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Microstock Photography Forum - General => Symbiostock => Symbiostock - Development Area => Topic started by: Leo Blanchette on January 26, 2013, 19:20

Title: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 26, 2013, 19:20
By request: I'll keep posting updates at the bottom of this opening post.

Lets talk open source, and unofficial. Lets talk about selling your own images for free.  I mean, a free means to sell your images. 100% commission.

I've been working on a WordPress theme which does this:


Automatically. Set it and forget it. Its very low maintenance.

Plus a lot of other neat things, including all the functionality inherent in WordPress. Its extendable and sky is the limit.

I've been running this on my own website for a very long time now. It makes lots of money. Its my little ace in the hole which keeps me from panicking every time something happens like... well... you know.

While I love love love this little theme I've created, it still needs to be professionalized a bit. Its hard to be a one-man-band.

What do I suggest?


This is literally an open source platform. I want help. I want to create a community. I'm also tired, so I can't do it all. Fact is, I can help on all core functions involving php and up. I just want a few helpers and maybe a community to start.

Goal: Create an open source sell-from-your-website platform which is completely your own stock photo content management system.
This is not speculative - I already have one. What we're doing is professionalizing, modularizing, and monetizing it for the community.

What do I get out of it? I have no idea. Thats why I haven't released it yet. Its an open source platform. So why don't you developers and contributors chime in and let me know how contributors AND developers alike can profit on this open-source theme for selling your own images. Zero investment. 100% profit on your images.

Check out my images on clipartillustration.com. It gets great sales. I get 100%. I think I need to start sharing. You don't need huge agents and complicated legalities which end up in...well...you know.

This thread is for two things:

Developers: contact me on www.clipartillustration.com (http://www.clipartillustration.com). Whether design or coding, let me know what you have to offer. Mention insights below.

Contributors: I want your ideas and feedback.

A community fueled project like this would hit the stars very quickly. Its the way it works.

The theme / core website is called SYMBIOSTOCK. Literally has to do with developers/contributors working in symbiosis to make a living as we always try to.

One of the core aspects of Symbiostock will be to easily create networks with your fellow contributors websites and share traffic, offering vast arrays of options while maintaining your own audience. Also, you can sell alternative files (psd, 3d types) through it as well. Most importantly the customer realizes that a human being produced their design solutions, and they deal directly with that human. Future work.

Enough from me - I claim no great business sense. But apparently open source can be made to work. But I am a contributor who's had to adapt and learned some tricks. Now I'd like to help everyone get there too.

Wanted:

Developers and designers: PHP, Javascript (jQuery), html, css, SEO insights. Knowledgable or willing to learn Wordpress CMS.

Well Developed UELA:
Which allows a significant amount of use. Or a modular one which can be constructed per image, per options on submit. Simple. Contributor/Customer readable.

Contributors: Who want to get involved, make wish lists, be guinea pigs, etc.

Our goal is to create a new and unique way to sell images and dignify your work.

See clipartillustration.com as a rough-well proven example.

Depending on response, I'll open up www.symbiostock.com (http://www.symbiostock.com) for continued development.

Thanks.

Leo


PROGRESS UPDATE 2/5/2013

1. Bare-bones visual design complete. Its basic and non-distracting. Site-owner-ability to change branding / design will be available as purchasable plugin. Its been built around a responsive framework which is good for devices, is strongly SEO'd and most modern wordpress features.

2. The "IMAGE" custom post type is done, and can be edited as a typical wordpress post along with image pricing and other options.

3. The "Admin" area for managing networks, site default values for images/author info, etc, foundation laid. Works beautifully.

4. The image processing system, which user initiates after upload is finished. It creates previews, extracts/works with meta data, creates the initial "image post" along with valuable SEO considerations. This was the biggest and most important part of project, and is finished and working.

5. Image uploader finished. Works great, live progress report. Based off of plupload open source script: http://www.plupload.com/ (http://www.plupload.com/)

FEATURES YET TO IMPLEMENT

I would like to keep the "initial" release simple, so we can clean it up and make it easy for a group of coders to work together. Here are the major things yet for me to do:

1. Working on Product (image) page at this time.

2. Cart/paypal system. The initial package will only be compatible with paypal.

3. The network "engine" for integrating with other sites. This need only be copied from my existing site.

4. A "Licensing Options" system for constructing license defaults for entire site, which can be changed per image if desired, to be consistent with various licensing models / prices.

5. The cart/customer system. I may decide to use an existing cart system to maximize features, or I may make a custom symbiostock cart with all of our unique needs. I intend to keep it very simple and straightforward.

PROGRESS UPDATE: 2/10/13

Many thanks to Maurizio of faberfoto.com, for coming up with this beautiful logo. I love it. The interwoven "S" icon depicts symbiosis very well. Awesome awesome awesome.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8456372463_a30897d0ee_n.jpg)

Main product page is almost done, and the cart itself is well along.

PROGRESS UPDATE: 2/14/13

Marveling at how fast time passes... The figures and faces I've drawn in my cave seem to be talking to me now...

Oh wait... a progress update.

Same as last - Main product page is almost done, and the cart itself is well along, and moving on to paypal IPN.

Here are some videos on general workflow, still being polished up a bit. Pay no attention to front-end. Still has work to be done:

Upload-to-image:

http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/2013-02-14_1817.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/2013-02-14_1817.swf)

Some other general features :

http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/2013-02-14_1823.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/2013-02-14_1823.swf)

PROGRESS UPDATE: 2/15/13

Took a small detour to make sure image deletion works properly and without leaving a mess. :D. When you delete an image product, it cleans up files/data related to it. Good housekeeping!

Cleaned up a few more "gotchas" in image upload for unexpected scenarios.

PROGRESS UPDATE: 2/17/13

A small update:

The cart is done! Its very simple, only uses paypal. As mentioned in opening comments, you can apply a unique price to each image at any time, as well as discounts. The cart takes all of this into consideration. It works smoothly without page refreshes. Without a doubt it needs to be improved slightly in bugs and other features. But right now it can "Sell stuff" which is what we want to start with.

Next I will be working on search results and the "symbiostock network" feature.


PROGRESS UPDATE: 2/19/13

The search results engine is well along. It fuels both the "network" aspect of symbiostock and local search results. Once this is done its just a few details left and some minor refinements.

PROGRESS UPDATE: 2/23/13

For the last few days I've been solving some pretty deep puzzles in getting the communicator to work properly. In essence it has to switch between xml and human viewable results depending on if the requester is a network machine or person! And all if this while playing nicely with wordpress. Happily, I got the remaining issues solved yesterday :D. Now I'm getting into the "just details" phase where I can start wrapping thigs up.

PROGRESS UPDATE: 2/25/13

Almost done search results. They are quite interactive with lots of bling and hover stuff going on, custom controls for admins and customers...modal windows. Looks nice too.

www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/exampleofsearch.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/exampleofsearch.swf) - note this is only a rough example without a lot of styling.

Pretty soon I'll post web hosting packages you could use based on people's suggestions here.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: leaf on January 26, 2013, 19:26
That sounds really great and something the community could really flourish with.

I'm more than happy to help out and be a part of this in whatever way I can help best.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 26, 2013, 19:27
Thanks leaf! The "Clean" version is 25% done. You want to help? In any case, thanks for the positive response!
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Travelling-light on January 26, 2013, 20:27
Hi Leo, this sounds interesting and we'd like to get involved. We've set up quite a few customised WordPress blogs, but serious back-end hacking is probably a bit beyond me these days. Happy to do beta testing and the like, and we've got some spare hosting capacity based in Australia.

We're currently exploring all avenues to make a bit of cash without Big G, so put us down as highly interested.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: grsphoto on January 26, 2013, 20:41
Cool Idea.

Question....  Why wordpress?  there are some open source galleries ( Gallery 3) that would just need a decent payment moduale?

Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 26, 2013, 20:43
grsphoto -

Sure. Get in contact with me. I'll be opening up a developer area on symbiostock.com. Back-ending on wordpress is fairly easy if you know php. So many tedious tasks are already handled by its own built in functions. Almost anything you can think of.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 26, 2013, 20:48
Cool Idea.

Question....  Why wordpress?  there are some open source galleries ( Gallery 3) that would just need a decent payment moduale?

At first glance WordPress seems like a goofy choice. But its actually the best one. In the end I settled on it for these reasons:

1. Its a powerful CMS.
2. Plugins / extendability.
3. Most used CMS on the web / hugely supported.
4. SEO benefits too many to mention.
5. Its a breeze to code on top of.

So we are simply creating a theme which is in actuality your own stock photo engine. But all the benefits of WordPress are added with that. That means your not limited to the purpose of selling images. It stopped being a cute blogging platform years ago - it handles everything, with the added perk of blogging.

Its also worth mentioning it doesn't have to look wordpressy, if thats a concern.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Travelling-light on January 26, 2013, 20:50
Cool Idea.

Question....  Why wordpress?  there are some open source galleries ( Gallery 3) that would just need a decent payment moduale?

Because with all these gallery apps (Gallery, Coppermine, Zenphoto...) you have to throw away the display side and build your own from scratch to get anything remotely presentable. WordPress is far easier to customize on the standard setup. Try duplicating Leo's site with Gallery.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cthoman on January 26, 2013, 21:34
Sounds interesting. I'm always interested in taking a look at new things. I definitely would love to see a community of individual artist sites or a collaboration of several of them develop. Some of that got started with KTools (which I think is positive), but I wouldn't say it is flourishing. I guess there are still a lot of barriers to running your own site. I'm not sure how to make it easier though.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 26, 2013, 21:36
Please let me know the barriers that have been found by similar things. Nows a good time to anticipate them.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Ed on January 26, 2013, 22:03
If you're selling simply royalty free, then Zenfolio allows you to do that - it's part of the standard functionality.  All you have to do is set the price.  Albeit it isn't free, but I've dealt with Wordpress before and I'd rather be out shooting pictures than applying updates and then having trouble with added extensions to the template.  You also integrate with various printers worldwide if you want to sell prints as well, or instead.

Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 26, 2013, 22:25
I looked at it and its pricing. Not bad :D.

This idea is really open source, which means free. Also the updates issue isn't that big. Wordpress updates, you push update button. Even then you can neglect it for 5 months and  no biggie.

The Zen one your speaking of is nice but a little outdated in design too.

Honestly wordpress set-up / theme set-up is the rather hard part. But you only do it once. Alternative to paying a high price anyway.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: davidgoh on January 27, 2013, 00:41
I think this is an amazing initiative and if it is successful, it will probably help form the careers of many contributors in the years to come. :) I'm not a developer so the best I can do is to give suggestions -- which I will the moment I can think of any!

But anyways, thanks for doing this. Truly looking forward to see how this turns out!
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pilens on January 27, 2013, 02:02
Great initiative Leo!

I'd like to contribute to and be part of this project.

I've just started funneling some spare time into tweaking CMSaccount Photo Video Selling Script (http://cmsaccount.com/ (http://cmsaccount.com/)) to become my own stock photo site eventually. What's suggested here sounds being a lot more fun and might lead to much better results because of its community/networking aspects.

I got some programming (python) background, but php is still new to me. Don't know how much help I could provide at this end. However, I make a living performing technical translations from English to German, so localizing this theme into German is definitely something I can contribute, apart from testing, discussing ideas and so on.

I hope we get this rolling BIG
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: sharpshot on January 27, 2013, 03:42
I can't help on the technical side but I'd love to try it out and give you feedback.  I haven't bothered with my own site because I think we need a universal search, lightbox and payment system.  So buyers can get what they want from several contributors portfolios, just like they do with the microstock sites.  If that can be done, I think the sites will suddenly take us much more seriously. 

I'd also like to be able to sell RM.  I know the two communities don't get on very well but at some point everything needs to merge.

Another thought, what happens when Getty buy wordpress :)
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: jjneff on January 27, 2013, 07:51
Would you be offering any video support with this script?
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: djpadavona on January 27, 2013, 08:09
I'm interested. Kona, shoot me an email or PM anytime you want to talk. Warmpicture is now nearly 2 years old, and there are a lot of roadblocks we have encountered. I'd be happy to share the experiences we have had with everything from KTools to SEO to Advertising...

I'm happy I did it, and I'm still committed to getting our contributors the sales they deserve. But it hasn't been without much frustration.

Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: ffNixx on January 27, 2013, 08:56
It is quite wonderful to see this initiative, so in general terms, thank you and best of luck.

However, I must say this. Forget Wordpress, for a number of good reasons. If you're serious, you will develop a solution with your own code. I'm not going to go into sensitive detail, but I fear if you don't heed this advice, a day will come when you will recognise your mistake and a lot of effort will have been wasted.

Take what you have learnt so far with Wordpress and start with a clean slate. You've done a good thing, announced an open source codebase for independent stock sellers. The Force is with you, in a manner of speaking. It's just the tools you're using are wrong for the purpose.

Regarding cost. Criminal entitites are taking advantage of online outsourcing platforms to scrape entire websites for $30 paid to a third world programmer. If our enemies can work this cheaply ... you get my point.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: munrotoo on January 27, 2013, 08:58
I am interested in joining your project leo. I sent you a message through your site. I have a site now that is built in cold fusion and links to my illustrations on the various microstock sites, sportsartzoo.com. I would love to convert it to a site that sells the images directly. I tried ktools and could not get it working and I could not get support response from the developers. I like the idea of a word press solution. I also like your idea of a network. When the web first began people would form web rings where they would link sites of common interest.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Jonathan Ross on January 27, 2013, 13:55
Hi Kona,

 I think building this is super cool and part of what I hope the future holds for each of us. One question, how do you get the buyer to know you and follow you? I have had a terrible time trying to make this happen for my own agency and others as well. I would love to know this part of the puzzle. Great efforts and please keep up the work. I am no tech geek by any means if I can help in any other area of development like agency knowledge or anything of the sort you can count me in.

Best,
Jonathan
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Jo Ann Snover on January 27, 2013, 14:44
I'm not sure what specific help I can offer, but I think that having a platform for selling direct would be a great thing for contributors to have access to. Dan noted that ktools leaves a lot to be desired - as did Sean Locke who used that to build AccordStock, his portfolio site.

I don't have the expertise to know whether the warnings above about using WordPress as a base are important, but I can see the appeal of a platform that has an active developer community so that new plugins come along that can be added to a running site to improve it without having to do 100% of the coding yourself. I have to believe that there are ways to secure a WordPress site, and again, the fact that lots of people are using that platform makes it more likely that if there are security problems they will get fixed.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Dan on January 27, 2013, 14:59
     Most  of  the  technical  stuff  would  be  over  my  head.  But  if  there's  anything  i  can  do  just  ask.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: mattdixon on January 27, 2013, 15:22
The only problem I have with Wordpress is the image manager is terrible. When you have thousands of files to deal with it would become impossible to manage.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cthoman on January 27, 2013, 15:56
Please let me know the barriers that have been found by similar things. Nows a good time to anticipate them.

I'd say most of the barriers are the obvious ones. People want something that is easy and running your own site requires time, energy, knowledge, skill, effort, money, etc. All those things can get complicated or expensive really quickly depending on how far down the rabbit hole you want to go. So, I'm not sure the demand will ever be huge because there is always going to be enough work involved that will scare some contributors off. That said, the ones that do want to manage all that could be a very knowledgeable and dedicated community.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 27, 2013, 16:22
Please let me know the barriers that have been found by similar things. Nows a good time to anticipate them.

I'd say most of the barriers are the obvious ones. People want something that is easy and running your own site requires time, energy, knowledge, skill, effort, money, etc. All those things can get complicated or expensive really quickly depending on how far down the rabbit hole you want to go. So, I'm not sure the demand will ever be huge because there is always going to be enough work involved that will scare some contributors off. That said, the ones that do want to manage all that could be a very knowledgeable and dedicated community.

Just returning to the topic, a quick response:

Yes, the response on this thing (3rd time my voicing it) is always week. The small number of people that respond to it are usually positive though. It strikes me as so very odd, how small the response is to:

 - 100% commission.
 - Total control.
 - Complete contact with customers.
 - No funny business/false sense of security with convoluted contracts which simultaneously "protect" and exploit you.
 - Independence and dignified work.

But if I start a thread on some complaint or a social interest in the stock photo world, it will go viral.

Although the response is positive, its still very small, and I suspect the "istock addiction" and resulting contributor / agent dependence is simply a part of learned behavior is modern society. So regarding my own time, it might just be better spent making 3d robots and such.

Let me respond to the others -
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 27, 2013, 16:28
Great initiative Leo!

I'd like to contribute to and be part of this project.

I've just started funneling some spare time into tweaking CMSaccount Photo Video Selling Script ([url]http://cmsaccount.com/[/url] ([url]http://cmsaccount.com/[/url])) to become my own stock photo site eventually. What's suggested here sounds being a lot more fun and might lead to much better results because of its community/networking aspects.

I got some programming (python) background, but php is still new to me. Don't know how much help I could provide at this end. However, I make a living performing technical translations from English to German, so localizing this theme into German is definitely something I can contribute, apart from testing, discussing ideas and so on.

I hope we get this rolling BIG


Its not as hard as many might think. With a group project like this there is always a place to contribute. I love python btw!
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 27, 2013, 16:29
I can't help on the technical side but I'd love to try it out and give you feedback.  I haven't bothered with my own site because I think we need a universal search, lightbox and payment system.  So buyers can get what they want from several contributors portfolios, just like they do with the microstock sites.  If that can be done, I think the sites will suddenly take us much more seriously. 

I'd also like to be able to sell RM.  I know the two communities don't get on very well but at some point everything needs to merge.

Another thought, what happens when Getty buy wordpress :)

I never touch RM. What is that? Is it just licensing?

Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 27, 2013, 16:31
Would you be offering any video support with this script?


