Jump to content

Contract Change 2021 - Official thread


Recommended Posts

For James:  Thanks for your earlier clarification of paragraph 5.1 on page 112.  I can understand that replying to the many questions on this forum can be time-consuming.  But it is not right to ask that we submit our questions individually to Contributors in hope of a reply.  Everyone in this forum--and even those who don't regularly participate--has a right to receive good, authoritative clarifications.  Responding on this forum is the most efficient way of informing those who produce the product you sell. Not only should all contributors benefit from such clarifications, but posting them here adds credibility to the response, much more than a single one-to-one exchange of emails.  Now I request another much-needed clarification (preferably elimination) of para 4.1.12, which states "You warrant and represent that there are not and will not be any claims by any other party in connection with the use, reproduction or exploitation of the Content;".  This is not a simple reference to possible copyright violation, or misrepresentation concerning the existence of a model or property release.  The provision seems designed to protect Alamy from any expense incurred if someone, somewhere should find use of an image to be offensive.  Offense can be caused by a misleading or inaccurate caption placed on an image by an end-user over whom we have no control.  Please explain to us how you expect us to warrant, to guarantee, what you are requiring.  How can we warrant that no one will ever take offense to the use of an image which some end-user has misused in an improper or offensive way?

  • Like 8
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Ollie said:

For James:  Thanks for your earlier clarification of paragraph 5.1 on page 112.  I can understand that replying to the many questions on this forum can be time-consuming.  But it is not right to ask that we submit our questions individually to Contributors in hope of a reply.  Everyone in this forum--and even those who don't regularly participate--has a right to receive good, authoritative clarifications.  Responding on this forum is the most efficient way of informing those who produce the product you sell. Not only should all contributors benefit from such clarifications, but posting them here adds credibility to the response, much more than a single one-to-one exchange of emails.  Now I request another much-needed clarification (preferably elimination) of para 4.1.12, which states "You warrant and represent that there are not and will not be any claims by any other party in connection with the use, reproduction or exploitation of the Content;".  This is not a simple reference to possible copyright violation, or misrepresentation concerning the existence of a model or property release.  The provision seems designed to protect Alamy from any expense incurred if someone, somewhere should find use of an image to be offensive.  Offense can be caused by a misleading or inaccurate caption placed on an image by an end-user over whom we have no control.  Please explain to us how you expect us to warrant, to guarantee, what you are requiring.  How can we warrant that no one will ever take offense to the use of an image which some end-user has misused in an improper or offensive way?

I had a similar question which James answered in part as follows "This clause talks about liability on you, if you breach the contract. It is not talking about a breach that is not caused by you because that would not make it a breach...." I think his response is an incorrect interpretation of the indemnification clause because it includes the phrase "any and all". Be that as it may, I am satisfied with his answer on the record because it creates sufficient ambiguity that would void the indemnification clause if you take the steps to mark your images correctly and have proper releases. In effect, he has given us a path to "cross indemnification". 

 

Edited by formerly snappyoncalifornia
Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, AlbertSnapper said:

Had an email today from Alamy regarding two images of mine showing a war memorial on the promenade in Nice,

Quite understand if you don't want to elaborate but do you mean this one? If so then I'm just a bit confused at Alamy's request as there are 200+ images on Alamy currently.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, Ollie said:

Now I request another much-needed clarification (preferably elimination) of para 4.1.12, which states "You warrant and represent that there are not and will not be any claims by any other party in connection with the use, reproduction or exploitation of the Content;". 

Indeed. I feel the only way I could warrant this is if I delete all images featuring recognisabe people or property. Especially given clause 7.1 where Alamy attempts to absolve itself of any responsibility if an image is incorrectly licenced.

 

7.1 Alamy agrees to use its reasonable commercial endeavours to grant Licences in accordance with your instructions. Alamy will not be liable if it (or a Distributor) sells or otherwise makes available an item of Content outside the instructions specified by you.

 

Mark

 

Edited by M.Chapman
  • Love 2
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, AlbertSnapper said:

For those contributors that do not accept the new contract, I guess there will still be licences/sales coming in for several weeks/months after you have been deleted/cancelled. ....

....if your images are exclusive with Alamy, then I presume that as you haven't accepted the new contract then those remaining sales to come in will be split 50/50 ?

