Author Topic: Uploading via FTP (Read 14745 times)

RT · « **on:** November 30, 2011, 03:47 »

I've opened an account and uploaded the ten files via FTP, however now I'm completely lost as to what you're meant to do with them, they all have a tick next to them but won't allow me to do anything else because I get an error saying they're not a .zip file. Any suggestions?

Also am I right in thinking there's no release folder and that you have to upload the releases with each future batch? If that's the case I won't be bothering.

This has got to be the most complicated upload system on any of the micros.

Tabimura · « **Reply #1 on:** November 30, 2011, 04:18 »

There should be a folder for MRs, the path is /bulk_import/photos/model_releases.
However, there are still problems with this. I wrote them twice but they didn't answered - I have lots of files in "Hidden" category because of "no release attached" which is of course not true, I put all the releases for the uploaded photos in the above mentioned folder. Sent emails to Collis and Jarel about this - they never answered back.

RT · « **Reply #2 on:** November 30, 2011, 04:29 »

Thanks but I couldn't find any folder for model releases either on the site or in my FTP client (which is Filezilla), checking their help section shows me examples of the site and what I should be doing, unfortunately it's nothing like what I'm seeing.

I only joined because others who's opinion I value have mentioned they have potential, I don't join new sites because generally speaking I think the market is closed to new agencies unless they have something really special to offer, even then I'm not uploading to a new site if the upload system is more complicated than every other single microstock agency in existence, just not worth the gamble or my time IMO.

FD · « **Reply #3 on:** November 30, 2011, 07:25 »

I got the same problem. They just rejected a full batch of about 60-70 in which very good sellers on DT (level 4), FT, 123RF. Reason: no model release and I'm sure I've put the release in the right folder. Fine for me but I won't reupload them until they have a proper release library. You're just working in the dark there. Is it attached or not? No acknowledgment whatsoever. I can't resend 70 images on a 50kB (max) wifi, that batch took a full day. Releases are a total mess on PD.

You can't even reupload and let it go for a night. They want you to "resubmit", then "edit" the image and attach a release to each and every one of the batch which involves several clicks per image and 70+ times uploading the same release $:-\$

It's so dumb since I have a spreadsheet with all image file names and associated releases, as Lee Torrens told to do for new sites. They just ignored that and apparently went into stock prematurely, not even reading Lee's reports.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2011, 08:28 »

they do need to change this but let me explain you how they work on MR's

using FTP:
1. upload the releases into the MR folder
2. upload the pictures into the previous folder
3. process them at the website, they will be automatically added to files

it doesn´t matter if that batch has 1, 2 or 3 persons, just upload all the releases for that photoshoot

pancaketom · « **Reply #5 on:** November 30, 2011, 10:18 »

Quote from: RT on November 30, 2011, 03:47

I've opened an account and uploaded the ten files via FTP, however now I'm completely lost as to what you're meant to do with them, they all have a tick next to them but won't allow me to do anything else because I get an error saying they're not a .zip file. Any suggestions?

Also am I right in thinking there's no release folder and that you have to upload the releases with each future batch? If that's the case I won't be bothering.

This has got to be the most complicated upload system on any of the micros.

I had this same problem. I think for your application images (first 10 (or maybe first 5-10)) there is no bulk upload folder that I could see. I ended up zipping them and sending it that way. I didn't include any model released images in the first 10 because I didn't know how to deal w/ the MRs.

I must say that PD has one of the weirdest and most un-intuitive upload schemes. I haven't tried any MR images yet. In fact after getting in I just uploaded a few to see how it worked and I have no idea if they have been accepted or not nor do I have any idea how I would go about finding them other than eventually seeing them in the image search.

They really should take a look at any of the other sites (except IS) to see how one uploads/processes images.

RT · « **Reply #6 on:** November 30, 2011, 10:23 »

Quote from: pancaketom on November 30, 2011, 10:18

I had this same problem. I think for your application images (first 10 (or maybe first 5-10)) there is no bulk upload folder that I could see. I ended up zipping them and sending it that way. I didn't include any model released images in the first 10 because I didn't know how to deal w/ the MRs.

I must say that PD has one of the weirdest and most un-intuitive upload schemes. I haven't tried any MR images yet. In fact after getting in I just uploaded a few to see how it worked and I have no idea if they have been accepted or not nor do I have any idea how I would go about finding them other than eventually seeing them in the image search.

They really should take a look at any of the other sites (except IS) to see how one uploads/processes images.

Ah thanks for that, I won't be bothering zipping files, when they take contributors uploading seriously I'll re-consider.

Micro1 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 30, 2011, 19:46 »

This newbie has the most complex upload process ever invented! I tried them but there were too many hoops they expected me to jump through so will pass on them.
Maybe they need to study how all the already successful agencies operate.

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #10 on:** November 30, 2011, 20:11 »

I've done my share of complaining, but I think you have to cut PhotoDune a little slack as they're sincerely trying to help people who encounter problems and generally offering reasonable workarounds.

When I started with SS in 2004 Jon was still inspecting and they were just getting FTP up and running. It was a buggy mess for a little while but look how that turned out

If you abandoned all sites with bugs or irritants, you'd give up on submitting anywhere. I only have 150 files online (got started early last week) and I've already made 2 sales, so for me, I have the incentive to keep working with them on whatever issues there are.

