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Agency Based Discussion => Envato => PhotoDune => Topic started by: Yay Images Billionaire on November 15, 2016, 22:03

Title: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Yay Images Billionaire on November 15, 2016, 22:03
I opened an Envato account, and uploaded a batch of photos following their FTP instructions. When I went to my dashboard the next day it said:

You currently have no submissions.
 Start uploading on the right.

When I clicked on the link to the FTP instructions to check if everything was right, I got this message (although I had access to that page the day before):

You're not authorized to access this page

Has this happened to anyone else? Are sales there really worth the effort of sorting it out?
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Microstockphoto on November 16, 2016, 00:51
they have locked down submissions for everyone and are going to remove portfolios. only high quality content will be allowed. they will stop reviewing and give approved authors control over content and pricing. this project will take 12 months to complete,

ow and they will start offering subscriptions for buyers
Title: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Harvepino on November 16, 2016, 01:45
Just received the email. Not sure what to think about it. On one hand, I'm glad that there are efforts to stop uncontrollable influx of new low-quality content. On the other hand, Envato has fallen from 7% of my income in 2012 to mere 2% this year. Am I really going to invest time into curating the portfolio at Envato myself? Probably not.
And also... they only want to keep high-quality content and they are going to sell it through cheap subscriptions. How genious. Keep the best, sell it cheap, and even let contributors themselves do the curating work under the threat of closing their account. I don't like :(


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Justanotherphotographer on November 16, 2016, 01:53
Just received the email. Not sure what to think about it. On one hand, I'm glad that there are efforts to stop uncontrollable influx of new low-quality content. On the other hand, Envato has fallen from 7% of my income in 2012 to mere 2% this year. Am I really going to invest time into curating the portfolio at Envato myself? Probably not.
And also... they only want to keep high-quality content and they are going to sell it through cheap subscriptions. How genious. Keep the best, sell it cheap, and even let contributors themselves do the curating work under the threat of closing their account. I don't like :(


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
That has always been their game. Wanting the best with bells and whistles then giving it away for pennies. Why I stopped working with them.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Pauws99 on November 16, 2016, 02:03
If only they knew what "high quality" was. What it will probably result in is low quality work from the chosen few as it appears once you are  in there's no inspection. Its about reducing costs no more pesky inspectors to pay.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Yay Images Billionaire on November 16, 2016, 02:11
they have locked down submissions for everyone and are going to remove portfolios. only high quality content will be allowed. they will stop reviewing and give approved authors control over content and pricing. this project will take 12 months to complete,

ow and they will start offering subscriptions for buyers
That's quite an intriguing thing to do the day after they accepted me as a contributor. Sounds like they are best forgotten.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: BigLeague on November 16, 2016, 04:26
My images have been in their queue for over 20 days. Now we know why.
All sites evolve, for good or for worse, we roll with it or roll away.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: dpimborough on November 16, 2016, 04:50
One less agency to upload to  ;D
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Mantis on November 16, 2016, 04:53
I think they are going more specialty. High end content. Don't make jack with them anyway. I wouldn't complain if I got my port got booted.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: sharpshot on November 16, 2016, 04:54
After getting rid of a lot of contributors by making the tax situation unclear, this will probably get rid of a lot of buyers.  Just look how badly GLStockImages did when they stopped new submissions.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Julied83 on November 16, 2016, 07:49
 Good bye Envato ! And also ... good luck !  8)
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: fotografer on November 16, 2016, 08:57
I haven't taken a lot of notice of what's going in on this site, only to go in and get a pay out from time to time.  I have just been and had a look and of about 140$ earnt in the last 30 days about 40$ was deducted in tax and 77$ deducted in fees leaving me with 23$ !!   I'm sure it didn't used to be like that.  Has something changed.  I think I used to average about 70$ a month before not 23 !!
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: sharpshot on November 16, 2016, 09:44
I haven't taken a lot of notice of what's going in on this site, only to go in and get a pay out from time to time.  I have just been and had a look and of about 140$ earnt in the last 30 days about 40$ was deducted in tax and 77$ deducted in fees leaving me with 23$ !!   I'm sure it didn't used to be like that.  Has something changed.  I think I used to average about 70$ a month before not 23 !!
They decided to make our lives complicated by declaring themselves as a market place, rather than the agency they really are.  There are possible tax complications and I decided it really wasn't worth selling through them when they did that.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: ferdinand on November 16, 2016, 10:14
stock site suicide  :)
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Giveme5 on November 16, 2016, 11:45
a few positives - I really like some decent admission test for contributors to join and no poor quality (i.e., snapshots) images because the company is more concern with 'volume'.    Heck, I've gone back on some companies and removed many of my images that I did six years ago- they are horrible and I fear a buyer just might want to browse my portfolio.

Now, the part that a company wants only  the very best and sell for $.25 or less is a major NO-GO! If you want the best very best you better pay for it!
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: PixelBytes on November 16, 2016, 11:51
After getting rid of a lot of contributors by making the tax situation unclear, this will probably get rid of a lot of buyers.  Just look how badly GLStockImages did when they stopped new submissions.

