MicrostockGroup

Agency Based Discussion => StockFresh => Topic started by: Lee Torrens on June 01, 2010, 07:15

Title: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Lee Torrens on June 01, 2010, 07:15
Launched today:  http://www.stockfresh.com (http://www.stockfresh.com)

They gave me a lot of notice, but I was still rushed in putting together a quick review:  http://www.microstockdiaries.com/stockfresh.html (http://www.microstockdiaries.com/stockfresh.html)

Highlights if you're not into reading too much:

- 50% commission, can rise to 62.5%
- 35c subscription credits, and subscriptions are limited to Medium size and below
- Upload process is smooth and smart, model release management, FTP, IPTC, all that you'd expect
- Nothing overly new on the buyer side yet
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on June 01, 2010, 07:28
Peter did a great job with stockxpert, I hope this one does just a well and he doesn't sell it this time.  Will support this one as much as I can, hopefully the StockXpert buyers will go there.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: leaf on June 01, 2010, 07:31
Well it will be certainly interesting to see how they do.  They have proven themselves before but it is considerably harder to get in the game now.  Thanks for the link and info Lee.  I just jumped over here to post the news and a link to your blog and you beat me to it :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 01, 2010, 07:33
Four biggies already signed up: iofoto, yuri arcurs, dash and pressmaster.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Lee Torrens on June 01, 2010, 07:41
Well it will be certainly interesting to see how they do.  They have proven themselves before but it is considerably harder to get in the game now.  Thanks for the link and info Lee.  I just jumped over here to post the news and a link to your blog and you beat me to it :)

I figure it's time to stop being shy.  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Stu49 on June 01, 2010, 07:44
Four biggies already signed up: iofoto, yuri arcurs, dash and pressmaster.

5 now !!  I just joined !!  lol  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on June 01, 2010, 08:04
That's great news!  I'm so happy to see them back in the game.  I always had a soft spot for StockXpert.  Good sales, nice vibe, lovely people.  I wish them so much success.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 01, 2010, 08:19
Four biggies already signed up: iofoto, yuri arcurs, dash and pressmaster.

Never heard of two of those.  Anyways, I'd imagine any independent would quickly upload as much as they can, like any other storefront.  I did a couple of searches and popularity brought back all Yuri images on the page.  He must be stoked.

Good job on keeping the pricing up.  Of course, higher percentages only mean anything if you actually sell anything, and more of the same is just more of the same as everyone else.  I can't see why anyone would go here instead of where they already have an account.

The "images in the same series" bit is a nice touch.  I like the layout of the "rights allowed" red/green part as well.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on June 01, 2010, 08:27
Four biggies already signed up: iofoto, yuri arcurs, dash and pressmaster.

Never heard of two of those.  Anyways, I'd imagine any independent would quickly upload as much as they can, like any other storefront.  I did a couple of searches and popularity brought back all Yuri images on the page.  He must be stoked.

Good job on keeping the pricing up.  Of course, higher percentages only mean anything if you actually sell anything, and more of the same is just more of the same as everyone else.  I can't see why anyone would go here instead of where they already have an account.

The "images in the same series" bit is a nice touch.  I like the layout of the "rights allowed" red/green part as well.
I will use them because I liked StockXpert, before it was taken over.  I am sure a lot of their old clients that have been forced in to using other sites they don't particularly like will try this out, as long as they can get enough images up quickly and keep us happy with a few sales.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 01, 2010, 08:31
Never heard of two of those.

Me, neither, but they have nice sized portfolios.

Quote
Anyways, I'd imagine any independent would quickly upload as much as they can, like any other storefront.

Actually, they have one thing going for them that makes them unlike any other storefront and that is that they have already proved they can be successful. I hope the second time around proves just as successful as the first...for both agency and contributors.

Quote
Good job on keeping the pricing up.  Of course, higher percentages only mean anything if you actually sell anything, and more of the same is just more of the same as everyone else.  I can't see why anyone would go here instead of where they already have an account.

Very true. Hopefully they can trade on their past reputation.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 01, 2010, 08:35
Very true. Hopefully they can trade on their past reputation.

If I was a buyer at DT or somewhere, I can't imagine saying "Hey that guy from that other site started a new one with the same stuff they have here.  I think I'll go buy from there instead.".  There's no USP going on here.  The last USP promoted was the warranty at whats-its-name, and everyone else picked up on that real quick.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on June 01, 2010, 08:52
Very true. Hopefully they can trade on their past reputation.

If I was a buyer at DT or somewhere, I can't imagine saying "Hey that guy from that other site started a new one with the same stuff they have here.  I think I'll go buy from there instead.".  There's no USP going on here.  The last USP promoted was the warranty at whats-its-name, and everyone else picked up on that real quick.
What about all the buyers that liked StockXpert but don't like the other sites?  I think they can attract enough of them to get the site going.  And DT have this strange rejection policy now that is stopping people uploading, I can see a lot of their buyers looking at other sites soon, if they don't change.

They also have the chance to accept only good quality images, the old sites have millions of images that clog up the search, there are some advantages starting a new site and hopefully the owners can use all their experience to get this one just right.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: etienjones on June 01, 2010, 09:05
Well, sure would like to see the new site, but I can't get passed the "upgrade your browser" page.  I have IE7, do I really have to upgrade to IE8 just to see what the site looks like?  . . . . .  or is it just me, I have heard a lot of bad reviews of IE8 and am a little cautious.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on June 01, 2010, 09:08
You can view it in Firefox if you don't want to use IE8.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 01, 2010, 09:09
What about all the buyers that liked StockXpert but don't like the other sites?

What's to like?  I mean, I don't actually _use_ other sites, but they all look pretty much the same to me.  Actually, I hope IS gets their act together with the new interface, because the current one has too many faults...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: etienjones on June 01, 2010, 09:12
You can view it in Firefox if you don't want to use IE8.

its so hard to teach an old dog new tricks . . . .  but doesn't this limit the client base a tad?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Lee Torrens on June 01, 2010, 09:16
I'm with Sean on this one (again). There's nothing new or different to attract buyers, as I said at the bottom of my review. Let's hope that Peter can put his knowledge from marketing StockXpert and his money from selling StockXpert to effective use.

Given they take hard drives and DVD submission, uploading can be a very cheap task.  In that regard, with the high commissions, there's little downside for contributors. High commissions don't mean much without sales, but when submission is that easy it doesn't take many sales to recoup the postage costs and an hour of packaging time.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Lee Torrens on June 01, 2010, 09:23
You can view it in Firefox if you don't want to use IE8.

its so hard to teach an old dog new tricks . . . .  but doesn't this limit the client base a tad?

I used to be a web developer and I offered my clients an 80% discount if I could block IE7 and earlier on their site. 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 01, 2010, 09:26
I'm with Sean on this one (again). There's nothing new or different to attract buyers, as I said at the bottom of my review. Let's hope that Peter can put his knowledge from marketing StockXpert and his money from selling StockXpert to effective use.

Given they take hard drives and DVD submission, uploading can be a very cheap task.  In that regard, with the high commissions, there's little downside for contributors. High commissions don't mean much without sales, but when submission is that easy it doesn't take many sales to recoup the postage costs and an hour of packaging time.

There might not be anything new, but then I have a tendency to think some of the sites keep changing things just to keep their IT people busy, not because the changes actually improve anything.

If I'm not mistaken, the prices to the buyers on stockfresh are less than IS and DT. That's something new.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on June 01, 2010, 09:44
You can view it in Firefox if you don't want to use IE8.

its so hard to teach an old dog new tricks . . . .  but doesn't this limit the client base a tad?

Probably - but I'm sure they'll sort it out.  ;)  I think you'll find Firefox a very easy transition if you give it a try - I'm sure you're not as 'old' a dog as you think :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: PeterChigmaroff on June 01, 2010, 09:59
There's no huge Yawning smiley I can use. How come?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on June 01, 2010, 10:02
What about all the buyers that liked StockXpert but don't like the other sites?

What's to like?  I mean, I don't actually _use_ other sites, but they all look pretty much the same to me.  Actually, I hope IS gets their act together with the new interface, because the current one has too many faults...
I just think that if I was a happy StockXpert buyer and had to go through all the changes imposed by Jupiter and Getty and then the closure and having to use other sites, I would probably want to go back to a site that's like StockXpert again.  It might not work out like that, it's just a possibility, we will find out over the next few months.  

As a contributor, I am very skeptical about new sites but this feels like StockXpert rising from the ashes, much more interesting than a site that doesn't have any history.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: corepics on June 01, 2010, 10:15
Nothing new indeed... Emails, text and graphics also bear a resemblance to StockXpert, or is that just me? The familiarity makes me feel right at home ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: plrang on June 01, 2010, 10:17
Joined (48 ?) and waiting, if it would work I will happily remove some @#$
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: elvinstar on June 01, 2010, 12:46
I'm happy to be able to buy from Peter again. StockXpert was always my first choice when I needed images that I didn't have or couldn't produce. I can't be the only one!

And now to get OT for a moment...
How do you think the message below (a screenshot from IS just a couple of minutes ago) will help sales?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 01, 2010, 12:56
And now to get OT for a moment...
How do you think the message below (a screenshot from IS just a couple of minutes ago) will help sales?

Saw that. Not good.

Back on topic: I am happy that the StockXpert crew is back up and running again, too.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ThomasAmby on June 01, 2010, 13:52
I really want to encourage everyone to join this site. 50% is a fair commission so please help support it, this may be the only way to affect agencies that are paying insultingly low commissions.

Yes, I might be a dreamer. But anyways, the site looks nice and I'm applying right away.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cthoman on June 01, 2010, 14:17
I really want to encourage everyone to join this site. 50% is a fair commission so please help support it, this may be the only way to affect agencies that are paying insultingly low commissions.

Yes, I might be a dreamer. But anyways, the site looks nice and I'm applying right away.

I'm still waiting to see what it is 50% of.  ;D I couldn't find any vectors on the site for a reference point.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ThomasAmby on June 01, 2010, 14:26
I really want to encourage everyone to join this site. 50% is a fair commission so please help support it, this may be the only way to affect agencies that are paying insultingly low commissions.

Yes, I might be a dreamer. But anyways, the site looks nice and I'm applying right away.

I'm still waiting to see what it is 50% of.  ;D I couldn't find any vectors on the site for a reference point.

Well that's a very valid point! By looking at the frontpage's "on demand" prices there's a "vectors" link and by the look of it I just thought it was $20 a vector but come to think of it, those sizes really don't make much sense. Low, medium, high, "super" vectors ? I guess either a glitch or I'm getting something wrong. Perhaps "super" = EPS and low/medium/high = JPG
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cthoman on June 01, 2010, 14:37
Well that's a very valid point! By looking at the frontpage's "on demand" prices there's a "vectors" link and by the look of it I just thought it was $20 a vector but come to think of it, those sizes really don't make much sense. Low, medium, high, "super" vectors ? I guess either a glitch or I'm getting something wrong. Perhaps "super" = EPS and low/medium/high = JPG
Yeah I wasn't sure because I think all my vectors are "super". Maybe, they should have an even higher category "super awesome".  ;D

Seriously though, I was thinking it was a tiered system like IS. I just wasn't sure what the tiers were.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Klauts on June 01, 2010, 14:51
It's tiered by vector detail:

Vectors*

Code   Detail   Price
   Low detail   1 credits
   Medium detail   5 credits
   High detail   10 credits
   Super high detail   20 credits

I like that subs are capped at max 2 MP.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ThomasAmby on June 01, 2010, 15:00
Ahh of course  :) Didn't think of that!

Given that I'm accepted, I hope most of mine will be priced at $10 like they used to price all of them at StockXpert
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Fotonaut on June 01, 2010, 15:06
I like that subs are capped at max 2 MP.

+1
I don’t like subscriptions, but at 2 MP it’s bearable.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cthoman on June 01, 2010, 15:12
I like that subs are capped at max 2 MP.
Interesting point. It looks like you can't even purchase the vectors with subs too. They are definitely making it tempting. I guess I'll have to read through the site.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Xalanx on June 01, 2010, 16:48
Excelent news! I signed up.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on June 01, 2010, 17:03
Any chance one can opt out subs?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Reaktori on June 01, 2010, 17:09
Application sent.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: brm1949 on June 01, 2010, 17:19
Signed up, hoping to get accepted.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: stokfoto on June 01, 2010, 17:24
Good to see Peter and the crew back.I'll certainly support them. Good luck guys!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on June 01, 2010, 17:38
This is good news!  Thanks for posting Lee.  :)

I said when StockXpert closed that if the original owners opened another site I would support them and I will.  The pricing and royalty split seem fair.  And as already mentioned, these guys have a history of building a successful site and of very good contributor relations.  Just submitted my application. 

If you can just send them in a hard drive that makes my job worlds easier. 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Klauts on June 01, 2010, 17:48
This is good news!  Thanks for posting Lee.  :)

I said when StockXpert closed that if the original owners opened another site I would support them and I will.  The pricing and royalty split seem fair.  And as already mentioned, these guys have a history of building a successful site and of very good contributor relations.  Just submitted my application. 

If you can just send them in a hard drive that makes my job worlds easier. 

Well, you may be in luck.
From the upload guide:
"For your convenience, we also accept files on DVD's and hard disks in certain cases. Please contact us if you have a large number of files with embedded metadata and you want to leave uploading to us. "
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on June 01, 2010, 19:24
Four biggies already signed up: iofoto, yuri arcurs, dash and pressmaster.

monkey_business too.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Phillip Minnis on June 02, 2010, 06:55
Has anyone had their five sample images inspected yet?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: epantha on June 02, 2010, 07:24
Just signed up. :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: leaf on June 02, 2010, 08:06
Has anyone had their five sample images inspected yet?

still waiting...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: borg on June 02, 2010, 08:08
I do not know why you all are so happy ?

The same people  sold their entire market and customers to Getty...
You all weren't happy about it and greedy TS...
Now they are working on a new project that will one day likely to sell to someone else, and you will again get the crumbs from table  of "great new owner". Probably 0,10 $ per dl...

Is this a sadomasochistic ritual, or you simply forget quickly....?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on June 02, 2010, 08:18
Is this a sadomasochistic ritual, or you simply forget quickly....?
"Wovon man nicht sprechen kann, darüber muss man schweigen." (Wittgenstein).
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on June 02, 2010, 08:30
I do not know why you all are so happy ?

The same people  sold their entire market and customers to Getty...
You all weren't happy about it and greedy TS...
Now they are working on a new project that will one day likely to sell to someone else, and you will again get the crumbs from table  of "great new owner". Probably 0,10 $ per dl...

Is this a sadomasochistic ritual, or you simply forget quickly....?
I think they sold their controlling shares to Jupiter, not Getty.  Getty then bought Jupiter and closed StockXpert.  I don't blame them selling, who here wouldn't accept a big payout if it was offered to them?  It isn't greed, its sensible business and I doubt many people would turn down the money they were offered.  It looks like they didn't sign a clause to prevent them starting a rival business, that was a good move.  Hopefully they wont need to sell again, as they are now more financially secure.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Reaktori on June 02, 2010, 08:43
Has anyone had their five sample images inspected yet?

still waiting...
+1
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: borg on June 02, 2010, 08:47
I don't know all the details so hope you're right ...
I  have nothing against them,they were kind and friendly,  but it would be big mistake for us to do again Sizif's job.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: MikLav on June 02, 2010, 08:57
I do not know why you all are so happy ?

The same people  sold their entire market and customers to Getty...
I am happy because StockXpert was one of my favorite microstock sites, and I hope the replacement could become as good.

And BTW they didn't sell it to Getty, they sold it to Jupiter and Jupiter did develop it and did include StockXpert to some of their projects.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: RH on June 02, 2010, 09:09
Signed up and application sent ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: gostwyck on June 02, 2010, 10:46
I signed up and sent the 5 initial images. I left the PC whilst it was uploading and when I returned I was back on the 'Sign In' page. I'm not sure if the application went through properly or not as there was no acknowledgment or email. Was it the same for everyone else?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on June 02, 2010, 11:02
I signed up and sent the 5 initial images. I left the PC whilst it was uploading and when I returned I was back on the 'Sign In' page. I'm not sure if the application went through properly or not as there was no acknowledgment or email. Was it the same for everyone else?
Looks like yours hasn't gone through, my page has "application is waiting to be reviewed" message.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cmcderm1 on June 02, 2010, 11:16
I like the SUB restriction to Med and below!!!  Always thought that was needed.

Even different Sub packages:  Med and below = 0.35;  Large and below = 0.45; XL and below = 0.55

Something like that, where the buyers determines his "usual" need of image size.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: hqimages on June 02, 2010, 11:16
No opt out for subscriptions? Nah I'll take a pass.. yet another site jumping on the subs bandwagon, great for them, not for us with small portfolios..
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on June 02, 2010, 12:23
Maybe I'm missing something here but I'm not seeing anything innovative or even unique. The only thing I'm seeing that's fresh is the appearance and cheaper pricing. Everything else doesn't seem different from the other sites.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 02, 2010, 12:52
Maybe I'm missing something here but I'm not seeing anything innovative or even unique. The only thing I'm seeing that's fresh is the appearance and cheaper pricing. Everything else doesn't seem different from the other sites.

I think these 3 things are HUGE differences:

1. cheaper pricing for buyers
2. higher commissions for contributors
3. limit on sizes sold as a sub

These are 3 major things we all have been asking for from all the agencies, but no one has done it. Now we have an agency willing to do it...for now anyways.

I'm still waiting for my first 5 to be approved.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on June 02, 2010, 13:13
I think these 3 things are HUGE differences:
1. cheaper pricing for buyers
2. higher commissions for contributors
3. limit on sizes sold as a sub

1. Is cheaper really the right direction?
2. You're getting 50% but from cheaper pricing and at a brand new low/no volume site. Sound familiar?
3. Don't most other places offer full size subs? Good for contribs but why would a buyer settle for this?

I wish them the best on this venture but it's starting off with a pretty weak value proposition which is "we created Stockxpert, we're fresh, we're cheap". If I were a buyer the thing that would stand out to me is the "cheap" part.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on June 02, 2010, 13:44
This is microstock, their prices look reasonable for buyers and sellers.  Some sites seem to of moved on from microstock with their pay per download prices but have kept subs prices low.  I sell a lot less than I used to with the sites that have put their prices up a lot, it must of put off some buyers or made them reduce the number of images they buy.  I am really not sure if we make more with higher prices, as sales are reduced.  It is hard to tell if my earnings go up because of higher prices or because I have added lots of images to my portfolio.  I don't see many people using this site for subs but that isn't a bad thing, StockXpert only sold PPD at one time and sales were good.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: KB on June 02, 2010, 15:26
1. Is cheaper really the right direction?
2. You're getting 50% but from cheaper pricing and at a brand new low/no volume site. Sound familiar?

