MicrostockGroup

I don't know that anyone can answer that question for you as it depends on several factors.  What I do, however, is give everything I shoot to my RM agencies and the ones they reject go to microstock. 

Yes typically technical quality is more stringent in microstock.

I tend to send niche images to macro agencies, ie. images that won't be sold in volumes at micros.
1 or 5 micro sales isn't enought for one image, but 1 or 5 macro sales could be...

My knee jerk answer is...

Creative: RM

Typical: Micro

In all my innocence, I've chosen text books, encyclopedias, etc. as a benchmark.  From way back before the internet they offered a market for stock.  Now, they still use stock but from internet sources.  I've just noticed that Encyclopedia Britannica is using microstock images.  The images were purchased as On Demand, however; which could mean that they keep their options open. 

@melastmohecan; you ask some very good questions.  I noticed that I am (not intentionally) following a similar path.  Maybe we should have set our sights higher in the beginning and worked our way to the bottom.   


 

I can understand if the isolated on white object are rare items like a old radio or a rare camera. But a canon 5d or P&S is everywhere, will there be customer buy it for RM license.

but i am also quite surprise just pay 25 cents subs download in shutterstock, and you can use it as book cover. I thought those little money will just grant one to use in website or their invitation cards to their party, but i didn't know it can end up as bookcover and i just got paid 25 cents.

Well, that's the definition of Royalty Free.  What you are talking about sounds more like RM.

It's a good idea to research the Licensing Terms of each of the sites before signing up so you won't have any unpleasant surprises later

No doubt.  That would be great! 

Still, microstock has never been about using images just in "websites or invitations to parties".  Lots of folks have had big uses including book covers, magazine covers, billboards, sides of buses, (Glidden paint cans) etc., etc. that were all within the regular RF license. 

I had two images used in a major promotion for Wal Mart a couple of years back.  There was a cardboard cutout with my model in every Wal Mart store in the US. Wal Mart and Glidden definitely could have afforded to spend a lot more.  I have a choice to either be upset that they got the images so cheap, or happy they picked my images in the first place.  I choose the latter.   I am sure most of us have had similar experiences. 

Fortunately there is RM for those who aren't comfortable with broad permissions of the micro licenses...  Hence my advice to read the TOS at each site and avoid surprises

No, I did not receive an EL.  I am just guessing, but I don't think the number of Wal Mart stores in the US exceeds 250,000. (just looked it up - there are 2500 Wal Mart stores and 585 Sams Clubs, so nowhere near the threshold for an EL)

I can't tell you if it was a sub or not since the image has sold on several sites.  

Like I said, I am happy when someone downloads my photos and when I find them in legitimate use.  

I made the decision when I joined the micros that volume and total monthly income was more important than per image sale price.  Just assumed other microstock contributors had decided the same or else they wouldn't be selling micro.  Am I missing something?

ETA:  The model certainly enjoyed her 15 minutes of "fame", but I still prefer money.    

You make a lot of sense Maria.  Would be great if the rules were tightened up, but I agree with you that its unlikely at this point. 

Some help from the micros in enforcing the rules they DO have would be very welcome also.