Author Topic: Ktools...What Are The Downsides? (Read 12859 times)

stockmn · « **on:** February 18, 2013, 21:00 »

Quote from: jsnover on February 18, 2013, 19:56

Understandable, but sad. I'm certainly going to keep my eyes on solutions other than KTools as I can't find much good to say about it given your experiences with it. Perhaps Michael Jay will start selling his web site in addition to selling Stock?

I didn't want to hijack the thread that the above quote from jsnover came from so I started a new topic. I've been considering a Ktools site. Based on experiences, what are the downsides that I should be aware of? The software seems pretty well put together but I'm no expert in selling direct. So is it the Ktools software itself that is frustrating or do the frustrations have more to do with trying to get customers to a small site in a "one stop shopping" kind of world?

djpadavona · « **Reply #1 on:** February 18, 2013, 21:13 »

I think the biggest issue I have is that it takes a lot of customization work to get it the way you want it...but if you do an upgrade your customization work will get wiped out. There have been 2 or 3 upgrades since I purchased KTools, but I can't use any of them even though they added features I wanted.

There are other issues. The optimized SEO for image and gallery names isn't very optimized. They use underscores instead of dashes, and Google wants dashes. Also they put the image and gallery numbers right into the web address, so Google has to parse through data which is not relevant to a search.

It's a good piece of software. They really busted their butts to build it. But it has its short comings, and there is no way around the customization vs upgrade conundrum.

SunnyMarsDesigns · « **Reply #2 on:** February 18, 2013, 22:07 »

Quote from: djpadavona on February 18, 2013, 21:13

There are other issues. The optimized SEO for image and gallery names isn't very optimized. They use underscores instead of dashes, and Google wants dashes. Also they put the image and gallery numbers right into the web address, so Google has to parse through data which is not relevant to a search.

That's not relevant anymore. Zazzle uses both underscores and image IDs in the URLs of their product pages and they do just fine on Google... better than fine. I have no problem finding my products when I google them. I believe warmpicture struggled due to other SEO issues.

Wasn't downtime and speed a big issue with Warmpicture? You used ktool's hosting so the site was down far too often and it was slow.

Ktools has its limitations like everything else but it's not the software that will make or break you. Like everything else, if you want it to be successful, you have to put in the work, the time as well as some money.

djpadavona · « **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2013, 22:23 »

Well, the underscore vs dash SEO thing is just a part of the equation. Domain Authority is going to drive traffic far more than anything else. Zazzle has huge authority, so they are going to rank no matter how bad or good their SEO is. All things being equal, the cleaner and more descriptive link is going to rank higher. But site authority will conquer any SEO.

cthoman · « **Reply #4 on:** February 18, 2013, 22:56 »

There are some downsides of Ktools as Dan said, but it does work well enough with no modifications to sell files. It's probably the best solution without building something custom out there now. Somebody may build something better. I know a lot of things have been floated out there, but we'll have to see how those turn out.

SunnyMarsDesigns · « **Reply #5 on:** February 18, 2013, 23:13 »

Quote from: djpadavona on February 18, 2013, 22:23

Well, the underscore vs dash SEO thing is just a part of the equation.

No, you're missing the point. The underscore versus dash thing isn't any part of the equation... not anymore. A few years back it was a big issue because you had to include the underscore in the search in Google. For example if I had a page with a URL http://sunnymarsdesigns.com/red_door.html, then I would have to actually search "red_door" instead of "red door". Google fixed that so it's no longer an issue.

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #6 on:** February 18, 2013, 23:22 »

From the point of view of both buyer and contributor, the UI for ktools isn't great (and I'm not knocking Dan's effort here, just pointing out that if you weren't committed to the project you'd just not bother uploading given the way things work)

My big quarrel was that things were not designed with upgrades in mind - they give you a bunch of files and for a new release they give you a different bunch of files, so if you've edited the first bunch you're on your own to integrate your changes into the new version.