Let's look at the $ contributors would earn at SF, compared to what I've been earning at FT as a Silver contributor (obviously base level contributors make less, and higher level contributors more):

Size / SF / FT


0.1 MP / $0.50 / $0.31
0.5 MP / $1.00 / $0.93
2.0 MP / $1.50 / $1.55
6.0 MP / $2.50 / $2.17 or $2.48 (4MP or 8MP)
12. MP / $5.00 / $3.10 (but 15MP)

So it seems that SF pays more $ to contributors, yet buyers pay less? Sounds like win / win to me, if they can be successful.

Also, $0.35 subscription credits for 2MP (M) sized images is much better to me than $0.37 for XXXL sized. But, good point, is it good enough for buyers? I think that's the way it always should have been (but that ship has sailed, and sunk by now): Subscriptions should be for smaller images. Larger images should be available by pay per download only. Oh, if only.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 02, 2010, 15:50
1. cheaper pricing for buyers
These are 3 major things we all have been asking for from all the agencies, but no one has done it. Now we have an agency willing to do it...for now anyways.

Uhhhhh....
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Dreamframer on June 02, 2010, 15:53
My friend who was a bank manager in a local bank changed the city where he works, and moved to a neighbor city. He contacted all his important clients...I believe more than 100 of them, and almost all of them moved their accounts to be managed from the neighbor city, where my friend works now.
He made a huge success, and in the next 3 months he fulfilled the plan for whole year.
Maybe, if guys from ex-StockXpert have email addresses from all buyers, they can contact them, and invite them to stockfresh... It's not impossible.
They could get large amount of buyers in a short time. I would do it in their place.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 02, 2010, 15:55
Maybe, if guys from ex-StockXpert have email addresses from all buyers, they can contact them, and invite them to stockfresh... It's not impossible.
They could get large amount of buyers in a short time. I would do it in their place.

I'm pretty sure that would be illegal.  A buyer list would be a trade secret of the original company, or something like that.  I'm surprised they don't have a non-compete in place.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Dreamframer on June 02, 2010, 15:58
Maybe, if guys from ex-StockXpert have email addresses from all buyers, they can contact them, and invite them to stockfresh... It's not impossible.
They could get large amount of buyers in a short time. I would do it in their place.

I'm pretty sure that would be illegal.  A buyer list would be a trade secret of the original company, or something like that.  I'm surprised they don't have a non-compete in place.

It's probably illegal, but...   :)
They made those contacts while they were bosses of StockXpert. Those contacts are their contacts, not Getty's.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 02, 2010, 16:04
They made those contacts while they were bosses of StockXpert. Those contacts are their contacts, not Getty's.

No, they would be the contacts of the company.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 02, 2010, 16:06
... I'm surprised they don't have a non-compete in place.

Perhaps they did, but a short 6 month one. I think 6 months have gone by since StockXpert sold to Jupiter...could even be a year already. I know I asked this question when it was all happening, but I suffer from CRS syndrome...can't remember sh-t.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Dreamframer on June 02, 2010, 16:12
They made those contacts while they were bosses of StockXpert. Those contacts are their contacts, not Getty's.

No, they would be the contacts of the company.

Yes, I know. But still... who knows. It's OK to contact potential buyers in one or another way, right? Sending email is one way to do it.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ap on June 02, 2010, 16:23
Let's look at the $ contributors would earn at SF, compared to what I've been earning at FT as a Silver contributor (obviously base level contributors make less, and higher level contributors more):

Size / SF / FT


0.1 MP / $0.50 / $0.31
0.5 MP / $1.00 / $0.93
2.0 MP / $1.50 / $1.55
6.0 MP / $2.50 / $2.17 or $2.48 (4MP or 8MP)
12. MP / $5.00 / $3.10 (but 15MP)

So it seems that SF pays more $ to contributors, yet buyers pay less? Sounds like win / win to me, if they can be successful.

hey, i was about to write a similar post.

If IS, now the dominant microstock co., were to offer these terms, they will probably wipe out the competition. however, they're kind of into developing their 'exclusive' brand to achieve these ends. it may be higher commission for their exclusives, but not cheaper for their buyers.

the fact that stockfresh is doing it on both ends means that they are willing to take a reduction to their own bottom line in order to promote a business model that can be very successful in the long  run.

i will never forget that as a newbie my first xl sale on stx netted me $5, only $3 at is and elsewhere and the same $5 for an el at ft.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on June 02, 2010, 17:43
From reading this thread it really looks like Peter and Andras have a lot of goodwill among contributors.  Our memories are not so short that we have forgotten the days when they ran StockXpert and treated everyone fairly. 

If they have similar residual goodwill among their former buyers that bodes well for their future success.

I don't know if the buyer list would be a trade secret or not.  Even if they can't access the actual buyer list from StockXpert, with all the companies out there harvesting our contact info every time we buy anything online it would probably not be that difficult to get a list of regular microstock buyers.  If they cast a wide net they will almost certainly manage to reach former StockXpert buyers, plus a lot of others too.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: qwerty on June 02, 2010, 19:43
I hope this comes off. I was keen for veer to fill the void that the destruction of stockxpert made but looks like that's not going to happen.

I'll be signing up and submitting a couple of hundred and then wait and see.

The commissions and pricing seem to be okay
 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: vii-studio on June 03, 2010, 06:45
I don't know all the details so hope you're right ...
I  have nothing against them,they were kind and friendly,  but it would be big mistake for us to do again Sizif's job.

I don't know all the details, either. And that's not important.
Finally, they sold their company just for money and did not care about us.
I believe that they will do that again.

I love StockXpert, but I don't know if StcokFresh .....
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: borg on June 03, 2010, 11:49
From reading this thread it really looks like Peter and Andras have a lot of goodwill among contributors.  Our memories are not so short that we have forgotten the days when they ran StockXpert and treated everyone fairly. 

If they have similar residual goodwill among their former buyers that bodes well for their future success.

I don't know if the buyer list would be a trade secret or not.  Even if they can't access the actual buyer list from StockXpert, with all the companies out there harvesting our contact info every time we buy anything online it would probably not be that difficult to get a list of regular microstock buyers.  If they cast a wide net they will almost certainly manage to reach former StockXpert buyers, plus a lot of others too.

Yep!

That was my intention to explain in my last posts!

Also,,almost all of customers are already on the market, they need (again) to take their piece of pie!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: hqimages on June 03, 2010, 12:03
Maybe, if guys from ex-StockXpert have email addresses from all buyers, they can contact them, and invite them to stockfresh... It's not impossible.
They could get large amount of buyers in a short time. I would do it in their place.

I'm pretty sure that would be illegal.  A buyer list would be a trade secret of the original company, or something like that.  I'm surprised they don't have a non-compete in place.

They did but it expired.. otherwise I'm pretty sure this site would have been launched at least 12 months ago..
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: gostwyck on June 03, 2010, 12:12
Maybe I'm missing something here but I'm not seeing anything innovative or even unique. The only thing I'm seeing that's fresh is the appearance and cheaper pricing. Everything else doesn't seem different from the other sites.

The differences that make one agency more successful than another can be quite subtle. Some agencies understand what it takes and others simply don't and probably never will. Based on their track records I would put money on Stockfresh being vastly more successful than say Veer.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 03, 2010, 12:59
Maybe I'm missing something here but I'm not seeing anything innovative or even unique. The only thing I'm seeing that's fresh is the appearance and cheaper pricing. Everything else doesn't seem different from the other sites.

The differences that make one agency more successful than another can be quite subtle. Some agencies understand what it takes and others simply don't and probably never will. Based on their track records I would put money on Stockfresh being vastly more successful than say Veer.

+1
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on June 03, 2010, 13:20
still waiting for initial inspection as well (I joined on June, 1st)

there may be nothing new in this agency but commissions are fair and founders are well known for doing well before, let's give it a try
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on June 03, 2010, 17:06
still waiting for initial inspection as well (I joined on June, 1st)

there may be nothing new in this agency but commissions are fair and founders are well known for doing well before, let's give it a try

100% with your statment!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Anita Potter on June 03, 2010, 17:54
Well I was never a member of StockXpert but I'm gonna give SF a try.  Working on uploading the initial 5 images for review (and why it's taking so long for my comp and isp to do that I don't know).

We'll see what happens.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 04, 2010, 07:29
I think Yuri's 30,000 images are clogging up the reviews. I thought my ap would be accepted instantaneously! :D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Phillip Minnis on June 04, 2010, 07:37
Yes, for a new site, I find it a bit strange that after three days, my five have not yet been inspected.  :o
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on June 04, 2010, 08:33
Peter put a pertinent post under Lee's article regarding initial delays (see comments section):

http://www.microstockdiaries.com/stockfresh.html (http://www.microstockdiaries.com/stockfresh.html)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 04, 2010, 08:50
It's tough nowadays to wade through all the advertising on the blogs, so I generally don't do them. I made an exception this time.

Here is what Peter posted on the blog:

Quote
There’s a huge interest already on the contributor side so I would like to ask for everyone’s patience. It may take a long time to get approved as we would like to “test the waters” first. Thank you!

Geez, why didn't he post that on the stockfresh site, where we go to sign up? Not sure what "test the waters" first means. Does that mean that the top photographers get all 50,000+ of their images approved first and are on the market for months before we even get a shot?

I hate being a peon.  ???
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on June 04, 2010, 09:22
Does that mean that the top photographers get all 50,000+ of their images approved first and are on the market for months before we even get a shot?

I hate being a peon.  ???

Thanks for posting the text here, Cathy.  I don't like to have to click links to keep up with discussions here either :)

I doubt the issue is that they are giving some sort of pass to the top guys.  More likely those folks were consulted in the beginning and were part of the site from the planning stages.

I am guessing that the word got out before they are actually ready to begin reviewing submissions.  Notice this was a post on Lee's blog, but there was no general announcement here requesting submissions, and they are familiar with this board.  Maybe those of us who are eager to support them have jumped the gun a little...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mantonino on June 04, 2010, 10:01
Does that mean that the top photographers get all 50,000+ of their images approved first and are on the market for months before we even get a shot?

I hate being a peon.  ???

Yeah, that's what I said on Lee's blog and twitter as well - that I don't want them to have 15,000 images with sales before I can even get approved.

I did JUST get this on Twitter:

 stockfresh @mattantonino Don't worry, we'll make sure new contributors don't get behind.


In response to the same line of questioning.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: etienjones on June 04, 2010, 10:25
Does that mean that the top photographers get all 50,000+ of their images approved first and are on the market for months before we even get a shot?

I hate being a peon.  ???

Thanks for posting the text here, Cathy.  I don't like to have to click links to keep up with discussions here either :)

I doubt the issue is that they are giving some sort of pass to the top guys.  More likely those folks were consulted in the beginning and were part of the site from the planning stages.

I am guessing that the word got out before they are actually ready to begin reviewing submissions.  Notice this was a post on Lee's blog, but there was no general announcement here requesting submissions, and they are familiar with this board.  Maybe those of us who are eager to support them have jumped the gun a little...


That's what I think also . . . . a new site has to make a lot of noise these days to be seen, just mentioning the fact on a blog won't get it done.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: melastmohican on June 04, 2010, 14:40
Tried to enroll yesterday but I never received activation email. Is there a way to resend it?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 04, 2010, 15:41
I am guessing that the word got out before they are actually ready to begin reviewing submissions.  Notice this was a post on Lee's blog, but there was no general announcement here requesting submissions, and they are familiar with this board.  Maybe those of us who are eager to support them have jumped the gun a little...

I was thinking that if Peter approved an article to appear on Lee's blog, then to me that meant they were ready and open for business. And if Lee, in turn, posted it here, then ditto. Maybe stockfresh underestimated the power of viral marketing.  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on June 04, 2010, 15:50
Maybe stockfresh underestimated the power of viral marketing.  ;)

I bet you're right :D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: etienjones on June 04, 2010, 16:32
Right . . .  a lot of hungry photographers out there!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: bendicks on June 04, 2010, 17:03
Tried to enroll yesterday but I never received activation email. Is there a way to resend it?

I had the same problem.......timed out.

I had to do it all over again but this time  I had an additional browser window open and just hit the refresh button about every minute minute or so while filled out my application.

Submitted application and got the confirmation message.

-Don
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on June 04, 2010, 19:46
My affiliate application was approved. That's a start!   :D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on June 05, 2010, 05:38
My affiliate application was approved. That's a start!   :D
Oh no, we're going to be flooded with (hidden) affiliate links again.  >:(
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on June 05, 2010, 08:10
My affiliate application was approved. That's a start!   :D
Oh no, we're going to be flooded with (hidden) affiliate links again.  >:(

lolol I read somewhere that there are just buyers affiliate
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mantonino on June 05, 2010, 08:47
My affiliate application was approved. That's a start!   :D

Oh no, we're going to be flooded with (hidden) affiliate links again.  >:(


http://www.stockfresh.com/signupundermynameordieImeanplease (http://www.stockfresh.com/signupundermynameordieImeanplease)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Dreamframer on June 05, 2010, 15:31
My affiliate application was approved. That's a start!   :D
Congrats Maria!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Dreamframer on June 06, 2010, 18:24
I got this message in my stockfresh inbox:

Dear Dreamframer,

Thank you very much for your interest in selling your work at Stockfresh!

We are very excited that so many of you have faith in our new project. At the moment there are already over 300 pending contributor applications, which is absolutely amazing.

We would like to ask for your patience as we sort through all the applications. It might take a while because we would like to grow our customer and contributor base side by side, and we might not be able to let everyone in immediately.

At the moment we are working on our first marketing campaigns. If all goes well, we can start opening the gates soon. If not, well, we don't even want to think about that! ;)

Once again we would like to thank you for your interest and please don't worry about the delay. We will take care of the application when things start happening!

Best regards,
The Stockfresh Team
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: RH on June 06, 2010, 22:04
I got this message in my stockfresh inbox:

Dear Dreamframer,

Thank you very much for your interest in selling your work at Stockfresh!

We are very excited that so many of you have faith in our new project. At the moment there are already over 300 pending contributor applications, which is absolutely amazing.

We would like to ask for your patience as we sort through all the applications. It might take a while because we would like to grow our customer and contributor base side by side, and we might not be able to let everyone in immediately.

At the moment we are working on our first marketing campaigns. If all goes well, we can start opening the gates soon. If not, well, we don't even want to think about that! ;)

Once again we would like to thank you for your interest and please don't worry about the delay. We will take care of the application when things start happening!

Best regards,
The Stockfresh Team

Same to me
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 06, 2010, 22:09
It might take a while because we would like to grow our customer and contributor base side by side, and we might not be able to let everyone in immediately.

Translation: We've already got all the really good stuff we want locked in.  We'll get to you when we want to.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on June 07, 2010, 00:48
StockXpert was where I got my start in this business and was my favorite and most often recommended site until the Getty buyout. If the guys can pick up with StockFresh where they left off with StockXpert, I'm in.

I think I'll just wait a while for the start-up dust to settle, though. :) Sounds like there are some issues with signing up and getting accepted.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: MikLav on June 07, 2010, 06:45
It might take a while because we would like to grow our customer and contributor base side by side, and we might not be able to let everyone in immediately.

Translation: We've already got all the really good stuff we want locked in.  We'll get to you when we want to.
No, to me it means acknowledgment of the common issue with new microstock sites when contributors are actively invited and then loose interest due to slow sales and lack of growth...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Perry on June 07, 2010, 07:53
I'll give this one a chance if they will get my images up without me clicking categories etc. I just want to send my images on DVDs and without any extra work...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: RaFaLe on June 10, 2010, 07:22
So I logged in to this new site, hoping to see what's available and possibly upload...

And I've been trying now for about 5 hours.
This is what I get:
Quote
Warning: extract() [function.extract]: First argument should be an array in /var/www/stockfresh/www.stockfresh.com/common.php  on line 247

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /var/www/stockfresh/www.stockfresh.com/common.php:247) in /var/www/stockfresh/www.stockfresh.com/common.php on line 275

That's on the banner, and when I log in:

Quote
Warning: extract() [function.extract]: First argument should be an array in /var/www/stockfresh/www.stockfresh.com/common.php on line 247

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /var/www/stockfresh/www.stockfresh.com/common.php:247) in /var/www/stockfresh/www.stockfresh.com/common.php on line 275

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /var/www/stockfresh/www.stockfresh.com/common.php:247) in /var/www/stockfresh/www.stockfresh.com/index.php on line 73

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /var/www/stockfresh/www.stockfresh.com/common.php:247) in /var/www/stockfresh/www.stockfresh.com/common.php on line 368

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /var/www/stockfresh/www.stockfresh.com/common.php:247) in /var/www/stockfresh/www.stockfresh.com/index.php on line 121

Not really something I would consider if the site is unstable...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Fred on June 10, 2010, 08:45
Is this a sadomasochistic ritual, or you simply forget quickly....?
"Wovon man nicht sprechen kann, darüber muss man schweigen." (Wittgenstein).

Yes and "He who forgets history is doomed to repeat it."  Santayana (paraphrased).

fred
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on June 10, 2010, 09:01
Is this a sadomasochistic ritual, or you simply forget quickly....?
"Wovon man nicht sprechen kann, darüber muss man schweigen." (Wittgenstein).
Yes and "He who forgets history is doomed to repeat it."  Santayana (paraphrased).
1 - The original quote is - of course - from Toynbee.
2 - The quote is irrelevant in this discussion (unless you'd like to shine with a witty quote, in which case I'd rather recommend Voltaire).
3 - The right honorable gentlemen from one of the PIGS countries that obviously spends more time posting than shooting, missed the point of my quote, hypothesizing about Stockfresh. As it happens, I was the first on this forum to tell about Peter's intentions. That might have led the right honorable gentleman to the conclusion (not so hard to reach) that I probably knew more.

And now, allow me to fart in your general direction (Monty Python, of course).  :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 15, 2010, 17:19
Soooo...I've been gone for a few days. Has anyone else besides madelaide gotten approved at stockfresh?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: UncleGene on June 15, 2010, 18:51
Soooo...I've been gone for a few days. Has anyone else besides madelaide gotten approved at stockfresh?

This was just affiliate program approval. Mine was too. I do not think they approved (or even going to anytime soon) anybody else as contributor
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: a.k.a.-tom on June 15, 2010, 23:09
Got on as a buyer in a matter of minutes...  didn't want that. I don't buy.  I reapplied as a seller.  Had to upload 5 shots and give 5 (?) website references...  I don't expect to hear anything soon.  8)=tom
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mtkang on June 16, 2010, 03:48
in this time of microstock trend, i think they should pay for accepted images.

I won't really be interested especially there are some websites (veer and zoonar) that are paying for accepted images in this period. Newbies that had is building portfolio, check out that two website.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on June 16, 2010, 05:29
I decided long ago to avoid joining new sites, since I am already part of too many low to no earners.

As an exception, I was going to give this site a try just because I trusted the founders, but if they are making thinks difficult and asking to wait for very long time... I am afraid this site is losing its "freshness" for me, sorry.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: a.k.a.-tom on June 16, 2010, 16:44
I decided long ago to avoid joining new sites, since I am already part of too many low to no earners.

As an exception, I was going to give this site a try just because I trusted the founders, but if they are making thinks difficult and asking to wait for very long time... I am afraid this site is losing its "freshness" for me, sorry.