Hosting videos is an advanced science! I had thought of it, but you'd have to rely on an external service for previews. Other than that, hosting download of the original files and previews are just a matter of detail. What do you think? I've gotten some bites on www.lb3d.com (http://www.lb3d.com), so it is possible.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 27, 2013, 16:37
It is quite wonderful to see this initiative, so in general terms, thank you and best of luck.

However, I must say this. Forget Wordpress, for a number of good reasons. If you're serious, you will develop a solution with your own code. I'm not going to go into sensitive detail, but I fear if you don't heed this advice, a day will come when you will recognise your mistake and a lot of effort will have been wasted.

Take what you have learnt so far with Wordpress and start with a clean slate. You've done a good thing, announced an open source codebase for independent stock sellers. The Force is with you, in a manner of speaking. It's just the tools you're using are wrong for the purpose.

Regarding cost. Criminal entitites are taking advantage of online outsourcing platforms to scrape entire websites for $30 paid to a third world programmer. If our enemies can work this cheaply ... you get my point.

Forgive me I don't know how to quote multiple responses in one post.

I've thought at length about the things you mention. My first image selling version of clipartillustration.com was just what you mention, but the pitfall is the complexity and addressing every single angle of every problem - in which case you find yourself in the situation where you have to invent an entire content management system...reinventing the wheel and with it the entire car as well. Then you end up with issues such as Ktools as people mention, which is the result of a few people taking on a project of such huge proportion.

So...wordpress was simply the way to address that matter out of the box, and focus on perfecting the selling of images, while allowing people to thoroughly manage there website at small cost with as many options as possible.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 27, 2013, 16:40
Hi Kona,

 I think building this is super cool and part of what I hope the future holds for each of us. One question, how do you get the buyer to know you and follow you? I have had a terrible time trying to make this happen for my own agency and others as well. I would love to know this part of the puzzle. Great efforts and please keep up the work. I am no tech geek by any means if I can help in any other area of development like agency knowledge or anything of the sort you can count me in.

Best,
Jonathan

Glad you asked. It happens naturally.

Regarding follow - we talking facebook or twitter? In those cases, its not all its cracked up to be. (BTW, facebook had a recent issue where they wanted to be able to sell all imagery uploaded. Similar uproar. Don't you love these large companies?)

But in my own site buys are often another request to make something. Also the site is built in such a way that they can buy a collection (huge profit) and they come back to get those elements as they need them.

Since they are aware they are shopping from the actual artist, the screen is dropped and the relationship changes. They use contact form and customer relationship happens. A significant part of my site's profitability is in custom work.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 27, 2013, 16:45
Please let me know the barriers that have been found by similar things. Nows a good time to anticipate them.


I'd say most of the barriers are the obvious ones. People want something that is easy and running your own site requires time, energy, knowledge, skill, effort, money, etc. All those things can get complicated or expensive really quickly depending on how far down the rabbit hole you want to go. So, I'm not sure the demand will ever be huge because there is always going to be enough work involved that will scare some contributors off. That said, the ones that do want to manage all that could be a very knowledgeable and dedicated community.


Noted! This uses its own image manager which is what your already used to - an upload and process workflow. See screenshots:

Symbiostock tabs:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesterartsillustrations/8421663318/#in/photostream/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesterartsillustrations/8421663318/#in/photostream/)

Set your default prices:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesterartsillustrations/8421663288/#in/photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesterartsillustrations/8421663288/#in/photostream)

Upload images:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesterartsillustrations/8420566823/#in/photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesterartsillustrations/8420566823/#in/photostream)

Image uploader (An open source / well known script)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesterartsillustrations/8421663144/#in/photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesterartsillustrations/8421663144/#in/photostream)

Process the image - (SEE THIS ONE) it senses and processes each image type differently, and gives prompts if info is missing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesterartsillustrations/8421663074/#in/photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesterartsillustrations/8421663074/#in/photostream)

Still working on it - this is the image page which can be altered accordingly. Note how you can set unique prices for unique images. So a stick figure doesn't have to be sold at the same price as a huge technical / artistic work:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesterartsillustrations/8421662918/#in/photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesterartsillustrations/8421662918/#in/photostream)
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 27, 2013, 16:48
Please let me know the barriers that have been found by similar things. Nows a good time to anticipate them.

I'd say most of the barriers are the obvious ones. People want something that is easy and running your own site requires time, energy, knowledge, skill, effort, money, etc. All those things can get complicated or expensive really quickly depending on how far down the rabbit hole you want to go. So, I'm not sure the demand will ever be huge because there is always going to be enough work involved that will scare some contributors off. That said, the ones that do want to manage all that could be a very knowledgeable and dedicated community.

There are *some* complexities in setting up a site and wordpress, and initially the theme. But from there things are done.

I think, naturally, a big part of the community of something like this would be dedicated to helping non-web-savvy people get that initial set-up done. In fact, some people could charge for it. Others could host...one of the ways open source makes unique opportunities for everyone.

Other than that, things are rather easy. And, yes, a small learning curve with the wordpress admin area. Its a necessary evil. Just like learning how to embed iptc and use ftp. It can't be too easy!
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pixart on January 27, 2013, 16:56
I am days away from buying Ktools (just waiting for the Provincial Gov to approve my corporation)  .... If there is anything I can test over the next couple weeks I would be all over it!  I wish I could help with the programming.  I have a hard enough time with Wordpress!
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cathyslife on January 27, 2013, 17:05
I would be interested in a site. I had a Ktools site for a year. I am not a programmer but I muddled through the php for Ktools because I had set up a couple of wordpress sites. I just don't think I am qualified to help with programming, but if some sort of template can be made where I could go to the admin area of a wordpress or similar type of site and customize, I'd be all for it and willing to pay something.

I think it's a great idea, but would love to see something happen (this has been talked about before) where contributors are linked to a common search so that the "library" would look larger, but then the buyer would be directed to the specific site for purchase.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 27, 2013, 17:14
cclapper

Its talked about quite a bit but strangely not nearly as interesting as whats happening in the life of ( - insert famous stalk photo contributor here - ) so I've never had the motivation to finish the professional version due to seeming lack of interest of the community.After this thread I am most likely going to go back to tinkering and my typical routine, if interest continues to be minimal. I get what your saying though!

For the record though, these things are perfectly achievable and pretty easy, like the network-search idea. I don't know why it didn't happen 3 years ago.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: sharpshot on January 27, 2013, 17:18
I can't help on the technical side but I'd love to try it out and give you feedback.  I haven't bothered with my own site because I think we need a universal search, lightbox and payment system.  So buyers can get what they want from several contributors portfolios, just like they do with the microstock sites.  If that can be done, I think the sites will suddenly take us much more seriously. 

I'd also like to be able to sell RM.  I know the two communities don't get on very well but at some point everything needs to merge.

Another thought, what happens when Getty buy wordpress :)

I never touch RM. What is that? Is it just licensing?
Yes, rights managed licensing.  The buyer pays to use the image for a specified purpose for a specified time.  They can't use it for whatever they want in perpetuity.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 27, 2013, 17:22
sharpshot, thats neat. Is that a very popular route? I hadn't heard of it till now.

But if its just licensing, that could easily be assigned when you upload the image. RF or RM?
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: sharpshot on January 27, 2013, 17:27
Perhaps more people will get interested when istock start charging them to give their images away for free but I'm not even sure that would do it :)
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: sharpshot on January 27, 2013, 17:34
sharpshot, thats neat. Is that a very popular route? I hadn't heard of it till now.

But if its just licensing, that could easily be assigned when you upload the image. RF or RM?
I think it used to all be RM before RF was introduced and that has killed off a lot of RM licensing but there's still millions of RM images being sold.  Getty still sell RM and I sell RM with alamy.  I'm sure lots of people that sell RM would like to be able to sell direct and keep 100% commission.  It would be great for alamy contributors, as they're non-exclusive.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cascoly on January 27, 2013, 17:53
i'm definitely interested - my background is in ASP & vbscript but i've done some php and javascript, most recently hacking  for google maps applications in games, eg http://cascoly.com/games/cw/main.asp (http://cascoly.com/games/cw/main.asp)

i just got started w WP recently, and was impressed by the number of plugins - one thing i wanted to do was present my smugmug galleries in a way that might get them indexed more readily.  here's what it took:

get RSS feed from smugmug - simple url copy
insert that rss feed url in a wp post, using the wp-smugmug plugin - simple paste

this gives the wp page http://www.buydigpix.com/wp/?p=114 (http://www.buydigpix.com/wp/?p=114)   [i'm not using the WP pages directly at the moment, so havent customized these pages]

instead i viewsource and copy the html with images & captions and place them in a customized page like http://cascoly.com/photo/india-people.asp (http://cascoly.com/photo/india-people.asp)

this page is submitted to google thru webmaster tools and my image sitemap [which is why i dont use the WP page directly] and also is linked from other website pages like http://cascoly.com/trav/india.asp (http://cascoly.com/trav/india.asp)

creating a new page from a smugmug gallery now takes about 5-15'  depending on external links
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: jjneff on January 27, 2013, 18:18
I could host on smugmug but matching the two sites would be a pain.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 27, 2013, 18:29
cascoly awesome! If I end up going forward I appreciate any help.

jjneff matching the two sites? Couldn't you just embed the preview from smugmug as you would youtube?
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: jjneff on January 27, 2013, 19:32
I guess so, would be willing to try it :-)
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 27, 2013, 20:29
Well, in summation - I've gotten a few messages and enough replies to gauge the response. Also a few qualified coders seem interested.

I'm going to take a day or two to assess whether or not this project is worth my attention. Its perfectly possible. Its not a question  of "if" or "how" but just "worth".

From personal experience I can tell you how refreshing genuine independence can be. $20 sale, $20 commission. I'd love to see everyone talking about that, rather than how their work is being devalued.

Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: wordplanet on January 27, 2013, 22:25
Hi:
It sounds like an interesting idea. I don't know anything about coding but have had some experience selling stock from my own website (it's set up through Photoshelter which has all the back end built in to license both RM and RF as well as prints). They take 10% if it's a direct download from the site through the built-in shopping cart but there's no commission if the buyer contacts you directly and you work out the license with them. 

The problem with having your own site is trying to market yourself - so if you have a way for people to link WordPress sites together or you're talking about others adding their work to your site - that could be promising.

I'd be happy to be involved in testing and am curious about how we would link our sites together - is that your concept? Photoshelter gives you the ability to link up a blog to your site - right now I'm using blogger but have considered switching to WordPress - but without knowledge of coding, etc I was concerned it would be much harder.  So, I could keep my site but also link to one on WordPress.

(As an aside, Photoshelter has a "Virtual Agency" concept where those whose sites they host can basically join together as one "agency" while also having their own separate site. The good thing about them is that it's run by photographers but each photographer who uses it has their own site - you set up your own TOS - and they have language you can use for licensing or that you can change to suit your needs. It's not free like WordPress but it is a good setup).

Anyway, I'm eager to learn more about your concept and would be willing to be a beta tester and give it a try. I sell RM and traditional RF images as well as microstock - so I'd be happy to have a separate site to sell my micro images.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: RacePhoto on January 27, 2013, 23:54
I believe the host your own is quite different from a virtual agency, but both are interesting. I think most people would want a little of each, but not having everything on one giant database.

What about everyone runs their own site, if they choose. And anyone else can join the virtual agency, if they want, without their own site. and... people who want to drive traffic to their own site and add a selection of representative images to the virtual agency.

Problem with the virtual agency is this. Just off the top there are many people with 5000 plus images. Start doing the math. How do you index 200,000 images in real time and have a server that will handle the search? What happens when it reaches 1 million and it's chugging along. When does it rebuild? I might be wrong about the server power and ability to manage all that data, but I think it's a big roadblock.

Virtual agency, 100 file limit, everyone can use it to drive traffic and make a nice very special, top quality collection? For 100% of something, people should only put up their best images. Quality over quantity.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 28, 2013, 01:08
Wow! The topic is still going!

In response to you RacePhoto -

We're talking about an open source tool which should not have a very steep learning curve. But, for those who prefer not to go over that learning curve, I think some web designers might enjoy setting up their sites and managing them for them for a monthly fee. Do I follow you?

I use an in - motion dedicated server, and my website pays for it. But most people might consider bluehost which is significantly cheaper. In fact, if your portfolio could not pay for something like bluehost... then... :D

But I did call bluehost before and if you outgrow their limits its only a cheap upgrade. But as mentioned, some developers or interested people might wish to manage symbiostock builds for people, taking a monthly fee.

Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: incarno on January 28, 2013, 02:27
I have already my own site I have paid 1000,- Euros for the software, still I find an opensource solution very interesting but I could only offer pretty basic html-knowledge.

I think the future could be an opensource software that would allow an optional universal search through all sites/hosts on every site that uses this opensource software.

I think is RM out because it would complicate the things way too much. Also my RM-Agencies treat my very fair even Getty pays a reasonable commission for RM-stuff (30-40% in opposite to a flat 20% for RF) so I don't think there is any need for an individual RM-Agency at the moment.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 28, 2013, 14:43
1000 Euros? Wow!

I've had a few people telling me some "gotchas" with cheaper hosting as well, some horror stories. Looks like I have a little homework to do finding some good suggestions, in case more options are needed than bluehost.

It seems a lot of people instinctively want sites that network with their friend's images. I thought that was my idea!

Whatever the case, we'll come up with something truly truly unique.

EDIT:

Silly me - I should be putting it out there. If anyone has suggestions on 1 other suggested hosting companies or 2 a community system to help non-web-savvy people please post ideas.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: VB inc on January 28, 2013, 14:51
This topic comes up time and time again. I would love to see this possibility happen. I also think there should be a maximum uploaded files per contributor. I think 100 is too little but closer to 300 would be ideal. This would eliminate the need for inspections/inspectors as you would only want your best content to showcase. Otherwise, the search will come up with plenty of garbage that contributors will put into this collection.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 28, 2013, 15:06
I was wondering about that - with a network of shared results. Obviously the functionality would be there to exclude certain images by a click, or certain keywords, or drop people from your network who are being stupid.

But limiting uploads -- people would own their own sites so allowing as many as they wish would be natural.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: VB inc on January 28, 2013, 15:38
But limiting uploads -- people would own their own sites so allowing as many as they wish would be natural.

I guess the real question is how to actually come up with a search function like they have at istock or the other big agencies.

My point was for the contributors can have their own sites but only allow a certain amount of their files to be included in this universal search system used by the contributor owned agency.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 28, 2013, 18:16
I get it now. I'm slow on the uptake.

At this point when you upload images you can set certain defaults (like if its exclusive, the price, discount) and you can over-ride all of the defaults for each image. I can easily put in a feature for managing your network presence, if I follow what you are saying?

And regarding search functions like the big ones - translation, controlled volcab...definitely out of my scope but as talent starts to find its way into an open-source community project like this, its probably got potential to be doable.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: incarno on January 28, 2013, 19:49

It seems a lot of people instinctively want sites that network with their friend's images. I thought that was my idea!



sorry I probably just wanted to highlight this important part of your post! Of course it was and is your idea!
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 28, 2013, 21:19
Thats actually the coolest aspect of the whole thing - I haven't been emphasizing it much. It will be as fun as a social network, managing your networks, adding fellow microstockers, seeing incoming and outgoing traffic.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: elvinstar on January 28, 2013, 21:25

It seems a lot of people instinctively want sites that network with their friend's images. I thought that was my idea!




sorry I probably just wanted to highlight this important part of your post! Of course it was and is your idea!


That was actually brought up in this thread about selling direct (http://www.microstockgroup.com/selling-direct/perfect-option-for-selling-on-your-own-website/) back in November.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 28, 2013, 22:14
That was your thread! Did you make anything after all?
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: elvinstar on January 28, 2013, 23:53
We're still at it. There's a WHOLE LOT of coding when you're building from scratch.  ;D

We'll have a date for you soon!
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: sharpshot on January 29, 2013, 04:03
It's nice to have something to look forward to.  I remember when microstock was fun and I used to look forward to seeing the latest good news here.  Would be great if that could happen again one day.  I'm tired of wading through the latest batch of posts about how a site has found another way to make less money for me.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 29, 2013, 04:20
Well since the latest news I've picked up the pace :D. Almost done with the uploader and processor, which is most of the hard stuff :D
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Amanda_K on January 29, 2013, 20:14
Hi Leo!  I am still super interested in this project too, sorry didn't see this thread until now.  My PHP isn't up to snuff to help with the programming but I may be able to help with some template design options once it's ready.

Also (if this was mentioned before I apologize!) if you were able to set a up a Wiki type deal, I know there is at least one or two good opensource choices, I'd be more than happy to donate my time to help fill out FAQ/Knowledge Base and tutorial articles with screen shots and step by step for the less tech savvy that might be interested. 
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Batman on January 29, 2013, 22:04
Well since the latest news I've picked up the pace :D. Almost done with the uploader and processor, which is most of the hard stuff :D

I hope you and everybody else can make this work. I can use it.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Jeffrey on January 29, 2013, 22:07
I've been looking for a Wordpress theme like this.

I already have a Wordpress site where I sell my photos. But I just do it manually. Just simply typing the link of the BUY link.

The download and payment is through Payloadz.com.

I use Wootheme's Snapshot theme.

But very very limited at the moment, selling only one size and one price. I'm not a programmer.

But there is no statistics, like monitoring the number of downloads.

--

About this proposed project, it would be great if there is an one time download for BUYOUT option for logos and selling one time files.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 29, 2013, 23:59
Hi everyone,

I'm glad to see the continued interest. It keeps me motivated! This is already better in functionality than www.clipartillustration.com (http://www.clipartillustration.com), so I know you will enjoy it.

Even if your php isn't absolutely stellar, there is plenty of room to grow and nothing will make me happier than a nice active user base helping everyone out and expanding the suite, plus "making wishes come true" on many levels.