🤔

That's a question to ask directly. Either way it's fast becoming a moot point as sales continue to fall and I am starting to wonder is there any reason to stay if the trend is towards low returns all the time.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, griangraf said:

That's a question to ask directly. Either way it's fast becoming a moot point as sales continue to fall and I am starting to wonder is there any reason to stay if the trend is towards low returns all the time.

 

 

Exactly.

 

If the only way that Alamy is growing its profits is by taking more and more from contributors you really do have to wonder what is supposed to be 'sustainable' about the business. 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, M.Chapman said:

Indeed. I feel the only way I could warrant this is if I delete all images featuring recognisabe people or property. Especially given clause 7.1 where Alamy attempts to absolve itself of any responsibility if an image is incorrectly licenced.

 

7.1 Alamy agrees to use its reasonable commercial endeavours to grant Licences in accordance with your instructions. Alamy will not be liable if it (or a Distributor) sells or otherwise makes available an item of Content outside the instructions specified by you.

 

Mark

 

You warrant and represent that there are not and will not beany claims by any other party in connection with the use, reproduction or exploitation of the Content;". 

 

Quite right Mark the only absolute way to warrant this - is to have nil images for sale

How on earth can a contributor control/manage the behaviour of every other person and organisation on the planet - its laughable

The central essence of any contract when considering risk- is to place risk where it can be best managed

 

Alamy might as well put in the contract- you warrant that the sun will shine every day in July

 

Martin

 

 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 hours ago, Avpics said:

I haven't uploaded a great deal of live news of late so I've taken my eye off the ball. After some surfing and checking files I've found ten unreported from December to April. TEN! With barely trying. Laughable, and sad.

Instead of tapping me for another 20%, consider stopping customers walking out the door with the goods!


It’s a crazy scheme that allows clients to download images and not declare them, everyone loses.  I was hoping that after the AP takeover this would have been tightened up. I doubt other agencies permit this to happen.

  • Love 1
  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 hours ago, spacecadet said:

We can chip a little bit off that for the UK and countries with freedom of panorama: yes.

A photograph of a building doesn't infringe on its copyright. CDPA s62.

Same as a photograph. From the moment of creation, for 70 years after the death of the architect. But see above.

 

 

Yes, you can take a photo of a building as there isn't any copyright in that building. The copyright is if you wanted to exactly recreate the building.

 

Buildings are protected by copyright under English law but there is a specific exception under section 62 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 which permits you to take a photograph or film of a building without infringing its copyright.

 

I had a calendar company contact me saying that one of the pictures of a historic hall I had provided breached the copyright of the hall according to the owners and they wanted £500 compensation for using the picture.

 

The hall was private property but used to have open days and there weren't any signs saying no photography. I replied to them saying this and also quoting the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act and I didn't hear from them again.

 

John.

  • Love 3
  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have to admit to making an error in stating in various threads that it looked as if I would have to leave PA/Alamy soon as I would not be able to reach the required sales level ($250/annum) when the new contract comes into force. After re-reading Emily Shelley's blog post of 17th May 2021, which is repeated below, I along with others who are struggling to reach the $250 breakpoint to stay in Gold band have 12 months till July 2022 before we are assessed as to whether we stay in Gold or drop to Silver. This gives us a chance to improve our sales by whatever means possible.

 

"Gold: All existing contributors start on Gold or above, on the core 40% commission rate. New contributors start on Gold too. If you sell more than $250 gross in 12 months with us, then you’ll stay on Gold.

 

Platinum: If you sell more than $25,000 gross with Alamy in a 12-month period then you’ll go straight on to the Platinum rate and earn 50% commission for images marked as exclusive to Alamy.

 

Silver: After 1 year selling with us – or from July 2022 for existing contributors – you’ll move to Silver and a 20% commission rate if you’ve sold less than $250 gross on Alamy in the previous 12 months. Hitting $250 gross sales immediately moves you back up to Gold."

 

From Blog post written by Emily Shelley. MD of Alamy. 17.05.21

 

Even though I will be losing 20% of my present income from PA/Alamy it is better than dropping to Silver straight away on start of new contract.

 

Hope this helps others.

 

Allan

 

Go - Stay - Go - Stay -   Hmmm!

 

ITMA

 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 minutes ago, Allan Bell said:

I have to admit to making an error in stating in various threads that it looked as if I would have to leave PA/Alamy soon as I would not be able to reach the required sales level ($250/annum) when the new contract comes into force.

 

 

 

I'd be very surprised if your current port were not easily exceeding $250 gross anyway. That would be 5c/image. Mine is nothing to shout about but it's many times that.