Same thinking here..  I dumped a half dozen or so sites for slow sales...  Really only active on DT, BigStock, SS, IS  (but  still with Alamy, FT, FP, ).  But because I had moderate success with StockXpert, I don't have a problem giving the guys a try.  Question is if they want me... LOL...   I applied.
Funny thing, I was going to give Veer a try until I read an active thread on Veer today.  Other than that, I am very leery about newbie sites. And even new sites that throw a good pitch.  I was very psyched about Lucky Oliver, and put a lot of time and effort into them... only to see LO go down the porcelain receptacle. And a lot of peoples money with them. I was fortunate enough to hit cash out in their last week.

Yeah,  I'm gun shy 8)=tom
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on June 16, 2010, 16:57
I wish them the best, but have to agree my enthusiasm is waning as each day passes with no response to my application. 

I will probably forget about these guys for awhile and check back in 6 months or so when/if they have things up and running.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: a.k.a.-tom on June 16, 2010, 17:07
I wish them the best, but have to agree my enthusiasm is waning as each day passes with no response to my application. 

Lis....  I don't know if you mentioned it earlier... but how long ago did you apply,  just so I have an idea when to stop checking my email like a kid looking for candy.. LOL     8)=tom
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on June 16, 2010, 18:27
Lis....  I don't know if you mentioned it earlier... but how long ago did you apply,  just so I have an idea when to stop checking my email like a kid looking for candy.. LOL     8)=tom

I applied on June 01, just after discovering this thread.  So it's over two weeks with no word...

Oh well.  They say patience is a virtue.  I wouldn't know ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Suljo on June 16, 2010, 19:46
Is it all about joke or?!?

what???
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rene on June 16, 2010, 20:35
I decided long ago to avoid joining new sites, since I am already part of too many low to no earners.

As an exception, I was going to give this site a try just because I trusted the founders, but if they are making thinks difficult and asking to wait for very long time... I am afraid this site is losing its "freshness" for me, sorry.
These "trustful founders" already sold one site. They can  sell StockFresh, once succesful, like they did with Stockxpert. And they will stay "nice" guys with pockets full of money. Then everybody will hate the new owners.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on June 17, 2010, 05:23
I decided long ago to avoid joining new sites, since I am already part of too many low to no earners.

As an exception, I was going to give this site a try just because I trusted the founders, but if they are making thinks difficult and asking to wait for very long time... I am afraid this site is losing its "freshness" for me, sorry.
These "trustful founders" already sold one site. They can  sell StockFresh, once succesful, like they did with Stockxpert. And they will stay "nice" guys with pockets full of money. Then everybody will hate the new owners.

Sure they may sell it once successful. I didn't mean they were "nice". I meant they were able to put up a successful site, and was hoping they could do the same again :) and at least they are real people, not someone from a weird country with a virtual office in NY or London - that said, I am losing patience with them. I know of another site which was only accepting "the best" and even asked a confirmation with a popup window before submitting pictures because they were not like all the others, well I lost interest in them as well. I am willing to accept weird procedures only if there's a good return: only one site IS in this situation, and it's not them.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: grp_photo on June 17, 2010, 05:38
They killed Stockxpert (no one forced them to sell) I don't see any reason to support them (my personal loss because of the sale is immense - of course the owners made their millions). On a second note - Stockxpert was only successful because of SXC.hu as they sold that one too I don't think they will ever made it, the time for new start-ups are over you even see very substandard results from start-ups with such mighty companies like Deutsche Telekom (Polylooks) and Corbis (Veer) in the background.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on June 17, 2010, 05:39
Hello Everyone,

I'd just like to drop by to say a couple of things. First of all we are thrilled that so many of you are excited about Stockfresh. We're just getting started and it takes time to launch a site properly so please bear with us while we iron out things. As soon as we can start doing some marketing, we will also start letting more contributors in. We are not going to let you miss out on anything, don't worry! :) If you have any questions, you can reach me directly through the contact form on the site and I'll be happy to answer them!

Best regards,
Peter / Stockfresh
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on June 17, 2010, 05:50
They killed Stockxpert (no one forced them to sell) I don't see any reason to support them (my personal loss because of the sale is immense - of course the owners made their millions). On a second note - Stockxpert was only successful because of SXC.hu as they sold that one too I don't think they will ever made it, the time for new start-ups are over you even see very substandard results from start-ups with such mighty companies like Deutsche Telekom (Polylooks) and Corbis (Veer) in the background.

We didn't kill Stockxpert. We decided to team up with Jupiterimages right after launch (2006) so they could help us grow the site. Nobody thought that the whole economy would eventually crash and Jupiter was going to be sold. Some things are just beyond our control, and I think it's everyone's loss, not just yours.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: a.k.a.-tom on June 17, 2010, 15:26
Hello Everyone,

I'd just like to drop by to say a couple of things. First of all we are thrilled that so many of you are excited about Stockfresh. We're just getting started and it takes time to launch a site properly so please bear with us while we iron out things. As soon as we can start doing some marketing, we will also start letting more contributors in. We are not going to let you miss out on anything, don't worry! :) If you have any questions, you can reach me directly through the contact form on the site and I'll be happy to answer them!

Best regards,
Peter / Stockfresh

Peter...    Know you're busy... but next time you check in...  could you give us an idea  (ball park , not to be etched in stone)...  rough idea how long it will take to consider new contributors (of which many of us are old StockXpert friends). ...    thanks much...  8)=tom
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Dreamframer on June 17, 2010, 18:19
Waiting time is too long.... They are probably reviewing images from few big contributors that applied first... That is the most important for them now.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: melastmohican on June 17, 2010, 18:40
There is no need to get excited too much. All recent attempts on creating a new agency were not particularly effective. See where YAY, Cutcaster and few others are after one year. I think "microstock bubble" has burst already. Now new agencies have to pay to get content so it is even harder for them than before.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on June 17, 2010, 22:50
There is no need to get excited too much. All recent attempts on creating a new agency were not particularly effective. See where YAY, Cutcaster and few others are after one year. I think "microstock bubble" has burst already. Now new agencies have to pay to get content so it is even harder for them than before.

Those were agencies started up by unknown, inexperienced people. StockFresh is being put together by people we've worked with before and who know what it takes to succeed in microstock. I'm more inclined to take a chance on a company like that than another Yay, Cutcaster, etc.

Frankly I don't think things are so different now than they were a few years ago with respect to choosing which agencies to get on board with. We all knew back then that new sites were a risk. It's the same today. Maybe people are a little more cautious these days then before, but only after jumping on board with any new, untested company that came along asking for images, only to get burned afterwards. This has always been about assessing the risks and making a personal decision. I felt Yay was too risky and skipped it. Glad I did. LO was around already when I started in microstock, but I always felt that they were a bad investment and never got involved. I also thought that SnapVillage was an acceptable risk given their backing by a larger established company. Not feeling so good about that one today.

The risks are the same today as they were 3 years ago, though. And I personally will still continue to take chances on sites that I feel strongly about, and pass on the many many other ones that looks like just another wannbe microstock outfit. StockFresh, in my opinion, deserves some consideration because of the people behind it and their track record of previous success in microstock. 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on June 18, 2010, 00:06
I agree with helix7 they have better background and I also have big expectations..! I just don't get so many time to start our accounts :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: RaFaLe on June 18, 2010, 00:21
So I've registered as a contributor - just waiting to have my application reviewed (it's taken a few days already).
I love the look and feel. Nice and clean.
Looking forward to this, and hoping it does even better than StockXpert :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: a.k.a.-tom on June 18, 2010, 17:22
I'm willing to give them a chance... if they give me one... 
    I don't see why they wouldn't pick up those of us that sold well with them under the old banner...    as Helix7 said,  'they are proven'... and many of us have  'proven' ourselves with them.  I'm looking forward to working with them...    ha ha ha... if picked... LOL   8)=tom
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: melastmohican on June 18, 2010, 17:54
They must not be ready with whole infrastructure. I takes weeks to approve photographers. We will see when everything is up and running. I guess we have early access cause we are on this forum otherwise I haven't seen any agency that makes public announcement when it cannot really make site running.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on June 18, 2010, 17:57
They must not be ready with whole infrastructure. I takes weeks to approve photographers. We will see when everything is up and running. I guess we have early access cause we are on this forum otherwise I haven't seen any agency that makes public announcement when it cannot really make site running.

weeks to approve photographers???.. weeks to approve photos ok, not to get accepted!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: brookefuller on June 18, 2010, 18:42
I just put in my application today -- good thing I wasn't planing on uploading right away  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on June 18, 2010, 19:25
I just put in my application today -- good thing I wasn't planing on uploading right away  ;)

I guess mine is from 10 days ago
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on June 19, 2010, 03:58
Waiting time is too long.... They are probably reviewing images from few big contributors that applied first... That is the most important for them now.
Bingo  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Imagecom on June 19, 2010, 06:54
I have sent StockFresh an email.
- and Peter explained why is the delay.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 19, 2010, 07:24
I have sent StockFresh an email.
- and Peter explained why is the delay.

Care to share, because he posted here and the reason he gave was pretty vague. I see that at least 4 photographers have images posted on the site, but in doing a spot search, none have downloads that I could see. So I have no doubt that they are still gearing up, and getting the big guns' images approved and online first.

What I don't understand is why Lee Torrens posted here June 1 if the site wasn't ready for everyone to contribute to. I am fairly certain that the negotiations for the top guns went on behind the scenes and didn't happen because of Lee's post.

I typically don't read people's blogs but I went over to the one Lee posted at the same he posted here (or even before). Here's what it says:

Quote
The sale of the outstanding 10% portion to Getty Images was merely last December. In the six months since then, Peter and Andras have built a completely new microstock agency and filled it with over 100,000 images.  Yuri Arcurs has 30,000 there and Ron Chapple’s  iofoto collection is there, 15,000 images strong. Even I have 49 online.

Today, the new agency opens its doors to both contributors and buyers. The site is fully functional and well refined. It’s not even in beta. It’s actually easier to use and faster than many microstock agency websites that have been online for years.

I'm not stupid. I understand that these guys are friends/big draws/etc. and that they are going to get first dibs. That should have been done behind the scenes, before the announcement here on this forum.

I really hate false advertising. I'm starting to lose my enthusiasm. We get enough of this kind of stuff from all the other sites.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 19, 2010, 07:29
We get enough of this kind of stuff from all the other sites.

Well, this is just another site, right?  Nothing groundbreaking or special going on.  People hoping the past model is going to work, etc.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 19, 2010, 07:31
We get enough of this kind of stuff from all the other sites.

Well, this is just another site, right?  Nothing groundbreaking or special going on.  People hoping the past model is going to work, etc.

Apparently so. A girl can hope, can't she?  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on June 19, 2010, 12:01
Apparently so. A girl can hope, can't she?  ;)
This sounds like a great title for Lady Gaga's next song.  :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Imagecom on June 19, 2010, 14:12
Here is what Peter wroth

"Thank you for writing.It might take a long time to get approved. We have just started the site and we would like to do some advertising first. We will start letting in new contributors when we start receiving some traffic. Thank you very much for your patience!
 Best regards,Peter Hamza"

I think he said something similar in his earlier open latter to all of those who would be interested to contribute for StcoFresh.
Yes I love to be there too but i give a breathing space for the guys and wait - not because i could do anything else.
Regards
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on June 19, 2010, 14:19
I'm not stupid. I understand that these guys are friends/big draws/etc. and that they are going to get first dibs. That should have been done behind the scenes, before the announcement here on this forum.
To be fair, it wasn't them, but Lee Torrens, who announced SF in his blog and here.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: stockastic on June 19, 2010, 14:44
Hey great.  I air my grievances with the big sites, close my account with FT, quit submitting to the Big 3, and announce that I'm waiting for new agencies offering better deals.   Then when they show up, they won't let me in.  

"I don't want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member” - Groucho Marx
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on June 19, 2010, 15:05
To be fair, it wasn't them, but Lee Torrens, who announced SF in his blog and here.

To be very fair, it was FD last January.  :P
Quote
but perhaps they (Getty) found out too that Peter Hamza (the original coder of StockXpert) is making a new site very deep under the radar.

in this thread: http://www.microstockgroup.com/stockxpert-com/stockxpert-sales-crashed/ (http://www.microstockgroup.com/stockxpert-com/stockxpert-sales-crashed/)
which started this thread: http://www.microstockgroup.com/general-stock-discussion/would-you-migrate-to-StockXpert-founder%27s-new-site/ (http://www.microstockgroup.com/general-stock-discussion/would-you-migrate-to-StockXpert-founder%27s-new-site/)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on June 19, 2010, 15:46
To be fair, it wasn't them, but Lee Torrens, who announced SF in his blog and here.
To be very fair, it was FD last January.  :P
Ok, then, but did you say they were accepting photographers then? He did: "Today, the new agency opens its doors to both contributors and buyers."
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on June 19, 2010, 16:01
Ok, then, but did you say they were accepting photographers then? He did: "Today, the new agency opens its doors to both contributors and buyers."
No, he was making it "under the radar" then. Apparently, viral marketing works and it is cheap. Everybody is clearly dying to get in, and he doesn't even pay for upload.  :P Il faut le faire.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 20, 2010, 05:59
Ok, then, but did you say they were accepting photographers then? He did: "Today, the new agency opens its doors to both contributors and buyers."

No, he was making it "under the radar" then. Apparently, viral marketing works and it is cheap. Everybody is clearly dying to get in, and he doesn't even pay for upload.  :P Il faut le faire.


From Lee Torrens' very first post here in this thread:

Quote
Launched today:  [url]http://www.stockfresh.com[/url] ([url]http://www.stockfresh.com[/url])

They
gave me a lot of notice, but I was still rushed in putting together a quick review:  [url]http://www.microstockdiaries.com/stockfresh.html[/url] ([url]http://www.microstockdiaries.com/stockfresh.html[/url])


I guess I thought they meant Stockfresh and that Lee Torrens had approval to do the review and to post here. Guess it doesn't really matter...contributors will get approved when they are ready.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on June 20, 2010, 08:04
I guess I thought they meant Stockfresh and that Lee Torrens had approval to do the review and to post here. Guess it doesn't really matter...contributors will get approved when they are ready.
Obviously. But when they are going to play the same trick as CutCaster did, i.e. put all the images of the holy guys right on top in searches, I'll be faster to delete my port than I did at CutCaster. And I won't put the same effort in it any more. CutCaster gave all the big guys a bump in the searches and I researched it well, despite the denials of John. I'm not up for the same game any more. The pre-acceptance of the 4 divas of stock was ominous. Let's see...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: red on June 20, 2010, 10:46
From a business perspective why wouldn't you want the proven sellers up front? It is all well and good to be "fair" but fair doesn't always make money.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 20, 2010, 11:14
From a business perspective why wouldn't you want the proven sellers up front? It is all well and good to be "fair" but fair doesn't always make money.

It depends on what you mean by "proven sellers up front". Do you mean in the search? Because if I have an image that has 10 times more downloads than Yuri, no, I don't think Yuri's image should be in front of my proven seller, just because his name is Yuri.

If you mean "proven sellers up front" as in getting the big guns on board first, then yes, I agree you do that. You do that behind the scenes, BEFORE you announce to the rest of the world that you are open for business and ready for contributors and images.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sam100 on June 20, 2010, 11:48
From a business perspective why wouldn't you want the proven sellers up front? It is all well and good to be "fair" but fair doesn't always make money.

This is exactly what happens at most sites.... we'll just have to wait and see with this new site.
If this happens, and considering they don't have a Free site that drives (potential) buyers to the paying site..... maybe it's not worth the time uploading for the few bucks we could be earning each month.
We'll just have to wait (and upload if you feel to) and see.

Patrick.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: stockastic on June 20, 2010, 14:31
From a business perspective why wouldn't you want the proven sellers up front? It is all well and good to be "fair" but fair doesn't always make money.
Some time ago I read an article about retailing that made an impression.  Shopping malls have been in decline for years and many experts say it's because all the stored ended up selling the same products.  You walk from store to store and see the same clothes and shoes, the same Polo and Tommy Hilfiger.  Shopping became boring, people were less inclined to go to the mall.  

I think that's relevant here. Not only does each new stock site become instantly boring, I think the entire business is hurt because stock photography becomes less interesting to designers; there are after all other visual elements you can use to fill up a page.

Someone please explain to me why these big producers like Arcurs don't sell direct.  Surely their names must be known to a lot of designers by now. They have the money to set up elaborate web sites and hire SEO expertise.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on June 21, 2010, 11:00
Quote
I really hate false advertising. I'm starting to lose my enthusiasm. We get enough of this kind of stuff from all the other sites.

What's false advertising exactly? We've been in contact with contributors months before the launch. Actually the site's been ready for a long time, we just didn't want to unveil an emtpy store. We're processing content from new contributors even as we speak, and eventually we're going to review all the regular applications and start letting everyone in. A lot of things are going on now so please bear with us for a little while! Thanks! :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 21, 2010, 12:46
eventually we're going to review all the regular applications

Sucks to be 'regular' ;) .
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 21, 2010, 12:59
eventually we're going to review all the regular applications

Sucks to be 'regular' ;) .

Ha! I thought the exact same thing.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on June 21, 2010, 13:31
eventually we're going to review all the regular applications

Sucks to be 'regular' ;) .

Ha! I thought the exact same thing.

Oh come on :D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 21, 2010, 13:35
Well, it's been discussed recently, that early-in equals better sales.  ie, once the "first in"s start racking up sales (if any), the 'regulars' tend to get 2nd hand scraps.  Due to search engines, and sorting and such.  So it really does suck to be 'regular'.  Probably why the same group tends to jump at the chance to load up new sites with their catalog.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: a.k.a.-tom on June 21, 2010, 16:44
and eventually we're going to review all the regular applications and start letting everyone in. A lot of things are going on now so please bear with us for a little while! Thanks! :)

LOL    okay, so I'm regular...  in fact,  I take that as a compliment in my daily life...   "he's a regular kinda guy"

No prob,  I'm sure that if they bring me onboard... I'll still sell something there before I do at Thinkstock... LOL   

Peter, I'm sitting quiet and being a good boy :D ..... 8)=tom
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sc on June 21, 2010, 16:55
and eventually we're going to review all the regular applications and start letting everyone in. A lot of things are going on now so please bear with us for a little while! Thanks! :)

LOL    okay, so I'm regular...  in fact,  I take that as a compliment in my daily life...   "he's a regular kinda guy"

No prob,  I'm sure that if they bring me onboard... I'll still sell something there before I do at Thinkstock... LOL   

Peter, I'm sitting quiet and being a good boy :D ..... 8)=tom

+1
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on June 21, 2010, 17:55
Not that I'm siding with Peter on this but if you were going to start a new stock agency like StockFresh (same micro RF model as everywhere else that will end up with most of the same images) and needed a large amount images to get started what would you do?

Would you be fair and just do first come first serve so you could slog through brick walls and cats?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: stockastic on June 21, 2010, 18:07
I will repeat my question, which may be so simple-minded that no one thought it necessary to reply: why don't the really big stock producers sell their images directly, from their own sites?  It's obviously possible, and many buyers probably already know their names.  