I think it will be a breath of fresh air for lots of people after it gets going.

Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 30, 2013, 00:04


But there is no statistics, like monitoring the number of downloads.

--

About this proposed project, it would be great if there is an one time download for BUYOUT option for logos and selling one time files.


I haven't made any sort of statistics feature yet either. Though its not hard...just time that needs to be budgeted. Also that "buy out" option - I'm sure once everything is up and running people will be helping ideas like that along.

Another thing - I will only be releasing with paypal (ipn) integration, which triggers everything to work. Other payment options will have to be built in carefully as well.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: THP Creative on January 30, 2013, 00:19
Very interested in this also Kona, I am just on the brink of doing a total redesign of my own site to make it a direct sales platform.

I was about to use a WP theme plus the Sell Media plugin, but I am very keen to see what you have got in the works before I proceed.

Any ETA?

If I can help beta test or anything I would be happy to. I run a couple of WP sites already.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 30, 2013, 00:25
ETA? Good question. Its hard to judge. Not more than a month or two at this point. I'm making sure everything is "just right" with minimal bugs.

Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: sharpshot on January 30, 2013, 03:59
My php is non-existent.  Is there a good site to learn the basics?
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 30, 2013, 04:12
<?php

and then close the tag...

?>

The rest is just details.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Jeffrey on January 30, 2013, 05:16
KonaHawaii, I'm very excited for your theme. I would probably give up my iStock crown once the theme is done.



site to learn PHP? >> Youtube!

My php is non-existent.  Is there a good site to learn the basics?
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: sharpshot on January 30, 2013, 05:18
<?php

and then close the tag...

?>

The rest is just details.
Great, now I'm an expert, I'll start doing tutorials :)
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Amanda_K on January 30, 2013, 12:36
<?php

and then close the tag...

?>

The rest is just details.

 :D This made me smile!

On a serious note if you are looking to learn PHP (or just about any other programming/design related thing) I can't recommend Lynda.com enough, I think they even have a 7 day free trial now.  If I want to learn something I'll usually sign up for a month and go crazy with the lessons.  There is some other site now too that is getting mentioned a lot I think it's Treehouse....something? Sorry I'll try to grab a link later if I can find it!
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 30, 2013, 14:45
Considering the name of this thread, I should expound more!

For anyone who wants to learn PHP, its not that hard. If I'm not mistaken, even Javascript is considered harder than php.

Also I write my code to be as readable as possible, and I do lots of commenting in it.

PHP can make your site do just about anything you want. If it happens on a modern stock photo site, it can happen on yours.

I learned from some "head first books" ( http://www.headfirstlabs.com/books/hfphp/ (http://www.headfirstlabs.com/books/hfphp/) ) while borders was on the island, and had enough knowledge within two weeks to do half of what was needed for my first eCommerce site.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 30, 2013, 15:17
Here is an off-the-wall question -

Has anyone seen an image out there (or set of images) that shows a layered build-up of the body: 1 bones, 2 muscles, 3 other stuff... 5 full on human person?

I need it for the symbiostock main site to show phase development :D.

Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: jvoetsch on January 30, 2013, 19:18
I am hoping this really works out for everyone! It will be good for artists and for the industry, whether you do it or someone else. If we did not already have our hands full, I surely would jump right in.

As for the image you are looking for. Are you looking for something like this? http://clipartof.com/1161280 (http://clipartof.com/1161280)

I know you want the different layers. Perhaps KJ Pargeter would be interested. I can ask her for you if no one else has something. Just let me know.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cascoly on January 30, 2013, 19:34
<?php

and then close the tag...

?>

The rest is just details.

a lot depends on how you learn - when i wanted to learn php to use google maps i bought one of the 'hacking google maps' books, posted the code on my site, then started to experiment with it.  i rarely  write anything from scratch anymore - i use either something similar f mine or find something i can adapt from the web

then use the web to research particular things like how to read a file
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 30, 2013, 20:23
Thanks jvoetsch! Thats exactly the style I had in mind. I'll get in touch with him :D.

Positive response always appreciated.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Jeffrey on January 31, 2013, 21:47
Do you have plans of selling this theme or give it for free?

If you sell this, I hope it's affordable, special price for MSG members. :D
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on January 31, 2013, 22:27
It will be free. I will be selling other (non-essential) components.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 01, 2013, 01:56
Just a small update:

We're at about the %50 mark.

Technical question, if anyone cares:

I'm at a crossroads here:

A: place full size files above www (root) directory, or
B: Place full size files in a protected (by htaccess) directory, accessibly only by php channeled downloads.

I like B because its easier to manage.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: ruchos on February 01, 2013, 02:47
More protection for the full sized files is best.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Microbius on February 01, 2013, 06:31
Just a small update:

We're at about the %50 mark.

Technical question, if anyone cares:

I'm at a crossroads here:

A: place full size files above www (root) directory, or
B: Place full size files in a protected (by htaccess) directory, accessibly only by php channeled downloads.

I like B because its easier to manage.

Thoughts?
+1 for "whatever is safer"
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: DrC on February 01, 2013, 07:50
Now, this can be BIG! A cooperative agency made by a community of artists?! 100% profit would attract everybody and the chance to make a real opposition to the big greedies would build us respect! Is it utopia? Or are the chances real?
I'm not a programmer, just a photographer and digital artist. All I can think of giving this project is as a beta-tester and my contribution of my portfolio to help build up an eclectic offer of imagery to the buyers. Let the force be with us! ;)
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Jeffrey on February 01, 2013, 09:38
B.

It's for those who dont know how to protect a folder.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Toon Vectors on February 01, 2013, 14:01
Technical question, if anyone cares:

I'm at a crossroads here:

A: place full size files above www (root) directory, or
B: Place full size files in a protected (by htaccess) directory, accessibly only by php channeled downloads.


You might want to consider an option C which would be to use a cloud storage system such as Amazon S3 for storing full-size downloads and thumbnail files: http://aws.amazon.com/s3/ (http://aws.amazon.com/s3/)

There are some advantages to this over placing files on the site web server:

Just a thought...  I use something similar for toonvectors.com (albeit Windows Azure instead of Amazon).  I'm not terribly familiar with WordPress development, but I'd be surprised if they didn't already have an S3 plug-in for site assets that could be adapted to the upload workflow.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Amanda_K on February 01, 2013, 14:12
I'd vote B, since A could cause a lot of headaches for set up on different hosting situations especially with users who aren't super tech savvy.  A could be less secure if not done right.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 01, 2013, 16:17
Technical question, if anyone cares:

I'm at a crossroads here:

A: place full size files above www (root) directory, or
B: Place full size files in a protected (by htaccess) directory, accessibly only by php channeled downloads.


You might want to consider an option C which would be to use a cloud storage system such as Amazon S3 for storing full-size downloads and thumbnail files: [url]http://aws.amazon.com/s3/[/url] ([url]http://aws.amazon.com/s3/[/url])

There are some advantages to this over placing files on the site web server:
  • Unlimited disk space and bandwidth metered outside of web host quotas
  • Less strain on web server
  • Ability to generate unique, expiring temporary download URLs for protected files
  • Option to use global content-delivery network (CDN) for speedier thumbnail loading

Just a thought...  I use something similar for toonvectors.com (albeit Windows Azure instead of Amazon).  I'm not terribly familiar with WordPress development, but I'd be surprised if they didn't already have an S3 plug-in for site assets that could be adapted to the upload workflow.


I didn't know about that option! Depending on how extensive their system is, I could automate everything to use it. It would also save me tons of issues regarding slow loading pages if someone on the network is down/slow.

*However* depending on them might be kind of iffy in a largescale operation since they are just another huge corp.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 02, 2013, 21:41
Here's a small update anyone following this thread might enjoy:

I've finished the image processor. Its the "guts" of the whole operation. Which means I'm mostly done :D.

Because this is wordpress, and we are trying to keep professional, here is what happens:

Our custom image processor runs and creates previews, extracting meta data, all the stuff needed to keep it low maintenance.

You can process them to drafts for further editing (suggested, for SEO purposes) or process them straight to published stock images. Its automatic.

A HUGE perk. If you upload a transparent PNG, which many customers want, it generates a transparency preview as well. It follows the same naming convention your already familiar with: stock_image.jpg, stock_image.eps, stock_image.zip, stock_image.png will all be recognized as part of the same stock image. Meta data is always checked from jpg, transparency is always generated from png. See here:

Typical Preview:

(http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/1609-royalty-free-stock-image.jpg)

Transparency:

(http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/1609transparency_preview.jpg)

You might be wondering, why are the previews so HUGE? Reason: Your relying largely on SEO and internet traffic to get customers. Bigger images = more google value. :D. Plus customers can see better what they are getting.

Watermark - you can easily photoshop your own transparent png watermark, however you want, to the correct dimensions. You upload it to the site, and the site will apply it every time.

This was a significant part of the project. I'll no doubt be releasing it soon.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Travelling-light on February 02, 2013, 21:58
Looking good, Leo! We're keen to have a go at this.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: farbled on February 02, 2013, 22:28
I'm happy to help test if needed. I'm not a programmer but I can muddle my way through code in WP to change graphics and tweak themes and stuff. Love the functionality of WP and this sounds very interesting.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: sharpshot on February 03, 2013, 05:11
I need to buy web hosting but I thought I might as well ask what would be best for this?  I see Bluehost is recommended for wordpress but is there a better option if you're in Europe?
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: flotsom on February 03, 2013, 05:24
OVH is good, but you need to manage server yourself.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Jeffrey on February 03, 2013, 19:54
KonaHawaii, you need to earn from your hardwork, I'm sure a number of us here are willing to donate. You can put a donate button on your developer site.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Reaktori on February 03, 2013, 20:12
Definitely following this one. I've got no skills to contribute. Had to shut my own wp site down due to un- up dated WP version getting infected :D
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: mattdixon on February 04, 2013, 15:50
Just a small update:

We're at about the %50 mark.

Technical question, if anyone cares:

I'm at a crossroads here:

A: place full size files above www (root) directory, or
B: Place full size files in a protected (by htaccess) directory, accessibly only by php channeled downloads.

I like B because its easier to manage.

Thoughts?

B, security is a must.

Am I imagining things or did someone say you were thinking of developing a portfolio link option from site to site?
Title: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: eyeidea on February 04, 2013, 16:07
I am very interested in this. I run my current site as WP. I would love to help from a graphics and design GUI standpoint. Message me Kona!
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: elvinstar on February 04, 2013, 20:10
Am I imagining things or did someone say you were thinking of developing a portfolio link option from site to site?


This is something that we'll be adding after our initial roll-out of our (see this thread (http://www.microstockgroup.com/selling-direct/perfect-option-for-selling-on-your-own-website/)) product, which will not run on WordPress.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: THP Creative on February 04, 2013, 22:13
Technical question, if anyone cares:

I'm at a crossroads here:

A: place full size files above www (root) directory, or
B: Place full size files in a protected (by htaccess) directory, accessibly only by php channeled downloads.


You might want to consider an option C which would be to use a cloud storage system such as Amazon S3 for storing full-size downloads and thumbnail files: [url]http://aws.amazon.com/s3/[/url] ([url]http://aws.amazon.com/s3/[/url])

There are some advantages to this over placing files on the site web server:
  • Unlimited disk space and bandwidth metered outside of web host quotas
  • Less strain on web server
  • Ability to generate unique, expiring temporary download URLs for protected files
  • Option to use global content-delivery network (CDN) for speedier thumbnail loading

Just a thought...  I use something similar for toonvectors.com (albeit Windows Azure instead of Amazon).  I'm not terribly familiar with WordPress development, but I'd be surprised if they didn't already have an S3 plug-in for site assets that could be adapted to the upload workflow.


Does anyone know anything more about integrating this solution into wordpress, as this would seem to be the ideal solution to my current situation - want my own direct sales site and about to make it, but don't want to pay my hosting company heaps more for all the extra GB's of storage for thousands of high res files. The S3 option would be much cheaper I would think.

I'm not a developer, so don't know the technicalities of it all. Just wondering if there is any easy way to get this to work in WP, perhaps along with Kona's theme or the Sell Media plugin?
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Smithore on February 05, 2013, 03:32
Oh, this thread is really great, I already use wordpress for my blog and like it so much!
Here is a good alternative to build a progressive seller community.
Thanks so much for your work.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: BaldricksTrousers on February 05, 2013, 05:47
This looks very interesting.

The thread title is lousy, though - I'm not a PHP developer so I had ignored this up to now.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: faberfoto on February 05, 2013, 09:48
very very very interesting.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: click_click on February 05, 2013, 09:59
This is a great project and I'd be willing to donate for a final version as well.

OP, could you please add all the latest updates and eventual download links into your first post?

That way it's much easier to see the "official" development.

Best of luck!
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: hjalmeida on February 05, 2013, 10:40
Great idea!!!

If you can built it with an integrated search engine, so the client can search in all the portfolios of all contributors ... Maybe we have a way to keep 100% and maybe our commission at agencies will rise, when they start to loose clients.

I am willing to help as a photographer (sorry, don't know PHP).
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 05, 2013, 17:46
This is a great project and I'd be willing to donate for a final version as well.

OP, could you please add all the latest updates and eventual download links into your first post?

That way it's much easier to see the "official" development.

Best of luck!

I'll do that! I'm not very experienced at huge threads like this.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 05, 2013, 17:52
Great idea!!!

If you can built it with an integrated search engine, so the client can search in all the portfolios of all contributors ... Maybe we have a way to keep 100% and maybe our commission at agencies will rise, when they start to loose clients.

I am willing to help as a photographer (sorry, don't know PHP).

Regarding the method of networking - here are some things I'm planning - I'll expound a little more:

1. You own a website. You have your images and search engine...
2. You have friends/microstockers you've connected with over the years. you add them to your network. Their search results show below yours.
3. Customer navigates around sites. Symbiostock will track their carts/items so they can keep track and make their individual purchases when they are ready.

The question you ask, no doubt; This is a lot of work for the customer isn't it?

My answer: Yes it is. But your images have enough value that its worth it for them. The image author is worth the time to revisit site for final purchase as well.

Also symbiostock main site will progressively be worked up to constantly aggregate all search results from *all* the networks, on a regular basis, making a master search. But this will have to be a paid function for obvious reasons.

I didn't know this thread had progressed more! Must be a glitch. I'll keep checking back.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 05, 2013, 18:13
This looks very interesting.

The thread title is lousy, though - I'm not a PHP developer so I had ignored this up to now.

Changed!
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 05, 2013, 18:17

I'm not a developer, so don't know the technicalities of it all. Just wondering if there is any easy way to get this to work in WP, perhaps along with Kona's theme or the Sell Media plugin?

This installs as a theme. It integrates perfectly with wordpress, and at the same time I'm trying to keep this from looking wordpressy. For the user it will be as simple as "install theme" and setting up your menus/widgets/options which is standard wordpress stuff.

In fact, it plays so nicely with wordpress you'll be able to install plugins and features from everywhere else without any problems. Its genuine wordpress stuff. I've been doing this for years :D.
Title: Re: Selling RF Images is Really Not That Hard. PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: THP Creative on February 05, 2013, 18:39

I'm not a developer, so don't know the technicalities of it all. Just wondering if there is any easy way to get this to work in WP, perhaps along with Kona's theme or the Sell Media plugin?

This installs as a theme. It integrates perfectly with wordpress, and at the same time I'm trying to keep this from looking wordpressy. For the user it will be as simple as "install theme" and setting up your menus/widgets/options which is standard wordpress stuff.

In fact, it plays so nicely with wordpress you'll be able to install plugins and features from everywhere else without any problems. Its genuine wordpress stuff. I've been doing this for years :D.

Thanks Kona, I appreciate your comments. But what I was really asking was is there a simple way to get something like Amazon S3 running, through wordpress, in conjunction with your theme? Or to put it another way, will your theme's functionality allow the high-res files to be stored on S3 servers and delivered from there?

Thanks again. I'm dying to get started on rebuilding my site, so I can't wait for you and elvinstar to have your products ready for us to try! :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 05, 2013, 23:37
Oh sorry bout that! Was just looking into it - http://aws.amazon.com/documentation/s3/ (http://aws.amazon.com/documentation/s3/)

The quick answer is this: If Amazon has API that allows it, then it programming it is a simple matter of learning their system as they've outlined it.

Depending on how many requests I get after initial release, I can make it as a plugin to the theme. I'm sure people with gigantic ports will need it :D.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Phil on February 06, 2013, 01:38
I dont think I can add anything :) but it certainly sounds great and I would be very keen to try it out when ready
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: ppdd on February 06, 2013, 16:23
I have a stock site that runs on WP but stores all the images on S3. I bought it this way so I'm not really sure how it works, but it can't be difficult.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 06, 2013, 16:28
So is this the overall consensus? You want that feature for sure? Personally I don't like depending on "the big guys" for details like this, but I can build in the option of people really want it. Its not really my own bias, just what everyone wants. Its probably a day of coding, from what I've learned with my other api projects.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: hotwalkn on February 06, 2013, 16:50
Ok, now here's an upbeat thread I can get excited about! :) I'm very familiar with Wordpress and its abilities. SEO with Wordpress is a breeze and actually works! Being able to network with fellow contributors will definitely be a plus. This can only be a good thing. :D
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pixart on February 06, 2013, 22:08
So is this the overall consensus? You want that feature for sure? Personally I don't like depending on "the big guys" for details like this,
Are we talking about Amazon storage?   I don't like depending on the big guys either.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Jeffrey on February 06, 2013, 22:24
KonaHawaii...will you put an option to accept Contributors?
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 06, 2013, 22:36
I haven't put much energy into that, though it should not be hard since WP already manages multiple authors. Come to think of it - I don't see why I'd have to build it in! Its already there! :D
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: ppdd on February 06, 2013, 23:25
So is this the overall consensus? You want that feature for sure? Personally I don't like depending on "the big guys" for details like this,
Are we talking about Amazon storage?   I don't like depending on the big guys either.

