Author Topic: Crestock is ALIVE! (Read 22786 times)

luissantos84 · « **on:** November 09, 2011, 16:37 »

http://crestockcorporation.cmail3.com/t/ViewEmail/r/6A57F9891946BE99/B7A954AA01E28044F1E87EB810D8F10A

PeterChigmaroff · « **Reply #1 on:** November 09, 2011, 16:41 »

So is Elivs http://www.elvis-is-alive.com/

So is JFK http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread410734/pg1

So is Princess Diana http://www.surrealscoop.com/2007/04/princess-diana-found-alive.html

There is trend here, I'm just not sure what it is.

microstockphoto.co.uk · « **Reply #2 on:** November 09, 2011, 16:44 »

Great!
I just calculated that if I keep selling at the current rate I will reach the 30% royalty in 2022

luissantos84 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 09, 2011, 16:44 »

LOL exactly

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #4 on:** November 09, 2011, 16:46 »

I never contributed to Crestock (not even prior to exclusivity in 2008), but if Masterfile has any reasonable sales traffic, this might make putting my portfolio there an interesting possibility.

Does anyone have any knowledge of Masterfile and an opinion of how likely this is to revive the moribund Crestock?

jm · « **Reply #5 on:** November 09, 2011, 17:00 »

I started uploading to Crestock six months ago. It's definitely low earner but I have more downloads there than on ScanStock, StockFresh, Yay, Zoonar, Cutcaster and FeaturePics together. As for earnings it's much worse: more that 90% of downloads are 0,25 subscriptions.

CD123 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 09, 2011, 17:03 »

Before sales can pick up their reviewers must still get either fired or retrained ("trained"?) to know what a good image looks like. They have the worst record IMO of all sites in image selection, that is one of the reasons I stopped uploading a few months ago (the other one is sales, but who whats to buy the images the other agencies rejected?).

ThomasAmby · « **Reply #7 on:** November 09, 2011, 17:04 »

I don't remember the old rates. But I was just looking at some sales history.

I sold a small image and got $1.2 of 4 = 30%
I sold a medium image and got $1.8 of 6 = 30%
I sold a vector and got $4.5 of $15 = 30%

As I have between 200 - 999 sales I will have to accept a new royalty percentage of 25% instead of 30% - so this would appear to be a paycut for me, right? Way to put it

ETA: I was just contacted by the CEO of Crestock who told me they were grandfathering all contributors so nobody will be getting a paycut. Good news

From the Artist Image Upload Agreement, section 13.1.4: “To the extent that this Artist Agreement replaces prior agreements between you and Crestock, the Royalty Rate calculated herein will not be retroactive.”

Noedelhap · « **Reply #8 on:** November 09, 2011, 17:04 »

It sells horribly. I've made about $10 in a year, the result of 20 vector sales, most of which were subscription sales.

But any raise for contributors is positive. Better than a paycut, and it shows they are committed to the site.

But stats speak louder than words:

http://siteanalytics.compete.com/crestock.com/
Unique Visitors: 98,921

http://siteanalytics.compete.com/masterfile.com/
Unique Visitors: 26,339

FD · « **Reply #9 on:** November 09, 2011, 17:05 »

Quote from: jm73 on November 09, 2011, 17:00

I have more downloads there than on ScanStock, StockFresh, Yay, Zoonar, Cutcaster and FeaturePics together.

Any site looks alive and kicking compared to corpses like Zoonar and FailedPics.

ThomasAmby · « **Reply #10 on:** November 09, 2011, 17:07 »

CD123 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 09, 2011, 17:08 »

Had 11 sales in 8 months with total value $3.10 (making it hugely successful against Zoonar's zero sales for $0 during same period...

).

Will · « **Reply #12 on:** November 09, 2011, 18:25 »

Quote from: jsnover on November 09, 2011, 16:46

I never contributed to Crestock (not even prior to exclusivity in 2008), but if Masterfile has any reasonable sales traffic, this might make putting my portfolio there an interesting possibility.

Does anyone have any knowledge of Masterfile and an opinion of how likely this is to revive the moribund Crestock?