Edited by spacecadet
Link to comment
Share on other sites

58 minutes ago, Allan Bell said:

I have to admit to making an error in stating in various threads that it looked as if I would have to leave PA/Alamy soon as I would not be able to reach the required sales level ($250/annum) when the new contract comes into force. After re-reading Emily Shelley's blog post of 17th May 2021, which is repeated below, I along with others who are struggling to reach the $250 breakpoint to stay in Gold band have 12 months till July 2022 before we are assessed as to whether we stay in Gold or drop to Silver. This gives us a chance to improve our sales by whatever means possible.

 

"Gold: All existing contributors start on Gold or above, on the core 40% commission rate. New contributors start on Gold too. If you sell more than $250 gross in 12 months with us, then you’ll stay on Gold.

 

Platinum: If you sell more than $25,000 gross with Alamy in a 12-month period then you’ll go straight on to the Platinum rate and earn 50% commission for images marked as exclusive to Alamy.

 

Silver: After 1 year selling with us – or from July 2022 for existing contributors – you’ll move to Silver and a 20% commission rate if you’ve sold less than $250 gross on Alamy in the previous 12 months. Hitting $250 gross sales immediately moves you back up to Gold."

 

From Blog post written by Emily Shelley. MD of Alamy. 17.05.21

 

Even though I will be losing 20% of my present income from PA/Alamy it is better than dropping to Silver straight away on start of new contract.

 

Hope this helps others.

 

Allan

 

Go - Stay - Go - Stay -   Hmmm!

 

ITMA

 

 

Stay Allan - you know you want to! 😁

 

John.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, M.Chapman said:

Indeed. I feel the only way I could warrant this is if I delete all images featuring recognisabe people or property. Especially given clause 7.1 where Alamy attempts to absolve itself of any responsibility if an image is incorrectly licenced.

 

7.1 Alamy agrees to use its reasonable commercial endeavours to grant Licences in accordance with your instructions. Alamy will not be liable if it (or a Distributor) sells or otherwise makes available an item of Content outside the instructions specified by you.

 

Mark

 

An equally unjust and indefensible requirement by Alamy.  In other words, outrageous.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, spacecadet said:

I'd be very surprised if your current port were not easily exceeding $250 gross anyway. That would be 5c/image. Mine is nothing to shout about but it's many times that.

 

Hi Mark and thanks for your vote of confidence. If only the buyers would learn to like my images too.

I do not know what the problem is but my port has never been a great seller. It was up and coming from 2013 to 2016 then it crashed through 17--18. since then it has made a feeble attempt at recovery but this year so far is dire with five sales to March then nothing since.

 

Allan

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, Allan Bell said:

 

Hi Mark and thanks for your vote of confidence. If only the buyers would learn to like my images too.

I do not know what the problem is but my port has never been a great seller. It was up and coming from 2013 to 2016 then it crashed through 17--18. since then it has made a feeble attempt at recovery but this year so far is dire with five sales to March then nothing since.

 

Allan

 

 

Allan, hope you don't mind my mentioning this again, but I think your sales might improve if you fleshed out your captions and keywords -- just my impression.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, John Mitchell said:

 

Allan, hope you don't mind my mentioning this again, but I think your sales might improve if you fleshed out your captions and keywords -- just my impression.

 

Thanks John and I do know where you are coming from. (Vancouver) Yes I agree it is a stupid statement. I do know what you mean though. It has been my policy to caption and keyword images as I see them and what I see in them with the occasional concept word thrown in where necessary.

 

HOWEVER! I will have another look but I do not have the heart to go back ad infinitum (at least it seems like that) going through all of the images. Will try harder in future.

 

Allan

 

Of course once my images start to drop from view due to lack of sales, drop down the ratings and later pages they do not appear in view, they do not appear in front of the buyers anyway.

 

ITBMA

 

Edited by Allan Bell
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Ollie said:

An equally unjust and indefensible requirement by Alamy.  In other words, outrageous.

I doubt that would stand up in court. If Alamy blatantly defy restrictions the photographer puts on their images, and if it 'comes to the crunch', I think such action could be construed as reckless.

Nevertheless, I've now opted out of distributor sales and am in the process of blocking all PU sales which are also probably open to abuse.