If you were designing this for the long haul you'd put hooks for customization into what you delivered so that you could separate the user customizations from the base functionality. Then when the base functionality was upgraded you'd have much less (ideally no) work to integrate that into the customizations.

stockmn · « **Reply #7 on:** February 19, 2013, 00:36 »

Thanks everyone for the info and telling it like it is! I've read in the archives here about the inability to update while keeping any customization intact. I've looked at several sites built with the most recent version of Ktools and it seems as if the underscore vs dash in the url's may have been addressed as I haven't seen anything but dashes in sites made with the newest version.

I'm liking what I'm seeing with Ktools but can see that I would need to work with any limitations encountered (ie. keeping the customizations to a minimum if I want to upgrade easily in the future). To be honest my number one reason for considering a Ktools site is the ability to license footage. It isn't easy to find a competing product that will handle video let alone the workflow to make it happen. I've been following the couple other projects that are in the works on this forum but so far it sounds like licensing video is not a major objective.

If there are any other considerations or downsides that I may have missed please feel free to chime in!

Amanda_K · « **Reply #8 on:** February 19, 2013, 03:18 »

I've had multiple experiences with customer support that left me questioning my investment. Forums are a little quiet with the exception of on or two more active customers. Beyond that I've found the software to be more buggy than it looks at first glance and had issues with the search as of the last update I did.

I'd agree with the others above that customization can be a pain due to the way updates are done, and unless you are at least somewhat comfortable with html/php and css you may find yourself in over your head.

Despite being a bit soured on the customer service experience, this is pretty robust script and it will sell images out of the box. I've done zero advertising for my site and get a steady trickle of sales through Google searches alone.

There are a number of other solutions in development right now, personally I'm looking forward to seeing how some of the WordPress based solutions evolve in the next few months. For a smaller personal site it may be your best bet, especially if you are just experimenting and looking to keep start up costs to a minimum.

RacePhoto · « **Reply #9 on:** February 19, 2013, 11:58 »

Quote from: jsnover on February 18, 2013, 23:22

My big quarrel was that things were not designed with upgrades in mind - they give you a bunch of files and for a new release they give you a different bunch of files, so if you've edited the first bunch you're on your own to integrate your changes into the new version.

The software could be super and that one factor would make me decide not to buy it. Why should something lose all the personal updates with a simple upgrade. Too bad, becuase it seems to be the only dedicated software that someone has tried to put together.

Quote from: SunnyMarsDesigns on February 18, 2013, 23:13

Quote from: djpadavona on February 18, 2013, 22:23
Well, the underscore vs dash SEO thing is just a part of the equation.

No, you're missing the point. The underscore versus dash thing isn't any part of the equation... not anymore. Google fixed that so it's no longer an issue.

I don't know how many times someone can repeat the same thing, and others won't change their previous opinion. The Underscore isn't an issue for Google searches anymore and it's not KTools name format that's the source of the problem if things aren't found.

From one of the SEO sites: "Sometimes dashes are better, but usually they're below their underscored counterparts. " Wait a minute, underscore is actually better? I still use dashes in file name and website names and always have, because of _underscore_ issues way back in the days of DOS and some sites that ignored them or some software that choked on them.

But sure thing, being seen is important and if the searches can't find us, or our images, a site won't be seen... we aren't going to make sales.

Now I'm waiting for KonaWare Photostore to be released.

ppdd · « **Reply #10 on:** February 19, 2013, 12:35 »

I've been a ktools customer for seven plus years. The new (v4) product has only been released for six months or so, and is a completely different product than the old v3, and thus the rate of updates is pretty high right now (though slowing and stabilizing).

The main note for me is the flexibility of the product - ktools has had input from a million different users who all want something different and the script can work for most anything not. Lots of stock photographers who sell different ways, lots of wedding photographers, lots of event photographers, those who just sell prints, those who just display, artists who sell paintings, etc, etc, etc... these all require a different set of needs and different product presentation and sales methods.

