it just me, or is it totally cathartic to update all the apps on your #ipad & #iphone?"

helix7 · « **Reply #207 on:** December 22, 2010, 17:40 »

Quote from: pancaketom on December 22, 2010, 13:04

IS does seem to be able to sustain these blunders though. It is somewhat impressive in a sort of train wreck way.

They can also seemingly sustain a full week of vacation for the entire istock office. I'm assuming it's a paid vacation when they're closed next week, and not a furlough. Although anyone with inside info feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Albert Martin · « **Reply #208 on:** December 22, 2010, 17:47 »

ROFLMAO!

caspixel · « **Reply #209 on:** December 22, 2010, 19:28 »

Quote from: helix7 on December 22, 2010, 17:40

Quote from: pancaketom on December 22, 2010, 13:04
IS does seem to be able to sustain these blunders though. It is somewhat impressive in a sort of train wreck way.

They can also seemingly sustain a full week of vacation for the entire istock office. I'm assuming it's a paid vacation when they're closed next week, and not a furlough. Although anyone with inside info feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I thought the exact same thing.

Sadstock · « **Reply #210 on:** December 22, 2010, 20:08 »

Quote from: pancaketom on December 22, 2010, 13:04

IS does seem to be able to sustain these blunders though. It is somewhat impressive in a sort of train wreck way.

-------------------------

In the short term I totally agree they will muddle through like they always have. But longer term, I'm not so sure that they can. I think they are busy ripping apart their foundation both with customers and contributors. Its kind of like that game where you have a stack of wooden bricks and you have to keep pulling them out one by one until the whole thing collapses. $:-\$

gostwyck · « **Reply #211 on:** December 22, 2010, 20:19 »

Quote from: Sadstock on December 22, 2010, 20:08

I think they are busy ripping apart their foundation both with customers and contributors. Its kind of like that game where you have a stack of wooden bricks and you have to keep pulling them out one by one until the whole thing collapses. $:-\$

Shush! We know that ... but do we want to stop the most arrogant, the meanest and the greediest agency sleep-walking their way into catastrophic demise? Tricky one really.

loop · « **Reply #212 on:** December 22, 2010, 20:29 »

Quote from: Sadstock on December 22, 2010, 20:08

Quote from: pancaketom on December 22, 2010, 13:04
IS does seem to be able to sustain these blunders though. It is somewhat impressive in a sort of train wreck way.
-------------------------

In the short term I totally agree they will muddle through like they always have. But longer term, I'm not so sure that they can. I think they are busy ripping apart their foundation both with customers and contributors. Its kind of like that game where you have a stack of wooden bricks and you have to keep pulling them out one by one until the whole thing collapses. $:-\$

I don't know what do you mean with "the long term", but I had read comments like yours five and six years ago. By luck, I didn't listen. Now I'm earning at IS 15x what I was earning then.

loop · « **Reply #213 on:** December 22, 2010, 20:30 »

[quote author=loop link=topic=11547.msg176497#msg176497 date=1293067778]

Quote from: Sadstock on December 22, 2010, 20:08

Quote from: pancaketom on December 22, 2010, 13:04
IS does seem to be able to sustain these blunders though. It is somewhat impressive in a sort of train wreck way.
-------------------------

In the short term I totally agree they will muddle through like they always have. But longer term, I'm not so sure that they can. I think they are busy ripping apart their foundation both with customers and contributors. Its kind of like that game where you have a stack of wooden bricks and you have to keep pulling them out one by one until the whole thing collapses. $:-\$

[/i]
I don't know what do you mean with "the long term", but I had read comments like yours five and six years ago. By luck, I didn't listen. Now I'm earning at IS 15x what I was earning then. And that is not opinion nor prediction: it's a fact.
[/quote][/i]

caspixel · « **Reply #214 on:** December 22, 2010, 20:47 »

I wonder just how many thousands of dollars they are stealing from you guys daily with their crappy record keeping.

http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=280472&page=12#post5447542

cathyslife · « **Reply #215 on:** December 22, 2010, 20:53 »

Quote from: caspixel on December 22, 2010, 20:47

I wonder just how many thousands of dollars they are stealing from you guys daily with their crappy record keeping.

http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=280472&page=12#post5447542

Yeah, they aren't even bothering to give correct accountings anymore. They say you've been paid, so gosh darn it, you've been paid. How dare you ask what, when, where and how! They don't have to provide that information! Ug, the arrogance.

caspixel · « **Reply #216 on:** December 22, 2010, 21:12 »

And of course, they hope it will all be forgotten about by the time they come back from their paid vacation.

Sadstock · « **Reply #217 on:** December 22, 2010, 22:25 »

Quote from: loop on December 22, 2010, 20:30

[quote author=loop link=topic=11547.msg176497#msg176497 date=1293067778]
Quote from: Sadstock on December 22, 2010, 20:08
Quote from: pancaketom on December 22, 2010, 13:04
IS does seem to be able to sustain these blunders though. It is somewhat impressive in a sort of train wreck way.
-------------------------

In the short term I totally agree they will muddle through like they always have. But longer term, I'm not so sure that they can. I think they are busy ripping apart their foundation both with customers and contributors. Its kind of like that game where you have a stack of wooden bricks and you have to keep pulling them out one by one until the whole thing collapses. $:-\$
[/i]
I don't know what do you mean with "the long term", but I had read comments like yours five and six years ago. By luck, I didn't listen. Now I'm earning at IS 15x what I was earning then. And that is not opinion nor prediction: it's a fact.

