REDUCE SUPPORT LOAD ON ADOBE Suggestion for a Fair Adjustment System Instead of Account Deactivation

Question

Respectfully, I’d like to offer a small suggestion for the Adobe Contributor program that could benefit both Adobe and contributors.

Instead of Account Deactivation of contributors when irregular earnings are detected, consider implementing an adjustment system similar to what Shutterstock uses. As shown in the attached image, Shutterstock makes minor adjustments (e.g., -$0.10) and reduces the download count if a fraudulent or invalid transaction is identified.

This approach offers several benefits:

Benefits for Adobe:

1. Protects platform integrity by still addressing fraudulent activity without over-penalizing users.

2. Reduces support overhead by minimizing account termination disputes and unnecessary appeals.

3. Builds stronger contributor trust, which can lead to higher quality submissions and long-term platform loyalty.

4. Maintains consistent content flow, ensuring Adobe Stock remains competitive with a steady supply of diverse assets.

Benefits for Contributors:

1. Allows honest contributors to continue working without facing harsh penalties for issues they may not be aware of.

2. Encourages a transparent and fair environment, which motivates higher quality work.

3. Helps contributors understand and correct any issues without losing access to their account.

This kind of balanced solution not only prevents abuse but also strengthens the contributor community, ensuring mutual growth for both Adobe and its contributors.

EPS JPG · Accepted Answer

Sorry for saying this, but you’ve misinterpreted my post.

Earnings adjustments on Shutterstock are a routine part of the contributor payout process—used to correct calculation errors, refunds, chargebacks (including those from Stolen Credit‐Card downloads), and other reconciliations—so that only legitimate, finalized licenses generate royalty payments. These deductions do not imply any dishonesty on the contributor’s part; they simply realign your reported earnings with completed transactions and system‑flagged issues.

Shutterstock operates on a monthly payout cycle, applying all necessary royalty adjustments before finalizing payments. The earnings structure update of June 1, 2020, further clarified how refunds, chargebacks, and related costs are handled. In short, these adjustments protect honest contributors and preserve the platform’s integrity by ensuring that payouts reflect only valid sales.

RALPH_L · Answer

I am suspicious already because you have fraudulent activity noted in Shutterstock and Adobe Stock. I disagree with your statements under your paragaraph "Benefits for Contributors". Honest contributors are aware of the terms they agreed to. High quality work is already one of the terms. As far as understanding and correcting any issues, as you said, Shutterstock has warned you through penalties. What corrections are you taking?
Adobe is protecting the "honest" contributors. Possible "dishonest" contribu tors are being penalized. And I do mean "possible". That is what the review needs to determine.

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