Yes.  And they've never recovered.  Once the buyers leave, they don't come back.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: fotografer on November 16, 2016, 13:23
I haven't taken a lot of notice of what's going in on this site, only to go in and get a pay out from time to time.  I have just been and had a look and of about 140$ earnt in the last 30 days about 40$ was deducted in tax and 77$ deducted in fees leaving me with 23$ !!   I'm sure it didn't used to be like that.  Has something changed.  I think I used to average about 70$ a month before not 23 !!
They decided to make our lives complicated by declaring themselves as a market place, rather than the agency they really are.  There are possible tax complications and I decided it really wasn't worth selling through them when they did that.
Thanks, that's crazy getting just 23$ from 140$ !!!!!
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: increasingdifficulty on November 16, 2016, 14:23
I haven't taken a lot of notice of what's going in on this site, only to go in and get a pay out from time to time.  I have just been and had a look and of about 140$ earnt in the last 30 days about 40$ was deducted in tax and 77$ deducted in fees leaving me with 23$ !!   I'm sure it didn't used to be like that.  Has something changed.  I think I used to average about 70$ a month before not 23 !!

It's because you haven't filled out the tax forms. Same forms you have to fill out at Shutterstock, Dreamstime etc.

They are withholding 30% US tax and if you are non-exclusive your normal rate would be 36%.

The big problem here is that they probably withheld 30% tax from 80% of the sale price (BEFORE author fees) which of course is what everyone is pissed off at.

Simple solution is to fill out the tax forms and hope you're from a 0% tax treaty country.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: fotografer on November 16, 2016, 17:44
I haven't taken a lot of notice of what's going in on this site, only to go in and get a pay out from time to time.  I have just been and had a look and of about 140$ earnt in the last 30 days about 40$ was deducted in tax and 77$ deducted in fees leaving me with 23$ !!   I'm sure it didn't used to be like that.  Has something changed.  I think I used to average about 70$ a month before not 23 !!

It's because you haven't filled out the tax forms. Same forms you have to fill out at Shutterstock, Dreamstime etc.

They are withholding 30% US tax and if you are non-exclusive your normal rate would be 36%.

The big problem here is that they probably withheld 30% tax from 80% of the sale price (BEFORE author fees) which of course is what everyone is pissed off at.

Simple solution is to fill out the tax forms and hope you're from a 0% tax treaty country.
That makes sense thanks.  I'll go and see if I can find out how to do it.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: sgoodwin4813 on November 16, 2016, 23:34
Are sales there really worth the effort of sorting it out?

Not in my experience.  I stopped uploading there a couple of years ago due to weird rejections and low sales.   Be glad they saved you the bother.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Chichikov on November 17, 2016, 11:57
I have just uploaded 47 images on Photodune (by ftp and then on the site) without any problem
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: ferdinand on November 17, 2016, 12:04
yes it still works - with web uloader too - "should I stay or should I go???!!"
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: jamesgiroux on November 18, 2016, 01:05
Hey All,

Thanks for taking the time to comment.  I just wanted to let you know that we're reading all your comments.  We're responding to questions and thoughts from our official post (https://forums.envato.com/t/adjusting-our-focus-a-new-approach-for-photos-at-envato/ (https://forums.envato.com/t/adjusting-our-focus-a-new-approach-for-photos-at-envato/)).  We'd love to have your input into the discussion there and we'll do our best to answer any questions you might have.

Thanks,

James.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Chichikov on November 18, 2016, 02:38
So much positive answers on the Envato forum that at last they seem fake……
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: dirkr on November 18, 2016, 02:45
Hey All,

Thanks for taking the time to comment.  I just wanted to let you know that we're reading all your comments.  We're responding to questions and thoughts from our official post (https://forums.envato.com/t/adjusting-our-focus-a-new-approach-for-photos-at-envato/ (https://forums.envato.com/t/adjusting-our-focus-a-new-approach-for-photos-at-envato/)).  We'd love to have your input into the discussion there and we'll do our best to answer any questions you might have.

Thanks,

James.


James,

what you have not answered yet:

What happens to the money on the accounts of those contributors that don't make the cut (or those who don't want their files to be included in a mandatory unlimited subscription)? Do we get our money if we close our accounts, even if it's below payout limits?

Just to make it clear: unlimited subscription for $49 / month is the last thing we need.
And as long as there is no opt-out from that, I will close my account (if I am rated as worthy for you at all).

Thanks,
Dirk
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: fritz on November 18, 2016, 03:07
Hey All,

Thanks for taking the time to comment.  I just wanted to let you know that we're reading all your comments.  We're responding to questions and thoughts from our official post (https://forums.envato.com/t/adjusting-our-focus-a-new-approach-for-photos-at-envato/ (https://forums.envato.com/t/adjusting-our-focus-a-new-approach-for-photos-at-envato/)).  We'd love to have your input into the discussion there and we'll do our best to answer any questions you might have.

Thanks,

James.
Why not here?
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: EmberMike on November 20, 2016, 19:54

Kind of lame that they're just cutting people loose if they don't meet some new standard. How about an opportunity for people to modify their portfolios before just dropping them?

