Collaborative Work in MicroStock+ via Folder Access Sharing

Granting another user full access to third-party collaborators has significant security and operational risks. These are not always due to malicious intent; they can also appear from unintentional errors or external account compromises. Regardless, the security of our clients, their personal data, and their portfolios is our highest priority.

To address this need, Microstock+ provides a tool for granting limited access to specific files.

How Folder Sharing Works

Folder access sharing allows a user to grant another user (or users) limited permissions to the files within a specific folder or folders. All other files and account information remain hidden and inaccessible. Both accounts use their own independent M+ subscriptions and additional services. The folder owner cannot access the account of the user who has been granted access, and vice versa. Both accounts retain the ability to create sub-accounts. This distinguishes folder sharing from the parent-child account system.

A keywordist or a hired worker cannot access the account owner's personal credentials. The folder owner can also restrict specific actions for files within the shared folder, such as prohibiting to move files to the archive or downloading them to hard drive.

For the hired worker, this approach is convenient as they gain access only to the folders they are processing, reducing time spent searching for relevant files. It also prevents accidental deletion or movement of files.

These permissions and restrictions apply only to the shared folders and do not affect the hired worker's own personal files or account.

Is it possible to order keywordist services through the platform?

M+ does not currently offer an integrated marketplace or ordering system for keywording services (with the exception of AI keywording). The platform provides the tool for folder sharing, but financial arrangements for such work are handled externally by the users themselves.

Payment plans

The folder access feature is free of charge for all users and is currently in open beta. Users are encouraged to report any issues or unexpected behavior to the technical support.

How to grant a folder access?

Granting limited access to a folder requires only a few clicks. To initiate it, a user must have a folder containing the relevant files in their Microstock+ workspace and know the email address associated with the intended recipient's active M+ account.

Simply follow these instructions:

1. Select a folder in your folder tree and left-click on the corresponding sharing icon;
   
2. A modal window with the settings will appear;
3. If you have not already done so, add a new user (registered in M+) to whom you wish to grant an access by inputting the email address of a registered M+ user into the provided field and confirm by selecting the affirmative action button;
4. The list below displays all authorized users, providing an overview of current collaborators with access to the folder;
5. If you don't want to continue working with a certain user, click the "X" icon to the right of their email address in the list;
6. Select a user. Access settings for files will appear on the right for each individual user:

   "Edit metadata" — you allow the user to view, modify, add, and delete metadata on files within the folder.

   "Change status" — you permit the user to change the status of works on microstock agencies.

   "Schedule upload" — you allow the user to schedule or cancel planned uploads to microstock agencies.

   "Remove content" — you allow the user to move files to the archive.

   "Download content" — you allow the user to download your files to their local hard drive.

   "Import/Export CSV" — you allow the user to export or import CSV files for the shared content.

   "Create subfolders" — You permit the user to create folders within the shared folder.

   "Move files" — You allow the user to move files between subfolders within the granted folder or between multiple granted folders.

7. If required, grant the user access to your releases.
   Note: Release access is granted per user, but applies to ALL folders simultaneously.

   "View releases" — This permission allows the user to view the list of existing releases, attach them to works, and detach them.

   "Create releases" — You allow the user to add new releases to your database, edit only those releases, and attach/detach them within the shared folder.

   "Edit releases" — You allow the user to modify (but not delete) existing releases in your current releases database.

   "Remove releases" — You permit the user to delete releases from your releases database.

8. Click "Save". After this, the folder icon will change to an icon of a shared folder, and the other user will see your folder above their own file tree.

I am a keywordist. How do I work with shared access folders?

Once you have agreed on the work terms, your client will grant you an access to a folder. When they add you and assign the necessary permissions (as described above), the folder(s) will appear above your own file tree.

Review the assigned permissions for the shared folder, then open and work with its contents using standard procedures. Don't forget to notify the client upon completion of the task :)