Maybe it isn't practical, yet, for reasons I'm sure someone will enumerate.  But it will become practical at some point.  Maybe all it will take is a little help from Google - some enhancements to their image search, to let people search for purchasable/licensable images only.   

What happens to today's microstocks if the really big portfolios start to disappear?  

Have these producers signed contracts with the big microstocks, promising not to go direct, in exchange for... well who knows... preferential search ranking? Higher commissions?  
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Alatriste on June 21, 2010, 18:37
Good to see there are 2 leagues, 1 for famous contributors and 1 for the scum ¬¬
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on June 21, 2010, 18:43
Good to see there are 2 leagues, 1 for famous contributors and 1 for the scum ¬¬

not scum, just regular eheh :) ordinary!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Digital66 on June 21, 2010, 19:21
They made those contacts while they were bosses of StockXpert. Those contacts are their contacts, not Getty's.

No, they would be the contacts of the company.

Yes, I know. But still... who knows. It's OK to contact potential buyers in one or another way, right? Sending email is one way to do it.

No, it's not ok.  That would be spamming.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 22, 2010, 07:18
Not that I'm siding with Peter on this but if you were going to start a new stock agency like StockFresh (same micro RF model as everywhere else that will end up with most of the same images) and needed a large amount images to get started what would you do?

Would you be fair and just do first come first serve so you could slog through brick walls and cats?

I will repeat my answer...of course they are going to get the big guns up first. But then they should not have advertised here in this forum that they were ready for everyone to contribute! And I would like to think that I have lots of other very sellable photos, besides my brick walls and cats.  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 22, 2010, 07:20
I will repeat my question, which may be so simple-minded that no one thought it necessary to reply: why don't the really big stock producers sell their images directly, from their own sites?  It's obviously possible, and many buyers probably already know their names.  

You are right...why doesn't he start a site with his images for sale, a blog that has tons of advertising all around it...that way, he could make money from his photos AND the advertising. I think I read an article where he is working on something like that. Apparently not too soon, if he is no. 1 on stockfresh.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on June 22, 2010, 07:50
I will repeat my question, which may be so simple-minded that no one thought it necessary to reply: why don't the really big stock producers sell their images directly, from their own sites?  It's obviously possible, and many buyers probably already know their names.  

You are right...why doesn't he start a site with his images for sale, a blog that has tons of advertising all around it...that way, he could make money from his photos AND the advertising. I think I read an article where he is working on something like that. Apparently not too soon, if he is no. 1 on stockfresh.

I would think that - unless you are exclusive - it's ok to sell pictures both on other microstock sites and own web site, isn't it?

although I read somewhere - sorry I can't remember where and I'm not even sure it's true - that some agencies are not willing to have you as a photographer if you start your own microstock site
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: stockastic on June 22, 2010, 11:45
I will repeat my question, which may be so simple-minded that no one thought it necessary to reply: why don't the really big stock producers sell their images directly, from their own sites?  It's obviously possible, and many buyers probably already know their names.  

You are right...why doesn't he start a site with his images for sale, a blog that has tons of advertising all around it...that way, he could make money from his photos AND the advertising. I think I read an article where he is working on something like that. Apparently not too soon, if he is no. 1 on stockfresh.

It's going to happen, and there will be a nice irony to it.  First, the microstocks decide they don't need the little guys anymore.  Then, the big guys decide they don't need the microstocks any more.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 22, 2010, 11:53
monkeybusinessimages sells their own from their site.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Xalanx on June 22, 2010, 15:23
monkeybusinessimages sells their own from their site.
yea, but are they selling any?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 22, 2010, 16:57
monkeybusinessimages sells their own from their site.
yea, but are they selling any?

How would I know?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: WarrenPrice on June 22, 2010, 17:27
monkeybusinessimages sells their own from their site.

Didn't Jonathan Ross recently launch his own site?  I think he accepts contributors too?
I wonder what his status is at those sites he contributes to?  Would supported sited dump Yuri if he started his own site?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on June 22, 2010, 20:37
Not that I'm siding with Peter on this but if you were going to start a new stock agency like StockFresh (same micro RF model as everywhere else that will end up with most of the same images) and needed a large amount images to get started what would you do?Would you be fair and just do first come first serve so you could slog through brick walls and cats?

I will repeat my answer...of course they are going to get the big guns up first. But then they should not have advertised here in this forum that they were ready for everyone to contribute! And I would like to think that I have lots of other very sellable photos, besides my brick walls and cats.  ;)

My entire portfolio is brick walls with one cat.  :)

Okay so maybe they should have been more clear. "We would like images from all of you minus most of you."
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on June 23, 2010, 01:06
Okay so maybe they should have been more clear. "We would like images from all of you minus most of you."

I like the term regular.  ;D

And of course, no "new" agency is interested in selling cats any more.  ;)

(http://cjoint.com/data/gxjATSlitd_cat.jpg)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: shiyali on June 23, 2010, 03:58
"regular" sounds like the "small people" BP supposedly cares so much about

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20007944-503544.html (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20007944-503544.html)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on June 23, 2010, 05:06
Okay so maybe they should have been more clear. "We would like images from all of you minus most of you."

I like the term regular.  ;D

And of course, no "new" agency is interested in selling cats any more.  ;)

([url]http://cjoint.com/data/gxjATSlitd_cat.jpg[/url])


I noticed this picture of a cat this morning on Zoonar - it's an unusual perspective which makes composition more attractive than an average pet picture
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: MikLav on June 23, 2010, 05:11
I will repeat my question, which may be so simple-minded that no one thought it necessary to reply: why don't the really big stock producers sell their images directly, from their own sites?  It's obviously possible, and many buyers probably already know their names.  
When we met at CEPIC conference in Dublin a couple weeks ago Yuri Arcurs said he is preparing to launch direct sales from his own site. Andres said he has similar plans (seems to be less developed though than Yuri's)

Didn't Jonathan Ross recently launch his own site?  I think he accepts contributors too?
I wonder what his status is at those sites he contributes to?  Would supported sited dump Yuri if he started his own site?
Yes Jonathan did launch his own site, but that's a different story. He didn't setup a site to sell his own portfolio. He did setup a niche collection that specializes on human-impacted spaces without human in the picture; and he is open for other contributors. And his primary sales objective is to focus on non-exclusive multiple distribution channels rather than direct sales from his own site. Agencies like Corbis and others are to sell that collection.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on June 23, 2010, 05:52
Okay so maybe they should have been more clear. "We would like images from all of you minus most of you."

Now that I understand!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: a.k.a.-tom on June 30, 2010, 19:18
Guess nobody's heard anything recently...... 8)=tom
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: LSD72 on July 01, 2010, 01:07
Go there and type this in the search

"anyone other than yuri"

Strange results of 0 Images.   ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on July 01, 2010, 06:00
Guess nobody's heard anything recently...... 8)=tom

Nope.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: donding on July 01, 2010, 13:55
It might be good that Yuri is there, but the way I look at it, by not letting anyone else in yet so they can get everything started with the "big guns"...we'll already be at the bottom of the pile if it's based on sales as far as placement is concerned. I'm not even playing that game, it would be a waste of time for me and being a new site, I'd probably be buried alive!! If it takes off then maybe I'll consider it, but with their attitude from the git go I don't think that is a good way to be considering it is a new site.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: click_click on July 01, 2010, 14:26
Kind of weird to see this happening under the eyes of Peter since StockXpert used to be very fair.

My guess is that iStock paid them a good bunch of money for the takeover so now they feel like they could get even more next time if they provide a better product.

It's just a money thing. Most of us are just the balls they juggle with. Sadly.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: melastmohican on July 01, 2010, 14:46
I guess regular contributors have no chance to compete with big guns. The only hope is to find our own niches.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on July 01, 2010, 15:54
I guess regular contributors have no chance to compete with big guns. The only hope is to find our own niches.

FD-regular made a good point to me. Even though Yuri et. al. is uploading masses, we each have our own unique style. Their stuff is very cookie-cutter-ish. Based on past sales for me, I have no doubt I would make some sales. Hopefully my niche won't show up in the same searches as theirs.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: RT on July 01, 2010, 17:50
Guess nobody's heard anything recently...... 8)=tom

I got accepted a couple of days ago, very easy upload process and very similar in style to how it was at StockXpert, although they have imposed daily limits, I may consider sending all my stuff in by DVD. Attaching model releases is a breeze as is editing the IPTC data (if you choose to).
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on July 01, 2010, 19:09
Guess nobody's heard anything recently...... 8)=tom

I got accepted a couple of days ago, very easy upload process and very similar in style to how it was at StockXpert, although they have imposed daily limits, I may consider sending all my stuff in by DVD. Attaching model releases is a breeze as is editing the IPTC data (if you choose to).

eheh congrats :) you are no longer a regular eheh
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cidepix on July 01, 2010, 19:47
All those months and years uploading to StockXpert! and for what? ...to eventually delete everything!

Who can say they won't sell it again?

Who will guarantee that If I waste my months on this one, it will be worth the effort?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on July 01, 2010, 20:10
All those months and years uploading to StockXpert! and for what? ...to eventually delete everything!

Who can say they won't sell it again?

Who will guarantee that If I waste my months on this one, it will be worth the effort?

we really don't know, they have a certain background.. as a regular I will wait and check :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Dan_Wiedemann on July 06, 2010, 07:10
Just signed up! I hope iSyndica adds them to their site soon! :-)

Thanks for the link and info! :D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Fred on July 06, 2010, 16:38
So do they market this site as "Just what everyone else has except less!"

Seems to me everyone has Yuri and the heavy hitters - they are the "regular" guys.

Now me I'm special!

c h e e r s
fred
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on July 06, 2010, 17:57
I would of thought getting everyone's portfolio on the site ASAP would of been the best option but many sites have tried that and failed over the past few years.  Hopefully they know what they are doing and are trying a better approach.  It looks almost impossible to build a successful new site now but I am pleased to see they are giving it a go and I wish them luck.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on July 06, 2010, 18:11
Seems to me everyone has Yuri and the heavy hitters - they are the "regular" guys.
I was featured  on the last newsletter of 3DS next to Yuri. I really felt like a queen for a night. But after the clock of midnight, my glass slippers turned again into regular Chinese plastic.  ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: massman on July 08, 2010, 10:14
Just had approval.

Welcome aboard! Your contributor application was approved.
You can start uploading images and earning money right away!

We wish you great sales!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on July 08, 2010, 10:23
Just had approval.
Same here. Habemus papam! Around 3 1pm CET there was white smoke coming out of the chimney of the Budapest FreshVatican. All regulars can storm the fort now.  :P
Wo's next?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on July 08, 2010, 10:25
Me too, uploaded my first batch of 50, nice site to use, I hope the buyers think so too.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on July 08, 2010, 11:20
not yet :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on July 08, 2010, 11:51
not yet :P
"All regulars are created equal, but some regulars are more equal than others." (Orwellish)
(my router is smoking now)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on July 09, 2010, 10:38
Update: 48 submitted yesterday, 15 rejected today. They probably expected an avalance of uploads, so this is pretty fast.

They sure don't like nature and landscapes, but they love models, objects and concepts. Nature rejects were sometimes for lighting, which is BS since the histogram on my 5DII was nice and full (shots accepted on iStock).

They also have problems with any architecture shot (even if state property) that is non-released, just like on BigStock recently. Feel likes a Fotolia kind of collection policy.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: etienjones on July 09, 2010, 11:03
FD-reg

Thanks for the update and thoughts . . . . .  but for me still gray smoke.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on July 10, 2010, 06:39
I'm in too  :)   Fingers crossed for Stockfresh success.  

Now I just have to find time to upload...  this was a bad time to clear out my house (currently taking a break while surrounded by chaos - not the best frame of mind for image selection...)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Anita Potter on July 15, 2010, 15:33
Still waiting hope that the wait won't be too much longer.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on July 15, 2010, 15:40
I am just starting to get pictures on the site.  They seem really nice and helpful there.  Quick responses to questions.

Really hopeful that Stockfresh will succeed, and maybe pick up the slack from the loss of StockXpert. 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: a.k.a.-tom on July 15, 2010, 20:43
nothing for me yet....  i may have messed up my app...  think I'll try again... 8)=tom
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: disorderly on July 15, 2010, 21:06
My acceptance came three days ago.  So far I'm impressed with the Second Coming of SX.  The site's well designed, submission is easy (no categories, I'm pleased to say), turnaround's fast.  A few sales and I'll be a happy camper.  Or at least a happier one.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on July 16, 2010, 00:22
FD-reg
Thanks for the update and thoughts . . . . .  but for me still gray smoke.
Don't worry. I stopped uploading. The rejects were too, err... random (to be friendly). My gut feeling is they won't make it with this attitude. I will try again later this year when they got some proper reviewers. And if not, good luck.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on July 16, 2010, 02:42
I don't see much of a problem with the reviews.  They don't like landscapes as much as some of the sites but that's their choice.  So far, 362 accepted and 38 rejected.

I think their only chance is to get back some of the old StockXpert buyers.  I just hope they have a plan to do that or it is probably going to be another nice site for contributors with very low sales.

Are there any ex StockXpert buyers around here that will use stockfresh?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: etienjones on July 16, 2010, 03:18
FD-reg
Thanks for the update and thoughts . . . . .  but for me still gray smoke.
Don't worry. I stopped uploading. The rejects were too, err... random (to be friendly). My gut feeling is they won't make it with this attitude. I will try again later this year when they got some proper reviewers. And if not, good luck.

My application was rejected, and you know what, I agree with them 100%.  At least for now the site is mostly smiling people, with a lot of white, a very clean style . . . . . .  classical studio type photography which a lot of members here are very good, so good luck and go for it.

"But that ain't me babe, it ain't me you're looking for, babe" . . . .   B.Dylan
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: qwerty on July 16, 2010, 04:51
still waiting for my contributor application to be reviewed.  Hope it doesn't take to much longer.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on July 16, 2010, 06:43
Edited
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mtkang on July 16, 2010, 06:52
something comes to my mind, what is the point a new microstock website rejects some people that had been contributed to other website with certain amount of portfolio, i mean i am sure they are good enough for contributing, why waste both reviewer time and contributors time?

i am sure just re-applied and it will get approved. maybe it is time for microstock to admit some guys who had portfolio to show, instead of just having this meaningless 'approval' procedures.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on July 16, 2010, 07:20
something comes to my mind, what is the point a new microstock website rejects some people that had been contributed to other website with certain amount of portfolio, i mean i am sure they are good enough for contributing, why waste both reviewer time and contributors time?

Because the sheer volume of microstockers out there means that there is always going to be someone better at it than you, that's why they can afford to reject people now. With so many people contributing, the cream of the crop has risen. The sites are skimming them off and dumping the rest. Good enough doesn't cut it anymore when they can have excellence. Why clog up the bandwidth and take a port of say a measly 500 photos, even if a small amount make good money, when they have a ton of contributors with thousands in their port with hundreds making good money? Simple math.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Szakaly on July 16, 2010, 07:35
im still waiting for about 5 or 6 weeks and nothing happen
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mtkang on July 16, 2010, 07:48
for my opinion this kind of approval is not really served the purpose, unless it is like istock that keep you from trying with certain period. Some people who takes it for fun may never come back.


something comes to my mind, what is the point a new microstock website rejects some people that had been contributed to other website with certain amount of portfolio, i mean i am sure they are good enough for contributing, why waste both reviewer time and contributors time?

Because the sheer volume of microstockers out there means that there is always going to be someone better at it than you, that's why they can afford to reject people now. With so many people contributing, the cream of the crop has risen. The sites are skimming them off and dumping the rest. Good enough doesn't cut it anymore when they can have excellence. Why clog up the bandwidth and take a port of say a measly 500 photos, even if a small amount make good money, when they have a ton of contributors with thousands in their port with hundreds making good money? Simple math.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: studioportosabbia on July 18, 2010, 18:32
Signed up early june: Your application is waiting to be reviewed.
If it takes that long to review a couple of files it doesn't sound very promissing for the submissions we all will upload once we get approved.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on July 18, 2010, 21:32
Signed up early june: Your application is waiting to be reviewed.
If it takes that long to review a couple of files it doesn't sound very promissing for the submissions we all will upload once we get approved.

you aren´t alone :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on July 19, 2010, 02:16
Signed up early june: Your application is waiting to be reviewed.
If it takes that long to review a couple of files it doesn't sound very promissing for the submissions we all will upload once we get approved.
After I was approved, reviews have been very fast, just like StockXpert used to be before they were taken over.  Not much point in being in a hurry though, as they wont make us any money until they have buyers.  That is all I am concerned about.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sc on July 20, 2010, 11:47
My Application was approved today - uploaded my first 100.
We'll see how it goes from there.