I'd rather rely on the most robust information infrastructure in the world and the security, redundancy and reliability that goes with it than a rinky dink hosting company with limited resources. Many hosting companies use S3 anyway and just mark up the space and data they sell you.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 06, 2013, 23:45
Ok then, I'll make that a part of it before I release it. It'll simply be a choice of the site author to use it or not. Glad you all brought it up early.

EDIT: Looks like its all covered; http://wp.smashingmagazine.com/2011/12/01/integrating-amazon-s3-wordpress/ (http://wp.smashingmagazine.com/2011/12/01/integrating-amazon-s3-wordpress/)

Edited again: I may release the whole package without s3 for initial testing and anyone brave enough to be a guinea pig, and immediately jump on the s3 integration. The upload process will have to immediately upload to amazon and make the process rather invisible to the user. But its perfectly do-able.

Edited yet again!: Plupload which I use for the uploader supports s3! Oh how awesome.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 08, 2013, 19:34
PROGRESS UPDATE: 2/5/13

Many thanks to Maurizio of www.faberfoto.com (http://www.faberfoto.com), for coming up with this beautiful logo. I love it. The interwoven "S" icon depicts symbiosis very well. Awesome awesome awesome.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8456372463_a30897d0ee_n.jpg)

Main product page is almost done, and the cart itself is well along.

I appreciate all of the contacts I've received over this thread, from testers to developers in different areas.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: elvinstar on February 08, 2013, 21:27
Very nice logo!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: faberfoto on February 09, 2013, 08:09
elvinstar, grazie  8)

I'm glad I gave my small contribution to the project  ;)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: wordplanet on February 09, 2013, 11:54
Great looking logo - if I have my site with Photoshelter will I be able to add chosen photos to this project? Will it only be for RF microstock photos or for RM too?
Sounds promising.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 09, 2013, 15:21
I don't know much about RM, but if its simply a license, someone just has to create the basic license.

Should I put an official call out there?

This project needs:


Licensing options for images. A typical default "body" of the license which covers all of the basics, plus license "modifiers" where an author can add or subtract things, making it a narrower or broader allowance. Written in plain English with legal strength. Quite possibly and RF and RM template.
I intend to have a "default settings" area where the license applies to each image uploaded, and an "override" in the image area where licensing as well as pricing can be tweaked for a given image.



I know this seems like a lot of work or deep for the customer, but we are trying to make images "Worth the trouble" as a design solution (advertising is a billion billion billion dollar business after all!) It also allows a happy face or stick figure (or an orange man!) to not be forced out at the same value or licensing as a more elaborate image which took much more effort and skill, or the artist has placed a different value on.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cascoly on February 09, 2013, 19:24
i've got a software license at http://cascoly.com/license.txt (http://cascoly.com/license.txt) that anyone is free to modify - it was used mostly for CDs of lowres images;  it originally came from a shareware forum
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Travelling-light on February 09, 2013, 19:41
I don't know much about RM, but if its simply a license, someone just has to create the basic license.

Should I put an official call out there?

This project needs:


Licensing options for images. A typical default "body" of the license which covers all of the basics, plus license "modifiers" where an author can add or subtract things, making it a narrower or broader allowance. Written in plain English with legal strength. Quite possibly and RF and RM template.
I intend to have a "default settings" area where the license applies to each image uploaded, and an "override" in the image area where licensing as well as pricing can be tweaked for a given image.



I know this seems like a lot of work or deep for the customer, but we are trying to make images "Worth the trouble" as a design solution (advertising is a billion billion billion dollar business after all!) It also allows a happy face or stick figure (or an orange man!) to not be forced out at the same value or licensing as a more elaborate image which took much more effort and skill, or the artist has placed a different value on.


Leo, the license itself is not the complicated bit, it's the pricing. The Stock Artists Alliance have developed a simplified pricing system, which would be the logical way to go. See http://www.stockartistsalliance.org/pluspacks/index.htm (http://www.stockartistsalliance.org/pluspacks/index.htm) for details.

The calculator code is open source, and could be packaged as an optional WordPress plugin.

PicturEngine have implemented this, and it's more straightforward to use than, say, the Alamy or Getty systems.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 10, 2013, 00:53
i've got a software license at [url]http://cascoly.com/license.txt[/url] ([url]http://cascoly.com/license.txt[/url]) that anyone is free to modify - it was used mostly for CDs of lowres images;  it originally came from a shareware forum


404 not found. Its a good template to start from at least!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 10, 2013, 00:58

Leo, the license itself is not the complicated bit, it's the pricing. The Stock Artists Alliance have developed a simplified pricing system, which would be the logical way to go. See [url]http://www.stockartistsalliance.org/pluspacks/index.htm[/url] ([url]http://www.stockartistsalliance.org/pluspacks/index.htm[/url]) for details.

The calculator code is open source, and could be packaged as an optional WordPress plugin.

PicturEngine have implemented this, and it's more straightforward to use than, say, the Alamy or Getty systems.


Another thing completely new to me. These ideas are very good, and I'm happy to learn of these resources. After the initial release (and code-cleanup) hopefully a number of people will be interested enough to help me integrate these. Its not so much complexity, just time and detail.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Microbius on February 10, 2013, 05:33
To be honest (and sorry if it is stepping on anyone's toes), wouldn't it make sense to concentrate on getting the basics right and working with an RF licensing model (much simpler) then work on integrating RM licensing, perhaps as a plugin, later on.

I can see the project is very time consuming or Leo and am wondering if his time is better spent getting the backbone complete first.

For me the most exciting and different thing is the networking of contributors sites together into cooperative groups. That is the real differentiator and what will be new/ powerful about this as opposed to all the other solutions out there.

The integrated search should be the priority. Just my two cents.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pilens on February 10, 2013, 06:01
To be honest (and sorry if it is stepping on anyone's toes), wouldn't it make sense to concentrate on getting the basics right and working with an RF licensing model (much simpler) then work on integrating RM licensing, perhaps as a plugin, later on.

I can see the project is very time consuming or Leo and am wondering if his time is better spent getting the backbone complete first.

For me the most exciting and different thing is the networking of contributors sites together into cooperative groups. That is the real differentiator and what will be new/ powerful about this as opposed to all the other solutions out there.

The integrated search should be the priority. Just my two cents.

+1
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 10, 2013, 18:47
You'll be happy to know know I'm 75% done. The real power of this project will be when its in the hands of the community.These ideas and Maurizio's logo is a very good example of how quickly and nicely things progress in this setting.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pilens on February 10, 2013, 19:52
Thank you for the update, Leo. I guess everyone is getting as excited about this as I am. Even more exciting will be to where the community will have taken this in, say, about a year....   
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: stockmn on February 10, 2013, 20:50
This project sounds great and could be just what we've all been looking for!  I'd like to know, however, if it is just being designed for images or will it support video as well?  Video is my primary interest.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 10, 2013, 21:03
Hypothetically it could support video. Except you would have to host the preview on an external service. I believe WP has a plugin for video as well. Video for a website is fairly depthy, but you could easily set up the "image" page as a video download. I've kept things loose enough so people could do things like that and 3d models.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Jeffrey on February 10, 2013, 21:12
Good to know it is nearing completion.

My part on this project maybe is to make it popular by blogging about this unique WP theme, and donate a few dollars.

You'll be happy to know know I'm 75% done. The real power of this project will be when its in the hands of the community.These ideas and Maurizio's logo is a very good example of how quickly and nicely things progress in this setting.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: bobbigmac on February 11, 2013, 06:46
Sounds awesome :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: incarno on February 14, 2013, 06:25
Installed Wordpress on my host now looking forward to beta-testing :-)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: VB inc on February 14, 2013, 10:18
forgive my ignorance on this subject but how will the search process work? Since this would be the focal point of this new site, shouldn't we have an actual valid discussion how this will come about? Not one or two minds working on it but a collective of thoughts and problem solving skills by many would make for a better search system put in place.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: RacePhoto on February 14, 2013, 11:03
Hypothetically it could support video. Except you would have to host the preview on an external service. I believe WP has a plugin for video as well. Video for a website is fairly depthy, but you could easily set up the "image" page as a video download. I've kept things loose enough so people could do things like that and 3d models.

Hopefully I would host everything for myself, I want to control my own images and access.

Keep up the project! Looks like it's moving along.

Since all of these are just another small operation, Audio?
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 14, 2013, 13:30
forgive my ignorance on this subject but how will the search process work? Since this would be the focal point of this new site, shouldn't we have an actual valid discussion how this will come about? Not one or two minds working on it but a collective of thoughts and problem solving skills by many would make for a better search system put in place.


Needle. Haystack. Magnet. :D

Edit...

Typical search will simply be results based on image tags...quite familiar territory.

Network
search will have a row or two labeled according to the person's network, with maybe 20 images.

Example:

1. You do a search on your friend's site. His images show at about 50 in the first "box" of results.
2. Further down, you see another stack of boxes, with search results, and the top of the box says "results from 'so-and-so's' network, net next box likewise.
3. You like that result. You click on image. A window pops up with image, meta, and price detail. You still like it, so you click the "visit image" link.

One might say: That makes them leave my site! But the opposite is also true...people arrive on your site that way.

In fact, my original symbiostock mascot is this little bee...denoting how people fly around the sites like bees looking for nectar.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8474373664_450a7e6c3d_m.jpg)

There is also an idea I have, but haven't worked it out yet, of a tracking window at the bottom of each site for customers to bookmark and backtrack, and keep track of their carts.

Ultimately this is a new way of looking at the customer/contributor relationship since there is no more agent. The customer enjoys searching, and its a fun travel.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Amanda_K on February 14, 2013, 13:49
forgive my ignorance on this subject but how will the search process work? Since this would be the focal point of this new site, shouldn't we have an actual valid discussion how this will come about? Not one or two minds working on it but a collective of thoughts and problem solving skills by many would make for a better search system put in place.


For what it's worth the search function (as far as I've tested on http://www.clipartillustration.com (http://www.clipartillustration.com),) is already worlds better than the other stores I've set up using popular image selling software with a much higher price tag.  I can't wait to get me hands on it. :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 14, 2013, 13:50

Hopefully I would host everything for myself, I want to control my own images and access.

Keep up the project! Looks like it's moving along.

Since all of these are just another small operation, Audio?

Audio? So far i've added a zip so people can creatively extend the system to sell other things.

But yes, you'd have full control.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: VB inc on February 14, 2013, 17:45
1. You do a search on your friend's site. His images show at about 50 in the first "box" of results.
2. Further down, you see another stack of boxes, with search results, and the top of the box says "results from 'so-and-so's' network, net next box likewise.
3. You like that result. You click on image. A window pops up with image, meta, and price detail. You still like it, so you click the "visit image" link.

I dont have a site up yet to sell my stuff but is very interested in starting one. Hence my lack of knowledge in areas like search.  Do i have to get a word press site in order to participate in this venture of yours?

Im just playing devils advocate here. If i were a buyer (which sometimes i am), two things really annoy me when searching.. keyword spamming and similar content from the same contributor. Is there any way for you to address this on your project? I like to be shown variety.

Maybe the way for a linked sites to work effectively would be to be selective on who i would personally like to join my network. So if a contributor is known to be spamming keywords or putting lots of similars that show up on searches, i can have the option to not have that contributor on my network.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 14, 2013, 18:00
1. You do a search on your friend's site. His images show at about 50 in the first "box" of results.
2. Further down, you see another stack of boxes, with search results, and the top of the box says "results from 'so-and-so's' network, net next box likewise.
3. You like that result. You click on image. A window pops up with image, meta, and price detail. You still like it, so you click the "visit image" link.

I dont have a site up yet to sell my stuff but is very interested in starting one. Hence my lack of knowledge in areas like search.  Do i have to get a word press site in order to participate in this venture of yours?

Im just playing devils advocate here. If i were a buyer (which sometimes i am), two things really annoy me when searching.. keyword spamming and similar content from the same contributor. Is there any way for you to address this on your project? I like to be shown variety.

Maybe the way for a linked sites to work effectively would be to be selective on who i would personally like to join my network. So if a contributor is known to be spamming keywords or putting lots of similars that show up on searches, i can have the option to not have that contributor on my network.

Do i have to get a word press site in order to participate in this venture of yours? - Yes. In fact, as "contributors" start turning into their own agents, they will learn just a few new skills (much like they did when they learned ftp, embedding meta data, etc). I'm hoping the community makes that a fun journey though.

.. keyword spamming and similar content from the same contributor. Too true. I've thought about that quite a bit. The most important people in google are highly involved in this infinite game of cat and mouse... but then there is that next thing you say...

 i can have the option to not have that contributor on my network.
You got it! Not only that, but I'll be putting in individual image exclusions. The self-regulation will be nice. If your network buddy is obnoxiously undercutting, obviously keyword spamming, or doing any number of things... "click" he loses that trust, and with it possible benefits by being connected with you.

Thinking one step ahead...when someone uploads content that is obviously based on yours (or worse, just yours re-uploaded) the microstock agencies are fairly good at policing that. However in this case, with things so easy to set up, you'll have more pirates too, and harder to police because they own their own website...

Solve one problem...create more! Not to mention fraud... agencies now withdraw money you made when someone used a stolen card or whatever. But now when you make that wonderful 100 dollar sale, and the buyer claims they never got their images - paypal never backs you up as the vendor. Some buyers know this...

So there are more issues. With greater power comes greater responsibility. But at least you won't have to hear "We're sorry...we have not found this suitable as..."
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 14, 2013, 18:03
Oh, for the record, I've only had one fraud happen to me in the years I've had my website. $30.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: VB inc on February 14, 2013, 18:23

 i can have the option to not have that contributor on my network.[/i] You got it! Not only that, but I'll be putting in individual image exclusions. The self-regulation will be nice. If your network buddy is obnoxiously undercutting, obviously keyword spamming, or doing any number of things... "click" he loses that trust, and with it possible benefits by being connected with you.


Would the network that i am in be advertised on all the members sites? How would people know who is still linked or not?

I think networks when starting out should have certain rules that all members should abide by. The members themselves should enforce this.

That image exclusion idea sounds great! "that image of his is waaaay better than mine..." zaaap! haha jk.. theres the good and the ugly to this. Notification email goes out to the zapped image producer maybe?
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 14, 2013, 18:37
Yep! Like I said...cat and mouse... You can't program around human nature. People are just too smart!

But if you think about it: Your friends with a guy/lady. You connect up with them for network, probably through microstockgroup chatter.

Your not going to be so quick to jab someone you have a personal connection with are you?

But the fact is if you have a prized image, and your friend has one thats going to take away from one of your key earners, I don't think anyone can hold it against you. But thats human stuff.

The system will be designed to work in "symbiosis". If anyone wants to get "parasitic", let nature rule them out :D

Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Beach Bum on February 14, 2013, 19:44
Doesn't Wordpress limit file sizes to 10MB?
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 14, 2013, 23:10
Maybe its own uploader does. The symbiostock theme uses its own specialized uploader.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 14, 2013, 23:33
Here is a quick glance (remember! Bare bones - not finished product)

Upload-to-image:

http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/2013-02-14_1817.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/2013-02-14_1817.swf)

Some other general features :

http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/2013-02-14_1823.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/2013-02-14_1823.swf)

Note for some of the features in the videos, page refreshes are not needed (ajax, keeps things fast) such as the cart, the symbiostock admin area, etc.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pixart on February 14, 2013, 23:41
I think this deserves a Wooyay HOORAY!  Lookin slick!

Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 14, 2013, 23:48
I think this deserves a Wooyay HOORAY!  Lookin slick!

Thats funny. I'm kind of looking forward to seeing everyone else "go crazy" on things creatively, make it their own, and professionalize it. Especially the front-end design. Of the people contacting me, there are a few designers who I can't wait to give this to.

Something else (sort of a huge priority since this really is a designerly crowd) is that I'd like to have a few "looks" available on click, and those looks can be further adjusted with color pickers, options, etc, without breaking the general continuity of the community's look.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: leaf on February 15, 2013, 04:51
It's looking great.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: sharpshot on February 15, 2013, 05:55
This is quite exciting.  So nice to have something positive to read about here.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: THP Creative on February 15, 2013, 06:21
Loving your work on this so far Kona, keep it up! :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Amanda_K on February 15, 2013, 13:47
Back end is looking so great!  I can't wait to play with this :)  Already getting a domain and branding lined up and some design ideas.  When it comes to customizing look and feel I hope to be able to help out a bit for others who are new to Wordpress and CSS. 

I'd say to anyone that's watching this project with interest don't be intimidated by setting a a WordPress site.  It's an absolutely fantastic platform, very user friendly and massively well documented with a really helpful web community.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pixart on February 15, 2013, 16:37
Trust me... if I can build a WordPress site - YOU can too! ;D
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 15, 2013, 16:49
On a user level the investment of education is not that much when it comes to this stuff. Especially compared to the gains of getting more independent.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cascoly on February 15, 2013, 19:00
i've got a software license at [url]http://cascoly.com/license.txt[/url] ([url]http://cascoly.com/license.txt[/url]) that anyone is free to modify - it was used mostly for CDs of lowres images;  it originally came from a shareware forum


404 not found. Its a good template to start from at least!


sorry,
should be
http://cascoly.com/license.asp (http://cascoly.com/license.asp)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Smithore on February 15, 2013, 19:05
Looks really exciting, hope to test soon
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: luissantos84 on February 15, 2013, 19:05
thumbs up here too ;D
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: THP Creative on February 15, 2013, 20:12
I think this deserves a Wooyay HOORAY!  Lookin slick!

Thats funny. I'm kind of looking forward to seeing everyone else "go crazy" on things creatively, make it their own, and professionalize it. Especially the front-end design. Of the people contacting me, there are a few designers who I can't wait to give this to.