Masterfile is a very good RM site. I was a contributor to their library for many years as exclusive and can honestly say they were always upfront and treated their artists very well! In my opinion, because of their honest business ethics and focus on "quality" (for lack of a better word), I'm pretty sure Crestock will gradually rise in profitability for artists. Of course we would all prefer a higher royalty percentage than what is being offered.

Paulo M. F. Pires · « **Reply #13 on:** November 09, 2011, 18:26 »

~~For some people is a commission cut.~~

8 months - 5 images sold + 1 image donate for free ( one week ). 6.25$

But i'm a believer

ETA: Crestock CEO was a bit more specific about these changes: Who already reach an higher %, will keep it, even if with new comission ratings policy could lower it.

lisafx · « **Reply #14 on:** November 09, 2011, 18:48 »

Quote from: jsnover on November 09, 2011, 16:46

I never contributed to Crestock (not even prior to exclusivity in 2008), but if Masterfile has any reasonable sales traffic, this might make putting my portfolio there an interesting possibility.

Does anyone have any knowledge of Masterfile and an opinion of how likely this is to revive the moribund Crestock?

Masterfile bought them over a year ago, didn't they? Back when that happened I started uploading there again in hopes sales would pick up. If anything they got worse. Sales at Crestock are the worst of the 14 sites I contribute to.

These changes look positive, and are quite welcome after the royalty cuts elsewhere. I will wait to see if sales improve before I get too excited though.

helix7 · « **Reply #15 on:** November 09, 2011, 19:06 »

I fall into the 30% tier so no change in pay for me. Hope the Masterfile inclusion helps, though. Things are generally pretty slow at Crestock.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 09, 2011, 19:47 »

Quote from: CoisaX on November 09, 2011, 18:26

For some people is a commission cut.

for almost everybody, don´t believe that are many contributors with over 1k sales

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #17 on:** November 09, 2011, 20:20 »

Quote from: lisafx on November 09, 2011, 18:48

Masterfile bought them over a year ago, didn't they? Back when that happened I started uploading there again in hopes sales would pick up. If anything they got worse. Sales at Crestock are the worst of the 14 sites I contribute to.

These changes look positive, and are quite welcome after the royalty cuts elsewhere. I will wait to see if sales improve before I get too excited though.

What's new is that they're going to put Crestock content onto the Masterfile site - I thought that was something they had not previously done, but if I'm wrong, being 14/14 on Lisa's list of sites isn't much of a recommendation

Microbius · « **Reply #18 on:** November 10, 2011, 02:25 »

I've just made it to 35% so I'm very happy with the changes.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Masterfile sales.

rubyroo · « **Reply #19 on:** November 10, 2011, 03:33 »

I'm repeating myself here (from way back) but I never bothered with Crestock because of that 'Judge Ross' thing. I found that so unnecessary. Is that still there?

ibogdan · « **Reply #20 on:** November 10, 2011, 03:37 »

No, it's long gone

rubyroo · « **Reply #21 on:** November 10, 2011, 03:57 »

Glad to hear that! Thanks for the update

dirkr · « **Reply #22 on:** November 10, 2011, 05:12 »

I never contributed to them. 20% and 0,25 for subs doesn't make me want to.

rubyroo · « **Reply #23 on:** November 10, 2011, 05:25 »

Yes agreed, it's still too low. Even without 'the judge' I'll hold off from uploading unless they make a more attractive offer. Same applies to PhotoDune for me.

lisafx · « **Reply #24 on:** November 10, 2011, 13:30 »

Quote from: jsnover on November 09, 2011, 20:20

What's new is that they're going to put Crestock content onto the Masterfile site - I thought that was something they had not previously done, but if I'm wrong, being 14/14 on Lisa's list of sites isn't much of a recommendation

You're right, they haven't been on the Masterfile site. I just assumed that when Masterfile bought them the images would be there. Hadn't realized that in over a year they had never been added. Maybe this will make a difference.

I am at the 30% level, so at least I get a little raise.

