Author Topic: Problems with Istock/Getty (Read 6474 times)

MentalReactor · « **on:** October 31, 2018, 04:50 »

So I noticed that some of my old files are missing, I contacted Istock and they say all is ok if so, I need to provide them with some proof.
I send them old acceptance email where is file ID etc
They told me, sorry, its really missing and nothing they can do, the only option is to re-upload the file. I ask if there are other missing files? They don't know, probably yes...

Now I uploaded almost 100 video files, write down keywords, put Model realize on each file etc And only 3 files go online rest don't show in my portfolio, once again I opened a ticket and they told me all is ok I need to wait 10 more days. So after 15 days I contacted them again and they say sorry, files really is missing in Istock/Getty system and nothing they can do, can I Reupload all the files...

So .... I'm an Exclusive contributor who now needs to guard all my files, compare if something is missing etc and for all of that I get max 25% & -30% tax

So is iStock/Getty going down? what is happening, should I really become non-exclusive and leave istock? Why all is SO bad?

ps Sorry for bad English

ShadySue · « **Reply #1 on:** October 31, 2018, 04:57 »

Sorry, I can't help you. The site does appear to be a mess, maybe even worse than before. I suspect (with no concrete proof) that they've cut support staff. Certainly, they're doing everything they can to discourage us from taking out support tickets.

It might be worth looking on their forum (if you haven't already) to see if anyone else has the issue.
Then you could post there (if you haven't already) exactly what you've put here.
You likely won't get any help there, and make sure you state your contacts with their support team, but if it allows others to check, a pattern may be shown.

Good luck!

ShadySue · « **Reply #2 on:** October 31, 2018, 13:18 »

Is there such a thing as an RM video agency (which actually sells)? That way you could test the waters elsewhere without breaching your RF-exclusivity, and you could keep your existing RF files there.

I don't do video, so I've never looked; maybe others know?

vectorsforall · « **Reply #3 on:** October 31, 2018, 13:38 »

...Without talking about their upload system. I tried several times to upload videos, and I get each time 'invalid file or error', but all my files are correct and have been accepted on other sites. I suspect them to make the upload system not working to encourage contributors to become exclusive.

MentalReactor · « **Reply #4 on:** November 01, 2018, 04:50 »

I suppose you use Windows then yes, the best option is Photo Jpeg - all others codecs are showing errors most of the times.

- iStock/Getty is trying to do everything to make things worse in every possible way.

MentalReactor · « **Reply #5 on:** November 01, 2018, 05:00 »

Quote from: ShadySue on October 31, 2018, 13:18

Is there such a thing as an RM video agency (which actually sells)? That way you could test the waters elsewhere without breaching your RF-exclusivity, and you could keep your existing RF files there.

I don't do video, so I've never looked; maybe others know?

Yes I'm thinking about that, I was hoping that things will get better but I'm properly naive - keyword system is too old for the new type of works, Contributor Exclusivity is not paying off in my case.... it's just hard to do it after 12 years....

ShadySue · « **Reply #6 on:** November 01, 2018, 05:30 »

Quote from: MentalReactor on November 01, 2018, 05:00

Quote from: ShadySue on October 31, 2018, 13:18
Is there such a thing as an RM video agency (which actually sells)? That way you could test the waters elsewhere without breaching your RF-exclusivity, and you could keep your existing RF files there.

I don't do video, so I've never looked; maybe others know?

Yes I'm thinking about that, I was hoping that things will get better but I'm properly naive - keyword system is too old for the new type of works, Contributor Exclusivity is not paying off in my case.... it's just hard to do it after 12 years....

I've read a lot over the years from videographers saying that iS video exclusivity wasn't worth it, even if there's still a (small) case for photo exclusivity.

tätarätä · « **Reply #7 on:** November 01, 2018, 10:22 »

Actually i would not realize if there are some images lost on istock.
They get a few hundred images every month, thats it.
If they lost some, they are lost. I don't mind.
Exclusivity at istock could be good or bad. Its good if lots of customers are willing to pay lots more money for an image.
Its bad if they don't.
My experience was that i don't shoot enough people images to profit from exclusivity.

MentalReactor · « **Reply #8 on:** November 02, 2018, 03:31 »

Quote from: tätarätä on November 01, 2018, 10:22

Actually i would not realize if there are some images lost on istock.
They get a few hundred images every month, that's it.
If they lost some, they are lost. I don't mind.
Exclusivity at istock could be good or bad. Its good if lots of customers are willing to pay lots more money for an image.
Its bad if they don't.
My experience was that i don't shoot enough people images to profit from exclusivity.

Yes, I understand - but that was my most profitable old work. (that how I know its missing)

Still, my logic is when I paying more than 70% commission - I don't need to worry about that kind of stuff.

MentalReactor · « **Reply #9 on:** November 02, 2018, 03:48 »

Quote from: ShadySue on November 01, 2018, 05:30

Quote from: MentalReactor on November 01, 2018, 05:00
Quote from: ShadySue on October 31, 2018, 13:18
Is there such a thing as an RM video agency (which actually sells)? That way you could test the waters elsewhere without breaching your RF-exclusivity, and you could keep your existing RF files there.

I don't do video, so I've never looked; maybe others know?

Yes I'm thinking about that, I was hoping that things will get better but I'm properly naive - keyword system is too old for the new type of works, Contributor Exclusivity is not paying off in my case.... it's just hard to do it after 12 years....

I've read a lot over the years from videographers saying that iS video exclusivity wasn't worth it, even if there's still a (small) case for photo exclusivity.

yes.... 2019 will be a non-exclusive year for me, will see how its goes