Not all that surprising, though. Seems like a very Envato kind of move to make some drastic change that screws over many of the very same people who helped them build their collection into what it is today.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Tror on November 21, 2016, 06:32
Hey All,

Thanks for taking the time to comment.  I just wanted to let you know that we're reading all your comments.  We're responding to questions and thoughts ....


Good. You are very welcome.

...and since you are reading: when do you give up the shady "Marketplace" concept and get a real Agency with a transparent tax paradigm?
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Justanotherphotographer on November 21, 2016, 09:20
What? is there a summary of the subs program somewhere? Is it really unlimited DLs for 49$!!!!!!!!

What files are included, just photos or photos and graphics?

Found a page that says its's $29! what do authors get per download in this abomination?
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: SpaceStockFootage on November 23, 2016, 06:14
$29 currently, going up to the regular price of $49 at some point. The revenue split is 50% to Envato and 50% to authors, although there's some kind of modifier based on the value of the item... so you'll get less for a photo than a website template.

So it's impossible to say what you'll get per photo until it's been running a while and there's some historical data from contributors. The more they download the less you'll get, but they do have something slightly different that might stop people downloading millions of files a month... each item needs to be registered for a specific use. So you can't just download stuff for fun and use it in any old thing. If you do, then you don't have a valid license to use it. Sure, that's open to abuse and there's no real way to check, and I'm sure it will be abused by a minority of subscribers... but I'd like to think the majority of buyers play by the rules. Otherwise none of us would ever get any extended license sales.

But yeah, whether it's going to be profitable for contributors remains to be seen. If it's a reasonable addition to sales in addition to marketplace earnings then happy days. Time will tell.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: SpaceStockFootage on November 23, 2016, 06:44
Couple of bits...

https://forums.envato.com/t/switch-to-single-resolution-for-photos/74586

https://forums.envato.com/t/envato-elements-update-future-plans/72682
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Mantis on November 23, 2016, 09:37
All that's going to happen is Envanto is going to yield an exclusive, limited, much smaller collection whereby buyers with simple needs who need small sizes will simply defect. It's my personal belief that envanto want's a very exclusive buyer base who is willing to pay more in some cases, yet they are trying to keep some buyers with that horrible subs plan....unlimited downloads for $49.....WOW.  The good news is that many of their buyers will defect to another micro.  So as they push out contributors they also push out buyers.  Nice move Envanto.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Pauws99 on November 23, 2016, 15:56
Couple of bits...

https://forums.envato.com/t/switch-to-single-resolution-for-photos/74586

https://forums.envato.com/t/envato-elements-update-future-plans/72682
It seems to be going down very well with customers............... :o
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Justanotherphotographer on November 23, 2016, 16:58
Can people opt out of it?
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Microstockphoto on November 23, 2016, 17:12
Couple of bits...

https://forums.envato.com/t/switch-to-single-resolution-for-photos/74586

https://forums.envato.com/t/envato-elements-update-future-plans/72682
It seems to be going down very well with customers............... :o

well, they have to pay more instead of less, good for us but of course a buyer is going to moan. we should tell the buyer to consider the photographer as well. or are we now backing the buyer in saying that our images are not worth more than 1 dollar, *
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Pauws99 on November 24, 2016, 02:48
Couple of bits...

https://forums.envato.com/t/switch-to-single-resolution-for-photos/74586

https://forums.envato.com/t/envato-elements-update-future-plans/72682
It seems to be going down very well with customers............... :o

well, they have to pay more instead of less, good for us but of course a buyer is going to moan. we should tell the buyer to consider the photographer as well. or are we now backing the buyer in saying that our images are not worth more than 1 dollar, *
No they don't have to pay more they can go somewhere else which they probably will
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Desintegrator on November 27, 2016, 09:26
Serious question:
Why do I get $4 sales on files that cost $5, $2.4 sales on files that cost $3, etc...  And that's before you deduct your shady fees and taxes..
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: increasingdifficulty on November 27, 2016, 16:43
Serious question:
Why do I get $4 sales on files that cost $5, $2.4 sales on files that cost $3, etc...  And that's before you deduct your shady fees and taxes..

1. 20% so called buyer fee. 80% of list price remains.
2a. 55% author fee if non-exclusive after that.
2b. 12.5%-37.5% author fee if exclusive.
3. U.S. tax if from a non-treaty country, a country with >0% tax treaty or if you haven't filled out the forms.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: LDV81 on November 27, 2016, 16:48
they have locked down submissions for everyone and are going to remove portfolios. only high quality content will be allowed. they will stop reviewing and give approved authors control over content and pricing. this project will take 12 months to complete,

LOL!
As far as I am concerned, they can just close down the whole shop.
Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Sion on November 27, 2016, 20:42
I have just uploaded 47 images on Photodune (by ftp and then on the site) without any problem

That's a good sign. You may be a among the small selected group of high quality content contributors.

They used to give a top authors list. I last looked a few months ago I was just hanging on 100-ish position. I'm not too sure I could make it.

Title: Re: Submissions and access gone at Envato
Post by: Dumc on November 28, 2016, 06:11
For me, going to Upload/Start upload still works, but I havent actually try to really upload anything....