Author Topic: iStock keyword "disambiguation" question (Read 5697 times)

gillian vann · « **on:** June 14, 2012, 01:39 »

It appears that some of my images have been messed with - do they have some kind of auto keyword fixer device that is causing more harm than good?

An image of mine, smoked salmon with poached eggs on sourdough toast contains neither salmon nor eggs in the keywords. Fairly sure i would have thought to include those

(yes, i checked in Bridge, my list of keywords is long, and the list in iStock was slashed down to about 9 terms).

Next question: will it just keep happening automatically?

ShadySue · « **Reply #1 on:** June 14, 2012, 03:25 »

Quote from: vannphoto on June 14, 2012, 01:39

It appears that some of my images have been messed with - do they have some kind of auto keyword fixer device that is causing more harm than good?

An image of mine, smoked salmon with poached eggs on sourdough toast contains neither salmon nor eggs in the keywords. Fairly sure i would have thought to include those (yes, i checked in Bridge, my list of keywords is long, and the list in iStock was slashed down to about 9 terms).

Next question: will it just keep happening automatically?

As far as I know, if you get your keywords changed, you're supposed to get an email telling you. But that might have changed.
You could post on the Keywords forum over there.

gillian vann · « **Reply #2 on:** June 14, 2012, 04:16 »

good idea, i'll go and search. (I don't spend any time there, i don't have enough time in my life for more than one stock forum commitment!:)

I've just spent some hours going through my images and found some more changes, plus new terms added, and empty checkboxes, even though when I upload of course i go through the very laborious process of checking each term. I am wondering as they improve their search function how it will effect our images; will it make them have incorrect keywords which somehow disadvantages us?

ShadySue · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2012, 12:16 »

Quote from: vannphoto on June 14, 2012, 04:16

good idea, i'll go and search. (I don't spend any time there, i don't have enough time in my life for more than one stock forum commitment!:)

I've just spent some hours going through my images and found some more changes, plus new terms added, and empty checkboxes, even though when I upload of course i go through the very laborious process of checking each term. I am wondering as they improve their search function how it will effect our images; will it make them have incorrect keywords which somehow disadvantages us?

It's not supposed to, the very opposite in fact, but it doesn't always work as it should - but sometimes it does. It's all a lottery.

gostwyck · « **Reply #4 on:** June 14, 2012, 14:40 »

Quote from: vannphoto on June 14, 2012, 04:16

I am wondering as they improve their search function how it will effect our images; will it make them have incorrect keywords which somehow disadvantages us?

Sometimes, when they make a change to the CV, the original terms can simply disappear and existing images are defaulted to have none of the new terms included. It is a major PITA. It is up to you to somehow notice what has happened and then go back an edit all your affected images. I have had to edit hundreds of images because of this and the issue seems to be getting more frequent.

On the slightly positive side, if you happen to be one of the first to notice a 'disappeared keyword', you can gain a competitive advantage by editing your own images and then then enjoying less competition for sales when buyers search using the 'new' keyword.

If you have niche subjects that provide a significant proportion of your income you would be well advised to undertake regular check-searches to ensure your images remain visible.

Mantis · « **Reply #5 on:** June 14, 2012, 20:44 »

How old are the uploads and do you use Deep Meta? I have noticed that Deep meta sucks the big one when transferring your images' keywords. I know that you do go into DM and select your keywords but when you have a bunch of images it's easy to not recall of your keywords. I notice that in most instances DM cuts off your keywords and you will miss a bunch. I keep my KW in a Word document and just copy and paste into DM keyword field. More work but what are you going to do with IS and their bugs.

Somone may have also used the keyword wiki and if so, then IS agreed with them, but probably unlikely. Also, they've fkd with the CV lately and, like Gostywick said, it could be that too.

ShadySue · « **Reply #6 on:** June 15, 2012, 06:54 »

Quote from: Mantis on June 14, 2012, 20:44

Somone may have also used the keyword wiki and if so, then IS agreed with them, but probably unlikely. Also, they've fkd with the CV lately and, like Gostywick said, it could be that too.

I thought you were supposed to get an email if you'd been wiki'd, but that might have stopped. There are images I wikied well over 18 months ago that are still awaiting checking.
They have been refining the CV, and adding loads more terms with the advent of editorial. They had a locked thread where about every fortnight or so they were announcing all the recently added CV terms, but I can't even find that thread nowat the top of the keywords forum.

gillian vann · « **Reply #7 on:** June 17, 2012, 04:44 »

no, I don't use DeepMeta, I use Bridge/ACR. so far I'm happy with it. I've spent some time on the keyword forum and there is much to be learnt there *sigh* like I want to spend more time in forums. I've email IS with a bunch of kw changes/suggestions and to my surprise have received replies in under 24hours. It does seem that regular checking and tweaking will be required; what a pain!