Dreamstime has been selected as a “beta provider of stock photos for Google display ads.” According to the explanation on the
company’s online forum contributors will be paid roughly $2 per image selected during the “beta” license period which is 12 months.
However, there is some confusion as to how much use may be made of any individual image or template.
1 - These images will appear in Google Docs templates that will be available in Google’s ad network. In theory an unlimited number of users may decide to use a single template. It appears that a single fee is paid regardless of whether no one decides to use the template or there are hundreds of users of a particular template, but that is not clear.
2 - Obviously, image creators would like to receive a separate payment for every user who decides to use one of these advertising template, but that does not seem to be the intention, although it is not clear.
3 - The image has been licensed under Dreamstime’s W-EL license that limits the number of copies that can be printed to 10,000. It is not clear whether that is 10,000 per user of the template, or if the 10,000 is for the combined total of all users who use the template. If it is for all users it is unclear how the uses will be tracked.
4 - If the templates are used online, it is unclear if there is any limitation on use.
5 - According to Dreamtime’s admin, “In the second phase of the deal, Google's clients will be able to choose from a variety of templates.”
Dreamstime also said, “Provided the first phase of this project goes as expected, after a maximum of 12 months (we all hope it will be sooner), in addition to the royalties described above, Google will initiate another volume purchase of an upgraded W-EL license for each image. We might switch images that didn't perform well with new ones, awarding royalties as appropriate. For the second stage we will award EL royalties (25%-60%). Overall the royalties will average approximately 50%.
"Although we are very enthusiastic about the long-term potential for this collaboration, and we would anticipate your enthusiastic participation in this groundbreaking program, you may elect to “opt out” any time until January 31st by removing your participation in the Alliances program on your account management page. We will proceed awarding royalties after this date. If you have opted-out in the past from Alliances and wish to participate you can opt-in using same Alliances & Partnerships page (which will of course enroll in all our Alliances)."