For strictly stock photographers, some of the solutions floating around here may work, but they will get picked to death by all the "little" requests ("can it just do this, oh and this, oh, and just this?) while the product matures. Most drop out of development by the time everyone is happy.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #11 on:** February 19, 2013, 12:36 »

Part of the problem is that it tries to be everything. It's full of stuff you waste time trying to figure out, only to finally decide you don't need to know about that. Parts are very confusing. It would be nice to have a solely stock oriented piece of software.

cthoman · « **Reply #12 on:** February 19, 2013, 12:46 »

Quote from: sjlocke on February 19, 2013, 12:36

Part of the problem is that it tries to be everything. It's full of stuff you waste time trying to figure out, only to finally decide you don't need to know about that. Parts are very confusing. It would be nice to have a solely stock oriented piece of software.

I agree, although it's funny. Most of the Big 4 agencies have the same problem.

Poncke · « **Reply #13 on:** February 19, 2013, 14:50 »

This has been most helpful. I am going towards 1000 images. I do want to invest 200 dollars for the software.

I do know a little bit of HTML, I dont know PHP or CSS. But I am ok with an out of the box solution, with my own banner and customised text.

I just want to be able to sell my images direct. I am starting to get people contacting me directly for images. And if they dont have PayPal I have to direct them to CanStockPhoto to purchase with a CC and I will lose 50% of the sale.

I am not to worried about losing customisation do to upgrades. All I want is to sell images direct. However, I believe the search was a bit of an issue on v4?

From what I have read on their website, it is something I want. But if there is any other reason why I shouldnt buy, I am hoping someone can tell me here.

Thanks.

djpadavona · « **Reply #14 on:** February 19, 2013, 15:14 »

Quote from: Poncke on February 19, 2013, 14:50

I do know a little bit of HTML, I dont know PHP or CSS. But I am ok with an out of the box solution, with my own banner and customised text.

If you know C or Java, you should catch on to PHP really quickly.

Poncke · « **Reply #15 on:** February 19, 2013, 16:40 »

I dont know C or Java. It seems more and more these days you do need to know some programming languages. I think I'll just get the kit and pay someone to do some minor changes.

SunnyMarsDesigns · « **Reply #16 on:** February 19, 2013, 16:43 »

Quote from: jsnover on February 18, 2013, 23:22

If you were designing this for the long haul you'd put hooks for customization into what you delivered so that you could separate the user customizations from the base functionality. Then when the base functionality was upgraded you'd have much less (ideally no) work to integrate that into the customizations.

Quote from: ppdd on February 19, 2013, 12:35

The main note for me is the flexibility of the product - ktools has had input from a million different users who all want something different and the script can work for most anything not. Lots of stock photographers who sell different ways, lots of wedding photographers, lots of event photographers, those who just sell prints, those who just display, artists who sell paintings, etc, etc, etc... these all require a different set of needs and different product presentation and sales methods.

For strictly stock photographers, some of the solutions floating around here may work, but they will get picked to death by all the "little" requests ("can it just do this, oh and this, oh, and just this?) while the product matures. Most drop out of development by the time everyone is happy.

I agree with both of you. There's a trade off between total flexibility and simplicity.

They could have a standard format with a separate area for customisations... kind of like Zazzle has a default store and an area to change the HTML and CSS. This works for Zazzle because they're one brand and uniformity is a must, however for a Ktools site, this would be very limiting for those who want a completely different look and layout.

On the other hand, Google does a great job with Blogger offering users a choice of different layouts as well as customisations.

I think achieving both flexibility and ease of use is possible. Google could probably do it but can Ktools? It's just a matter of having the resources to do it.

Ploink · « **Reply #17 on:** February 20, 2013, 04:57 »

Maybe this is a stupid question and maybe this is the wrong thread, but wouldn't Zenfolio be a solution for people who just want to sell digital downloads (and prints through several partner shops)?

