Author Topic: Fotolia D-Day (Deactivation Day) - May,1 (Read 351985 times)

Ron · « **Reply #1275 on:** May 21, 2014, 07:29 »

Doesnt help us much, but here is the first reply I got from one of my emails.

Quote

Dear Mr Bxxxxxx,

Thank you for your message.

The Directive (2004/48/EC) on the enforcement of intellectual property rights such as copyright and related rights, trademarks, designs or patents was adopted in April 2004.

The Directive requires all Member States to apply effective, dissuasive and proportionate remedies and penalties against those engaged in counterfeiting and piracy and so creates a level playing field for right holders in the EU. It means that all Member States will have a similar set of measures, procedures and remedies available for rightholders to defend their intellectual property rights (be they copyright or related rights, trademarks, patents, designs, etc) if they are infringed.

You may find more information here:
http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/iprenforcement/directive/index_en.htm

Additionally, you may contact the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) which also offers support and advice to businesses across Europe. It is specifically designed for small and medium enterprises and helps them on business-related EU affairs. A list of the offices available in both EU and non-EU countries can be found at:
http://een.ec.europa.eu/about/branches

We hope you find this information useful. Please contact us again if you have other questions.

With kind regards,
EUROPE DIRECT Contact Centre

HerMajesty · « **Reply #1276 on:** May 21, 2014, 07:51 »

Quote from: Svetlana on May 21, 2014, 07:16

Latest changes in the number of images on DPC (Moscow time) (the current number is on top of the list):

Date and time Images on DPC Change
21-05-2014 16:08:59   21,708,365   -1,097
21-05-2014 14:08:56   21,709,462   167
21-05-2014 13:08:56   21,709,295   113
21-05-2014 12:08:54   21,709,182   -243
21-05-2014 11:08:58   21,709,425   -1,477
21-05-2014 10:08:54   21,710,902   -97
21-05-2014 09:08:59   21,710,999   -3,550
21-05-2014 07:08:53   21,714,549   -67
21-05-2014 06:08:59   21,714,616   -3,074
21-05-2014 05:08:53   21,717,690   -23
21-05-2014 04:08:55   21,717,713   23
21-05-2014 03:08:56   21,717,690   281
21-05-2014 01:08:57   21,717,409   -633
21-05-2014 00:09:00   21,718,042   -133
20-05-2014 22:08:59   21,718,175   171
20-05-2014 20:08:57   21,718,004   -16
20-05-2014 19:08:54   21,718,020   197
20-05-2014 18:08:57   21,717,823   -102
20-05-2014 16:08:53   21,717,925   -534
20-05-2014 15:08:58   21,718,459   -15
20-05-2014 13:08:57   21,718,474   -984

The numbers are falling, but it's still nothing compared to the 21 million they're left.

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #1277 on:** May 21, 2014, 08:10 »

The first quoted figure I seem able to find in this thread is for about six MILLION more images than this, which means that almost a quarter of the collection has been pulled out, maybe more than a quarter given that they have been adding new approvals at the same time images are being taken down. That's a huge achievement and shows how strongly the creative community rejects this scheme, particularly as there must still be a large number of contributors who are still unaware of it - along with those who have abandoned small portfolios that just sit there, and there will be a lot of those.

Given that at least 80% of earnings is reckoned to come from the top 20% of the files, the disappearance of 25% of the work of the most active contributors has got to be a huge blow to this project.

Quote from: HerMajesty on May 21, 2014, 07:51

Quote from: Svetlana on May 21, 2014, 07:16
Latest changes in the number of images on DPC (Moscow time) (the current number is on top of the list):

Date and time Images on DPC Change
21-05-2014 16:08:59   21,708,365   -1,097
21-05-2014 14:08:56   21,709,462   167
21-05-2014 13:08:56   21,709,295   113
21-05-2014 12:08:54   21,709,182   -243
21-05-2014 11:08:58   21,709,425   -1,477
21-05-2014 10:08:54   21,710,902   -97
21-05-2014 09:08:59   21,710,999   -3,550
21-05-2014 07:08:53   21,714,549   -67
21-05-2014 06:08:59   21,714,616   -3,074
21-05-2014 05:08:53   21,717,690   -23
21-05-2014 04:08:55   21,717,713   23
21-05-2014 03:08:56   21,717,690   281
21-05-2014 01:08:57   21,717,409   -633
21-05-2014 00:09:00   21,718,042   -133
20-05-2014 22:08:59   21,718,175   171
20-05-2014 20:08:57   21,718,004   -16
20-05-2014 19:08:54   21,718,020   197
20-05-2014 18:08:57   21,717,823   -102
20-05-2014 16:08:53   21,717,925   -534
20-05-2014 15:08:58   21,718,459   -15
20-05-2014 13:08:57   21,718,474   -984

The numbers are falling, but it's still nothing compared to the 21 million they're left.

gbalex · « **Reply #1278 on:** May 21, 2014, 08:53 »

Once again we need to thank those who had the courage to facilitate this change, it just goes to show a few people can and do make a difference.