Something else (sort of a huge priority since this really is a designerly crowd) is that I'd like to have a few "looks" available on click, and those looks can be further adjusted with color pickers, options, etc, without breaking the general continuity of the community's look.

I think this sort of thing is crucial. Since we can't use our own theme and plugin the functionality that you are building, then the theme itself needs to look great and highly customisable for those (like myself) with little to no CSS ability.

Hopefully the designers that you are in contact with can come up with something really great that will be a crowd-pleaser as well as allow for some variety between sites.

I gotta say Kona, this is shaping up to be the most exciting stock development for a LONG time.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 15, 2013, 20:28
The crowd pleaser will have to be how invisible the "basic" look is. Basically a showcase for the product, which is what its all about.

But I'm hoping after everyone refines that "canvas" we can build style folders that paint on that canvas, giving more flare, and further enhanced by other things you can do in the admin area (fonts, colors, backgrounds).

I'm hoping it opens up opportunities for the various designers who get involved to sell their style schemes. I had in mind that when a style-plugin is uploaded, Symbiostock will process it to work with the site properly.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Oshoot on February 15, 2013, 21:59
Just dropped in after a few weeks absence. What a wonderful thing to see such creative, positive energy at work. I can offer no experience in programming, and may not be skillful enough to even figure out what appears to be a really great, easy to use plan, but I sure am willing to give it a go. Thanks for a real day brightened!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 15, 2013, 22:06
The positive response keeps me going. Also Mtn Dew and 80's music. TY!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 15, 2013, 22:13
For those of you prepping - let me list some packages you might want to get familiar with that I'm using for this. That way you can hit the ground running on release:

Presentation:
Font-awesome
http://fortawesome.github.com/Font-Awesome/ (http://fortawesome.github.com/Font-Awesome/) (minimal icons, scalable, etc)

Twitter Bootstrap
http://twitter.github.com/bootstrap/ (http://twitter.github.com/bootstrap/) (for modern responsive layout and other perks)

Google fonts
http://www.google.com/webfonts (http://www.google.com/webfonts) (for the website font, and the future ability for customer to switch)

Plus other stuff I'm probly forgetting.

Thats just the front-end stuff.


Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Jeffrey on February 16, 2013, 00:25
Getting exciting.

How can one become a tester?
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 16, 2013, 01:08
I'll be releasing it pretty soon for testing. Once the core features are done and reasonably cleaned up.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 17, 2013, 14:48
A small update:

The cart is done! Its very simple, only uses paypal. As mentioned in opening comments, you can apply a unique price to each image at any time, as well as discounts. The cart takes all of this into consideration (showing value, before after). It works smoothly without page refreshes. Without a doubt it needs to be improved slightly in bugs and other features. But right now it can "Sell stuff" which is what we want to start with.

Next I will be working on search results and the "symbiostock network" feature.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 19, 2013, 15:33
Update!

I'm well along on the "communicator" aspect of the theme which supplies both local and remote search requests. Its actually the backbone of what makes it work so uniquely, keep the network integrated and social...all that fun stuff. This is the last big thing and the rest is just small details.

Also the uploader/processor (what gives you a site populated with thousands of images within only hours) is continually being improved to help the user and get bug free.

All I can say is I can't wait to get this thing out.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Oshoot on February 19, 2013, 18:32
I can't wait either! Sounds like a winning idea. Kudos to you for your hard work!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Amanda_K on February 23, 2013, 13:36
Hey Kona!  Just checking in anything we can do to be helping out? All your hard work is very much appreciated :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 23, 2013, 15:26
Your timing is good. Yes, I could use some help on an important aspect of this project.

But first, here is a status update:

For the last few days I've been solving some pretty deep puzzles in getting the communicator to work properly. In essence it has to switch between xml and human viewable results depending on if the requester is a network machine or person! And all if this while playing nicely with wordpress. Happily, I got the remaining issues solved yesterday :D. Now I'm getting into the "just details" phase where I can start wrapping thigs up.

It appears release is getting very close. Also the network will have a "social network" feel to it in the admin area, but I've decided to only put in the necessary things for now, and leave that open for expansion. Right now the "What are you up to?" or "Comment on so and so's image" is not crucial.


I talked some time ago with Microstock group's owner and when unless anything changes, all of the development, chat, and network coordinating will be hosted here on microstock group. Thats a huge privilege, especially in getting a trend started to help people.

Regarding help! Yes, I need help -

Symbiostock main website will need a complete branding scheme with the logo standing central to its influence. We are going to need icon sets, color schemes, and a general direction for the architecture as well. Right now it will be an updates and download hub to start. Very simple.

The general theme of "SYMBIOSTOCK" will appear clean, modern, slightly minimal, with a "natural sciences" feel to it, especially as it relates to symbiotic relationships. Cute plants and insects would be needed the most. Refreshing is the keyword. Also a big goal of mine will be to keep the community's general nature helpful and positive, with minimal drama. No doubt the design could help set this mood.

So along with general icon sets that cover all the standard website functions, we will also need some creative illustrations.

Its also important to mention these are donations for the MAIN WEBSITE and are not going to be a part of the open source package or redistributed - so you'd be able to use them in your own microstock portfolios. Credit would also go to you.

However if someone is comfortable with making some 16x16, 32x32 icons of insects and flowers (viewed from top) for the distributable package, that would be helpful. But this would be a donation. I've already made a few - http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/symbiobugs.ai (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/symbiobugs.ai)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Amanda_K on February 23, 2013, 17:45
I'd be thrilled to help out with some illustrations and icons!  I'll email you with a couple questions.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 23, 2013, 20:12
One more important thing. Its no good for everyone to deploy a site, upload images...and then not have a good User End License Agreement.

If someone can actually put together a nice basic agreement for people to use, standard stuff, good allowances, that will be important. Otherwise everyone will be sort of hanging. I had help with mine, so I can't just post my own for people to use. Put the word out :D.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 25, 2013, 15:15
How many people are following this thread? Like 3? I thought I read that someone actually opened up a website based on the progress of this project. Here's a small update to keep people...updated.

Almost done search results. They are quite interactive with lots of bling and hover stuff going on, custom controls for admins and customers...modal windows.

Why do I feel like I'm designing a whole dang stock photography website like Istock?
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cthoman on February 25, 2013, 16:11
I'm still following it. Does that make 4?  ;)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 25, 2013, 16:20
I don't know, but your little reply here just made a whole new page! Page 8! We are officially viral. 5 people...do we have 5 people?
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cthoman on February 25, 2013, 16:22
All joking aside, I think you'd be surprised how many people follow these threads. Especially one that has 8 pages.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: luissantos84 on February 25, 2013, 16:27
How many people are following this thread?

I am! ;D
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: chromaco on February 25, 2013, 17:07
I don't have the first clue how to even start with a site like this. But if you get this to work I will learn! I haven't commented because I have nothing to add right now but you need to know that people are watching and are very appreciative of your initiative and effort.
Don't stop, and as others have said before, figure out a way to make this worth your effort.
I will happily pay, because this idea is worth while.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: sharpshot on February 25, 2013, 17:07
I'm following this thread, 6061 views isn't bad.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: leaf on February 25, 2013, 17:11
There's always a lot of people hiding in the shadows.  If you were to put a poll in this thread saying 'are you interested' you'd get a lot more responses that people having to say me me, or respond in the thread.  There are also lots who follow the forum but don't post.  Come out of the shadows you ghosts! :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: brisoca on February 25, 2013, 17:20
I don't have the first clue how to even start with a site like this. But if you get this to work I will learn! I haven't commented because I have nothing to add right now but you need to know that people are watching and are very appreciative of your initiative and effort.
Don't stop, and as others have said before, figure out a way to make this worth your effort.
I will happily pay, because this idea is worth while.

+1 (I am one of the ghosts)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 25, 2013, 17:32
Awesome guys. I'm glad to hear there are people following! I needed a little boost. I'll make a thread pole as well, because I need some opinions on a few basic things. I'll also post another video not long from now, but far better, I'll be ready to release it soon too.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: redwater on February 25, 2013, 17:33
i've been following this thread for a while now. very much interested and would be happy to pay.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 25, 2013, 17:44
There's always a lot of people hiding in the shadows.  If you were to put a poll in this thread saying 'are you interested' you'd get a lot more responses that people having to say me me, or respond in the thread.  There are also lots who follow the forum but don't post.  Come out of the shadows you ghosts! :)

There's actually quite a few things I want to check on with people. Is there a limit to 1 pole per thread?
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 25, 2013, 17:45
PS - I submitted the pole "Whats your biggest reason for following this thread? "
I'm really looking forward to responses!

Thanks again. I needed a bit of motivation. I've been on this a looonngggg time now.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: lbarn on February 25, 2013, 18:17
I am interested in your project.............

going back to the shadows
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: klsbear on February 25, 2013, 18:29
I'm following and interested.  I'm on the fence about hosting my own site but you're making it sound like this will be very easy for those without programming abilities.  It's exciting to see a project that gives power to the individual artists.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Open_ on February 25, 2013, 18:53
carry on dude  ;)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pilens on February 25, 2013, 19:40
How many people are following this thread? Like 3? I thought I read that someone actually opened up a website based on the progress of this project. Here's a small update to keep people...updated.

Almost done search results. They are quite interactive with lots of bling and hover stuff going on, custom controls for admins and customers...modal windows.

Why do I feel like I'm designing a whole dang stock photography website like Istock?

Please, please keep it up. Your photo website development is the best thing that happened in micro so far this year.

Can we actually start setting up our websites "based on the progress of this project"? Is a part of this already released? I am ready to start, just need to know where...
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 25, 2013, 19:46

Please, please keep it up. Your photo website development is the best thing that happened in micro so far this year.

Can we actually start setting up our websites "based on the progress of this project"? Is a part of this already released? I am ready to start, just need to know where...

If you want to register a domain, find some decent hosting, and get wordpress installed, things should be pretty well in stone. Unless I die, lose all my work, or something equivalent. Also I have someone who is going to be bug testing and cleaning up some of my code, so he may help it along faster or delay it based on whatever happens.

In general though (as much as I'd love to give a timeframe) I'm much safer saying "Soon" and "Definitely", and you can plan based on that. Once I finish this part I'm on I'll post a few videos.
Title: *IMPORTANT*
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 25, 2013, 19:55
*IMPORTANT*

This is something I have to mention. This network system is going to have a unique issue: Consistent hosting.

Every search result is going to call up an xml feed from your network buddy's site. So if you have 5 people in your network, your search results will be including 5 different external website results. I'm not going to build caching in because of some other factors. I want all search results to be "live".

Obviously you can't control everything, and our first release will be far from perfect. But we need to suggest some good hosting and standards for setting up your network site to avoid lag, downtime, and general speed issues.

Scenerio: If so-and-so-author has a laggy site, their buddy's page load times are going to suffer. Bad for customers AND SEO. I fully intend to work around this, for instance, having javascript update the page after pageload on the "laggy" guys, but these things I will only be able to perfect after there are a few networks running. I need guinea pigs.

In the meantime, though, I'd love a little help listing some good but inexpensive hosts especially for newbies. Also if anyone wants to help people set up, they should mention it.

As people list good hosting solutions we can add them to the original post.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pilens on February 25, 2013, 20:21

Please, please keep it up. Your photo website development is the best thing that happened in micro so far this year.

Can we actually start setting up our websites "based on the progress of this project"? Is a part of this already released? I am ready to start, just need to know where...

If you want to register a domain, find some decent hosting, and get wordpress installed, things should be pretty well in stone. Unless I die, lose all my work, or something equivalent. Also I have someone who is going to be bug testing and cleaning up some of my code, so he may help it along faster or delay it based on whatever happens.

In general though (as much as I'd love to give a timeframe) I'm much safer saying "Soon" and "Definitely", and you can plan based on that. Once I finish this part I'm on I'll post a few videos.

OK. I started thinking I was missing something.

I am with bluehost.com, which has been recommended to me for speed and reliability with reasonable price tag. Can't say much from own experience since my site isn't up. I started tinkering with CMSaccount Photo Store, then learned of your project here. I stopped any code-tweaking of the CMSaccount package and focused on more general things that will help me with a speedy set up of my website using Wordpress and your project. As I said, I am ready to go... 
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 25, 2013, 20:28
I've been with Inmotion all this time, and I'd suggest it for people who are confident their portfolio's can justify an Inmotion price tag, but like you say Bluehost is fairly good. That would be my first suggestion as well.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: farbled on February 25, 2013, 20:49
I've been with Inmotion all this time, and I'd suggest it for people who are confident their portfolio's can justify an Inmotion price tag, but like you say Bluehost is fairly good. That would be my first suggestion as well.

I've been mostly silently following this thread and I check it every day. I just haven't had anything constructive to contribute yet. :) I can't wait to be able to test drive it though.

I live in Canada, and my webost is ehosting.ca. Seems the most relaible out of a half dozen of then I tried out over the years. You also get a referral bonus if you refer someone.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: RacePhoto on February 25, 2013, 20:56
I've been using Gate since my first self hosted site. I used to have something like 13 on Prodigy. Long story, just that three were Prodigy SBC and the other ten were my own. Then they cut the Prodigy sites and a couple of years ago they stopped the free hosting.

I have the business plan, $9,95 a month, for a long log time (looked = since 2004). Fast, good fair price, I don't know what their down time is, because I haven't had any problems. http://www.gate.com/linux-hosting/business-hosting-plan.html (http://www.gate.com/linux-hosting/business-hosting-plan.html)

Unlimited Storage
Title: Re: *IMPORTANT*
Post by: Travelling-light on February 25, 2013, 21:07

In the meantime, though, I'd love a little help listing some good but inexpensive hosts especially for newbies. Also if anyone wants to help people set up, they should mention it.

As people list good hosting solutions we can add them to the original post.


For anyone in Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific I would highly recommend AussieHQ at http://www.aussiehq.com.au/web_and_email_hosting (http://www.aussiehq.com.au/web_and_email_hosting)

We've been with them since 2003 (originally AussieHosts), and service has been excellent. AU$15/month gets you a single domain, 10GB storage and unlimited traffic.

ETA I'm willing to help with setup - I've several years tweaking Wordpress sites
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cthoman on February 25, 2013, 21:37
I've been with Inmotion all this time, and I'd suggest it for people who are confident their portfolio's can justify an Inmotion price tag, but like you say Bluehost is fairly good. That would be my first suggestion as well.

Yeah. Bluehost has a nice easy Wordpress install in their control panels, although Wordpress is fairly easy to install manually too.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Amanda_K on February 25, 2013, 21:39
I've been running with Bluehost for years and not had too many issues, though I think if you have a massive library and expect tons of traffic you may want to look into something a little more robust, like MediaTemple. 

A couple of places to start:

Bluehost.com - great support, Cpanel, one click Wordpress starts at around $7.00 per month

Pacifichost.com - I haven't used them personally but they were very high on my list when I researched setting up another photo store.  They have plans even cheaper than Bluehost but they are specifically photo store friendly and will even help you move an existing site. (These guys are my back up plan!) Cpanel as well, easy Wordpress install

If you are looking for something for a larger site MediaTemple.com is by all accounts pretty rock solid.  They have plans starting at $20.00 per month and lots of room to upgrade.

The ones to avoid:

Hostgator - Won't host photo sites

GoDaddy - I've had personal bad experiences with them (down time and such) and I've had many clients who were less tech savvy get sucked into buying a lot of un needed extras.

General Tips:

• Most hosts will allow you to register your domain through them, this is great for beginners, you may find it a few dollars cheaper to register somewhere else but the potential headaches are probably not worth the $2.00 if you are new to hosting/domains etc.

• Look for host that offers Cpanel, it will usually give you access to one click install for Wordpress which is an awesome time saver
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Open_ on February 25, 2013, 22:05
I'am looking at Godaddy offer now;
http://www.godaddy.com/hosting/web-hosting.aspx?ci=76393 (http://www.godaddy.com/hosting/web-hosting.aspx?ci=76393)

unlimited space and bandwidth, pretty cheap. not sure about reliability, anyone here ever use godaddy?
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: ppdd on February 25, 2013, 22:11
I've had great luck with amazingly responsive management for my VPS with Knownhost: http://www.knownhost.com/ (http://www.knownhost.com/)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 25, 2013, 22:17
Great guys! keep these coming. After a little convo I'll add some of the most agreed upon ones.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cathyslife on February 25, 2013, 22:24
I have used bluehost for the Ktools site I used to have up, and I use it for a couple of clients websites. Never any issues and good customer service.

My personal site has been hosted on IXWebhosting for years. Again, no issues ever and you get to talk to a real person for tech support. They are a little more expensive than bluehost, but I don't want to change just to save a few bucks.

I would recommend either.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cathyslife on February 25, 2013, 22:27
I'am looking at Godaddy offer now;
[url]http://www.godaddy.com/hosting/web-hosting.aspx?ci=76393[/url] ([url]http://www.godaddy.com/hosting/web-hosting.aspx?ci=76393[/url])

unlimited space and bandwidth, pretty cheap. not sure about reliability, anyone here ever use godaddy?


I have not used it, but have had others say that it is sometimes unreliable. For that reason, I never recommend it. Also, it used to be dirt cheap, and I don't usually use THE cheapest thing around...you always get what you pay for. But I don't have any first hand experience.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: RacePhoto on February 25, 2013, 22:33
I'am looking at Godaddy offer now;
[url]http://www.godaddy.com/hosting/web-hosting.aspx?ci=76393[/url] ([url]http://www.godaddy.com/hosting/web-hosting.aspx?ci=76393[/url])

unlimited space and bandwidth, pretty cheap. not sure about reliability, anyone here ever use godaddy?


NO and here's why. GoDaddy limitation and it's expensive to increase this. I don't like the way this is well hidden in the TOS.


