MicrostockGroup

Hi,

From what I've seen, when uploading editorial for Alamy they ask if the photo was digitally altered. I'm well aware of the restrictions against digitally altering a newsworthy photo, in such a way that would modify it's truth value. However, not all editorial is newsworthy...

What I'd like to know is if they do accept digitally altered editorial (strong color / saturation manipulation) or if that question is there to filter such images and refuse them on the fly. If they actually accept them, is there a notice for the buyers stating the image was digitally altered (I would like it to be so...)? If there is, I can't find them on their samples.

Yes, but that butterfly could be used for commercial projects without releases, no? What if there are logos / identifiable property or people?

You are mixing two completely different things.  You can use a Rights Managed image for commercial usage if it has releases.  The concept of RF-RM is about the licence, not necessarily the use (but the use can be affected by the licence).  You can illustrate a newspaper article with a RF image.  You can run an ad with a RM image that is released. You can have a RM image, with releases, but with restrictions that prevent certain specific commercial uses (for example, tobacco ads).

You should do more research, there is plenty of material out there about this broad and not so easy subject.