I am sick to the gills with the mantra we can do nothing to change the micro situation, we have been telling this to ourselves so long we believe this business fallacy. It is absolutely not true. More of us need Russian balls, the entire industry would change for the better.

More change is needed and we should not stop until pricing and royalties are sustainable for contributors. Shutterstocks long term pricing strategy brings about changes like DPC, because it is the only way other sites can compete. We need to put pressure on all sites to raise prices. The 9 years at shutterstock without price increases is having a very negative effect on the industry. And they fully admit that they are doing it to gain market share.

Quote from: BaldricksTrousers link=topic=22487.msg380 552#msg380552 date=1400677828

The first quoted figure I seem able to find in this thread is for about six MILLION more images than this, which means that almost a quarter of the collection has been pulled out, maybe more than a quarter given that they have been adding new approvals at the same time images are being taken down. That's a huge achievement and shows how strongly the creative community rejects this scheme, particularly as there must still be a large number of contributors who are still unaware of it - along with those who have abandoned small portfolios that just sit there, and there will be a lot of those.

Given that at least 80% of earnings is reckoned to come from the top 20% of the files, the disappearance of 25% of the work of the most active contributors has got to be a huge blow to this project.

Quote from: HerMajesty on May 21, 2014, 07:51
Quote from: Svetlana on May 21, 2014, 07:16
Latest changes in the number of images on DPC (Moscow time) (the current number is on top of the list):

Date and time Images on DPC Change
21-05-2014 16:08:59   21,708,365   -1,097
21-05-2014 14:08:56   21,709,462   167
21-05-2014 13:08:56   21,709,295   113
21-05-2014 12:08:54   21,709,182   -243
21-05-2014 11:08:58   21,709,425   -1,477
21-05-2014 10:08:54   21,710,902   -97
21-05-2014 09:08:59   21,710,999   -3,550
21-05-2014 07:08:53   21,714,549   -67
21-05-2014 06:08:59   21,714,616   -3,074
21-05-2014 05:08:53   21,717,690   -23
21-05-2014 04:08:55   21,717,713   23
21-05-2014 03:08:56   21,717,690   281
21-05-2014 01:08:57   21,717,409   -633
21-05-2014 00:09:00   21,718,042   -133
20-05-2014 22:08:59   21,718,175   171
20-05-2014 20:08:57   21,718,004   -16
20-05-2014 19:08:54   21,718,020   197
20-05-2014 18:08:57   21,717,823   -102
20-05-2014 16:08:53   21,717,925   -534
20-05-2014 15:08:58   21,718,459   -15
20-05-2014 13:08:57   21,718,474   -984

The numbers are falling, but it's still nothing compared to the 21 million they're left.

Shelma1 · « **Reply #1279 on:** May 21, 2014, 08:57 »

The fact that the numbers continue to shrink means even more people are opting out than we realize, because the non-opted-out contributors continue to add new images. That means the opt-outs outweigh the growth from all the other contributors.

gbalex · « **Reply #1280 on:** May 21, 2014, 09:05 »

Quote from: Shelma1 on May 21, 2014, 08:57

The fact that the numbers continue to shrink means even more people are opting out than we realize, because the non-opted-out contributors continue to add new images. That means the opt-outs outweigh the growth from all the other contributors.

Exactly why we need to keep information about the opt out visible for people who do not visit the forums often. We need to continue to inform our micro friends and encourage them to do the same.

Ron · « **Reply #1281 on:** May 21, 2014, 09:36 »

I makes me sick to the gills that Gbalex uses this thread about FT/DPC for his own agenda to rile up the troops against SS where a lot of people in the Russian community are happily selling their work.

Being anonymous talking about having Russian balls. Are you fecking joking me.

r2d2 · « **Reply #1282 on:** May 21, 2014, 09:37 »

This is a great success.
Please never forget we are fighting against a huge PR-Machine.
David against Goliath.
However we are many international (24/7 support) David´s!

we need to move on.

Will · « **Reply #1283 on:** May 21, 2014, 09:52 »

Quote from: gbalex on May 21, 2014, 08:53

Once again we need to thank those who had the courage to facilitate this change, it just goes to show a few people can and do make a difference.

I am sick to the gills with the mantra we can do nothing to change the micro situation, we have been telling this to ourselves so long we believe this business fallacy. It is absolutely not true. More of us need Russian balls, the entire industry would change for the better.