Edited by Dave Richards
  • Love 1
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 minutes ago, Allan Bell said:

 

Thanks John and I do know where you are coming from. (Vancouver) Yes I agree it is a stupid statement. I do know what you mean though. It has been my policy to caption and keyword images as I see them and what I see in them with the occasional concept word thrown in where necessary.

 

HOWEVER! I will have another look but I do not have the heart to go back ad infinitum (at least it seems like that) going through all of the images. Will try harder in future.

 

Allan

 

Of course once my images start to drop from view due to lack of sales, drop down the ratings and later pages they do not appear in view, they do not appear in front of the buyers anyway.

 

ITBMA

 

 

Just a suggestion. You never know, it might help you extend your reach to all those other Lincolns around the globe, including the one in Ontario.

 

Anyway, hope you stick around for the party. 🎈

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 minutes ago, John Mitchell said:

 

Just a suggestion. You never know, it might help you extend your reach to all those other Lincolns around the globe, including the one in Ontario.

 

Anyway, hope you stick around for the party. 🎈

 

 

 

Yeh! Me too.

 

Just carried out a random and not exhaustive check to see where my images are appearing in the searches. Just picked three images from my port. Early, middle and later.

 

To my surprise they all appeared on the first two pages of the search with two of them on the first page.

 

It seems to knock the theory on the head. (See previous post.)

 

Allan

 

  • Love 1
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Allan Bell said:

I have to admit to making an error in stating in various threads that it looked as if I would have to leave PA/Alamy soon as I would not be able to reach the required sales level ($250/annum) when the new contract comes into force. After re-reading Emily Shelley's blog post of 17th May 2021, which is repeated below, I along with others who are struggling to reach the $250 breakpoint to stay in Gold band have 12 months till July 2022 before we are assessed as to whether we stay in Gold or drop to Silver. This gives us a chance to improve our sales by whatever means possible.

 

"Gold: All existing contributors start on Gold or above, on the core 40% commission rate. New contributors start on Gold too. If you sell more than $250 gross in 12 months with us, then you’ll stay on Gold.

 

Platinum: If you sell more than $25,000 gross with Alamy in a 12-month period then you’ll go straight on to the Platinum rate and earn 50% commission for images marked as exclusive to Alamy.

 

Silver: After 1 year selling with us – or from July 2022 for existing contributors – you’ll move to Silver and a 20% commission rate if you’ve sold less than $250 gross on Alamy in the previous 12 months. Hitting $250 gross sales immediately moves you back up to Gold."

 

From Blog post written by Emily Shelley. MD of Alamy. 17.05.21

 

Even though I will be losing 20% of my present income from PA/Alamy it is better than dropping to Silver straight away on start of new contract.

 

Hope this helps others.

 

Allan

 

Go - Stay - Go - Stay -   Hmmm!

 

ITMA

 

Stay, if only for the July 2022 forum, it's going to be "checks notes" interesting!

 

 

  • Thanks 1
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 hours ago, Harry Harrison said:

Quite understand if you don't want to elaborate but do you mean this one? If so then I'm just a bit confused at Alamy's request as there are 200+ images on Alamy currently.

 

Hello.

 

No not that one.

 

I had a quick look elsewhere. G didn't have any. A big microstock site did. It looks like most of the ones on Alamy have now gone.

Modern memorial. Tribute to the French from north Africa.

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

37 minutes ago, AlbertSnapper said:

Hello.

 

No not that one.

 

I had a quick look elsewhere. G didn't have any. A big microstock site did. It looks like most of the ones on Alamy have now gone.

Modern memorial. Tribute to the French from north Africa.

Thanks for your reply, if it had been that one I'd be getting even more paranoid than I am at the moment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 hours ago, Allan Bell said:

 

Yeh! Me too.

 

Just carried out a random and not exhaustive check to see where my images are appearing in the searches. Just picked three images from my port. Early, middle and later.

 

To my surprise they all appeared on the first two pages of the search with two of them on the first page.

 

It seems to knock the theory on the head. (See previous post.)

 

Allan

 

 

I guess fundamentally you are determining whether to stay or go as a result of Alamy's changes

And if you stay you have time to keep yourself in the so called Gold band

I would just try something different , for example take images on focal lengths you don't normally use, use more keywords if you normally have fewer, get the images pin sharp, take from a different height - different times of day/evening - mix it up - see if those images do any better for you.

It can be a bit of a lottery as you know - my last couple of decent sales both had few very keywords - in fact I was shocked at how brief I had been- but heh they were found

good luck

 

 

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Alamy locked this topic
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.