250000 MB of monthly data transfer

Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 26, 2013, 00:04
Here is a rough idea of how search results will work. Keep in mind that its not completely styled yet.

My mic is not plugged in, so you have to deal with my typing :D

www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/exampleofsearch.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/exampleofsearch.swf)

I realize the machine/xml stuff might be confusing. What is being said is simply that minimal results are fetched initially, processed and delivered to customer, and the browser generates detailed previews, etc. Keeping the load light.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: jeancliclac on February 26, 2013, 00:39
I don't have the first clue how to even start with a site like this. But if you get this to work I will learn! I haven't commented because I have nothing to add right now but you need to know that people are watching and are very appreciative of your initiative and effort.
Don't stop, and as others have said before, figure out a way to make this worth your effort.
I will happily pay, because this idea is worth while.

+1 (I am one of the ghosts)

+1 (me too)
you can also count on me / also for financial support when relevant
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: THP Creative on February 26, 2013, 01:45
Most definitely watching this with HUGE interest Kona.  Keep up the awesome work. Can only imagine how much work you have put in already, it's really appreciated. :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Phil on February 26, 2013, 02:57
I've been running with Bluehost for years and not had too many issues, though I think if you have a massive library and expect tons of traffic you may want to look into something a little more robust, like MediaTemple. 

A couple of places to start:

Bluehost.com - great support, Cpanel, one click Wordpress starts at around $7.00 per month

Pacifichost.com - I haven't used them personally but they were very high on my list when I researched setting up another photo store.  They have plans even cheaper than Bluehost but they are specifically photo store friendly and will even help you move an existing site. (These guys are my back up plan!) Cpanel as well, easy Wordpress install

If you are looking for something for a larger site MediaTemple.com is by all accounts pretty rock solid.  They have plans starting at $20.00 per month and lots of room to upgrade.

The ones to avoid:

Hostgator - Won't host photo sites

GoDaddy - I've had personal bad experiences with them (down time and such) and I've had many clients who were less tech savvy get sucked into buying a lot of un needed extras.

General Tips:

• Most hosts will allow you to register your domain through them, this is great for beginners, you may find it a few dollars cheaper to register somewhere else but the potential headaches are probably not worth the $2.00 if you are new to hosting/domains etc.

• Look for host that offers Cpanel, it will usually give you access to one click install for Wordpress which is an awesome time saver

I went to pacifichost between hostgator (who I found very good but as you say no photo sites) and bluehost (who I am happy with, very occasional issues and good support). Anyway it was a 3-4 years back (so I 'm working from memory) but had major problems with dns issues and other problems on their servers causing my sites to be invisible / die / etc. They said they had 24/7 support but the reality was that they only provided support US business hours, and it took a few days at the best of times, response was always we'll look into it, cant see anything wrong or something wrong on your site (I got to the point of a single page site to make sure). After months of it barely ever working I cancelled hosting. Hopefully they are better now, but I'd be a little cautious.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: faberfoto on February 26, 2013, 04:07
Here is a rough idea of how search results will work. Keep in mind that its not completely styled yet.
My mic is not plugged in, so you have to deal with my typing :D
[url=http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/exampleofsearch.swf]www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/exampleofsearch.swf[/url] ([url]http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/exampleofsearch.swf[/url])
I realize the machine/xml stuff might be confusing. What is being said is simply that minimal results are fetched initially, processed and delivered to customer, and the browser generates detailed previews, etc. Keeping the load light.


great work!  ;)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: luissantos84 on February 26, 2013, 08:40
very nice job again and again, cheers!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Blammo on February 26, 2013, 09:21
Brilliant  ;)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Amanda_K on February 26, 2013, 14:41
Thanks Phil!  I think I'll be sticking with Bluehost for now then, always good to hear from someone who actually used the service!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Smithore on February 26, 2013, 14:51
Thanks KonaHawaii to continue the big work!! I'm sure many contributors want to test it.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: fotografer on February 26, 2013, 15:12
I'm a bit out of my depth with all this but following with interest.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 26, 2013, 18:22
RacePhoto did an AWESOME depiction of what I've been trying to explain here regarding how symbiostock networks will work. See attached picture.
(http://s5.postimage.org/hnyb0cgvb/micro_floower_nodes.jpg)
One way or another, you can find your way to most of the flowers, just as a bee might (the customers) but the path is not always direct. But differnt ones are connected according to the randomness in which the networks share intersts/people. However the customer does enjoy the journey of not only seeing their options, but more importantly the identity and world of the artist who created them. Its not about gumball machine lowcost instant results...its about the journey and finding the right solution, and the solution is also the people, not just the pictures. Blog posts, different websites and services...all sharing the symbiostock network. Thanks RacePhoto that is really awesome.
edit: attached picture wrong
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pilens on February 26, 2013, 18:40
This is so exciting I can hardly wait.

A big THANK YOU, Leo, for doing all the hard work on this.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 26, 2013, 18:44
I hope its the first of much fun to come.

Also another person who wishes to remain anonymous made me a beautifull illustration on request for the project. I wanted to show it here but they don't want to have their anonymity lost or their work spun off from (the person's portfolio is wonderful so I can see why their concerned) but anyway much interest and talented people contributing and more to come, so its kept me inspired.

Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: dirkr on February 27, 2013, 05:25
That all really sounds very exciting.
Only that I have absolutely no clue about setting up my own website and whatever is required for that. And no time currently to learn due to my day job. But I'll keep reading, and once I find the time I might jump into such a project.

Keep up the great work!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: stocked on February 27, 2013, 06:16

Only that I have absolutely no clue about setting up my own website and whatever is required for that.

How To Make a Wordpress Website - AMAZING! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jv47_VIBOQ#)
it's easy and fast don't worry!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: stocked on February 27, 2013, 06:17
Let me add:
I'm sto(c)ked by this project! :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: dirkr on February 27, 2013, 07:56

Only that I have absolutely no clue about setting up my own website and whatever is required for that.

How To Make a Wordpress Website - AMAZING! ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jv47_VIBOQ#[/url])
it's easy and fast don't worry!


Thanks. I'll look at that tonight.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on February 28, 2013, 14:45
Small update - I'm down to just a few small details regarding the search fields/forms, paypal ipn, and maybe some css on a few pages.

I've also deployed it online to see if it works "Out of the box" right away, and it does!

Gonna test the networking abilities on a few of my own test sites, and once thats done I'll release it.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pilens on February 28, 2013, 14:48
That's good news! The finish line is in sight  :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Jeffrey on February 28, 2013, 20:03
Good to hear.

I am also 9 days to go before I got independent from iS!  ;D
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Travelling-light on February 28, 2013, 22:53
Small update - I'm down to just a few small details regarding the search fields/forms, paypal ipn, and maybe some css on a few pages.

I've also deployed it online to see if it works "Out of the box" right away, and it does!

Gonna test the networking abilities on a few of my own test sites, and once thats done I'll release it.

We're looking forward to being able to try out a test site. Great work, Leo!

Has anyone come up with good ideas on RF license agreements yet? I've been digging on the Web, but haven't come up with anything very generic. Particularly with networks of sites, some agreement would be good on repro limits, whether to require ELs, and the like. Also, there's always the problem of whose law to should be used to interpret the agreement. Has anyone been making progress on this?

RM is less of a problem, especially if we use PLUS licensing, as the conditions are spelled out in detail.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 01, 2013, 00:36
Small update - I'm down to just a few small details regarding the search fields/forms, paypal ipn, and maybe some css on a few pages.

I've also deployed it online to see if it works "Out of the box" right away, and it does!

Gonna test the networking abilities on a few of my own test sites, and once thats done I'll release it.

We're looking forward to being able to try out a test site. Great work, Leo!



Has anyone come up with good ideas on RF license agreements yet? I've been digging on the Web, but haven't come up with anything very generic. Particularly with networks of sites, some agreement would be good on repro limits, whether to require ELs, and the like. Also, there's always the problem of whose law to should be used to interpret the agreement. Has anyone been making progress on this?

RM is less of a problem, especially if we use PLUS licensing, as the conditions are spelled out in detail.

I'm very happy to hear about that prompt. I truly hope someone who's fairly experienced in this area can make a few defaults for people to use. I could even set it up to >insert name<  or >insert copyright notice< or >insert site name / URL < dynamically. I just need a solid template. I simply can't take it upon myself to make a default license.

Of course I will happily release it without a default license! Its just going to slow down lots of people.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 01, 2013, 02:49
Update: Search functionality works great. You can toggle between the image search and typical blog search. It works on the default wordpress search page and the special taxonomy page, which also delivers xml results.

Wow...getting close!

Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pixart on March 01, 2013, 12:22
I have to admit Kona, every time I see you have posted I am on the edge of my seat...
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 01, 2013, 13:37
I really hope to be done with this soon. I have to detour to a customer. Today I'm going to try to crack out a mammoth amount of work.

One thing I must say is the initial release will be cool, but the first thing your going to realize is that you want more features (especially to modify appearance) and the second thing your going to realize is there are still bugs I haven't found.

I *really* hope to be done with this within a few days if possible.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cthoman on March 01, 2013, 13:41
I really hope to be done with this soon. I have to detour to a customer. Today I'm going to try to crack out a mammoth amount of work.

One thing I must say is the initial release will be cool, but the first thing your going to realize is that you want more features (especially to modify appearance) and the second thing your going to realize is there are still bugs I haven't found.

I *really* hope to be done with this within a few days if possible.

Sweet. I'll have to set up a clean local Wordpress install to test it out.

Update: New Wordpress installed on my localhost. Ready for testing.  :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pilens on March 01, 2013, 18:39
Update: New Wordpress installed on my localhost. Ready for testing.  :)

How did you that? Can you point me to some instructions? I want to be ready for testing, too.   :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Travelling-light on March 01, 2013, 19:22
Update: New Wordpress installed on my localhost. Ready for testing.  :)


How did you that? Can you point me to some instructions? I want to be ready for testing, too.   :)


If you're running on a Windows machine, go to http://www.wampserver.com/en/ (http://www.wampserver.com/en/) and install the WAMP server. This gives you a local Web server to test on, not normally accessible from outside your home network. You can install Wordpress from http://wordpress.org (http://wordpress.org) and you're ready to go.

If you're using a Mac, then I believe http://www.mamp.info/en/index.html (http://www.mamp.info/en/index.html) will do the same for you.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cthoman on March 01, 2013, 19:31
Update: New Wordpress installed on my localhost. Ready for testing.  :)


How did you that? Can you point me to some instructions? I want to be ready for testing, too.   :)


If you're running on a Windows machine, go to [url]http://www.wampserver.com/en/[/url] ([url]http://www.wampserver.com/en/[/url]) and install the WAMP server. This gives you a local Web server to test on, not normally accessible from outside your home network. You can install Wordpress from [url]http://wordpress.org[/url] ([url]http://wordpress.org[/url]) and you're ready to go.

If you're using a Mac, then I believe [url]http://www.mamp.info/en/index.html[/url] ([url]http://www.mamp.info/en/index.html[/url]) will do the same for you.


Thanks. Yes. This is what I was doing. I used MAMP. Here's the Wordpress instructions:

http://codex.wordpress.org/Installing_WordPress (http://codex.wordpress.org/Installing_WordPress)

It's basically creating a new database, modifying a php file, and running the install.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Snufkin on March 01, 2013, 19:59
Update: New Wordpress installed on my localhost. Ready for testing.  :)


How did you that? Can you point me to some instructions? I want to be ready for testing, too.   :)


If you're running on a Windows machine, go to [url]http://www.wampserver.com/en/[/url] ([url]http://www.wampserver.com/en/[/url]) and install the WAMP server. This gives you a local Web server to test on, not normally accessible from outside your home network. You can install Wordpress from [url]http://wordpress.org[/url] ([url]http://wordpress.org[/url]) and you're ready to go.

If you're using a Mac, then I believe [url]http://www.mamp.info/en/index.html[/url] ([url]http://www.mamp.info/en/index.html[/url]) will do the same for you.


I used Wamp in the past when I was learning Drupal, but now Bitnami seems to be a better option for beginners. You just need to download bitnami with the Wordpress stack and the installation couldn't be simpler:
http://bitnami.org/stacks (http://bitnami.org/stacks)
It's basically a one click installation of Wordpress (or other CMS with other stacks) on your local machine.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 01, 2013, 20:15
Hey guys! We got some fledgling developers here?

I'm really happy to hear your going to be trying it on your machines. Be mindful though the network feature only works on actual servers.

If you want to help with some development, here's some other things you can look into:

https://getfirebug.com/ (https://getfirebug.com/) - for testing on your browser.

http://codex.wordpress.org/ (http://codex.wordpress.org/) - since Symbiostock is a wordpress theme, the codex is your bible.

edit - you can easily see the majority of the theme operating on localhost, even the image management/processing
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Lizard on March 01, 2013, 21:40
I was "rehabilitating" from anything connected with stock for quite a while , I come back and there
couldn't be something more interesting  to see than this.

It sounds and what i run into on previous pages it also looks great
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pilens on March 01, 2013, 23:44
Hey, thanks guys! I am ready to go now  8) - Yeah, sure, I am not surprised that the network feature doesn't work on a localhost server. I guess testing the network functions only makes sense after everything else is set up and running properly, anyway.
Don't want to rush you, Leo, but when can we start???  ;) 
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 01, 2013, 23:48
I think we're down to only a few days now. I'm working full days on this.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: VB inc on March 02, 2013, 00:08
just wanted to say you rock. keep up the great work man.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pilens on March 02, 2013, 00:38
I think we're down to only a few days now. I'm working full days on this.
I am just excited and teasing you, Leo. Wouldn't mind at all if you took a weekend off   :D
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Amanda_K on March 02, 2013, 02:48
Leo relax for at least a day! :)  I have some graphics to get to you, of course the week I volunteer to help I get swamped by clients :P
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: m-studio on March 02, 2013, 03:41
I'm new here so I could'n give a hand until now..
If somebody needs some help how to install WP drop me a PM.

Congratulations for the project!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Chico on March 02, 2013, 14:44
I love to help, but my skills are only related to illustrator, photoshop and similar stuff.

Lots of thanks to Leo, of course.  ;)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 02, 2013, 16:11
Just due to the general abilities of this crowd I'm thinking the majority of help will be on visual/design stuff, which is of high value.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: MFCA on March 02, 2013, 17:37
  I'm new to stock photo and my portfolio is really small compared to fantastic people over here. But if you need content count on me (PHP is no my thing). Plus I can help you with translation to Portuguese if that helps. PM me any text you need translated. Best regards and good luck with the project.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 02, 2013, 19:43
Thank you MFCA, will do! Eventually translation in a few languages will be needed, but thats far beyond me now. Actually the one helping me bug-hunt has some language/translate ability too as it relates to software.

Here is another little video of the login-logout in action as well as the finished local search. The customer will not necessarily find their way to the admin area (I'm still working on it) but here is everything in action.

login-logout
http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/login-logout.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/login-logout.swf)

search in action
http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/searchinaction.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/searchinaction.swf)

search in action-blog
http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/blogsearch.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/blogsearch.swf)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 02, 2013, 19:47
Please remember that the front-end will be needing work well into our public testing. But the functionality is there and mostly what I'm focusing on.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 02, 2013, 19:53
...and here is the Network management panel, which will end up like your own little admin-screen facebook, watching updates and new images from around your network. Its going to be a huge focus as symbiostock keeps getting developed. Here's the rock-bottom-basics:

http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/networkpanel.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/networkpanel.swf)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 02, 2013, 20:11
And since we're on a roll, here is the product functionality/experience for both the customer and you -

http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/productfunctionality.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/productfunctionality.swf)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: farbled on March 02, 2013, 20:52
And since we're on a roll, here is the product functionality/experience for both the customer and you -

[url]http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/productfunctionality.swf[/url] ([url]http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/productfunctionality.swf[/url])


Holy crap! These are awesome! I cannot wait to be able to try this out.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Beach Bum on March 03, 2013, 02:07
This is going to be great!  Thanks, Kona, for your hard work.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 04, 2013, 20:00
Who wants a progress update?

I got the network feature working! Its wonderfully simple. I'm working on some login / account stuff, and whatever bugs manifest here and there.

My unsung hero which has been testing and looking things over and reports that it installs great, no errors, good code. There are a few concerns regarding some features we'd assume should be there (like image browsing) but I'll be selling a plugin for that. :D.

Also I haven't exactly had a torrent of help regarding a licensing system, so I'm trying to get some help from some wonderful contacts on that frontier as well, which might delay its release a bit.

As you know, even if this is a test build, its still the foundation and will set the pattern for everything, so I want all the important stuff to be done right.

Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: THP Creative on March 04, 2013, 20:59
Kona it's looking great, I really can't wait to get my hands on it. I think this is going to be a winner for you (selling plugins etc for it) and for us all.

So incredibly keen to get my own sales platform happening with this....
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 05, 2013, 04:25
Here's another visual update. Finally you can see how networked search results work. As mentioned, you can see your network's search results under your own, nice and organized, with some visual branding as well and the name of your network.

www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/network_results.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/network_results.swf)

I still have some things to fix, but coming along.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Chico on March 05, 2013, 05:08
Here's another visual update. Finally you can see how networked search results work. As mentioned, you can see your network's search results under your own, nice and organized, with some visual branding as well and the name of your network.

[url=http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/network_results.swf]www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/network_results.swf[/url] ([url]http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/network_results.swf[/url])

I still have some things to fix, but coming along.