More change is needed and we should not stop until pricing and royalties are sustainable for contributors. Shutterstocks long term pricing strategy brings about changes like DPC, because it is the only way other sites can compete. We need to put pressure on all sites to raise prices. The 9 years at shutterstock without price increases is having a very negative effect on the industry. And they fully admit that they are doing it to gain market share.

I agree, but what do we do? People seem too reluctant to transition to fair trade agencies because they lose so much of their present income. Simply advocating for better terms seems a weak strategy. Boycotting a nasty Fotolia may hurt and hopefully cripple them but in the end doesn't really improve our circumstances, since other lowlife agencies will try to fill the gap. Somehow... we have to come up with our own solution if we want to stay in this game.

Ron · « **Reply #1284 on:** May 21, 2014, 10:03 »

A fair trade agency, with fair royalties is nothing without buyers. There are plenty of honest agencies, problem is they dont have enough buyers and not enough money for marketing.

You cant beat Shutterstock and Getty who splash dozens of millions on marketing.

gbalex · « **Reply #1285 on:** May 21, 2014, 10:43 »

Quote from: Will on May 21, 2014, 09:52

Quote from: gbalex on May 21, 2014, 08:53
Once again we need to thank those who had the courage to facilitate this change, it just goes to show a few people can and do make a difference.

I am sick to the gills with the mantra we can do nothing to change the micro situation, we have been telling this to ourselves so long we believe this business fallacy. It is absolutely not true. More of us need Russian balls, the entire industry would change for the better.

More change is needed and we should not stop until pricing and royalties are sustainable for contributors. Shutterstocks long term pricing strategy brings about changes like DPC, because it is the only way other sites can compete. We need to put pressure on all sites to raise prices. The 9 years at shutterstock without price increases is having a very negative effect on the industry. And they fully admit that they are doing it to gain market share.

I agree, but what do we do? People seem too reluctant to transition to fair trade agencies because they lose so much of their present income. Simply advocating for better terms seems a weak strategy. Boycotting a nasty Fotolia may hurt and hopefully cripple them but in the end doesn't really improve our circumstances, since other lowlife agencies will try to fill the gap. Somehow... we have to come up with our own solution if we want to stay in this game.

Fatalist thinking put us in this situation to begin with. There is always something we can do. To start we can quit putting our best work on the micros. Let them get what they pay for.

Dook · « **Reply #1286 on:** May 21, 2014, 11:07 »

Guys, let's keep this thread about DPC.
There is a recent thread exactly about what you are discussing now
http://www.microstockgroup.com/general-stock-discussion/protect-the-market/

LesPalenik · « **Reply #1287 on:** May 21, 2014, 11:48 »

This just in:

Quote

Dear Contributor,

Did you know that Extended Licenses are now available on Dollar Photo Club?

This means that Contributors who opted in to Dollar Photo Club can now sell Extended Licenses to customers from untapped markets, all with a fixed commission of 30 Credits paid on your Fotolia account.

This new license was a popular request from our customers, so we expect a lot of Extended License sales on Dollar Photo Club.

If you wish to opt your images back in you can do that anytime by following this link.

These guys are clearly getting worried.
But realistically, how many ELs? One in thousands? Yeah, I can already see the bargain hunters who spent $10 to get in the club, shelling out for EL. Negligible expense to FT, negligible benefit to contributors.

Dook · « **Reply #1288 on:** May 22, 2014, 04:01 »

People continue opting out
http://stockalliance.org/ru/imagestats.html

Ron · « **Reply #1289 on:** May 22, 2014, 04:35 »

FT / DPC difference is 6,686,335

So whilst FT is adding images we managed to get another 600,000 images opted out. WOW.

Lets get it to 7 million guys.

r2d2 · « **Reply #1290 on:** May 22, 2014, 04:50 »

DPC under 20 million is a nice between target too.

HerMajesty · « **Reply #1291 on:** May 22, 2014, 05:43 »

I wonder what's the take on this situation in other companies. If people are able to boycott a site and take a significant amount of images down that should give them something to think about and how to avoid a similar fate.

Beppe Grillo · « **Reply #1292 on:** May 22, 2014, 07:57 »

Quote from: HerMajesty on May 22, 2014, 05:43

I wonder what's the take on this situation in other companies. If people are able to boycott a site and take a significant amount of images down that should give them something to think about and how to avoid a similar fate.

Yes, but do the other sites know about DPC and the deactivation from the contributors?

Desintegrator · « **Reply #1293 on:** May 22, 2014, 08:11 »

Quote from: Beppe Grillo on May 22, 2014, 07:57

Quote from: HerMajesty on May 22, 2014, 05:43
I wonder what's the take on this situation in other companies. If people are able to boycott a site and take a significant amount of images down that should give them something to think about and how to avoid a similar fate.