Steve
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on July 20, 2010, 17:01
Had my first sale today :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Suljo on July 20, 2010, 17:44
I sign up today. I hope that they review applications much faster than few months before.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on July 20, 2010, 18:28
Congrats Sharpshot!   Good to know they're coming so quickly  ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on July 21, 2010, 20:00
My application was rejected, and you know what, I agree with them 100%.  At least for now the site is mostly smiling people, with a lot of white, a very clean style . . . . . .  classical studio type photography which a lot of members here are very good, so good luck and go for it.
Well I maybe exaggerated, 1/3 rejects. But I sent in my studio stuff in high-key first on purpose. Those were all accepted. It is, however, a very competitive segment with a lot of supply. I'm just worried that if they limit their collection to that segment, they won't attract many buyers since all that stuff is on the larger sites already, plus all the rest. What is the USP of StockFresh then?
Right now, they seem to thread into the (unsuccessful) tracks of Crestock: QC too strict and probably low sales. My rant was not a grunt against rejections. I'd like SF to be successful, but on StockXpert my landscape and more unusual stuff sold the best. What isn't accepted can't sell, right?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on July 21, 2010, 20:06
Not much point in being in a hurry though, as they wont make us any money until they have buyers.
What is there for buyers? Right now they have all shots of Yuri plus a few other large producers. Stuff that is already at a gazillion sites. StockXpert buyers certainly found their turf by now, where they can buy all the Yuri stuff plus much more. Why would they return?
SF will have to find a compelling USP for buyers, but as it has a tendency for now to reject other stuff than studio shots, how can they ever build a "different" collection?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: disorderly on July 25, 2010, 21:51
Had my first sale today.  Not so bad for a new site, a sale after twelve days and with only 350 images up.  Now to see how long it takes for sale number two.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on July 25, 2010, 22:38
Congrats Disorderly!   ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on July 26, 2010, 04:01
Not much point in being in a hurry though, as they wont make us any money until they have buyers.
What is there for buyers? Right now they have all shots of Yuri plus a few other large producers. Stuff that is already at a gazillion sites. StockXpert buyers certainly found their turf by now, where they can buy all the Yuri stuff plus much more. Why would they return?
SF will have to find a compelling USP for buyers, but as it has a tendency for now to reject other stuff than studio shots, how can they ever build a "different" collection?
Hopefully they can get some of the StockXpert buyers back to a site that pays us 50% commission. 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on July 26, 2010, 07:05
I would love to know if they will reject my stuff or not.. but almost 2 months and still waiting..!

not approving landmark or travel right?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on July 26, 2010, 11:18
not approving landmark or travel right?
That was my impression from their rejects, yes. Not that many but it was an omen. They swallowed all my overwhite studio people and products, but my forte is landscapes (before). I'm a bit scared to upload those now, since perhaps later, they'll change policy.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: a.k.a.-tom on July 27, 2010, 20:17
I would love to know if they will reject my stuff or not.. but almost 2 months and still waiting..!


not two months but..... i'm starting to hang out there....  keep looking in my email for either...  "yes, you're in"   or  "you suck, fahgetaboudit !"    8)=tom


... how many of you that have already been accepted were on StockXpert before?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Phil on July 27, 2010, 21:20
accepted a couple of weeks ago but havent started uploading yet, will get to it in the next month or two, dont see a need to hurry :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: devon on July 28, 2010, 22:47
Got my first sale today!   :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on July 29, 2010, 02:49
Congrats Devon!  ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on August 02, 2010, 21:44
2 months waiting eheh must be a record no??
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: qwerty on August 03, 2010, 04:28
still waiting aswell for acceptance
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: unique2109 on August 03, 2010, 13:04
Same here ...still waiting ! I wonder how long ????? Got to be really patient...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on August 03, 2010, 13:29
hope it's worth waiting
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Blufish on August 03, 2010, 13:38
Here's a bright spot for you. I got rejected and it only took 12 hours!  Yay me!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: hayaship on August 03, 2010, 15:25
same here :-\, still waiting for acceptance
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on August 03, 2010, 16:14
Here's a bright spot for you. I got rejected and it only took 12 hours!  Yay me!

you will get in later don't worry.. but it is weird, so fast to reject..
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Blufish on August 03, 2010, 16:52
I'm not to worried. I'm just starting and building the portfolio. I actually found it funny that so many of you have been waiting and waiting to hear and they wasted no time in letting me know. Good luck! I'll try again in a few months when the fever pitch dies down.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on August 03, 2010, 22:45
I'm not to worried. I'm just starting and building the portfolio. I actually found it funny that so many of you have been waiting and waiting to hear and they wasted no time in letting me know. Good luck! I'll try again in a few months when the fever pitch dies down.

the start is always hard, but actually keeping up isn't less, take it like a serious job! :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Blufish on August 04, 2010, 01:08
Starting is hard!  I'm a graphic designer too and the start up with that was a long haul. Ill be able to do more and really dedicate myself once school starts again. Thanks!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: eggshell on August 04, 2010, 02:25
Got accepted two weeks ago . Snappy upload and very fast image approval ( within few  hours ) .
Clean and user friendly layout . Overall - very pleasant site experience
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Anita Potter on August 04, 2010, 02:40
Still waiting.  Wonder if my app got lost in the cracks somehow  :'(  I hope it's soon for approval/reject.  I just hate feeling like a small fish.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on August 04, 2010, 09:27
I just hate feeling like a small fish.
The new term is "regular" now.  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on August 04, 2010, 10:33
I just hate feeling like a small fish.
The new term is "regular" now.  ;)

:-)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on August 04, 2010, 10:43
no...! more than two months must have another name :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: melastmohican on August 04, 2010, 14:14
At least I hope they will email us when they finish evaluation :-)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on August 04, 2010, 19:14
At least I hope they will email us when they finish evaluation :-)
"Don't call us. We'll call you."  ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on August 04, 2010, 21:16
I would love to know if they will reject my stuff or not.. but almost 2 months and still waiting..!


not two months but..... i'm starting to hang out there....  keep looking in my email for either...  "yes, you're in"   or  "you suck, fahgetaboudit !"    8)=tom


... how many of you that have already been accepted were on StockXpert before?

I do.. around 900 files on Hemera
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mtkang on August 08, 2010, 04:29
I checked the freshstock and it seems there is a 5 credits promotion if you register, 1 credit can download 1 for the minimum size.

I had registered an account using the promote code 'freefive' but see no way to get free downloads, so i email and they had put 5 credits into my accounts.

so just to inform you guys there is this promoto code.

I will just register and maybe wait till some promotion like getting paid for uploading..

so far it seems the sales of the site is slow, many images that showcase on the front page are 0 downloads.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on August 08, 2010, 04:47
I don't think they will pay for uploading.  Sales are going to be slow, if they appeal to the old StockXpert buyers and can get some of them back, they will pick up.  I hope they let more people in and build up a strong collection while they have this opportunity.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mtkang on August 08, 2010, 05:58
I don't think they will pay for uploading.  Sales are going to be slow, if they appeal to the old StockXpert buyers and can get some of them back, they will pick up.  I hope they let more people in and build up a strong collection while they have this opportunity.

not sure how big their stock photos amount, but it seems like they had let those big guys got in first and will deal with individual contributors. there is one illustrations showcase on their front page had been showcased on bigstockphoto before. As a individual contributors i will just step aside first as they had no regular sales yet..
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on August 08, 2010, 09:56
I don't think they will pay for uploading.  Sales are going to be slow, if they appeal to the old StockXpert buyers and can get some of them back, they will pick up.  I hope they let more people in and build up a strong collection while they have this opportunity.
Why would any buyer commit to a collection of 500K while he can find exactly the same images in collections of 8-12 million to choose from?  :o
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on August 08, 2010, 10:45
I guess they are happy with the 500k :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: fljac on August 08, 2010, 10:51
I guess they are happy with the 500k :)

You could say that, at least it seems that they are not in a hurry expanding the portfolio by reviewing applications and letting in new contributors :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on August 08, 2010, 10:59
I guess they are happy with the 500k :)

You could say that, at least it seems that they are not in a hurry expanding the portfolio by reviewing applications and letting in new contributors :)

I guess we are looking into a Crestock right?

Stockfresh have started more than two months ago and must have like TONS of applications to review.. why is that? as we read in this forum they are rejecting... why so long to get in?? something must be wrong there..
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: fljac on August 08, 2010, 11:38
Agree...

If it's anything like CRESTOCK - in review times - in hysterical so called "quality" level, then I'm not sure I will put in much time and effort in uploading and submitting.. 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on August 08, 2010, 12:03
Reviews have been quick for me, just like they used to be with StockXpert and only a few rejections.  Nothing like crestock.  I still think some old StockXpert buyers will use them instead of the site that closed StockXpert down.  I will give them some time to get the site going, they said they were going to build it up slowly, so I don't understand why people are surprised when they are doing that.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on August 08, 2010, 12:50
Reviews have been quick for me, just like they used to be with StockXpert and only a few rejections.  Nothing like crestock.  I still think some old StockXpert buyers will use them instead of the site that closed StockXpert down.  I will give them some time to get the site going, they said they were going to build it up slowly, so I don't understand why people are surprised when they are doing that.


I am surprised because of the very first post here on this site, from June 1:

Launched today:  [url]http://www.stockfresh.com[/url] ([url]http://www.stockfresh.com[/url])

They gave me a lot of notice, but I was still rushed in putting together a quick review:  [url]http://www.microstockdiaries.com/stockfresh.html[/url] ([url]http://www.microstockdiaries.com/stockfresh.html[/url])

Highlights if you're not into reading too much:

- 50% commission, can rise to 62.5%
- 35c subscription credits, and subscriptions are limited to Medium size and below
- Upload process is smooth and smart, model release management, FTP, IPTC, all that you'd expect
- Nothing overly new on the buyer side yet


Here is a paragraph from the above blog...

Quote
Today, the new agency opens its doors to both contributors and buyers. The site is fully functional and well refined. It’s not even in beta. It’s actually easier to use and faster than many microstock agency websites that have been online for years.


I have signed up with 11 different agencies over the past 6 years and NONE of them took over 2 months to approve applications. At the most, a week. To be generous, two weeks. That's why I am surprised.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Lizard on August 08, 2010, 15:01
I already forgot I applied , Im getting old i think
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on August 08, 2010, 17:18
Reviews have been quick for me, just like they used to be with StockXpert and only a few rejections.  Nothing like crestock.  I still think some old StockXpert buyers will use them instead of the site that closed StockXpert down.  I will give them some time to get the site going, they said they were going to build it up slowly, so I don't understand why people are surprised when they are doing that.

Don't you think that 2 months aren't enough, at least to reject???
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on August 08, 2010, 17:55
2 months doesn't seem long, remember what they said earlier in this thread:-

"We would like to ask for your patience as we sort through all the applications. It might take a while because we would like to grow our customer and contributor base side by side, and we might not be able to let everyone in immediately."

When I read that, I expected it would take a long time for them to go through all the applications.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: kaycee on August 08, 2010, 18:34
still waiting......
from the first of  june.

He I see some grey hair.........hmm I think I gonna wait till Xmas...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on August 08, 2010, 20:26
2 months doesn't seem long, remember what they said earlier in this thread:-

"We would like to ask for your patience as we sort through all the applications. It might take a while because we would like to grow our customer and contributor base side by side, and we might not be able to let everyone in immediately."

When I read that, I expected it would take a long time for them to go through all the applications.

I just don't get why not approving once they are actually rejecting applications.. don't understand the policy.. don't want some contributors and others just want to leave on pending... :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on August 09, 2010, 02:09
They are approving as well, or I wouldn't be in.  I don't know if they are doing it by the application date, I applied a few minutes after the first post about them in this forum.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on August 09, 2010, 16:39
They are approving as well, or I wouldn't be in.  I don't know if they are doing it by the application date, I applied a few minutes after the first post about them in this forum.

maybe 5 minutes after you :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ap on August 09, 2010, 16:45
i'm sure they're approving in sequence by the 'guage' and sharpshot's certainly higher than ours.

i'm not as excited as you all since i joined StockXpert past its glory days and the current hemera collection is doing a lot better on thinkstock than it did on StockXpert. freshstock may offer higher commissions but it better have a slew of buyers too.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on August 09, 2010, 17:12
i'm sure they're approving in sequence by the 'guage' and sharpshot's certainly higher than ours.

i'm not as excited as you all since i joined StockXpert past its glory days and the current hemera collection is doing a lot better on thinkstock than it did on StockXpert. freshstock may offer higher commissions but it better have a slew of buyers too.

I got a lot of photos at Hemera but they aren't bringing as much sales as from partner program (and a lot less files)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Beach Bum on August 09, 2010, 17:17
Reviews have been quick for me, just like they used to be with StockXpert and only a few rejections.  Nothing like crestock.  I still think some old StockXpert buyers will use them instead of the site that closed StockXpert down.  I will give them some time to get the site going, they said they were going to build it up slowly, so I don't understand why people are surprised when they are doing that.

I agree.  Reviews have been quick for me also.  Sure, I've had rejections that I didn't understand, but that happens with every agency.  Definitely much different that Crestock.....at least for me. 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on August 12, 2010, 08:47
Hello Everyone,

Finally I had some time to pop into the forum, so here are some updates on how things are going:

First of all thank you very much for your continued patience as we're getting up to speed. We reached the 200,000 image mark last week and have over 350 contributors on board. There are about 500 contributors waiting at the moment. The vast majority of applications get accepted of course (some sooner, some later), but if we let everyone in at the same time there's going to be chaos! ;) We still have a very very small team which we will soon start to expand to be able to handle more images. Anyway, once you're in, reviews are quick. We're doing our best to get everyone's content online as soon as possible, with the least effort required. By the way we're starting to see some sales which is great considering that we haven't really started marketing the site yet. We're going to work on that as well in the near future.

If you have any questions, you can reach me directly through the contact form on the site.

Thanks!
Peter
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Lizard on August 12, 2010, 08:48
I got approved today  :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on August 12, 2010, 10:50
I got approved today  :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: RH on August 15, 2010, 10:23
I've cancelled my application, because I don't waste my time
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Perry on August 15, 2010, 16:43
I've cancelled my application, because I don't waste my time

In fact you wasted time by applying in the first place... :D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on August 15, 2010, 20:03
LOL
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Smithore on August 16, 2010, 04:49
There is definitely something wrong in all the new incoming microstock sites like Stockfresh. It's lacking of real professional spirit. Only 24 files can be submitted a day, that's ridiculous for starting. The sites opened with tons of already over used pictures of the most famous microstockers, always the same photos everywhere...  nothing new at the horizon...copy and paste, cloning and cloning again...nothing exciting.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on August 16, 2010, 09:32
There is definitely something wrong in all the new incoming microstock sites like Stockfresh. It's lacking of real professional spirit. Only 24 files can be submitted a day, that's ridiculous for starting. The sites opened with tons of already over used pictures of the most famous microstockers, always the same photos everywhere...  nothing new at the horizon...copy and paste, cloning and cloning again...nothing exciting.

Everyone's just trying to sell what sells well. You might be bored with the top sellers, but customers sure aren't, at least not yet... ;) You have every opportunity to create any kind of image you like and revolutionize the business like those people did. You can have the next big idea. As for the limit, it might sound ridiculous, but when there are hundreds of people just like you (even thousands on large sites) trying to upload 25 images per day, you can do the math how crazy things can get.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: youralleffingnuts on August 16, 2010, 09:40
I read the first page of this thread earlier and read through the many praises from old StockXpert members.  I then had a look at the site, the terms and the pricing and thought it looked promising.  With the backing of a good number of people here I registered.  Then I came back to this thread and read the rest of the 11 pages and had a bit of laugh about how most of you turned on SF just because you got impatient.  

Peter was accused of false advertising and playing games etc, even though he's explained several times his reasons for taking it slow.  The site may be fully operational but that doesn't mean as a startup they have the resources to deal with everyone's applications and reviews all at once.  If they approve everyone's applications at once you'll all then be whinging about having to wait a long time for reviews.  They probably didn't expect such a positive impact in the beginning when they announced it... on the other hand they should have expected the negatives cause all you people seem to do in here is whine.

Give the guy and the company a break.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mtkang on August 16, 2010, 10:57
hi all, remember there is promote code 'fivefree' to get 5 free credits, can download 5 free small size pictures.. i may just apply first and see what is going before uploading, hopefully got uploading bonus..

here is my referral link..

<a href='http://stockfresh.com/?affiliate=2427' (http://stockfresh.com/?affiliate=2427')>Stockfresh[/url]
Prepared to be spoiled
By the best in Royalty Free
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Eireann on August 16, 2010, 12:51
@Sunnymars,
I agree.
There was once a virtual place on the internet called StockExpert.
And everyone was happy.
Can you believe it?
We were all happy! (well, more or less anyway)
Commissions were great, upload only took a minute, inspections were fair and speedy, and everyone was selling. Newbies and pros alike.
Then Getty came along, literally millions of images were sent to their trash bin and the rest is history.

I am absolutely going to upload to StockFresh. Can't wait, in fact.
I'm just giving them time to set things up.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on August 16, 2010, 13:02
hi all, remember there is promote code 'fivefree' to get 5 free credits, can download 5 free small size pictures

that promo code was for selected offers only which have expired, so it's not going to work at the moment.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on August 16, 2010, 15:21
Hooray, I just got my first sale on SF! 

When I checked out which image sold (garden variety image of a football)  I also noticed that the site automatically showed other images in the series beneath it.  What a very pleasant surprise!  Can't tell you how many hours I have spent on other sites grouping images into series and linking to them in the description.  Stockfresh doing it automatically is a huge timesaver, and a great way to give everyone the same advantage of multiple sales in a series. 

Congratulations Peter!  I continue to be very optimistic about Stockfresh and the folks running it.  I am happy to give them the time and support to succeed! 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Dreamframer on August 16, 2010, 15:38
Hooray, I just got my first sale on SF! 

When I checked out which image sold (garden variety image of a football)  I also noticed that the site automatically showed other images in the series beneath it.  What a very pleasant surprise!  Can't tell you how many hours I have spent on other sites grouping images into series and linking to them in the description.  Stockfresh doing it automatically is a huge timesaver, and a great way to give everyone the same advantage of multiple sales in a series. 

Congratulations Peter!  I continue to be very optimistic about Stockfresh and the folks running it.  I am happy to give them the time and support to succeed! 

Cool! Congrats Lisa!
And grouping of images is a great idea too.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Pheby on August 16, 2010, 17:40
Normally I don't bother with new sites at all, but after the StockXpert experience, I'm very optimistic about them. 25 a day is a bit of a pain when you're trying to upload your whole port, but the limit's understandable. I didn't have reason to complain about the time they took to inspect my application, it only took a few weeks. They also have the most wonderful inspection times, anything from ten minutes to twelve hours.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on August 16, 2010, 18:11
Hooray, I just got my first sale on SF! 

When I checked out which image sold (garden variety image of a football)  I also noticed that the site automatically showed other images in the series beneath it.  What a very pleasant surprise!  Can't tell you how many hours I have spent on other sites grouping images into series and linking to them in the description.  Stockfresh doing it automatically is a huge timesaver, and a great way to give everyone the same advantage of multiple sales in a series. 

Congratulations Peter!  I continue to be very optimistic about Stockfresh and the folks running it.  I am happy to give them the time and support to succeed! 

That is good news! The series thing...that sounds great, too. So there ARE ways to improve sites!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Dreamframer on August 16, 2010, 18:43
Unfortunately (for us), most sites show series of most popular similar images from all photographers rather than similar images of the same photographer. It's because they really care just about their profit, and the profit of particular photographer is not so important.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on August 16, 2010, 18:49
Unfortunately (for us), most sites show series of most popular similar images from all photographers rather than similar images of the same photographer. It's because they really care just about their profit, and the profit of particular photographer is not so important.

Agreed^^.  Most of the sites choose to show similars from other portfolios.    That's why I like the setup at Stockfresh which automatically shows others from the same series in your portfolio :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on August 16, 2010, 20:41
That's why I like the setup at Stockfresh which automatically shows others from the same series in your portfolio :)
Dreamstime does that too and much longer. It's not that innovative. I was accepted very early but I don't like their reject reasons. Very Veerish. They just like overwhites in studio, very unlike STX. In fact, this not at all STX any more, for those that suffer from phantom pain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_pain).
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on August 16, 2010, 21:55
Congrats Lisa!  ;D

Congrats to StockFresh too - all these sales being reported before the marketing actually starts is so encouraging. 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on August 16, 2010, 22:32
I am still out so got nothing to say (ok a couple of things.. LOL)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on August 17, 2010, 05:29
I was accepted very early but I don't like their reject reasons. Very Veerish. They just like overwhites in studio, very unlike STX. In fact, this not at all STX any more, for those that suffer from phantom pain ([url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_pain[/url]).


This is funny because we have the same reviewers and same rejection reasons we used to have on StockXpert, especially in the early days ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Dreamframer on August 17, 2010, 06:04
I was accepted very early but I don't like their reject reasons. Very Veerish. They just like overwhites in studio, very unlike STX. In fact, this not at all STX any more, for those that suffer from phantom pain ([url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_pain[/url]).


This is funny because we have the same reviewers and same rejection reasons we used to have on StockXpert, especially in the early days ;)


If isolated images are what Stockfresh wants, than my applications probably won't be accepted :(
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on August 17, 2010, 06:11
I have very few isolates, and most of my port was accepted - so don't give up. 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on August 17, 2010, 07:29
This is funny because we have the same reviewers and same rejection reasons we used to have on StockXpert, especially in the early days ;)
I'd better take this up in an email. StockXpert sold very well for me, but mostly landmarks/land/seascape stuff with little competition. All my models were accepted but it's very competitive there.

