Limited use is up and running. I have stayed in long enough to buy a
couple of my own images and Bob Croxford has suggested that I
reproduce details of the experience (already on the Alamy blog &
forum) here.
"I have just bought two of my own non-model released images on
Limited Use for $2. The thing that struck me is that I could complete
the whole process through to inputting all my credit card details
without being told what Limited Use meant and what the lack of model
releases could mean.
Only after my credit card details had been input I was asked to tick
that "I have read, understood and accept the relevant EULAs for the
image(s) above." The problem is that the typical micro buyer will not
click on the links for an explanation.
At this stage I was also asked whether I intended to use the image in
my Blog, Social Networking or Education. I ticked blog. It did not
explain that this should be the only use or that even that use should
be non-commercial.
My conclusion is that typical buyers can complete the process without
having what Limited Use means properly explained to them. For
habitual micro buyers drawn in by that 60p headline on the homepage,
it really needs to be rammed down their throats.
In my sales summary I see the two images straight away. I have gained
$1 after commission and credit card fee. Also it is explained here:
"Use in articles posted by an individual blogger on personal and
special interest blogs for an unlimited time. Images can not be
included in a corporate blog or used for advertising or promotion or
used in a defamatory, sensitive or controversial manner"
Why is that short statement put in front of the photographer &
apparently not the buyer? "
I'm just going to add the comment here that I suspect that by leaving
the use warnings (still far too flimsy) until AFTER the credit card
details have been input they have made the concious decision to
maximise dollars at the expense of educating buyers.
Scott Hortop
www.lighttouchimages.co.uk