I'm quite happy with my Zenfolio page and € 100,- for unlimited storage and the full shop functionality doesn't seem excessive to me, just saying...

fotomelange · « **Reply #18 on:** March 05, 2013, 09:14 »

I am in the process of exploring ktools for my own stock site. I know nothing about css and html. I am thinking that i should just rent their product instead of buying the software. may work out cheaper since i do not have to worry about fixing stuff and paying people to do so. what do you think?

lisafx · « **Reply #19 on:** March 05, 2013, 11:03 »

Quote from: djpadavona on February 18, 2013, 21:13

I think the biggest issue I have is that it takes a lot of customization work to get it the way you want it...but if you do an upgrade your customization work will get wiped out. There have been 2 or 3 upgrades since I purchased KTools, but I can't use any of them even though they added features I wanted.

I second the above, and would like to add, unless you are very good at php, you will probably need programming help to customize the way you want, and that costs money unless you have a friend or family member willing to do it for free.

djpadavona · « **Reply #20 on:** March 05, 2013, 11:39 »

Quote from: fotomelange on March 05, 2013, 09:14

I know nothing about css and html. I am thinking that i should just rent their product instead of buying the software. may work out cheaper since i do not have to worry about fixing stuff and paying people to do so.

In that case, why not go with Photoshelter instead? You can pay by the month, and you don't need to know web programming or mysql.

Poncke · « **Reply #21 on:** March 05, 2013, 13:42 »

Quote from: lisafx on March 05, 2013, 11:03

Quote from: djpadavona on February 18, 2013, 21:13
I think the biggest issue I have is that it takes a lot of customization work to get it the way you want it...but if you do an upgrade your customization work will get wiped out. There have been 2 or 3 upgrades since I purchased KTools, but I can't use any of them even though they added features I wanted.

I second the above, and would like to add, unless you are very good at php, you will probably need programming help to customize the way you want, and that costs money unless you have a friend or family member willing to do it for free.

I am thinking about getting Ktools, but I dont want to customize, I just want a place to have my images for direct sales. I am ok with the basic kit, I guess. Does it look really bad, or is it presentable?

cthoman · « **Reply #22 on:** March 05, 2013, 13:46 »

Quote from: Poncke on March 05, 2013, 13:42

I am thinking about getting Ktools, but I dont want to customize, I just want a place to have my images for direct sales. I am ok with the basic kit, I guess. Does it look really bad, or is it presentable?

http://www.ktools.net/photostore/demo.php

fotomelange · « **Reply #23 on:** March 05, 2013, 13:52 »

Quote from: djpadavona on March 05, 2013, 11:39

Quote from: fotomelange on March 05, 2013, 09:14
I know nothing about css and html. I am thinking that i should just rent their product instead of buying the software. may work out cheaper since i do not have to worry about fixing stuff and paying people to do so.

In that case, why not go with Photoshelter instead? You can pay by the month, and you don't need to know web programming or mysql.

Thanks for your response, I just seemed to not have liked photo shelter features and plans. do not like this one too much for selling microstock on my own site, why pay so much for hosting and still pay so much in transaction royalties?:

Transaction fee


10%


9%


8%

lisafx · « **Reply #24 on:** March 05, 2013, 14:45 »

Quote from: djpadavona on March 05, 2013, 11:39

Quote from: fotomelange on March 05, 2013, 09:14
I know nothing about css and html. I am thinking that i should just rent their product instead of buying the software. may work out cheaper since i do not have to worry about fixing stuff and paying people to do so.

In that case, why not go with Photoshelter instead? You can pay by the month, and you don't need to know web programming or mysql.

I second Photoshelter. From what I know now, I would have saved money if I had gone this route. Another advantage to Photoshelter is that they are searchable through Picturengine, unlike Ktools.

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Author Topic: Ktools...What Are The Downsides? (Read 12859 times)

stockmn

djpadavona

SunnyMarsDesigns

djpadavona

cthoman

SunnyMarsDesigns

Jo Ann Snover

stockmn

Amanda_K

RacePhoto

ppdd

Sean Locke Photography

cthoman

Poncke

djpadavona

Poncke

SunnyMarsDesigns

Ploink

fotomelange

lisafx

djpadavona

Poncke

cthoman

fotomelange

lisafx

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