I just wondered the collection was focused on conventional stock stuff, like "Veer".
I have over 50% rejections there with the reason the image is technically sound but "won't please the Veer audience".
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on August 17, 2010, 07:40
I have very few isolates, and most of my port was accepted - so don't give up. 
I got worried when they rejected downsized 5DII images for technical reasons, while forbidding iStock accepted them full-size. Examples: http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup.php?id=12855259 (http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup.php?id=12855259) or http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup.php?id=13626957 (http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup.php?id=13626957) but there are more. Whatever, I will take it up in an email.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on August 17, 2010, 07:50
Good luck FD, I hope you have better results with them via email.  Nice shot btw :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: donding on August 17, 2010, 11:14
Is anyone having sales there yet? Aren't they still in the BETA stage? I just can't bring myself to upload to another site if they just sit there. I've already got two that do that.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Dreamframer on August 17, 2010, 11:18
Is anyone having sales there yet? Aren't they still in the BETA stage? I just can't bring myself to upload to another site if they just sit there. I've already got two that do that.
Lisa just mentioned she had her first sale.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: donding on August 17, 2010, 11:35
Is anyone having sales there yet? Aren't they still in the BETA stage? I just can't bring myself to upload to another site if they just sit there. I've already got two that do that.
Lisa just mentioned she had her first sale.

Yes I read that.....but she also has a huge portfolio...... :D :D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on August 17, 2010, 12:25
I'll be happy to post back when sales become regular :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cmcderm1 on August 18, 2010, 15:47
Two Sales in about a month.  Now, on to two sales a day!!!  Wonder how long that will take??
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: a.k.a.-tom on August 18, 2010, 16:39
..............still waiting.....................       :'(=tom


if... i ever get in...first thing i'll do is close my StockXpert/thinkstock.... debacle.  what a waste of time... even i wouldn't have picked the pix they picked.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on August 18, 2010, 17:16
..............still waiting.....................       :'(=tom


if... i ever get in...first thing i'll do is close my StockXpert/thinkstock.... debacle.  what a waste of time... even i wouldn't have picked the pix they picked.

Maybe there is a method to their madness. Maybe the pix they chose were picked so as not to compete with the exclusives? Yes, I am a conspiracy theorist and proud of it!  :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on August 18, 2010, 18:44
..............still waiting.....................       :'(=tom


if... i ever get in...first thing i'll do is close my StockXpert/thinkstock.... debacle.  what a waste of time... even i wouldn't have picked the pix they picked.

you aren't alone Tom :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mtkang on August 19, 2010, 01:21
any idea how long the approval process takes?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Anita Potter on August 19, 2010, 01:49
any idea how long the approval process takes?

I've been waiting since June 3rd if that gives you any indication.  If I ever get in/rejected or whatever else you can possibly do this'll be the last stock site I submit to.  I have 10 I already submit to and this one (possibly) would be 11.

I just want the wait to be over with.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: alfonsodetomas on August 19, 2010, 07:49
Same for me...

I've been waiting since June 1st.

 :-[
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: reckless on August 19, 2010, 10:10
Yay!!! I finally finished all 13 pages of this thread. Me? yes, I'm still waiting "patiently"
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on August 19, 2010, 10:17
If it wasn't for this thread, I'd forget I even subscribed to that site.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: fljac on August 19, 2010, 14:41
Yay!!! I finally finished all 13 pages of this thread. Me? yes, I'm still waiting "patiently"

... And I'm still waiting very (IN)patiently as well...    :-\     ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: djpadavona on August 19, 2010, 14:42
..............still waiting.....................       :'(=tom


if... i ever get in...first thing i'll do is close my StockXpert/thinkstock.... debacle.  what a waste of time... even i wouldn't have picked the pix they picked.

Maybe there is a method to their madness. Maybe the pix they chose were picked so as not to compete with the exclusives? Yes, I am a conspiracy theorist and proud of it!  :)

I gather most exclusives opt out and avoid TS like the plague.  So I really doubt there is much to protect.  
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on August 23, 2010, 14:19
I know everyone's waiting impatiently and you want to kill us already... Please rest assured that we're working on getting all the content online. The vast majority of people have what it takes of course and few applications get rejected, so basically it's just a matter of time. We'll get to every single person. Just remember that there are a LOT of images to deal with! :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lefty on August 23, 2010, 15:02
any idea how long the approval process takes?

I've been waiting since June 3rd if that gives you any indication.  If I ever get in/rejected or whatever else you can possibly do this'll be the last stock site I submit to.  I have 10 I already submit to and this one (possibly) would be 11.

I just want the wait to be over with.

Wow, the wait is worth it? You have too much faith because you forget of Stockxpert already ?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sandralise on August 23, 2010, 15:53
Hooray, I just got my first sale yesterday on Stockfresh! 
I also have high hopes for SF. Keep them coming!!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Anita Potter on August 23, 2010, 16:47
any idea how long the approval process takes?

I've been waiting since June 3rd if that gives you any indication.  If I ever get in/rejected or whatever else you can possibly do this'll be the last stock site I submit to.  I have 10 I already submit to and this one (possibly) would be 11.

I just want the wait to be over with.

Wow, the wait is worth it? You have too much faith because you forget of Stockxpert already ?


I never did say worth the wait in my post please read it again and I was never a member of Stockxpert so pfffft!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sc on August 30, 2010, 11:26
Signs of life at SF got my first sale today - $1
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: bendicks on August 30, 2010, 14:33
Got my 1st download today (.50), its a start.

-Don
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: michaeldb on August 30, 2010, 20:10
If it wasn't for this thread, I'd forget I even subscribed to that site.
  :)  :-\  ???  :P  :(  :'(
Waiting for StockFresh
(Did it take this long to get into StockXpert? My vectors are going to be stale before I get a chance to upload them.)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on August 31, 2010, 02:32
If it wasn't for this thread, I'd forget I even subscribed to that site.
  :)  :-\  ???  :P  :(  :'(
Waiting for StockFresh
(Did it take this long to get into StockXpert? My vectors are going to be stale before I get a chance to upload them.)
Did we all apply for StockXpert at the same time?  I think they are doing a good job.  Look how long it is taking Veer to go through all the uploads they had during their promotion.  I am sure they have a bigger team than stockfresh.  If they rushed this, they would just start rejecting everything, I have seen sites do that just to get rid of the queue.  I don't mind them taking their time and doing it right.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: michaeldb on August 31, 2010, 18:16
If it wasn't for this thread, I'd forget I even subscribed to that site.
  :)  :-\  ???  :P  :(  :'(
Waiting for StockFresh
(Did it take this long to get into StockXpert? My vectors are going to be stale before I get a chance to upload them.)
Did we all apply for StockXpert at the same time?  I think they are doing a good job.  Look how long it is taking Veer to go through all the uploads they had during their promotion.  I am sure they have a bigger team than stockfresh.  If they rushed this, they would just start rejecting everything, I have seen sites do that just to get rid of the queue.  I don't mind them taking their time and doing it right.
Admittedly, reviewing a whole siteful of images these days will take a long, long time. I was referring more to the wait to get accepted and get started uploading. Other new sites, such as Graphic Leftovers, face the same tasks as SF, but I was accepted at GL within a few days.

That said, I mean no criticism of SF, just voicing my impatience, that's all. I loved StockXpert and hope to get started in SF as soon as possible.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: jbarber873 on August 31, 2010, 18:40
After seeing that some people have had sales, i went to the site, and - wow!- i made a dollar!
I shoot studio still life, so maybe it was easier to get approved because of that?
The upload process is easy enough, so maybe i'll upload some more- you never know. I really liked StockXpert, and I agree that getting a ton of images all at once is tough to review. So far the rejections are pretty fair.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Fotonaut on September 01, 2010, 02:48
Still waiting for iSyndica to put Stockfresh in the loop. They prioritized all resources on Stockfuel it seems. Good call.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on September 05, 2010, 09:46
I was expecting a answer regarding my application after vacations but nothing...

3 months now :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on September 05, 2010, 10:02
I've been waiting for three months as well. I wished they could at least review our applications - no problem waiting later on for reviews but not even processing applications is weird.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Dreamframer on September 05, 2010, 11:02
I'm waiting too. I'm afraid it's a bad sign, lol.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on September 05, 2010, 11:11
I'm waiting too. I'm afraid it's a bad sign, lol.

it isn't because while ago they were rejecting application within a week!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peresanz on September 06, 2010, 08:06
I was expecting a answer regarding my application after vacations but nothing...

3 months now :P

I applied the first week they launched back in June and still waiting (also 3 months)

I guess we are the sub-regulars group lol
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Eco on September 06, 2010, 08:44
I have turned the tables on them. It is more than three months since they opened their doors and they are still waiting for me to apply.  I think I will let them wait a little longer. :D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Koufax73 on September 06, 2010, 09:00
I was expecting a answer regarding my application after vacations but nothing...

3 months now :P

+1
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 06, 2010, 14:20
I have turned the tables on them. It is more than three months since they opened their doors and they are still waiting for me to apply.  I think I will let them wait a little longer. :D

I have a similar strategy. I have been approved, but I am going to wait 3 months before I start to upload.  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on September 06, 2010, 14:26
I have a similar strategy. I have been approved, but I am going to wait 3 months before I start to upload.  ;)
+ 1.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: jbarber873 on September 06, 2010, 20:00
My strategy is to upload, and wait 3 months for a sale...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on September 06, 2010, 21:00
What's with all the complaining? The Stockfresh guys came in here in June and explained what was going on. This has been a progressive launch, with new contributors being added when it's feasible to do so. Nothing about that was kept secret. And I don't recall Peter ever saying that applications would be reviewed within any specific timeframe.

It's like a children's forum in here sometimes. If it's not whining about application approvals, it's complaints about image review speed, images rejections, sales, etc. If you're so bothered by how Stockfresh is doing things, why are you even waiting around for an application approval?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Blufish on September 06, 2010, 21:32
Whining? I'm not even on SF and I think 3 months for review is obscene. Yes, they have been upfront, but come on.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on September 07, 2010, 04:56
What's with all the complaining? The Stockfresh guys came in here in June and explained what was going on. This has been a progressive launch, with new contributors being added when it's feasible to do so. Nothing about that was kept secret. And I don't recall Peter ever saying that applications would be reviewed within any specific timeframe.

It's like a children's forum in here sometimes. If it's not whining about application approvals, it's complaints about image review speed, images rejections, sales, etc. If you're so bothered by how Stockfresh is doing things, why are you even waiting around for an application approval?

Can I disagree??
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: massman on September 07, 2010, 05:50
I have a similar strategy. I have been approved, but I am going to wait 3 months before I start to upload.  ;)
+ 1.

Excellent sales strategy.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 07, 2010, 06:12
What's with all the complaining? The Stockfresh guys came in here in June and explained what was going on. This has been a progressive launch, with new contributors being added when it's feasible to do so. Nothing about that was kept secret. And I don't recall Peter ever saying that applications would be reviewed within any specific timeframe.


Well, yeah, it kind of was. Read the very first post. The site was announced as being launched and ready for business. Here's Lee's quote in the blog:
"Today, the new agency opens its doors to both contributors and buyers. The site is fully functional and well refined. It’s not even in beta. It’s actually easier to use and faster than many microstock agency websites that have been online for years." At least four contributors were already online. That was on June 1. It wasn't until June 17, after we all started to wonder why it was taking so long to get accepted or rejected, that Peter came here and explained about the trickle acceptance policy. Being upfront with that information means that it would have been mentioned in the original release that Lee posted, and in the blog. And here. On Day 1. But of course there still would have been whining about that.  ;)

Quote
It's like a children's forum in here sometimes. If it's not whining about application approvals, it's complaints about image review speed, images rejections, sales, etc. If you're so bothered by how Stockfresh is doing things, why are you even waiting around for an application approval?

I guess some people had high hopes and was hoping Stockfresh would deliver.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 07, 2010, 06:14
I have a similar strategy. I have been approved, but I am going to wait 3 months before I start to upload.  ;)
+ 1.

Excellent sales strategy.

The operative word being sales. When I hear there are some, I will begin the uploads.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on September 07, 2010, 06:59
I have a similar strategy. I have been approved, but I am going to wait 3 months before I start to upload.  ;)
+ 1.
Excellent sales strategy.
OK, I need to explain better. A picture rejected won't sell at all. I encountered a number of peculiar rejects (some accepted by iStock) in a niche where I sell relatively well in general: scapes, places, landmarks, transport, real stuff. They showed a tendency to reject all that wasn't studio models overwhite in the beginning. I'd like to see if that is rather a collection choice, or an accident.

For that, the reviewers need to be a bit mellowed first. They were spoiled in the begin by the merchandise of the top guns in the industry. They might have to lower their standards a bit for the regulars, or they will get stuck at 1M images.

There is also a cam problem. They accepted nearly all my 5DII things but not my D200 or DSC things. Of course, there is a huge technical difference between those cams but those older shots are/were good enough for iStock. So I'd like to see first if they will become another Crestock: top quality for peanuts, - or become a little more relaxed like DP and grow quickly. Since for now, they don't have any USP over the 10M image sites.

That's the strategy: be rejected early = no sales. Be accepted later = possible sales.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 07, 2010, 15:55
So I'd like to see first if they will become another Crestock: top quality for peanuts, - or become a little more relaxed like DP and grow quickly. Since for now, they don't have any USP over the 10M image sites.

Each agency has their own ways, goals and resources. We certainly don't want to be like Crestock. Not sure how relaxed DP reviews are, so I can't comment on that, but we're trying to find the right balance between flooding the site and rejecting everything. Diversity is important.

As for USP, with this logic we're doomed already because we're never going to get as many images as the big 5. When we get to 5M they're going to have 20M. While microstock is about quantity to some extent, there are a lot of other factors that can make someone stick to a site such as the UI, search results, customer service, prices, and personal preference in general. Not all people like to shop at the same place. That having said 1M pics is the absolute minimum in this business to be taken seriously, but as a customer I wouldn't choose a 10M site over a 5M site just because of the numbers. I'd do a search and see if I like the results.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on September 07, 2010, 16:38
Peter, congrats to you and the other microstock company owners who are on the receiving end of today's generous gift from Getty. With istock pretty much screwing over their entire contributor base and you guys offering an enticing 50% rate, hopefully you'll benefit nicely from the mass exodus of istock exclusives. :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Microbius on September 07, 2010, 16:41
Peter, congrats to you and the other microstock company owners who are on the receiving end of today's generous gift from Getty. With istock pretty much screwing over their entire contributor base and you guys offering an enticing 50% rate, hopefully you'll benefit nicely from the mass exodus of istock exclusives. :)

Right on. Long live StockFresh
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 08, 2010, 04:54

As for USP, with this logic we're doomed already because we're never going to get as many images as the big 5. When we get to 5M they're going to have 20M.

Don't be so sure about that... the game may have changed today with iStock's commission cut announcement.

It seems (looking at the discussions) that some buyers have a sense of ethics and do care about the cut to the artist - so why not use that as part of your USP?  The most important thing is getting the right search results and, as you say, having the right balance between diversity and quality.  If you get those things right - and really nail those search results, there's no reason why you couldn't be top of the tree, even with fewer images.  (IMHO).
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on September 08, 2010, 05:47
I have a similar strategy. I have been approved, but I am going to wait 3 months before I start to upload.  ;)
+ 1.

Excellent sales strategy.

The operative word being sales. When I hear there are some, I will begin the uploads.
There are some, get uploading :)  If everyone waited for sales, the site wouldn't have a chance.  This is the big problem for all new sites, buyers wont use them if they have a small collection, contributors wont use them if they don't have buyers.  Their only chance is if we break this by uploading everything we can and leaving them to bring in the buyers.

Hopefully this site is a bit different because so many of us really want them to succeed, after a good experience with StockXpert but they will still need us to take a gamble and upload as much as possible.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Phil on September 08, 2010, 06:08
I have a similar strategy. I have been approved, but I am going to wait 3 months before I start to upload.  ;)
+ 1.

Excellent sales strategy.

The operative word being sales. When I hear there are some, I will begin the uploads.
There are some, get uploading :)  If everyone waited for sales, the site wouldn't have a chance.  This is the big problem for all new sites, buyers wont use them if they have a small collection, contributors wont use them if they don't have buyers.  Their only chance is if we break this by uploading everything we can and leaving them to bring in the buyers.

Hopefully this site is a bit different because so many of us really want them to succeed, after a good experience with StockXpert but they will still need us to take a gamble and upload as much as possible.

I got one sale :) it was about a week ago.

runnning about 10% rejection rate with my mixed bag of images.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 08, 2010, 06:21
It seems (looking at the discussions) that some buyers have a sense of ethics and do care about the cut to the artist - so why not use that as part of your USP?

I forgot to include that. I believe customers - being creatives themselves who also hate when their work is undervalued - do or should care about the cut contributors get and we do point it out on our website that we're giving them fair royalties. I'm pretty sure many customers are unfamiliar with the royalty rates at different agencies though and they need to be educated. For this we need the help of contributors too.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 08, 2010, 07:11
I have a similar strategy. I have been approved, but I am going to wait 3 months before I start to upload.  ;)
+ 1.

Excellent sales strategy.

The operative word being sales. When I hear there are some, I will begin the uploads.
There are some, get uploading :)  If everyone waited for sales, the site wouldn't have a chance.  This is the big problem for all new sites, buyers wont use them if they have a small collection, contributors wont use them if they don't have buyers.  Their only chance is if we break this by uploading everything we can and leaving them to bring in the buyers.

Hopefully this site is a bit different because so many of us really want them to succeed, after a good experience with StockXpert but they will still need us to take a gamble and upload as much as possible.

You've convinced me. Plus this last IS announcement is like the straw...my back is broken. The writing has been on the wall for quite a while...if they want indies gone, they've got it.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ThomasAmby on September 08, 2010, 07:41
I hope lots of people will support Stockfresh. I know I will.

(And, with just 36 images I already had a $2,5 sale)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peresanz on September 08, 2010, 07:51
I hope lots of people will support Stockfresh. I know I will.

(And, with just 36 images I already had a $2,5 sale)

If only I got accepted... 3 months waiting for my application to be processed!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ThomasAmby on September 08, 2010, 08:05
I hope lots of people will support Stockfresh. I know I will.

(And, with just 36 images I already had a $2,5 sale)

If only I got accepted... 3 months waiting for my application to be processed!

You will eventually, they have a huge backlog of photographers and illustrators waiting to get in at the moment. Just be patient with them, the site is brand new.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: hofhoek on September 08, 2010, 08:13
I hope the Istockers will stop uploading there now, just for a while at least. I know I have. I would love to see Stockfresh get results but I would love it more when first I would get in.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ayzek on September 08, 2010, 10:07
Each agency has their own ways, goals and resources. We certainly don't want to be like Crestock. Not sure how relaxed DP reviews are, so I can't comment on that, but we're trying to find the right balance between flooding the site and rejecting everything. Diversity is important.
Why dont you leave this to your customers. a review (upload) system should be realy nice according to selling performance. No inspectors and no review times. Pics that are not selling for some time period should be deleted.