I've been disappointed before though, so I will wait and see before getting too excited about this.

microstockphoto.co.uk · « **Reply #25 on:** November 10, 2011, 15:50 »

A new email from Crestock says:

"Your 30% royalty rate from Crestock is protected!
Yesterday we issued an announcement of increased royalty rates and download thresholds from Crestock. We forgot to include a very important statement for people like you who have a 30% royalty rate but fall below the new download threshold for a 30% royalty. That omission has been corrected and published in the announcement in our blog.

To be perfectly clear: Crestock is “grandfathering” all 30% rates so the only way your royalty rate can move from here is up."

I am not sure they really "forgot" yesterday, and see it more like a huge success of MicroStockGroup, which is one more time the only subject which is able to force agencies at least to listen to us. Some luckily do. Some don't, but it's their choice.

helix7 · « **Reply #26 on:** November 10, 2011, 17:53 »

Quote from: microstockphoto.co.uk on November 10, 2011, 15:50

...I am not sure they really "forgot" yesterday, and see it more like a huge success of MicroStockGroup, which is one more time the only subject which is able to force agencies at least to listen to us. Some luckily do. Some don't, but it's their choice.

What success? From what community effort? A few comments here just a day after the announcement and you think they buckled under that pressure and changed the policy?

I think in this case, it was an honest omission.

Karimala · « **Reply #27 on:** November 10, 2011, 18:08 »

Quote from: luissantos84 on November 09, 2011, 19:47

Quote from: CoisaX on November 09, 2011, 18:26
For some people is a commission cut.

for almost everybody, don´t believe that are many contributors with over 1k sales

Nobody who already contributes will have their commission cut. Crestock sent out an email informing us everyone is grandfathered in at 30%. Only new contributors will see the 20-25% commissions.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #28 on:** November 10, 2011, 18:30 »

Quote from: Karimala on November 10, 2011, 18:08

Quote from: luissantos84 on November 09, 2011, 19:47
Quote from: CoisaX on November 09, 2011, 18:26
For some people is a commission cut.

for almost everybody, don´t believe that are many contributors with over 1k sales

Nobody who already contributes will have their commission cut. Crestock sent out an email informing us everyone is grandfathered in at 30%. Only new contributors will see the 20-25% commissions.

exactly, had an email from them yesterday explaining that, they read this forum

ThomasAmby · « **Reply #29 on:** November 11, 2011, 04:58 »

It was in fact in their Artist Image Upload Agreement, so they just missed the announcement.

Wim · « **Reply #30 on:** November 11, 2011, 08:09 »

Wim · « **Reply #31 on:** November 11, 2011, 08:21 »

xst · « **Reply #32 on:** December 29, 2011, 21:17 »

Once in 6 months I'm trying to upload new batch there to see it their reviewing practices changed.
Last attempt - it took them over month to review it and as usual 75% rejected with reason "Stronger images accepted".
They are the most picky and bring the least money.
I think they still don't understand what they bought and what to do with it.

Good luck.

I'll try in 6 months again.

jbarber873 · « **Reply #33 on:** December 29, 2011, 21:32 »

Quote from: xst on December 29, 2011, 21:17

Once in 6 months I'm trying to upload new batch there to see it their reviewing practices changed.
Last attempt - it took them over month to review it and as usual 75% rejected with reason "Stronger images accepted".
They are the most picky and bring the least money.
I think they still don't understand what they bought and what to do with it.

Good luck.

I'll try in 6 months again.

I'll give you credit for continuing to expect them to see the light.
I'm never going back.

Mumut Greenstripe · « **Reply #34 on:** March 04, 2012, 03:23 »

well well well.. whaddaya know.. actually just have my first sale here

MikLav · « **Reply #35 on:** March 04, 2012, 09:08 »

Quote from: luissantos84 on November 09, 2011, 16:37

Crestock is ALIVE!

nope it isn't

P.S. corrected the quote

microstockphoto.co.uk · « **Reply #36 on:** March 04, 2012, 09:54 »

Quote from: MikLav on March 04, 2012, 09:08

Quote from: microstockphoto.co.uk on November 10, 2011, 15:50
Re: Crestock is ALIVE!
nope it isn't

Hey, I didn't say that! Wrong quote

Tryingmybest · « **Reply #37 on:** March 04, 2012, 10:17 »

Quote from: jm on November 09, 2011, 17:00

I started uploading to Crestock six months ago. It's definitely low earner but I have more downloads there than on ScanStock, StockFresh, Yay, Zoonar, Cutcaster and FeaturePics together. As for earnings it's much worse: more that 90% of downloads are 0,25 subscriptions.

