MicrostockGroup

Depends on how serious you are, how much of an investment in equipment and learning you are willing to put in?  Also if you live in India it's much more viable than if you live in Norway.

Not surprising. Anonymity allows posters to vent and rant about perceived injustices. Not many go to forums to sing praises or brag about how well they are doing.

I didn't vote.  It MIGHT become a viable source of income, but you either have to be independently wealthy to begin, or have a supporting employment while you build up a portfolio.  Even if you reach that magic number in earnings, it's not guaranteed and the greedy grubs that sign your paycheck might decide you are making too much at their expense.

"Would You Recommend Microstock To Someone As Their Sole Source of Income?"

Yes if you're running an agency.

"Would You Recommend Microstock To Someone As Their Sole Source of Income?"

Yes, if you want to be FREE, STRESSED and POOR!  

Although I make my FT living from microstock, I voted for flipping cheeseburgers (actually, you don't flip them once you have added the cheese ).

6 years ago, I would have told them it is difficult, but possible to make a living at microstock.  Now, I don't think it would be for someone just starting out.  The only ones I have seen join and succeed in the past couple of years have been image factories staffed with experienced industry professionals. 

I see Lisa beat me to it.
Yeah... What she said.

+1

There is still room in the industry, but most of those who would succeed really have better options elsewhere.

Most of those who ask really don't have a good understanding of what's involved and underestimate the input that's required to be successful.

I know this is a microstock forum, but there's 33 votes...and not a single person has indicated traditional stock is a viable source of income but some HAVE indicated microstock is a viable source of income.

Interesting.

Seriously?  You cant get a plain old hamburger anymore?  I gave up eating beef 6 or 7 years ago, so I didn't realize it.

I think that a small percentage of very talented newbs starting out today MIGHT be able to make it a full-time career, but they would need money in the bank to tide them over until they build their port, and money to buy the equipment and set up photo shoots.

I think for the majority of people starting today, they would in all probability not make it that far up the ladder, for all the reasons previously mentioned.

@Lisa...I think you can order a cheeseburger, hold the cheese, please. You still pay the same amount, but...

Totally OT relating to fast food...Sonic charges $.50 if you ask them to put relish on your burger. They have it on their menu for the hot dogs. If you don't want to pay .50 then they hand you little packets and you can put it on yourself. Of course you need about 10 packets to equal what you would spread on...how's that for greediness? Especially when you have them hold other things, like tomato and mayo. 

I would advise someone today with Unique talent to pursue real commercial Photography and go get clients and not even think about Penny stock. The kids I talk to coming Out of Brooks think were all fools. Exception is of course are the ones that have an incredible work ethic and saw the light 7/8 years ago and went for the "Stocky" stuff By the thousands. The new kids coming up aren't very Impressed.

Good for them. I would Hope they go back to creating something instead of how many  Pics they can do to feed the hungry beast . Im sorry But some us us old timers are like old Boy bands that are boring now. Look around guys there's some fresh stuff being submitted everyday. So would I suggest this?........ I don't to my students. If they love Image making I would rather they learn Image making, The the art of Photography instead of what they can maybe sell for 38 cents. You asked and Thats my Opinion.

Sole source of Income? maybe a supplement to client work.  6 years ago? yes.

10% of commercial Photography is actually taking the pictures. I find Most have no clue about the other 90%. And they better no matter how good they are.

I have about 15 people bookmarked That are the future of this business. And are amazing and fresh. I reviewed for 3+ years and we always had a running Joke that if we saw another batch of handsome business people we were gonna throw up, it ain't new guys, Some of us did it 30 years ago for real money. The new kids are breaking all the rules. good for them if that's what they want.

Learn Photography first and learn to shoot every subject not just a isolated apple.  Thats my advice.