RT · « **Reply #12 on:** December 01, 2011, 13:38 »

Quote from: joshsprague on November 30, 2011, 19:41

@RT, pancaketom is correct. When you are uploading your initial sample of 5 - 10 photos, you need to create a zip with your photos and model releases and upload them from the PhotoDune "Submit a portfolio" page. (where you land after taking the quiz) This is the only time you will need to do it in this manner. After you are approved as an author, you will then have the correct directory structure in the ftp that will allow you to easily upload photos and MRs both.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at all I am more than happy to help

I've just sent you a PM, did what you've suggested (maybe it would help if you gave these instructions on the site), passed the test (for the fourth time) zipped ten files, uploaded them (again), got a tick next to the zipped file, went to submit them and got presented with a 405 error page.

@jsnover - just how much slack do you suggest I cut them!!

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #13 on:** December 01, 2011, 13:53 »

The slack I suggest cutting for sites is directly proportional to revenues generated by those sites

Given how few of my files are live on PhotoDune, I'm impressed to see 3 sales in a week. Perhaps I'm a cheap date, but I thought I'd share my overall sense of encouraging signs to those ready to walk given the bugs and frustrations.

Your mileage may vary (and if PD are buying my files to make me say nice things, buy more and I'll say even nicer ones

RT · « **Reply #15 on:** December 01, 2011, 16:08 »

Quote from: joshsprague on December 01, 2011, 14:02

Hi again RT, thanks for taking the time to respond, I know your time valuable. Again, I apologize for the issues you are experiencing for what it's worth. As to the 405 error, we are aware of this and there is a thread here http://photodune.net/forums/thread/405-not-allowed/54869 discussing it as well. Long story short, it appears that your submission may have went through just fine (did you get an email confirming such). We also have a support ticket in so this can be addressed properly with our dev team.

Hi Josh,

Once again thanks for taking the time to respond, I fully appreciate any new site will have teething problems but these are basics that should have been addressed earlier, saying you're aware of all these issues is all well and good but how does that look to someone like me who has to "discover" them, if you know about them put something on the upload page!

I've just received an email so will see what happens from there, as for the other issue regarding model releases, again I suggest you implement (sooner rather than later) the same type of procedure every other agency uses, having to upload model releases with each and every batch is not something I'm going to do, it's a needless waste of time.

mtkang · « **Reply #17 on:** December 05, 2011, 02:42 »

can someone explain how to attach model release at photodune?

I had ftp all my images, then it seems there is no option to attach model release.

do i have to ftp the files which needs model release, and ftp the release same time?

thanks.

Tabimura · « **Reply #19 on:** December 07, 2011, 03:09 »

Quote from: joshsprague on November 30, 2011, 14:41

@Tabimura, sorry as well for the delayed reply. Things have been a bit hectic I'm afraid but Jarel will get with you soon.

So, what exactly does "soon" mean? It's been a week since then and everyone at photodune seems to be in holiday.

Artemis · « **Reply #21 on:** December 14, 2011, 20:59 »

All im about to say has been said here before, but i need to rant.
Holy sh*tters..... i decided to give PD a try, but what an utter, utter PITA to get files in the pending queue...
First i uploaded my ZIP for them to approve me; i suspect i had to guess that MR's just have to be included in that zip... no probs after all, i got approved without releases, but the worst still was coming...
PD you win a prize for having the most complex, anti-intuitive upload process of ALL agencies!
I didnt get this whole main file thing and create item submission thing (tried with 1 file first, couldnt get it through, so thought i'll put them in a zip and upload that, didnt get through either, retried, found out the first image was now processed, together with my 2nd attempt, now have it double in the editting queue and cant delete) so tried the FTP instead; it kept throwing error messages (cant change directory yadayada) but it looks like 6 so far slowly are getting through (took them over 15 minutes), i guess i now have to dump the MR's in the other folder and PD will sort out which release goes with which file...?
I figured out how to upload one by one through the form, but how to attach MR's?? If i upload them after uploaded the picture, the picture is gone, if i upload it before the picture the release is gone... and i suspect i'll have rejections for the ones through FTP because how can they know which release belongs to which pic?!
I suppose this whole process takes some getting used to and i'll get the grasp of it eventually, but seriously, there's a LOT of room for improvement.

stockastic · « **Reply #22 on:** December 14, 2011, 21:34 »

Don't even bother trying to submit via the web form. It requires you to retype the title, and is really only good for submitting one file at a time. The 'main file' thing seems to be a carryover from other types of content (not image files) - I never did quite get it. Unless you want to key in the title of every photo, use FTP.

I submitted a few by FTP and while it did seem slow, they got through. You guys doing model shots, and submitting releases, do have even more hoops to jump through.

Artemis · « **Reply #24 on:** December 15, 2011, 03:28 »

Hello Josh, thanks for taking the time to reply and help sorting things out; it proves that you really are committed and try to improve things, much appreciated!

I think i'm fine for now (the files i uploaded through FTP all came through eventually), but you can see how needing a manual to upload isnt exactly user-friendly...

A few humble tips for improving the user-friendliness of the form:
*ditch that whole first page and take us to that 2nd page at once and give us the option to add releases and submit from there.
...just skip the silly steps of having to select it again from a dropdown after uploading (its a form to upload max 1 pic anyway!), having to add a title there (most have it in their IPTC info anyway!), and create the item submission... just take us to that 2nd page at once. The FPT version does this already

* For the first batch to become an author; add the info releases should be included in the zip, i was waiting for a 2nd field or page to add them but instead it went pending for review already
*I have a double in my 'images ready to submit' section, but i cant find a way to delete it... is there a way?

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Author Topic: Uploading via FTP (Read 14745 times)

RT

Tabimura

RT

FD

luissantos84

pancaketom

RT

joshsprague

joshsprague

Micro1

Jo Ann Snover

joshsprague

RT

Jo Ann Snover

joshsprague

RT

joshsprague

mtkang

joshsprague

Tabimura

joshsprague

Artemis

stockastic

joshsprague

Artemis

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