Same here.

Carl · « **Reply #38 on:** March 05, 2012, 05:26 »

It's been a long time since I uploaded anything to Crestock, so I thought I'd give it a try to see if anything has changed. I uploaded via FTP, but for several days now, when I try to process them, I get an error message. I don't remember that happening before, so yes, I guess things have changed.

grp_photo · « **Reply #39 on:** March 05, 2012, 05:35 »

Quote from: MikLav on March 04, 2012, 09:08

Quote from: luissantos84 on November 09, 2011, 16:37
Crestock is ALIVE!
nope it isn't

P.S. corrected the quote

+1

CD123 · « **Reply #40 on:** March 10, 2012, 00:20 »

Stopped uploading long time ago with 380 (submitted much more than that) images with them. After a year 15 downloads for $5. Stopped not only due to lack of sales but also their weird choices of images. Go against what all other sites selects (and which become big sellers).

CD123 · « **Reply #41 on:** March 11, 2012, 15:36 »

Just to prove me wrong, got a $6 purchase today (more than doubling a years income). If I complain again, do you think they will double it again for me tomorrow?

Microstock Posts · « **Reply #42 on:** March 12, 2012, 17:54 »

Quote from: CD123 on March 11, 2012, 15:36

Just to prove me wrong, got a $6 purchase today (more than doubling a years income). If I complain again, do you think they will double it again for me tomorrow?

Quite a remarkable turn of events. But the question is will you ever reach payout (you'll probably get a sale of $40 tomorrow, now that I've said that).

CD123 · « **Reply #43 on:** March 12, 2012, 19:03 »

Ag no man, now you jinxed it bay saying that it will happen! Now I will get notified that the $6 purchase was returned (and now I hope I have jinxed that possibility by saying that).

texelart · « **Reply #44 on:** March 14, 2012, 03:16 »

Does anyone know how long takes Crestock to review the first 10 images?.

I uploaded 10 illustrations 15 days ago or more and still waiting?. Is this normal?.

Thx.

ibogdan · « **Reply #45 on:** March 14, 2012, 03:23 »

Yes, it's normal. I usually wait even much longer for Crestock to review my images. They (and probably Veer) have the slowest review process.

texelart · « **Reply #46 on:** March 14, 2012, 03:32 »

Quote from: ibogdan on March 14, 2012, 03:23

Yes, it's normal. I usually wait even much longer for Crestock to review my images. They (and probably Veer) have the slowest review process.

I will try to be patient, thx.

Mumut Greenstripe · « **Reply #47 on:** March 16, 2012, 19:33 »

4 images sold today..

CD123 · « **Reply #48 on:** March 17, 2012, 00:22 »

Decided to give them another go after not uploading for a few months, but now I am stuck on 25 images per week due to all their refusals. Will take me few months just to catch up again, so now I am wondering again if it is worth the trouble. $:-\$

Metsafile · « **Reply #49 on:** March 19, 2012, 04:33 »

Quote from: microstockphoto.co.uk on November 10, 2011, 15:50

A new email from Crestock says:

"Your 30% royalty rate from Crestock is protected!
Yesterday we issued an announcement of increased royalty rates and download thresholds from Crestock. We forgot to include a very important statement for people like you who have a 30% royalty rate but fall below the new download threshold for a 30% royalty. That omission has been corrected and published in the announcement in our blog.

To be perfectly clear: Crestock is “grandfathering” all 30% rates so the only way your royalty rate can move from here is up."

I am not sure they really "forgot" yesterday, and see it more like a huge success of MicroStockGroup, which is one more time the only subject which is able to force agencies at least to listen to us. Some luckily do. Some don't, but it's their choice.

Absolutely no motivation to get involved with Crestock.

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Author Topic: Crestock is ALIVE! (Read 22786 times)

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