What is the DeepMeta Keyword WIZARD?

• It's an online web application, hosted here at this site. The concept is that a "wizard" guides you through the process of finding appropriate keywords for your files, to be used for iStockphoto keywording.
• Attention: this tool will only help you find "general descriptive" keywords, such as: vertical orientation, desaturated, rear view, isolated on white, ... You will still have to go through the usual keywording process to find any keywords specific to your file.

Is this Wizard created or supported by iStockphoto?

• No, it is a 3rd party development. This means that you cannot contact iStockphoto for support or suggestions regarding this application.

On what information is this tool based?

• It is based on custom lists of keywords, created and maintained by the author of this application. Some keywords have been contributed by iStockphoto users. As far as possible, all keywords used, are compatible with iStockphoto keywords.

How do I use it?

• Go to the DeepMeta Keyword WIZARD page. At the initial screen: in each of the 4 groups, select the button that applies to your file. Then click "Start Wizard".
• The Wizard will guide you through a number of screens, each grouping keywords, based on the following criteria: WHO?, WHEN?, WHAT?, WHERE?, WHY?, HOW?
• Tick the check-boxes that apply to your image. The Gray/Red bars at the left of each keyword show the popularity/importance of the keyword. They are there to draw your attention, to make sure you don't miss the obvious often-used keywords for your files.
• When you hover over a keyword, and keep the mouse still for a second, you may see some explanation appear for the keyword. This explanation is provided by other contributors, in a "crowd-sourcing" fashion. It's not authorative, but then neither is any other aspect of this tool. You can click the keyword, to bring up a pop-up window with the full explanation.
• When you arrive at the last screen, you will see all your selected keywords listed, along with "parent keywords" that the wizard has found for you. E.g. if you have selected the keyword "Isolated on black", the wizard will suggest the additional keywords "Isolated" and "Cut out", both equally important for your image to be found.
• Select all text in the text-box (click the box and press Ctrl-A) and then copy the text to your clipboard, or use in any way you like.

And what is DeepMeta anyway?

• The DeepMeta software, presented at this site is a client side program (currently for Windows only), that you can download for free and install on your PC. It allows you to manage your iStockphoto portfolio in a very convenient and efficient way, including managing your uploads. If you'd like to find out more, read the Getting started section.
• The Keyword WIZARD works independently from the DeepMeta software. The WIZARD is an online tool, that you can use straight from this website. Enjoy!

Support & feedback

• For support and feedback, you can use the Online Contact Form at this site. If there is enough interest for this tool, I will create a thread for it in the iStockphoto "Tools and Applications" forum. We'll see.

Can I contribute?

• Yes, Please!
  • Keyword descriptions: Whenever you find a keyword in the Wizard, which doesn't have an explanation yet, click the keyword. A pop-up window will appear. Click the "Edit/correct description" button. Next, you'll be able to enter or change the description for the keyword. Please do not abuse this tool, and make sure to provide an accurate description. Do not mess-up the work of others. This is a Wikipedia type of system. Your edits will not be reviewed or moderated. You receive a lot of trust here, so use it with love. Additionally, you can specify the FileID number of a few iStockphoto files which you believe are good examples where this keyword would apply.
  • Suggestions for new keywords: If you feel that some universal keywords are missing from the list, or that existing ones are misplaced or not in a logical context, please let me know. This is only a very first release, and the tool will hopefully get better with time and your help.

Credits

• To Mike Cherim (user 'MikeCherim'), for starting a great thread at the iStockphoto forums, titled "Universally Useful Keywords List". It was this thread that gave me the final impulse to create this long-planned application.
• Seth (user 'sethinacan'), for his "Taginator" software, which essentially provides the same functionality, only as a Desktop program. This software was also an inspiration.