As for USP, with this logic we're doomed already because we're never going to get as many images as the big 5. When we get to 5M they're going to have 20M. While microstock is about quantity to some extent, there are a lot of other factors that can make someone stick to a site such as the UI, search results, customer service, prices, and personal preference in general. Not all people like to shop at the same place. That having said 1M pics is the absolute minimum in this business to be taken seriously, but as a customer I wouldn't choose a 10M site over a 5M site just because of the numbers. I'd do a search and see if I like the results.
How many images do you have i dont know but i saw your collection is not differnet than others. There is so many people has got more than 5000 pics in their portfolia and you can find their images cheaper in some other stocks. This is not a good kind of diversity. Also, did you reviews all their images?
What dou you think about the exclusivity for having uniqe colection?
i liked your image prices(1-20$) and style of site.
Realy good work.

Sory for my bad English.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 08, 2010, 11:48
Why dont you leave this to your customers. a review (upload) system should be realy nice according to selling performance. No inspectors and no review times. Pics that are not selling for some time period should be deleted.

All files need to be checked for quality and legal issues. You wouldn't believe what people upload sometimes... :)

How many images do you have i dont know but i saw your collection is not differnet than others. There is so many people has got more than 5000 pics in their portfolia and you can find their images cheaper in some other stocks. This is not a good kind of diversity. Also, did you reviews all their images? What dou you think about the exclusivity for having uniqe colection?

We have over 250,000 images at the moment. Some sites might be a little bit cheaper, but I think these prices are fine for now. If it turns out that we're too expensive, we can always adjust them. One thing is sure, we don't want to be too cheap though. As for exclusivity, it doesn't make sense because we've just started and there's nothing we can offer to exclusives yet. Maybe when we get big! ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Alatriste on September 08, 2010, 19:42
I liked StockXpert and I will like sf. Im working hard with it.
The worse thing is having only 25 images to upload a day.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: kaycee on September 08, 2010, 20:02
Still waiting for approval hmmm 4 months by now...way too long.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: dnavarrojr on September 08, 2010, 22:37
Still waiting for approval hmmm 4 months by now...way too long.

Yeah, it's been 3 or 4 months for me as well.  I emailed them several times to inquire what was going on, but apparently I needed to use their form because I never got a response.  Just tried their form, so we'll see what happens.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: devon on September 09, 2010, 00:37
As a new Microstock website( 3 month old), Stockfresh,  doing extremely well.
I had 11 sales on August, 3 sales this month so far. they offer 50% commission.
StockXpert come back alive.

They have IT team, and marketing skills.
We have Photos, Illustrations, Video, Audio, Flash.

If they are willing do something to help us, and also help themself, to reform the new site into a new "share holding macro+micro agency" for photographers,  Stockfresh will be a huge success in no time.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: vonkara on September 09, 2010, 00:49
As a new Microstock website( 3 month old), Stockfresh,  doing extremely well.
I had 11 sales on August, 3 sales this month so far. they offer 50% commission.
StockXpert come back alive.

They have IT team, and marketing skills.
We have Photos, Illustrations, Video, Audio, Flash.

If they are willing do something to help us, and also help themself, to reform the new site into a new "share holding macro+micro agency" for photographers,  Stockfresh will be a huge success in no time.

They offer 50% until they become enough big to sell their subscription plan again. This is for attracting new contributors. I won't forget those dudes from StockXpert starting to sell our extended licence at sub prices. No one live on 14 sales a month.

Btw spamming is bad
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: devon on September 09, 2010, 01:14
Quote
They offer 50% until they become enough big to sell their subscription plan again. This is for attracting new contributors. I won't forget those dudes from StockXpert starting to sell our extended licence at sub prices. No one live on 14 sales a month.

Btw spamming is bad

What's you mean "spamming", I am telling the truth.  
Yes "No one live on 14 sales a month", but most new site with no sales after one year.
11 sales on one month is extremely well for a new site !!!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on September 09, 2010, 05:42
I won't forget those dudes from StockXpert starting to sell our extended licence at sub prices.
Did they sell EL at subs?   :-\
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on September 09, 2010, 05:43
What's you mean "spamming", I am telling the truth.
I think he was referring to writing here the same as in another thread.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 09, 2010, 07:12
They offer 50% until they become enough big to sell their subscription plan again. This is for attracting new contributors. I won't forget those dudes from StockXpert starting to sell our extended licence at sub prices. No one live on 14 sales a month.


What are you talking about? Even though StockXpert had subscription plans, you had to buy extended licenses separately. Here's the license agreement, you can see it for yourself: http://www.stockxpert.com/support/help/2_3 (http://www.stockxpert.com/support/help/2_3)

If you are referring to JIU and Photos.com over which StockXpert had no control whatsoever, those deals were optional for contributors because people hated the idea of mandatory opt-in (even though almost everybody stayed opted in afterwards).

The icing on the cake is that the wast majority of our customers preferred PPD to subscriptions anyway. :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on September 09, 2010, 10:05
BTW, Peter, I would REALLY love to learn that subs are optional in Stockfresh, as they were in StockXpert. That would be a great incentive for me.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on September 09, 2010, 11:23

They offer 50% until they become enough big to sell their subscription plan again. This is for attracting new contributors. I won't forget those dudes from StockXpert starting to sell our extended licence at sub prices. No one live on 14 sales a month.


The subscription plan at SF is already available, isn't it? 35¢ per download I believe. It's no secret, and I think it's a pretty good deal, considering comparable sub rates at other sites. And if SF turns out to be anything like StockXpert, I'd expect to see more PPD sales than subs anyway.

Just because you had a bad experience with StockXpert and your images didn't sell, that says it all for every seller? My StockXpert earnings beat my istock earnings some months. If SF can even come close to replacing what I lost when StockXpert was shut down, I'd be very happy with that. But I also think SF can go far beyond what was done with StockXpert and be even more successful.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: vonkara on September 09, 2010, 14:08
You guys don't remember this 22 pages thread, with the conference call to StockXpert ect.

Look at the reply of madelaide on this page. Then all the rest of the thread. That's how their photos.com subscription plan made my incomes going down by 40%. I passed from credit sales to 20% of credit sales and 80% of StockXpert subs and photos.com extended licence sub.

I finally opted out and only got very small credit sales up to the end, a couple months later

http://www.microstockgroup.com/stockxpert-com/StockXpert-images-on-photos-com/25/ (http://www.microstockgroup.com/stockxpert-com/StockXpert-images-on-photos-com/25/)

Steve,

Unless I missed something in the terms, there are no differences between the subs and non-subs regarding image usage.  As per paragraphs 1E and 1F, the allowed usages are VERY broad (even resale items, no limits of copies of any printed media, etc).  This may be ok when you talk about the high prices, but definitely not about subs.

Regards,
Adelaide
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: vonkara on September 09, 2010, 14:13

Just because you had a bad experience with StockXpert and your images didn't sell, that says it all for every seller? My StockXpert earnings beat my istock earnings some months. If SF can even come close to replacing what I lost when StockXpert was shut down, I'd be very happy with that. But I also think SF can go far beyond what was done with StockXpert and be even more successful.

StockXpert was my second earner until this photos.com "deal". It's not about sales it's about selling extended licence at sub prices, and see 100% credit sales becoming 80% subscription sales
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: vonkara on September 09, 2010, 14:16
And finally, I don't try to harm your Stockfresh product guys. I just can't handle the StockXpert wooyaying, since at how the agency ended
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: hqimages on September 09, 2010, 14:19
BTW, Peter, I would REALLY love to learn that subs are optional in Stockfresh, as they were in StockXpert. That would be a great incentive for me.

From what I saw at the site a few months ago, subs are compulsory on Stockfresh.. also a deal-breaker for me..
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 09, 2010, 14:21
BTW, Peter, I would REALLY love to learn that subs are optional in Stockfresh, as they were in StockXpert. That would be a great incentive for me.

From what I saw at the site a few months ago, subs are compulsory on Stockfresh.. also a deal-breaker for me..

Yikes, glad you brought this up. I'm not sure I'm up for any more sub sales either. A couple of posts ago, Peter mentioned that most of their clients want PPDs anyway...can you make this an opt-out, then, Peter?

Quote
The icing on the cake is that the wast majority of our customers preferred PPD to subscriptions anyway. Smiley
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 09, 2010, 14:32
And finally, I don't try to harm your Stockfresh product guys. I just can't handle the StockXpert wooyaying, since at how the agency ended

I don't think anybody likes how it ended. I remember though when Getty shut the site down there were people cheering in the istock forums. I found it really interesting. Noone's cheering now. Strange turn of events!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 09, 2010, 14:36
And finally, I don't try to harm your Stockfresh product guys. I just can't handle the StockXpert wooyaying, since at how the agency ended

I don't think anybody likes how it ended. I remember though when Getty shut the site down there were people cheering in the istock forums. I found it really interesting. Noone's cheering now. Strange turn of events!

I hope you made a list of those of us who DID NOT cheer the demise of StockXpert, and of those who were cheering, for future reference.  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 09, 2010, 14:37
You won't be able to opt out of subscriptions, but only photos up to M size are included. So it works for bloggers,  websites and magazines who need a ton of images and you won't feel ripped off with 35c XXL downloads.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 09, 2010, 14:38
I don't think anybody likes how it ended. I remember though when Getty shut the site down there were people cheering in the istock forums. I found it really interesting. Noone's cheering now. Strange turn of events!

Were they really?  That's repulsive behaviour.  I really hope you get the last laugh here Peter.  StockXpert (before the buyout) remains my favourite agency of all time.  

Out of interest, will you be feeding through via another SXC-style site?  I recall someone at iStock saying they were really amazed at how much iStock purchasing arose via that route.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 09, 2010, 14:48
Out of interest, will you be feeding through via another SXC-style site?  I recall someone at iStock saying they were really amazed at how much iStock purchasing arose via that route.


Well, I'm not sure if you're aware, but many top contributors left SXC after the transition and started a new site at http://rgbstock.com (http://rgbstock.com) . RGB is growing very fast and although I'm not involved in that project I'm sure we'll work something out together.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on September 09, 2010, 15:02
Ah, Photos.com then. I was never there.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 09, 2010, 15:28
Out of interest, will you be feeding through via another SXC-style site?  I recall someone at iStock saying they were really amazed at how much iStock purchasing arose via that route.


Well, I'm not sure if you're aware, but many top contributors left SXC after the transition and started a new site at [url]http://rgbstock.com[/url] ([url]http://rgbstock.com[/url]) . RGB is growing very fast and although I'm not involved in that project I'm sure we'll work something out together.


Aha!  That's good to know.  I have to say I'm not a fan of giving free images away myself, but if some connection between the two of you will bring such startling amounts of purchasers to Stockfresh, then I'm happy to hear of this.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 09, 2010, 15:33
You won't be able to opt out of subscriptions, but only photos up to M size are included. So it works for bloggers,  websites and magazines who need a ton of images and you won't feel ripped off with 35c XXL downloads.

OK, at least you are limiting the sizes buyers can get for the sub price. That's good.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on September 09, 2010, 15:41
...StockXpert (before the buyout) remains my favourite agency of all time...

Same here. Which is another reason why I'm really hoping to see StockFresh succeed.

That and it would be great to see some real competition in the Top 4 and maybe see iStock get dethroned. :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 09, 2010, 15:54
...StockXpert (before the buyout) remains my favourite agency of all time...

Same here. Which is another reason why I'm really hoping to see StockFresh succeed.

That and it would be great to see some real competition in the Top 4 and maybe see iStock get dethroned. :)

Absolutely.    :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on September 09, 2010, 19:26
You won't be able to opt out of subscriptions, but only photos up to M size are included.

How sad. Most sales fall in the XS-M range anyway, so for most buyers this suits perfectly well.  And there goes our images to rapidshare & such, as seen so many times.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 09, 2010, 20:07
You won't be able to opt out of subscriptions, but only photos up to M size are included.

How sad. Most sales fall in the XS-M range anyway, so for most buyers this suits perfectly well.  And there goes our images to rapidshare & such, as seen so many times.

Although there's some overlap, subscription buyers are a different market. You have to commit for over $200 per month on most sites. That doesn't work for the majority of users who just need a few images at a time. They might make a dent on PPD sales but won't replace them. On StockXpert most contrib complaints were about XL+ sub downloads because royalties are the same for each size and of course customers tend to download the largest sizes whether they need them or not.

As for image pirating, not having subscriptions doesn't make any difference. It's an interesting topic though because I'm sure many people here contribute to a stock agency that's pretty much connected to a Rapidshare-like service and nobody seems to have an issue with it. But that's a different story :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: jbarber873 on September 09, 2010, 21:44
You won't be able to opt out of subscriptions, but only photos up to M size are included.

How sad. Most sales fall in the XS-M range anyway, so for most buyers this suits perfectly well.  And there goes our images to rapidshare & such, as seen so many times.

Although there's some overlap, subscription buyers are a different market. You have to commit for over $200 per month on most sites. That doesn't work for the majority of users who just need a few images at a time. They might make a dent on PPD sales but won't replace them. On StockXpert most contrib complaints were about XL+ sub downloads because royalties are the same for each size and of course customers tend to download the largest sizes whether they need them or not.

As for image pirating, not having subscriptions doesn't make any difference. It's an interesting topic though because I'm sure many people here contribute to a stock agency that's pretty much connected to a Rapidshare-like service and nobody seems to have an issue with it. But that's a different story :)

I'm not sure what you are referring to. Care to elaborate?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: dnavarrojr on September 09, 2010, 22:32
It's all well and good if you can actually get approved to sell images.  I did get a very fast response after I used the form (thanks for the quick response), but all I got was an apology that things are moving slow and a request for more patience.

I actually enjoyed StockXpert for the most part and did fairly well there with footage.  I hope you'll get back to selling footage.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Phil on September 09, 2010, 22:51
You won't be able to opt out of subscriptions, but only photos up to M size are included.

How sad. Most sales fall in the XS-M range anyway, so for most buyers this suits perfectly well.  And there goes our images to rapidshare & such, as seen so many times.

Although there's some overlap, subscription buyers are a different market. You have to commit for over $200 per month on most sites. That doesn't work for the majority of users who just need a few images at a time. They might make a dent on PPD sales but won't replace them. On StockXpert most contrib complaints were about XL+ sub downloads because royalties are the same for each size and of course customers tend to download the largest sizes whether they need them or not.

As for image pirating, not having subscriptions doesn't make any difference. It's an interesting topic though because I'm sure many people here contribute to a stock agency that's pretty much connected to a Rapidshare-like service and nobody seems to have an issue with it. But that's a different story :)

I'm not sure what you are referring to. Care to elaborate?

depositphotos has a link to depositfiles, not sure of connection apparently connected, but not same owner. It has how dp generates a lot of traffic, free advertising on depositfiles.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ayzek on September 10, 2010, 05:14
Why dont you leave this to your customers. a review (upload) system should be realy nice according to selling performance. No inspectors and no review times. Pics that are not selling for some time period should be deleted.
All files need to be checked for quality and legal issues. You wouldn't believe what people upload sometimes... :)

Sure, you are right that I cant imagine :D. But, how can you be sure that your inspectors taste better than directly customers taste. Or how they can be fair to all contributer while peoples cant be succesfull to be fair their own child in this world.  For example how can you be sure that your inspector can reject a image that can sell 1000 in a year because he thinks that its not suitable to stock photography. Or how can you be sure that if he is checking his friends images carefully as much as others. I can give so many example like this.
Yes inspectors should check the legal issues and clearly defined qualites. but rest should leave to customer tastes. For example why dou you (i am not sure you are checking this.) need to check for quality of composition. I dont understand that. Are you selling these images to blind costumers?
When i am sending an image, i want to think more about what to inspectors wants than what the customers wants. Because its just blocking my creativty and enthusiasm.


How many images do you have i dont know but i saw your collection is not differnet than others. There is so many people has got more than 5000 pics in their portfolia and you can find their images cheaper in some other stocks. This is not a good kind of diversity. Also, did you reviews all their images? What dou you think about the exclusivity for having uniqe colection?

We have over 250,000 images at the moment. Some sites might be a little bit cheaper, but I think these prices are fine for now. If it turns out that we're too expensive, we can always adjust them. One thing is sure, we don't want to be too cheap though. As for exclusivity, it doesn't make sense because we've just started and there's nothing we can offer to exclusives yet. Maybe when we get big! ;)
You dont need to be cheaper than that. 1-20 Credit is accaptable for both side i think so. Accaptable percentage, stability and clear definations are should be good offer for exclusivity.  But if you say that "Maybe when we get big" i have got questions in my head about stability. You can change so many thinks when you get big ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: MandarineTree on September 10, 2010, 06:35
Does anyone know how traffic is going on at the StockFresh? I mean do they sell anything? It would be great if StockFresh could keep up with all other microstock agencies on the market. I just wonder how much time it will take until their sell ratio will be sufficient for them to exist...

Hope StockFresh will manage to survive... good luck!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Microbius on September 10, 2010, 06:39
People will pay the prices. Why are we, the suppliers, putting downward pressure on the price of our own goods, that's just nuts. Let the market set the price suppliers need to push for the highest possible, buyers will let you know with their feet if they are willing to pay. I'm sure Peter knows what he's doing!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: MandarineTree on September 10, 2010, 06:52
I am not worried about prices or image quality on StockFresh, I am sure both will be more then decent. What I am worried about is how many buyers they will be able to attract to their side. Hope they'll manage to do that.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: vonkara on September 10, 2010, 11:32
You won't be able to opt out of subscriptions, but only photos up to M size are included. So it works for bloggers,  websites and magazines who need a ton of images and you won't feel ripped off with 35c XXL downloads.

OK, at least you are limiting the sizes buyers can get for the sub price. That's good.

Same as the photos.com "deal". But the last time it was up to the L size if I am correct. This ended to be a stream of subscription sales replacing the credit ones.

I understand Stockfresh to say that their buyers look for credit first. But that's only because they don't have a regular customer base. Once any buyer think the collection is enough appealing, the stream of subs will surprise you, just like 123RF and such
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on September 10, 2010, 16:54
Although there's some overlap, subscription buyers are a different market.
I know, but it's a market that I don't like to be in (that's why I was never at SS, despite everyone reporting good earnings). Microstock images are already too cheap to sell them even cheaper. Give frequent buyers a massive discount in big credit packages, I'm fine with that. But letting people download hundreds of images for just US$100 or US$200 is an absurd to me.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Norebbo on September 11, 2010, 12:55
I'm doing what I can to help Stockfresh become successful - I just applied for an account today, and I plan to upload my entire portfolio there (regardless of how much traffic they have right now). Of all the "wannabe" sites out there right now, SF looks the best. It even feels like the old StockXpert.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: UncleGene on September 11, 2010, 13:10
I'm doing what I can to help Stockfresh become successful - I just applied for an account today, and I plan to upload my entire portfolio there (regardless of how much traffic they have right now). Of all the "wannabe" sites out there right now, SF looks the best. It even feels like the old StockXpert.