Yes, but do the other sites know about DPC and the deactivation from the contributors?

I'm sure they are following it.
Also there is a long thread about it on Shutterstock's forums.

r2d2 · « **Reply #1294 on:** May 22, 2014, 08:22 »

FT read here. They have their own community-promotion-programm (look @mat).

These are not jerks but hard nosed businessmen.
DPC-Images continues going down.
Time for a new contributor email @FT?

Dook · « **Reply #1295 on:** May 22, 2014, 08:26 »

Quote from: R2D2 on May 22, 2014, 08:22

FT read here. They have their own community-promotion-programm (look @mat).

These are not jerks but hard nosed businessmen.
DPC-Images continues going down.
Time for a new contributor email @ FT?

They are businessmen, but very lousy businessmen. If it was a soccer game, we could say they lost against SS 10:0 in the last few years. And all the other agencies, too.

gbalex · « **Reply #1296 on:** May 22, 2014, 09:05 »

Quote from: Desintegrator on May 22, 2014, 08:11

Quote from: Beppe Grillo on May 22, 2014, 07:57
Quote from: HerMajesty on May 22, 2014, 05:43
I wonder what's the take on this situation in other companies. If people are able to boycott a site and take a significant amount of images down that should give them something to think about and how to avoid a similar fate.

Yes, but do the other sites know about DPC and the deactivation from the contributors?

I'm sure they are following it.
Also there is a long thread about it on Shutterstock's forums.

I think it is safe to say they are following the situation.

http://tinyurl.com/pfhp2fv

http://www.whois.com/whois/boycottistockphoto.com

You wonder why they feel the need to procure these domains. Dreamstime has not followed suit.

Ron · « **Reply #1297 on:** May 22, 2014, 09:27 »

Sorry guys, not much luck here either. UK Gov cant do much.

Quote

Dear Mr Bxxxxx,

Thank you for your query.

Please be aware that the Copyright Enquiries service is only able to provide general advice regarding current UK Copyright law and cannot provide legal advice regarding how the law should be interpreted in specific cases.

We are sorry but, as stated above, we are only able to provide general advice in relation to copyright. Whether or not there is infringement here would first depend on the contract you (or your company) has with the website fotolia. If the contract does not permit the sale of the photos through another site then there may be an infringement in which case the important point would be: where is the infringement taking place? Unfortunately there is no definitive answer. It is possible that infringing acts are taking place both in the place the purchaser of the photos is based, and the place where the website is based (which appears to be the US). We would suggest that you seek legal advice if you wish to pursue the matter further.

I hope this response has been of some assistance.

Best regards,

Copyright Enquiries.

Still waiting for 3 others to come back to me.

ArtesiaWells · « **Reply #1298 on:** May 22, 2014, 09:38 »

I thought I'd let you know what I decided - I am closing with Fotolia.
Looking forward to payday...

Dear Fotolia

I found the one and only image that I left in my account with you on this (Chinese) page
http://www.artgalore.ca/PhotosByArtist.php?ArtistID=202540410&ArtistName=artesiawells

Since I am engaged with other agencies with much of my portfolio I need to know where my copyrighted work is being published and for sale. This new find together with the insecurities of the past month, I consider it to be of the utmost urgency that I close my account with Fotolia.

I look forward to your confirmation and a payout of the equivalent of 3.3 credits as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
xxArtesiaWells

On Fri, May 16, 2014 at 10:35 AM, Fotolia.com <[email protected]> wrote:

Fotolia   View in your browser




"Hello,

We're sorry to see you have recently removed some files from your portfolio.
If you change your mind please remember that you can just send us a ticket and we'll put all your files back online. However, this must be done within the next 30 days.
Also, we would like to remind you that you can choose to opt in or opt out your images from DPC in your photographers' parameters.
We hope to see you back soon and will be doing all to grow your income.

Kind Regards,

The Fotolia Team"

Pixart · « **Reply #1299 on:** May 22, 2014, 09:40 »

We need a publicist. Someone to send out press releases to techcrunch and the nytimes (?) "Artists Revolt". There is a story here. (And a backstory with Istock Dday) They just need to know that they want it!

MicrostockGroup Sponsors

Author Topic: Fotolia D-Day (Deactivation Day) - May,1 (Read 351985 times)

Ron

HerMajesty

BaldricksTrousers

gbalex

Shelma1

gbalex

Ron

r2d2

Will

Ron

gbalex

Dook

LesPalenik

Dook

Ron

r2d2

HerMajesty

Beppe Grillo

Desintegrator

r2d2

Dook

gbalex

Ron

ArtesiaWells

Pixart

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