AMAZING!!! Thanks for all hard work, Leo.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: fotografer on March 05, 2013, 06:49
You are my new hero :D
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: MFCA on March 05, 2013, 07:42
Woa Kona is looking real nice job  8) (This is one of the rare moments I start thinking why I didn't took programing classes  ::) )
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: sima on March 05, 2013, 11:06
Great job, thank You!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: click_click on March 05, 2013, 12:39
Awesome! Can't wait to try it out.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: OLJensa on March 05, 2013, 14:46
I just found this thread. Dont know how I could completely miss it up until now. Just want to say:

WOW, super duper amazing job Leo!!! I so hope this will become reality. I wish that I could help in any way, but I'm not into programing at all unfortunately....
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 05, 2013, 18:03
Hey guys, thanks a lot! Still plugging away. Trying to get things working fast so we can start testing. Glad to hear positive response as always.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 05, 2013, 18:06
BTW, Wreck It Ralph came out today. It might slow down my progress a bit...

(http://disney.go.com/wreck-it-ralph/ (http://disney.go.com/wreck-it-ralph/))
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on March 05, 2013, 18:14
BTW, Wreck It Ralph came out today. It might slow down my progress a bit...

([url]http://disney.go.com/wreck-it-ralph/[/url] ([url]http://disney.go.com/wreck-it-ralph/[/url]))


4 disc 3d set from Target for $27, baby!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 05, 2013, 18:42
Hey Sean!

Here's an easy task, if anyone wants to do it...its just time consuming :D.

Categories...You don't have to use them. Totally optional. But the theme does have its own special category/taxonomy. On Install I'd like to run a function that creates a bunch of categories similar to what you see around microstock.

If anyone wants to give me a nice comprehensive listing, I'll add them to the installer. Like I said, not hard, just tedious.

(ten minutes of work once I have a list)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: luissantos84 on March 05, 2013, 19:39
from SS:

Abstract
Animals/Wildlife
The Arts
Backgrounds/Textures
Beauty/Fashion
Buildings/Landmarks
Business/Finance
Celebrities
Editorial
Education
Food and Drink
Healthcare/Medical
Holidays
Illustrations/Clip-Art
Industrial
Interiors
Miscellaneous
Model Released Only ??? (never seen it before)
Nature
Objects
Parks/Outdoor
People
Religion
Science
Signs/Symbols
Sports/Recreation
Technology
Transportation
Vectors
Vintage

I would add Concepts too
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 05, 2013, 19:45
Good start anyway. I don't want to extract a list from one agency though. If anyone is up for it maybe we can add and subtract categories based on the years of experience everyone has. Once its fairly certain I'll put it into the installer.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: luissantos84 on March 05, 2013, 20:02
Good start anyway. I don't want to extract a list from one agency though. If anyone is up for it maybe we can add and subtract categories based on the years of experience everyone has. Once its fairly certain I'll put it into the installer.

its a good list, I don't think it is a problem being from SS but yep your call
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: jorgophotography on March 05, 2013, 20:52
Slightly modified version.

Abstract/Backgrounds/Textures
Animals
Architecture/Interiors
Beauty/Fashion
Business
Cities/Places
Concepts
Editorial
Education
Food/Drink
Healthcare
Holidays/Events
Miscellaneous
Nature
Objects
People
Recreation/Hobbies
Religion
Science
Shopping/Retail
Signs/Symbols/Icons
Sport
Technology
Transport
Vectors/Illustrations/3D
Vintage/Retro
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 05, 2013, 21:14
Thanks, I'll keep monkeying with them and see if I can't add a few unique to Symbiostock, something self-hosters might use.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cthoman on March 05, 2013, 21:28
I think Music & Industry were missing.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 05, 2013, 21:35
Great. As people keep thinking of any "universal" ones that are definitely needed, tell me at any time until release and I can keep adding them.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 05, 2013, 22:31
Here's a nice preview of easy installation, categories and pages automatically created, and some category / keyword management you no doubt recognize in wordpress:

www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/installation_categories.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/installation_categories.swf)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pilens on March 05, 2013, 22:47
Great to see how it all develops!

I sure hope that we aren't going to be stuck with any kind of category list as I find them useless and a waste of time on the micro sites.

OK, if there HAVE to be categories

-Travel
-Landscape (or Rural Places as opposed to Cities/Places)

are still missing.

How's movie, Leo?
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 05, 2013, 22:49

OK, if there HAVE to be categories

-Travel
-Landscape (or Rural Places as opposed to Cities/Places)

are still missing.


How's movie, Leo?

Family's getting ready to watch it now!

I'll add those, thank you.

Categories are boring, useless, redundant... and totally optional. I just added them for anyone who experiences OCD. Oh, and SEO. They are not required. I'm not mean.

ps - they can be deleted too :D.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 05, 2013, 22:50
double post
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: *IMPORTANT*
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 06, 2013, 16:13
...
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pilens on March 06, 2013, 16:51
WOW, this is developing so fast.  :o

I'll have to further think over this licensing stuff. But here are a few (early) comments:

- Typo: ...making their images available to license th*r*ough their own sites with links to...

- I wouldn't want to "Sell the Rights" at all. Will there be an option to cut out this section?

- We all need back-links to our photo sites badly for promotion and google search ranking. That is why I much like the Photocase standard license that requires copyright credit/ link no matter what. An additional (extended) license can then be purchased optionally that would allow usage without any copyright credit. It'd be what Photocase calls an "Omit Citation License" (see http://www.photocase.com/faq?s1=1786 (http://www.photocase.com/faq?s1=1786)). What do you think? 

Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 06, 2013, 17:37

- I wouldn't want to "Sell the Rights" at all. Will there be an option to cut out this section?



Yes, the whole point of this license plugin is to add and subtract sections per image, or just set site defaults the way you want them.


- We all need back-links to our photo sites badly for promotion and google search ranking. That is why I much like the Photocase standard license that requires copyright credit/ link no matter what. An additional (extended) license can then be purchased optionally that would allow usage without any copyright credit. It'd be what Photocase calls an "Omit Citation License" (see [url]http://www.photocase.com/faq?s1=1786[/url] ([url]http://www.photocase.com/faq?s1=1786[/url])). What do you think?


Yes, perfectly possible to put a "backlink required" if you choose. Or some sort of credit. Also a certain guy of a certain agency (oooo the mystery!) contacted me to help make symbiostock compatible with his really really big search engine. So for a monthly fee it looks like you get more promo options. Thats unrelated to me though, other than making the site compatible.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Travelling-light on March 06, 2013, 17:44
Sounds excellent!
Can I just say here that I think it would be wise for everyone to use the same contract. I can't see buyers wanting to wade through a different contract for everyone's different site. So, if there's anything anyone is not happy with, they should say so now :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: ppdd on March 06, 2013, 17:49
A quick FWIW - requiring credit/backlink with the standard license is a total nightmare for designers and is impractical for many uses. Photocase requiring $25 to use an image uncredited (like in a collage, etc...) ensures that most of the users violate the license. I've only see free stock sites use this ploy to get some payback for the image use, and as a designer for 20 plus years, I've never worked with a photo that demanded this.

To keep this mildly on topic, I've always thought that the best way to do this would be to offer a discount if someone was going to link back to your site (in other words, help you with your SEO), which would be well worth it.

Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 06, 2013, 17:51
When you say "same contract" do you mean the same general terms mentioned above? With the ability to add and subtract sections of that "same contract" (system) or do you mean same contract: Solid verbage found, unaltered, one document, all throughout symbiostock sites?

The main objective here is (interestingly enough) although everyone is working together, independence and freedom of marketing is the goal. Since visuals are the cornerstone of marketing now, we are sort of assuming its worth it for the customer to look at what is allowed when they are buying. That way when the next hit app/product involves your product, it wasn't sold under a cookie-cutter one-size-fits-all license or price.

This is constructive insights though. Like I said, now is the time to get involved, because I'm not overly insistent on any one income.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: dk on March 06, 2013, 17:52
Really looking forward to this!

I always thought that customers would pay higher prices if they were reminded of the license before download. Many customers download an image as subscription or single download when in reality they need and would easily pay for Extended license if they were asked / reminded of the terms right before the image download. And after they have purchased the image they don't bother or give much thought to the proper license. In a way it doesn't feel like cheating to customers to use an image past the maximum reproduction limits or display it full size on their website. When they have already payed for it they feel they can use the image as they please.

For example i suggest that when someone adds an image to his basket on the download page i think it would help to put a short disclaimer about the max. reproduction they are allowed under this license etc and they need to check and the according box. Also they could be given a link and encouragement of sorts to upgrade their download to Extended.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 06, 2013, 17:53
A quick FWIW - requiring credit/backlink with the standard license is a total nightmare for designers and is impractical for many uses. Photocase requiring $25 to use an image uncredited (like in a collage, etc...) ensures that most of the users violate the license. I've only see free stock sites use this ploy to get some payback for the image use, and as a designer for 20 plus years, I've never worked with a photo that demanded this.

To keep this mildly on topic, I've always thought that the best way to do this would be to offer a discount if someone was going to link back to your site (in other words, help you with your SEO), which would be well worth it.


Backlinks! Yes, its as good as currency...but there are plenty of ways to do this... maybe something like this will be a future symbiostock feature:
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/clip-art-illustration-search-and-insert/ (http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/clip-art-illustration-search-and-insert/)

Made by a guy you already know :D
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on March 06, 2013, 17:53
"Upon your payment of the purchase price for the Image"

Once you have completed payment for the license to use the content ...
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Travelling-light on March 06, 2013, 18:05
I think the same solid contract would be best. If anyone wants to add or subtract, they should think hard about why.

Will a buyer really want to check the contract of every different site on the network. Having the same contract makes it easier for the buyer.
 
For example, dk is talking about maximum number of reproductions. I think we should all be the same, just keep it simple.

Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 06, 2013, 18:40
Well, there's plenty of time on this thread. I'm writing software, not licenses. I did want to initiate something though so that when this is available people don't have to say "Yay! Time to sell images" and then... "Oh wait...don't I need some sort of license?"

Even if there's some extremely simple contract I'm cool with it. I just can't release this thing without something like that...it would be like making the cart without any paypal IPN to complete the sale...

Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Travelling-light on March 06, 2013, 19:41
Well, there's plenty of time on this thread. I'm writing software, not licenses. I did want to initiate something though so that when this is available people don't have to say "Yay! Time to sell images" and then... "Oh wait...don't I need some sort of license?"

Even if there's some extremely simple contract I'm cool with it. I just can't release this thing without something like that...it would be like making the cart without any paypal IPN to complete the sale...

I'm really pleased that you've come up with this contract. I thought we were going to have to write our own :)
Looking forward to this being released, and pleased we will be compatible with that big search engine you mentioned!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 06, 2013, 19:52
This draft was actually given to me by someone who wants to remain anonymous.

Actually my whole incentive here is more of a scientific one, though it might sound strange. I'm hoping the licensing system (if I do provide any) reflects that "symbiosis" mindset.

Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: ppdd on March 06, 2013, 23:05
A quick FWIW - requiring credit/backlink with the standard license is a total nightmare for designers and is impractical for many uses. Photocase requiring $25 to use an image uncredited (like in a collage, etc...) ensures that most of the users violate the license. I've only see free stock sites use this ploy to get some payback for the image use, and as a designer for 20 plus years, I've never worked with a photo that demanded this.

To keep this mildly on topic, I've always thought that the best way to do this would be to offer a discount if someone was going to link back to your site (in other words, help you with your SEO), which would be well worth it.


Backlinks! Yes, its as good as currency...but there are plenty of ways to do this... maybe something like this will be a future symbiostock feature:
[url]http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/clip-art-illustration-search-and-insert/[/url] ([url]http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/clip-art-illustration-search-and-insert/[/url])

Made by a guy you already know :D


Good stuff - this a great idea!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pilens on March 07, 2013, 01:54
Quote
I'm writing software, not licenses.


While I totally understand your remark, Leo, I still think even the best imaginable software won't help us much selling our stuff if we screw up on this license business. And as far as I can see this will somehow affect the actual software coding (at least a bit).

Quote
Can I just say here that I think it would be wise for everyone to use the same contract.

Quote
I think the same solid contract would be best. If anyone wants to add or subtract, they should think hard about why.


I am with you on this, travel-light, it would be best for the buyer's experience. However, can we really all agree on one solid license agreement? Mostly lurking on MSG discussions for almost 3 years now, I'd be hard pressed being hopeful here.
So, may be it is better we aim lower for one license agreement with the least necessary number of options every symbiote can decide to switch on or off. Is that would you have in mind, Leo, when saying
Quote
I'm hoping the licensing system (if I do provide any) reflects that "symbiosis" mindset.
?

I 100% agree that discounting for a credit/backlink requirement standard license might fly much better than an (overly) expensive sort of extended license that allows for not crediting/backlinking. Photocase, however, seems to disagree, probably for good reasons. It might as well just depend on the type of images/media you are selling. - In any case we should have a license that allows for two levels of standard licensing (with and without credit/backlink requirement) at least as an option.

Earlier in this thread offering RM license has been discussed. I definitely would like to have that on my site and generally on Symbiostock, again, at least as an option.

So I would like to remind everyone here about travel-light's (?) earlier post:

Quote
Leo, the license itself is not the complicated bit, it's the pricing. The Stock Artists Alliance have developed a simplified pricing system, which would be the logical way to go. See [url]http://www.stockartistsalliance.org/pluspacks/index.htm[/url] ([url]http://www.stockartistsalliance.org/pluspacks/index.htm[/url]) for details.

The calculator code is open source, and could be packaged as an optional WordPress plugin.

PicturEngine have implemented this, and it's more straightforward to use than, say, the Alamy or Getty systems.


I think this could be an elegant solution.



I always thought that customers would pay higher prices if they were reminded of the license before download. Many customers download an image as subscription or single download when in reality they need and would easily pay for Extended license if they were asked / reminded of the terms right before the image download. And after they have purchased the image they don't bother or give much thought to the proper license. In a way it doesn't feel like cheating to customers to use an image past the maximum reproduction limits or display it full size on their website. When they have already payed for it they feel they can use the image as they please.

For example i suggest that when someone adds an image to his basket on the download page i think it would help to put a short disclaimer about the max. reproduction they are allowed under this license etc and they need to check and the according box. Also they could be given a link and encouragement of sorts to upgrade their download to Extended.


I think that's probably true and Symbiotes should be given at least an option to try this. Hopefully with some sort of shortform license in layman's terms (with link to the full thing talking about "Applicable Law" and such uncool stuff). We could emphasize the "fair trade" character of Symbiostock in the same place.

Here's another idea we should think about at least as an option. Look at www.terragalleria.com (http://www.terragalleria.com), which is the photo selling site of QT Luong who is (according to John Lund) the most successful self-hosting, self-selling photographer. He also sells a special subscription for using his images as computer wallpapers http://www.terragalleria.com/wallpaper-pictures.html (http://www.terragalleria.com/wallpaper-pictures.html).

BTW, look at the last item in his list of selling points:
"The satisfaction of supporting the arts, since all the proceeds are used to support the effort of the photographer, who has already brought to you valuable free contents in a 100% advertising-free format."

Does it work (for him)? I don't know but I'd like to have at least the option to try something like this.


Backlinks! Yes, its as good as currency...but there are plenty of ways to do this... maybe something like this will be a future symbiostock feature:
[url]http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/clip-art-illustration-search-and-insert/[/url] ([url]http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/clip-art-illustration-search-and-insert/[/url])

Made by a guy you already know :D
   

Are you already using this plugin on your web site, Leo? How does it work for you?
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 07, 2013, 04:32
Boy, of all the projects I have ever taken in my life, this one has got me at the point where I'm most tired! I'm getting old man.

I can't respond to everything you mentioned Pilens, but the plugin works reasonably well. Hard to track of course, but I believe the majority of the traffic it generates is indirect, possibly just SEO value, improved rankings, etc. Plus wordpress customers find their way to my site due to it, and there is of course the joy of successful spamming under the cover of being helpful.

Please keep on discussing the licensing. Its a fact that there will never be a perfect agreement on the...agreement...but no doubt some discussion here will inspire some good results.

Today I put a lot of work into the SEO of the main image/product page (I'll keep it secret, but the methods I use should get lots of search engine attn), plus a little more on categories. Believe it or not, categories actually help SEO a bit, even if humans find them annoying. Anyway, they are there for use. No doubt people with large collections of certain image types will use this category feature...like...well, for a perfectly random example...faceless 3d humanoids.

Also I hid a nice up up down down left right left right b a b a ENTER treat somewhere in the admin to activate a cheat, inspired by Wreck it Ralf.

Anyway, not to derail. Keep talking about licensing. I'm taking notes.
Title: Re: License Draft 2
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 07, 2013, 20:15
...
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 07, 2013, 20:44
One thing I want to mention is that this Symbiostock project is not an agent, will never be an agent, and will not presume to tell you how to do business, network, or what have you. Its perfectly possible for like-minded people to form closed networks, for more flexible people to form larger "looser" networks, and for others to go it alone.

This opening agreement is primarily so people don't have to re-invent the wheel and be stuck without a good protective UELA behind their sales.

Again I really thank our anonymous helper and everyone involved for helping set this up. As long as this agreement doesn't suggest Symbiostock as being an agent or responsible for people's choices, I'm quite happy.

Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 07, 2013, 21:01
I'm going to go ahead and start coding this in as something that generates on Install. I can easily change things as changes are agreed on.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 08, 2013, 01:58
Boy it got quiet around here.

Progress update--closer to finish line. Just fixed some bugs over the last few days. Just have to put in the paypal IPN and fix Wordpress's welcome email...and I think we're ready for testing release.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: leaf on March 08, 2013, 02:41
Looking forward to it.  Can't be long now! :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: mattdixon on March 08, 2013, 04:58
Boy it got quiet around here.
I check in everyday to see how you're getting on and I'm sure there are lots of others watching from the sidelines.
Looking forward to seeing it live :-)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: fotografer on March 08, 2013, 05:31
Me too and I am total awe of your abilities.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Chico on March 08, 2013, 06:20
Boy it got quiet around here.
I check in everyday to see how you're getting on and I'm sure there are lots of others watching from the sidelines.
Looking forward to seeing it live :-)

I'm here!!!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: stocked on March 08, 2013, 07:05
This is my favorite thread of the forum. Thanks for all your work! This could become really great!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: farbled on March 08, 2013, 11:38
Boy it got quiet around here.

