MicrostockGroup

See #1 and then #9 here: http://seanlockedigitalimagery.wordpress.com/2009/02/23/youve-been-accepted/

You missed the essential qualifier after the above, which is, "which most of the current market, which is based in North America, seems to prefer", though it is implied in what you wrote.

Tasteless cornyness are my best sellers.

I understand, I wasn't talking against the forum, it's just that in my experience this method doesn't really work, only gets ppl confused... and often people walk by the most obvious and easy way the measure things up, like someone looking for their glasses while wearing them.

Rejects??   so what!  goes with the territory. Try again and again and again,  we have all done that.

I know, that and jerry spriengfield is what people want... and some cola light to thin down while watching tv.

If you are giving up after a total of 7 rejections, then nobody here can help you.  I seriously doubt you will accomplish anything difficult in life with that lack of fortitude.  But we appreciate the lack of competition, so thank you.

I can't see why any new independent would even bother with istock. Given the bias against independents in search and the low royalties they'll be getting is it really even worth trying?

only thing i can tell you is never to give up. if some person had succes in anything -this is likely (and it is) that another (you for instance) person is able to do the same. all the people in the world are much more similar than different. and most of our borders, and limitations are product of our own brains, and are not real.
 try to learn, and try to win every situation in life. and try not to lose your nerves if something looks like it's not a "win situation" for you. just take different angle of view.
-you got your images rejected?  "-cool. it's nice, these people spend their time to make a point that i am not still capable to produce good stock images".  etc etc... -so, take a good look on the rejection reasons, these people (inspectors) are most of the time right. i can even say "almost all-all-always right". if images are "can resubmit" and if you believe in this image (and if it is can resubmit-this means that reviewers also saw some commercial potential for the specific image), -take time, and re-edit image, and have it online.
cheers
 sasha.

My only advice would be to avoid overrationalizing the rejections . Get a break and forget about it for a while .

Following general advice I tried to play safe with my first 2 applications - submitting 1 portrait , 1 object and 1 landscape . The result - 6/6 rejected . I took it pretty personal to say the least , decided not to bother and concentrate on the other agencies . Couple of months ago I found myself browsing some iStock collection and was really pleased with the overall quality so I decided to reapply just for fun . Expecting another easy rejection I submitted 3 abstract/concept shots and they were all accepted  . Right now I'm still struggling with their keyword system but my approval ratio is +85% . Pretty sporadic sales there so far

So true Sascha! This is exactly what I have always told my daughter growing up.  "If someone else can do it, you can do it".  The question to ask yourself is: do you like doing it? And if so, then how badly do you want it and how hard are you willing to try?

Not to be patronizing to the OP.  It can be difficult and frustrating getting started in micro.  But I really do believe that the ones who succeed are the ones who want it the most............

My DL's have increased since I left exclusivity.  The change was instantaneous.  The minute the crown disappeared, DLs increased.  I've checked, and there is no change at all in my best match positions (at least nothing tangible).  Which confirms for me what I long believed as an exclusive...that the best match gave zero incentive to exclusives except for Vetta. 

The instantaneous increase in DL's suggests to me the possibility that buyers are becoming increasingly price conscious at iStockphoto, and prefer to buy at non-exclusive prices when given the choice.