[/i]
[/quote]

------------------------
I was not making comments like that 5-6 years ago. I'm a long time Istock exclusive in the process of dropping my crown. I could never had imagined I would do so 6 months ago.

gostwyck · « **Reply #218 on:** December 22, 2010, 22:29 »

Quote from: Sadstock on December 22, 2010, 22:25

I'm a long time Istock exclusive in the process of dropping my crown. I could never had imagined I would do so 6 months ago.

Good for you and well done. Trust me __ it's for the best (for all of us).

lisafx · « **Reply #219 on:** December 23, 2010, 09:47 »

Quote from: loop on December 22, 2010, 20:29

I don't know what do you mean with "the long term", but I had read comments like yours five and six years ago. By luck, I didn't listen. Now I'm earning at IS 15x what I was earning then.

You must have a much better memory than I do. I've been doing this for 6 years, and from what I can remember, the only people trashing Istock were the trad stock photographers whose lunch we were all eating.

To the best of my recollection, Istock's contributors were generally happy, enthusiastic, and optimistic about the future of the site and the industry. Yes, there were always complaints about new upgrades that didn't go well (V8, disambiguation), but mainly I think the community as a whole felt like Istock was a big success and we were happy and lucky to be along for the ride.

This widespread discontent and cynicism among exclusives, independents, and buyers, seems like a new phenomenon that started this year. For buyers the grumbling seems to start when there were multiple price raises and the collection was broken into a variety of price points early in the year. For contributors it seemed the panic button was triggered with Kelly's announcements in the beginning of September. What is amazing to me is how fast the destruction has spread.

But no, I definitely don't remember worries and pessimism like we are seeing now before the last year.

ETA: I also don't remember anyone EVER having reason to question Istock's accurate paying of contributors before the last couple of months.

caspixel · « **Reply #220 on:** December 23, 2010, 10:05 »

Another apparent fiasco:

http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=284542

Graffoto · « **Reply #221 on:** December 23, 2010, 10:13 »

Quote from: caspixel on December 23, 2010, 10:05

Another apparent fiasco:

http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=284542

Yeah, that messed with my head big time yesterday. Showed I had an extended license sale, but did not show the size of file sold and the royalty looked all wrong:(
I called CR and they gave me a half assed explanation that I only partially understood. Weak.
Thanks for the link to the forum discussion, now I get what happened.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #222 on:** December 23, 2010, 10:16 »

Quote from: caspixel on December 23, 2010, 10:05

Another apparent fiasco:

http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=284542

More of a software "we didn't anticipate the consequences of our actions" type thing. I'm glad to see that they are upping the value of the collections, and picking up the bill for it. Aside from the reporting fiasco, this is a plus on both sides.

caspixel · « **Reply #223 on:** December 23, 2010, 10:18 »

Quote from: sjlocke on December 23, 2010, 10:16

More of a ... "we didn't anticipate the consequences of our actions" type thing.

Seems to be their MO these days.

jamirae · « **Reply #224 on:** December 23, 2010, 10:41 »

Quote from: lisafx on December 23, 2010, 09:47

Quote from: loop on December 22, 2010, 20:29

I don't know what do you mean with "the long term", but I had read comments like yours five and six years ago. By luck, I didn't listen. Now I'm earning at IS 15x what I was earning then.

You must have a much better memory than I do. I've been doing this for 6 years, and from what I can remember, the only people trashing Istock were the trad stock photographers whose lunch we were all eating.

To the best of my recollection, Istock's contributors were generally happy, enthusiastic, and optimistic about the future of the site and the industry. Yes, there were always complaints about new upgrades that didn't go well (V8, disambiguation), but mainly I think the community as a whole felt like Istock was a big success and we were happy and lucky to be along for the ride.

This widespread discontent and cynicism among exclusives, independents, and buyers, seems like a new phenomenon that started this year. For buyers the grumbling seems to start when there were multiple price raises and the collection was broken into a variety of price points early in the year. For contributors it seemed the panic button was triggered with Kelly's announcements in the beginning of September. What is amazing to me is how fast the destruction has spread.

But no, I definitely don't remember worries and pessimism like we are seeing now before the last year.

ETA: I also don't remember anyone EVER having reason to question Istock's accurate paying of contributors before the last couple of months.

exactly what I was thinking, except that I think the widespread discontent and cynicsim among contributors started brewing with the canister change fiasco -- then they backed off on that and just when everyone starting feeling okay, WHAM! the RC announcement.

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Author Topic: Istock F5 epic fail (Read 268414 times)

BooKitty

jamirae

Chico

cathyslife

klsbear

pancaketom

Chico

helix7

Albert Martin

caspixel

Sadstock

gostwyck

loop

loop

caspixel

cathyslife

caspixel

Sadstock

gostwyck

lisafx

caspixel

Graffoto

Sean Locke Photography

caspixel

jamirae

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