Progress update--closer to finish line. Just fixed some bugs over the last few days. Just have to put in the paypal IPN and fix Wordpress's welcome email...and I think we're ready for testing release.

I'm still here too. I check this thread many times a day to see where things are at. Thank you so much for all the work! I hope you put a donate button someplace so we can give a little back.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: luissantos84 on March 08, 2013, 12:32
here too! go Kona go Kona ;D
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 08, 2013, 13:04
Cool. You know how that awkward silence can be.

Regarding license, I hope everyone continues to work on a nice basic and protective agreement and share it with eachother. But I've decided to keep it separate from Symbiostock (ie, you all can share or post a well proven EULA) that people can post into their site's EULA page. This is mostly so one of those agencies you see on the side-bar over there doesn't find a loophole to exploit and sue me, effectively stomping out this new thing.

Also this serves to keep Symbiostock from acting like an agent but it remains a tool. Sound good?
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 09, 2013, 03:24
Today I had to give more attention to search! I also got the network ajax to work properly. I won't bore you with details...just covering all the bases so results are accurate and the experience is smooth. I think we're done with search now.

www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/network_browsing.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/network_browsing.swf)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Jeffrey on March 09, 2013, 10:13
About the EULA sample, you can just put in another site or domain, not directly related to Symbio.

Just link it in the Symbio site, telling the users to go to the page if they want a ready made EULA or something.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Oshoot on March 09, 2013, 20:06
hey, we're all here! Since everyone's reading this, most of us probably don't want to add to the reading unless we have something worthwhile to say. But yes, we are all here!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 09, 2013, 21:54
Really really I'm getting close to finished. When every element is done I might take just a bit longer to make sure there are no big bugs.

Also I decided (due to a request earlier in the thread) to add a feature to "turn off" certain sizes. That way people who want to sell maybe just large or small, or just vectors, can do so. Also if someone wishes to sell some sort of different content (like a 3d model) they can turn off all the sizes and just allow zip.

Paypal IPN and email feature is less than a few hours work.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 09, 2013, 23:31
Here are some previews of more control over your files.

Preview 1:

Three states for each size option: Available, Not Available, and No Click. Not available removes the entry completely from the product table. No click leaves it there but ghosts it all and makes it unclickable. I suppose someone might have different reasons for choosing either state...

http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/availability.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/availability.swf)

Preview 2:

Lets suppose your uploading 20 images or have a standard that applies to your whole site. Like maybe you think "bloggee" is stupid and you don't want it on there, or maybe you only want to sell web-site stuff (remember that request early in thread?). Every image uploaded has those default settings applied. As you can see, you can easily adjust those settings after if you change your mind. Because bloggee is NOT stupid.

http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/availability2.swf (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/availability2.swf)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: THP Creative on March 10, 2013, 01:03
Nice Kona, so very keen to get started with it.

I was just wondering about compatability with popular plugins like WP Super Cache and Yoast SEO? Have you found any problems with any plugins that we are likely to need?

Hope I can get my hands on this before April, the wait is killing me! :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 10, 2013, 01:06
I'll give it a test drive with all the major plugins. As far as I know it sticks to the rules and is non-clashy :D. I'll get right back to you.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 10, 2013, 02:02
Sure enough. No conflicts on plugins, they all work great.

Since you've inspired me to turn on debugging I noticed I have a few small nonessential issues which I'm going to fix quickly, but its all looking good.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 10, 2013, 02:17
Have you found any problems with any plugins that we are likely to need?

If you like, why don't you give me a big list of likely needed plugins. Then I can make double sure. So far though it looks like there are no clashes. I name all my functions/variables so there are no collisions with other plugins.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: THP Creative on March 11, 2013, 00:10
Hey kona, thats great, thanks for checking.

Really for me those are the crucial plugins, others are a bonus. I'm sure there will be others down the track but none that I can think of right now. :)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cascoly on March 11, 2013, 15:51
OT, while awaiting the release -- saw this is a Geneva home design shop - a bit creepy

(http://cascoly.com/images/orange.jpg)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 11, 2013, 16:29
...and you wonder why we see the stuff on the news that we do...

Things are coming along. With all of the mountains I've leaped with this project, I am stuck on a silly little pagination issue. Been at it for a long time now. Thought I had solved it then it came back. Quite maddening.

Other than that it will be a quick wrap afterward.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 11, 2013, 17:26
Since I'm so thoroughly stumped I had detoured to some easy stuff. I put the content area to to the right of the cart in case you wanted to put any other sort of verbage or call to action...or a picture of your cat or knife holder, whatever you can think of.

Just figured I'd post it because I have nothing else to report until this pagination thing is solved.
http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/screenshot.png (http://www.clipartillustration.com/freefiles/screenshot.png)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 11, 2013, 19:43
Just an FYI, I've tried to simplify things as much as possible so that there are no features blocked with any hosting companies you might use. But for anyone who is thinking of opening up an account, make sure you can use CURL and fopen fwrite functions in your hosting. They will know what your talking about. This theme cannot function without those two features. I did a little research and I'm quite certain not many hosters block those.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: THP Creative on March 11, 2013, 22:11
Have you found any problems with any plugins that we are likely to need?

If you like, why don't you give me a big list of likely needed plugins. Then I can make double sure. So far though it looks like there are no clashes. I name all my functions/variables so there are no collisions with other plugins.

You got me thinking more, and here are the names of plugins I use currently...

Comment E-Mail Verification
Digg Digg (although if you can embed social shares in the theme, that would probably be preferable to a plugin - thoughts?)
GD Star Rating
Google Analytics for WordPress
GTranslate
Simple 301 Redirects
Theme My Login
User Avatar
WordPress SEO
WP Super Cache

I dont expect you to test them all. Just thought it might give you an idea of the sort of plugins people are using.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 11, 2013, 22:20
I'll definitely check those out and get right back. I'm dealing with biggest monster of an issue I've ever dealt with in this project.

Its like running the gauntlet successfully just to slip on a banana peel at the end.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 11, 2013, 23:12
These are impressive! They all seem to work pretty well.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: THP Creative on March 12, 2013, 00:02
Brilliant! Thanks kona, you're the man :)

BTW - My mountain bike is a Kona Caldera. You're a talented man designing awesome Wordpress themes and sweet hard-tail bikes. ;)

Hope that banana peel doesn't keep you down for too long.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 12, 2013, 01:49
As cool as GD Star Rating is it seems to install with conflicts. I thought it was my coding  but I think its on their end. They clash with a few other plugins as well like the awesome Digg Digg one you mentioned.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: THP Creative on March 12, 2013, 01:54
Thats interesting, I've noticed a few weird things with GD.

What are the conflicts between it and Digg Digg? I haven't noticed any on my site so far.

But I have noticed that Google has dropped my star ratings from search results, although I seem to have followed their rules?! Not sure what thats about, or if its a plugin problem. It worked to begin with.

It's not essential anyway, just a bonus. Or if you know of a better star rating plugin (or built in functionality for Symbiostock.....) I'm more than happy to hear it.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 12, 2013, 02:32
It could be my scripts, but I've written them all to the wordpress/jquery no-conflict standards... when it installs it basically deactivates all my scripts.

Just another thing for me to double check before I release it. But I installed like 50 other plugins and they were all fine :D
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: THP Creative on March 12, 2013, 02:36
Weird. And not cool for you!

GD has always felt clunky. There has been a 2.0 version in the wings for AGES now, but never seems to hit the prime time.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: chromaco on March 12, 2013, 12:23
Kona, this is awesome. Do you think it would be possible to put the relevant info for starting a site in a different thread. This one is 14 pages long and has a ton of info but it is a bit hard to collate.
I know absolutely nothing about this and it would be a whole lot easier to get started learning if I don't have to wade through all 14 pages to figure it out.
Honestly just the basics would be great.

Thanks so much for all of this
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 12, 2013, 14:29
MSG Owner was going to open up some specialized forums for this project. After this little hurdle of mine we might be good to open this up since there is no doubt completion is near. I haven't been updating the original post because of how busy I've been on this.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pixart on March 12, 2013, 22:18
Kona, I would love to be able to sell physical goods on the same site. If this isn't as easy as it sounds, maybe it can be one of the plugins that you sell.

Or would I be able to add WooCommerce or similar without conflict?
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 12, 2013, 23:21
I'm quite certain you could install a separate cart...if its just a plugin then there should not be a conflict.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 13, 2013, 18:38
If anyone is wondering "whats the hold up" I'm dealing with a very persistent bug. Results work properly on browsing methods, but no in a direct search. During a search, wordpress somehow sabotages the total number of pages so a 404 is hit after some random page. This is most likely a bug (the one so far, so not bad) but its BAADDDD.

I keep telling my wife its like the little bump on your skin that causes you to find out that you have a cancer that goes to the bone. When I came to this pagination problem I thought I'd fix it like any other - its just pagination. 10 minute fix! After a WEEEK of persistent work on this issue I'm still pulling my hair out. Was so simple, but the problem is deep.

Turns out that WP.org is not very eager to answer my help requests on this one, and most people reporting similar issues rarely come to a solution.

One way or another I will fix it, even if I have to work around it, but when it comes to coding I address the problem instead of cheating it, that way things remain genuinely good. 

So although there has been a significant delay, I'm still working on it and eventually we will see this thing downloadable.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: THP Creative on March 13, 2013, 18:54
Wow that sounds incredibly frustrating! Thanks for being thorough with it, would rather wait a week and have it work than not.

Keep up the awesome work Kona.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 13, 2013, 19:01
HAHAHA! I SOLVED IT! 7 days man.  Well, not really. But I did find out what the problem is - which is everything!

Its a wordpress issue. The "image" system is actually a custom post type, and wordpress has a BUG paginating these.

It has to do with how many search results I set it to show per page on the custom post type, VS the fact that wordpress still applies the site's default settings of "posts per page" at the same time...totally derailing it. I'd hate to release this thing with a big asterisk * saying btw, you have to tweak your blog settings to match image settings...thats not a winning solution.

Anyway, closer now!

 Not the end of the world - one bug in this whole gigantic project is not bad - but I'm going to devote some time to getting this addressed.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: click_click on March 13, 2013, 22:21
HAHAHA! I SOLVED IT! 7 days man.  Well, not really. But I did find out what the problem is - which is everything!

Its a wordpress issue. The "image" system is actually a custom post type, and wordpress has a BUG paginating these.

It has to do with how many search results I set it to show per page on the custom post type, VS the fact that wordpress still applies the site's default settings of "posts per page" at the same time...totally derailing it. I'd hate to release this thing with a big asterisk * saying btw, you have to tweak your blog settings to match image settings...thats not a winning solution.

Anyway, closer now!

 Not the end of the world - one bug in this whole gigantic project is not bad - but I'm going to devote some time to getting this addressed.
Nice work! Keep going!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: fotografer on March 14, 2013, 04:21
HAHAHA! I SOLVED IT! 7 days man.  Well, not really. But I did find out what the problem is - which is everything!

Its a wordpress issue. The "image" system is actually a custom post type, and wordpress has a BUG paginating these.

It has to do with how many search results I set it to show per page on the custom post type, VS the fact that wordpress still applies the site's default settings of "posts per page" at the same time...totally derailing it. I'd hate to release this thing with a big asterisk * saying btw, you have to tweak your blog settings to match image settings...thats not a winning solution.

Anyway, closer now!

 Not the end of the world - one bug in this whole gigantic project is not bad - but I'm going to devote some time to getting this addressed.
I hope that you realize how much your work is appreciated by those of us that haven't got a clue about how these things work.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: cascoly on March 14, 2013, 08:18
HAHAHA! I SOLVED IT! 7 days man.  Well, not really. But I did find out what the problem is - which is everything!

Its a wordpress issue. The "image" system is actually a custom post type, and wordpress has a BUG paginating these.

It has to do with how many search results I set it to show per page on the custom post type, VS the fact that wordpress still applies the site's default settings of "posts per page" at the same time...totally derailing it. I'd hate to release this thing with a big asterisk * saying btw, you have to tweak your blog settings to match image settings...thats not a winning solution.

Anyway, closer now!

 Not the end of the world - one bug in this whole gigantic project is not bad - but I'm going to devote some time to getting this addressed.

ah, the joys of programming!  keeps your brain in shape!  i had a similar problem yesterday - took 15' to do an online MOOC assignment, then an hour tracking down a pesky minor display problem!

can't wait to start playing with this...
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 15, 2013, 02:18
Hi there. What is a "MOOC" assignment?

Still working on this bug. It has my brain numb. Nice to say though that as I keep reinstalling in in different environments everything else does great right on deploy.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Poncke on March 15, 2013, 04:58
A massive open online course (MOOC) is an online course aiming at large-scale participation and open access via the web. MOOCs are a recent development in distance education and often use open educational resources. Typically they do not offer academic credit or charge tuition fees. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massive_open_online_course (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massive_open_online_course)
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 15, 2013, 17:04
Update! POSITIVE. I finally solved the problem. It was a URL rewriting problem that was messing up the queries. I must have my rewrite rules wrong  or misapplied. After this fix I'm going to try to sum up and get this thing released.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: click_click on March 15, 2013, 17:23
Update! POSITIVE. I finally solved the problem. It was a URL rewriting problem that was messing up the queries. I must have my rewrite rules wrong  or misapplied. After this fix I'm going to try to sum up and get this thing released.
Sweet! Can't wait to see it in action!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: leaf on March 15, 2013, 18:22
Update! POSITIVE. I finally solved the problem. It was a URL rewriting problem that was messing up the queries. I must have my rewrite rules wrong  or misapplied. After this fix I'm going to try to sum up and get this thing released.

Congrats on figuring it out.  It is always such a feeling of accomplishment when you reach that place :)
Looking forward to giving this a test drive!
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Lizard on March 15, 2013, 19:45
Update! POSITIVE. I finally solved the problem. It was a URL rewriting problem that was messing up the queries. I must have my rewrite rules wrong  or misapplied. After this fix I'm going to try to sum up and get this thing released.

Hats down , cannot wait to see it
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Pilens on March 15, 2013, 21:52
7 days of hunting a single bug! Talk about a tough week!!!

I am glad you took it on, suffered through and finally solved it. Congratulation!!!

Can't wait to test drive, either...
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 15, 2013, 22:13
I'm glad its solved. started to think things would end up a compromised mess and workarounds.

I think I searched half of google's entries on the subject. Most of the questions on the pagination issue never get resolved because there are many not-so-obvious ways to mess it up, if wordpress isn't bamboozling you.

From here I'm pretty confident there should not be any probs.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: topol on March 16, 2013, 10:36
I'm very interested in this, ready to pay a decent price for well customizable stock framework site that can be made prettier more professional looking than ktools etc...
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: alberto on March 16, 2013, 14:45
I'm interested in this project that seems a good job, kona. Also we need a summary, 14/15 pag are too many to follow...
Kona there is a plugin that can be interesting, the amazon s3, wich allow to put the files in s3 storage and retrieve it.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 16, 2013, 20:06
13/14 pages is a lot!

It might be worth opening up the Symbiostock project forum in a few days.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: topol on March 17, 2013, 11:05
Yep I have a hard time getting a clear picture on this, long thread. is this project up somewhere available on a link to click around a bit? What would be the price of the finished system as you see it now?
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 17, 2013, 17:10
Ok, so we are gonna "call it good" on this thread. Next time I come back hopefully it will be in a new forum for Symbiostock. I'm almost done.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 18, 2013, 00:43
Here is that requested summary. We can close this thread now.

Symbiostock is just about finished.

Q: What is Symbiostock?


A: An open source tool for selling your royalty free content, and sharing search results with fellow artists and photographers. It installs as a theme for WordPress.

Here is the description of the theme on install:

Symbiostock is a powerful WordPress theme for illustrators and photographers to sell their images. Symbiostock, as its name implies, creates a symbiotic relationship among microstock professionals. Symbiostock sites connect into a vast network of shared results, allowing customers to migrate around, study their options, and most importantly, connect with the talented artists who supply them.

Q: So is Symbiostock a new agency?


A: Nope! Quite the opposite, its been developed with the independence of your work in mind. It is meant to sell direct to customers and to make a strong network with your fellow independent artists.

Q: I'm exclusive at some site...can I still get involved?

A: Yep! I built in a display-but-no-sell aspect. And you can even put a portfolio referral link to that very-special-exclusive-site. This will come in handy for people who want to gain search engine presence while they continue to decide on their exclusivity. When the day comes you drop exclusivity (or worse, your port gets deactivated!) you have a wonderful fallback ready for selling images at a moment's notice.

Q: Can I customize the Symbiostock theme?


A: Eventually after testing I hope to put in more customizability, but for now I'm looking to perfect the core aspects of it. Also, anyone with a degree of web design experience can modify it however they want.

Q: Can I choose my own prices?


A: You can choose your own prices, which sizes you wish to sell, apply discounts (temporary or permanent), and decide your own license.

Q: How much will it cost?

A: The tool itself will be free to download and use. There will be donation ability and upgrades for purchase.

Q: Why is it free?!


A: So you can have a fast and effective way of marketing yourself and getting independent.

Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: Leo Blanchette on March 18, 2013, 00:44
If you'd like to get on the mailing list for when its released, please email Leo [at] symbiostock.com.
Title: Re: Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.
Post by: leaf on March 18, 2013, 02:07
Ok, the thread is now locked and the Symbiostock forum area is here
http://www.microstockgroup.com/symbiostock/ (http://www.microstockgroup.com/symbiostock/)