This will work only if you are accepted. My my application with top sellers was rejected. I am hesitant to re-apply - types of photos that they seem to want are in minority in my portfolio, I am not sure I want one more FT (accepting 5% of what I send)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: massman on September 11, 2010, 15:37
You won't be able to opt out of subscriptions, but only photos up to M size are included.


How sad. Most sales fall in the XS-M range anyway, so for most buyers this suits perfectly well.  And there goes our images to rapidshare & such, as seen so many times.


Although there's some overlap, subscription buyers are a different market. You have to commit for over $200 per month on most sites. That doesn't work for the majority of users who just need a few images at a time. They might make a dent on PPD sales but won't replace them. On StockXpert most contrib complaints were about XL+ sub downloads because royalties are the same for each size and of course customers tend to download the largest sizes whether they need them or not.

As for image pirating, not having subscriptions doesn't make any difference. It's an interesting topic though because I'm sure many people here contribute to a stock agency that's pretty much connected to a Rapidshare-like service and nobody seems to have an issue with it. But that's a different story :)


It may be worth a trip back to this thread, just as a reminder http://www.microstockgroup.com/stockxpert-com/revenue-plummeting-at-StockXpert/ (http://www.microstockgroup.com/stockxpert-com/revenue-plummeting-at-StockXpert/)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Microbius on September 11, 2010, 15:55
As for image pirating, not having subscriptions doesn't make any difference. It's an interesting topic though because I'm sure many people here contribute to a stock agency that's pretty much connected to a Rapidshare-like service and nobody seems to have an issue with it. But that's a different story :)

Which agency is that?

ETA: Sorry missed the reply, I don't upload to Deposit Photos, thankfully, as I'd have to withdraw my portfolio after finding this out!
Double ETA just tracked down the thread where FD tracked down the connections, double glad I don't upload there!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 12, 2010, 03:00
Out of interest, will you be feeding through via another SXC-style site?  I recall someone at iStock saying they were really amazed at how much iStock purchasing arose via that route.


Well, I'm not sure if you're aware, but many top contributors left SXC after the transition and started a new site at [url]http://rgbstock.com[/url] ([url]http://rgbstock.com[/url]) . RGB is growing very fast and although I'm not involved in that project I'm sure we'll work something out together.


Aha!  That's good to know.  I have to say I'm not a fan of giving free images away myself, but if some connection between the two of you will bring such startling amounts of purchasers to Stockfresh, then I'm happy to hear of this.


I'm one of the RGBStockers.  We are growing exponentially and are happy to feed traffic to Stockfresh because of the long association the RGB team have with Peter Hamza.  The association has always worked well and we hope it continues to do so.  The engine that ran SXC and helped create all that startling amount of traffic is now harnessed to RGB.  Unlike SXC we are independent of anyone.  You might not be a fan of free images but you need us more than we need you.  We have had offers from other microstock sites to feed traffic to them but we chose to link to Stockfresh because it is an independent site like RGB and we've all had more than a bellyfull of grasping corporations.  The reaction of iStockers when Getty acquired SXC sickened us to the point where many of us deleted our galleries, broke away and created a new site.  I'm disappointed that the same hubristic reaction is apparently alive and well at Stockfresh.  I hope I don't see it again.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 12, 2010, 03:51
Thanks so much for that Weirdvis  :)

It's great to witness this new collaboration as it happens, and I'm so glad to hear of it as it sounds as though it's the key to bringing high volumes of traffic through, as we saw at StockXpert.   Sorry if my 'I'm not a fan' comment came across badly... it's just born out of my own fears for my future (which I very much hope to get over one day!) ;)

My partner (who has no such fear) just realised that he still has pictures on SXC that he'd forgotten about, and is about to pull them off rather than allow them to potentially result in an 85% payment to Getty on the back off someone else's hard work (he's not with any of the Getty 'family').

Was a bit confused by your comment:  "I'm disappointed that the same hubristic reaction is apparently alive and well at Stockfresh."  Are you referring to the assumption some have made that Stockfresh might 'sell out' in the future?

Thanks again for your input, and for sticking to your values.  Great to know!  ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 12, 2010, 05:08
It may be worth a trip back to this thread, just as a reminder [url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/stockxpert-com/revenue-plummeting-at-StockXpert/[/url] ([url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/stockxpert-com/revenue-plummeting-at-StockXpert/[/url])


I'm going to say this one more time: Overall sales on StockXpert were fine despite all the rumors, surprisingly even subscriptions didn't manage to cannibalize everything... It would've even survived being disconnected from SXC. However, we were adding 40-50,000 images and who knows how many new contributors each week and downloads ended up being split up between more and more people. There's just a lot more supply than demand.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 12, 2010, 14:08
Hi again Peter,  I'm just wondering when your marketing drive starts in earnest... no sales here yet, but living in hope!  :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Phil on September 12, 2010, 15:36
Thanks so much for that Weirdvis  :)

It's great to witness this new collaboration as it happens, and I'm so glad to hear of it as it sounds as though it's the key to bringing high volumes of traffic through, as we saw at StockXpert.   Sorry if my 'I'm not a fan' comment came across badly... it's just born out of my own fears for my future (which I very much hope to get over one day!) ;)

My partner (who has no such fear) just realised that he still has pictures on SXC that he'd forgotten about, and is about to pull them off rather than allow them to potentially result in an 85% payment to Getty on the back off someone else's hard work (he's not with any of the Getty 'family').

Was a bit confused by your comment:  "I'm disappointed that the same hubristic reaction is apparently alive and well at Stockfresh."  Are you referring to the assumption some have made that Stockfresh might 'sell out' in the future?

Thanks again for your input, and for sticking to your values.  Great to know!  ;D

I'm not sure on the hubristic reaction comment too. A number of people are very pleased about stockfresh and very hopeful for Peter.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Xalanx on September 12, 2010, 15:42
I have uploaded over 1500 files, not a single sale so far. Can't say I'm pleased, and if it wasn't the easy upload process I wouldn't have got to this number.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: studioportosabbia on September 12, 2010, 17:43
Already forgot this site: signed up early June, logged in today:  Your application is waiting to be reviewed......
THREE months to review some application files? Sounds promissing once we can submit our files........
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on September 12, 2010, 18:05
It may be worth a trip back to this thread, just as a reminder [url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/stockxpert-com/revenue-plummeting-at-StockXpert/[/url] ([url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/stockxpert-com/revenue-plummeting-at-StockXpert/[/url])


Reminder of what? That some people didn't do well at StockXpert while others did excellent? Even in that thread you're quoting, many people reported massive increases in earnings after the introduction of subs, JIU, and photos.com.

When I recall my days with StockXpert, I was making more there than I was at istock, DT, and FT individually.

So you apparently didn't like StockXpert. That's fine. But because you had a bad experience, no one should put any faith in SF?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: disorderly on September 12, 2010, 18:12
StockXpert was second tier for me, running a couple of percentage points behind Dreamstime and Fotolia and well ahead of BigStock and 123 before Getty pulled the plug.  I'd be pleased to see StockFresh do as well, and I'm uploading there in anticipation of their success.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on September 12, 2010, 18:23
We have had offers from other microstock sites to feed traffic to them but we chose to link to Stockfresh because it is an independent site like RGB and we've all had more than a bellyfull of grasping corporations. 

I think at this point you would be hard pressed to find anyone in these forums who disagrees about "grasping corporations"  :P

Sounds like RGB and Stockfresh can make a good partnership, like SXC and StockXpert.  :)

StockXpert was second tier for me, running a couple of percentage points behind Dreamstime and Fotolia and well ahead of BigStock and 123 before Getty pulled the plug.  I'd be pleased to see StockFresh do as well, and I'm uploading there in anticipation of their success.

Yet again I find myself agreeing with you 100% Harris :D

StockXpert was second tier for me, but HIGH second tier.  If there had been a Big 5 they would have been on it.  I still have never recovered the lost income from their closing. 

Of course I am not exclusive, but I am sure one "istocker" that was mourning, and not celebrating when StockXpert was closed down  :'(
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on September 12, 2010, 23:29
As for image pirating, not having subscriptions doesn't make any difference. It's an interesting topic though because I'm sure many people here contribute to a stock agency that's pretty much connected to a Rapidshare-like service and nobody seems to have an issue with it. But that's a different story :)
Which agency is that?
Double ETA just tracked down the thread where FD tracked down the connections, double glad I don't upload there!
Yap, that was me. I had a big issue with it. Peter is right.  :P - Well, I'm still waiting for RapidPhotos.  ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 04:13
Rubyroo – you stated that you do not like free sites but you are more than willing to accept what RGB can give.  We at RGB Towers don’t expect anyone to fall to their knees out of gratitude for our help but your words stung like a smack in the face.  The RGB team wants to see Stockfresh succeed.  We want to see Stockfresh exceed StockXpert’s aspirations.  We are willing to do what we can to help you achieve this even though we don’t owe a single one of you a living.  What’s not to like?

Okay, so RGB supplies free, good quality images.  We supply ordinary people with non-commercial stock because not everyone has a business account that stretches to buying microstock images.  Ask yourself why SXC still survives but StockXpert doesn’t.  Because SXC is useful to iStock and its use outweighs the very limited potential threat to business.  StockXpert, on the other hand, was a direct rival offering better incentives and had to die.  Stockfresh has risen from those bitter ashes and it is in all our interests to see it fly.  Members of the RGB team have worked with and/or for Peter for a number of years including myself.  It’s an association that worked rather well right up until Gettyisation.  Although we RGBers are independent we are happy to continue to work with Peter and direct traffic to Stockfresh; traffic we anticipate will grow as fast as RGB is currently growing .  Just because we at RGB provide free images it does not make us either an enemy or a rival.

I hope I’ve made RGB’s position clear and that we can all move on from here.  :0)

Acknowledgement to lisafx for her kind words and to Phil who was puzzled by my comment.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 13, 2010, 04:31
Weirdvis - I'm so sorry, I really didn't realise my rather brief comment there would hit you so hard.  I didn't mean any malice by it at all... it was just a clumsy few words behind which lay a fear of putting my *own* images out for free.  It's a personal thing that I struggle with hugely, for reasons I don't want to discuss in a public forum - and I'm sure I carry around a lot of fears that may turn out to be groundless.

I certainly didn't mean it to be any judgement on other people giving away free images.  It's just a personal thing - but I didn't express it well at all.  I hope you'll accept this apology from someone who can sometimes unintentionally sacrifice clarity for the sake of brevity.

My partner has removed his images from SXC, and will be sending them through to RGB asap.  I love him for that (among many other things), and for not having the (possibly stupid) inner conflict that I do.

Believe me, I couldn't even bring myself to kill an insect, let alone smack someone in the face (even metaphorically). 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 05:01
rubyroo - I'm pleased you now understand RGB's position and thank you for your kind words.  RGB looks forward to hopefully working with Stockfresh for a long time to come and to see both our stars ascend despite the greedy corporate opposition.

I wish all Stockfreshers the best of luck.  We've all travelled this path once before so we know we can work the magic - better this time.  :D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 13, 2010, 05:17
rubyroo - I'm pleased you now understand RGB's position and thank you for your kind words.  RGB looks forward to hopefully working with Stockfresh for a long time to come and to see both our stars ascend despite the greedy corporate opposition.

I wish all Stockfreshers the best of luck.  We've all travelled this path once before so we know we can work the magic - better this time.  :D

I'm so relieved to read this.  You're welcome.   Many thanks to you too, and hear hear!

Hopefully one day I'll get past all this inner history and send you some freebies myself... I much prefer the relaxed and altruistic "me" to this other uptight and fearful one who pops her head up from time to time in the wrong places!  Thanks for understanding   :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 05:25
I'm one of the RGBStockers.  We are growing exponentially and are happy to feed traffic to Stockfresh because of the long association the RGB team have with Peter Hamza.  The association has always worked well and we hope it continues to do so.  The engine that ran SXC and helped create all that startling amount of traffic is now harnessed to RGB.  Unlike SXC we are independent of anyone.  You might not be a fan of free images but you need us more than we need you.  We have had offers from other microstock sites to feed traffic to them but we chose to link to Stockfresh because it is an independent site like RGB and we've all had more than a bellyfull of grasping corporations.  The reaction of iStockers when Getty acquired SXC sickened us to the point where many of us deleted our galleries, broke away and created a new site.  I'm disappointed that the same hubristic reaction is apparently alive and well at Stockfresh.  I hope I don't see it again.

"We are dedicated to making high quality images available to those who cannot afford to pay for them."

OMG.

Their next venture: "Paying you $5 every time you use our images..."
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 13, 2010, 06:21
Wait a minute...I just want to be sure I'm understanding...

If my photos are placed on StockFresh, are they automatically going to RGB?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 13, 2010, 06:25
Wait a minute...I just want to be sure I'm understanding...
If my photos are placed on StockFresh, are they automatically going to RGB?

Why would they go to RGB? It's a completely separate site.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on September 13, 2010, 06:40
Peter, don't you think this could be a good time to process our 3-months old applications?

so we may start uploading our ports before the new wave of people running away from another site joins in, cluttering the q even more
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 13, 2010, 06:43
Wait a minute...I just want to be sure I'm understanding...
If my photos are placed on StockFresh, are they automatically going to RGB?

Why would they go to RGB? It's a completely separate site.

For the same reason they go to subs with no opt out? Explain then why a big point is being made about how you and RGB are having a good relationship just like StockXpert and SXC did. I am going to go back and reread the threat...maybe I missed something.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 06:47
Wait a minute...I just want to be sure I'm understanding...
If my photos are placed on StockFresh, are they automatically going to RGB?

Why would they go to RGB? It's a completely separate site.

For the same reason they go to subs with no opt out? Explain then why a big point is being made about how you and RGB are having a good relationship just like StockXpert and SXC did. I am going to go back and reread the threat...maybe I missed something.

What isn't there to understand?  RGB will be feeding traffic to Stockfresh.  That's it.  End of story.  No catches.  If you don't want us to do that then please say so and we'll take our affiliation somewhere else...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 13, 2010, 06:52
Out of interest, will you be feeding through via another SXC-style site?  I recall someone at iStock saying they were really amazed at how much iStock purchasing arose via that route.


Well, I'm not sure if you're aware, but many top contributors left SXC after the transition and started a new site at [url]http://rgbstock.com[/url] ([url]http://rgbstock.com[/url]) . RGB is growing very fast and although I'm not involved in that project I'm sure we'll work something out together.


Aha!  That's good to know.  I have to say I'm not a fan of giving free images away myself, but if some connection between the two of you will bring such startling amounts of purchasers to Stockfresh, then I'm happy to hear of this.


I'm one of the RGBStockers.  We are growing exponentially and are happy to feed traffic to Stockfresh because of the long association the RGB team have with Peter Hamza.  The association has always worked well and we hope it continues to do so.  The engine that ran SXC and helped create all that startling amount of traffic is now harnessed to RGB.  Unlike SXC we are independent of anyone.  You might not be a fan of free images but you need us more than we need you.  We have had offers from other microstock sites to feed traffic to them but we chose to link to Stockfresh because it is an independent site like RGB and we've all had more than a bellyfull of grasping corporations.  The reaction of iStockers when Getty acquired SXC sickened us to the point where many of us deleted our galleries, broke away and created a new site.  I'm disappointed that the same hubristic reaction is apparently alive and well at Stockfresh.  I hope I don't see it again.


If buyers see my images on RGB and have to purchase them through StockFresh, that's OK with me. If my images are being given away FREE on RGB in the hopes that they will buy from StockFresh, I am NOT OK with that. I don't care if you guys think "You might not be a fan of free images but you need us more than we need you." They are my images and I want the right to be able to say whether they are given away for free.

So I would appreciate a yes or no answer from you Peter...are my images automatically going to be placed on RGB and given away for free every time I upload to StockFresh?

edited after your response was posted: What isn't there to understand?  RGB will be feeding traffic to Stockfresh.  That's it.  End of story.  No catches.  If you don't want us to do that then please say so and we'll take our affiliation somewhere else...

Feeding traffic to Stockfresh is a pretty vague statement. Please clarify. Where do I get paid for my image?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 13, 2010, 06:58
So I would appreciate a yes or no answer from you Peter...are my images automatically going to be placed on RGB and given away for free every time I upload to StockFresh?

Are you nuts? Why would we give them away for free?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 07:04
Please be assured that Stockfresh images WILL NOT be given away free on RGB.  We intend to feed traffic to Stockfresh in the way that SXC fed traffic to StockXpert.  The main difference is that under the SXC umbrella we worked for Peter while RGB, a breakaway group from SXC, is autonomous.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: dirkr on September 13, 2010, 07:05
Got my approval e-mail today, will start uploading tonight.
I do hope SF will be a big success.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 07:09
cclapper- Feeding traffic to Stockfresh is a pretty vague statement. Please clarify. Where do I get paid for my image

face/palm

You upload your images to Stockfresh. Stockfresh pays you.  We stupid beggars at RGB are trying to help you to sell your images out of the kindness of our deluded hearts for no remuneration.  What is so vague about that?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 13, 2010, 07:12
Oh my god. I seriously can't believe that a question like that is being asked here. I thought this place was for discussing legitimate issues and not nonsense. What kind of agency gives away your photos for free without you knowing about it??? :o
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 13, 2010, 07:13
I think it's difficult for someone to understand if they're not aware of how SXC worked.

I'll try to explain, but I only know via my partner's experience, and hopefully peter or Weirdvis will correct me if I get anything wrong.

The free site (in this case RGB) operates as a separate entity.  People who want to put images up there for free submit them.  I don't think any are ever rejected(?)  I know my partner only sent through images that were rejected by all the paying agencies.

If the free site chooses to affiliate with a paying agency (in this case Stockfresh), they put tools on the free site to help direct people through to the agency's site, and this generates huge amounts of traffic towards the paying site which might not otherwise occur.

Therefore, even people who've never heard of the free site, and don't contribute to it at all, benefit from the inflow of curious traffic from the free site. i.e people at iStock are currently enjoying traffic from SXC - even if they're not aware of it.  Just as we independents used to enjoy the benefits of traffic from SXC to StockXpert.

I hope I have that all straight.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 13, 2010, 07:17
Exactly. They get paid for advertising us. That's all there is to it. They earn money which helps them keep their site alive and we get a lot of potential buyers which is good for us. This is how ALL the stock agencies operate.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 07:23
Peter, you have your work cut out...   ::)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 13, 2010, 07:27
There's no shame in lacking familiarity with something and seeking to understand.  I'm sure we've all been there, and will be again.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 13, 2010, 07:31
Peter, you have your work cut out...   ::)

I really don't appreciate all of the sarcasm and the intonation that I am stupid.

You need to check around a little. Currently, my images, after they reach a certain age, automatically go into the FREE section at IS. There used to be an opt-out for that, but it magically disappeared a while back. I only found out about this after checking the FREE section on my own. Then I had to delete them all. Now, I have to check periodically to make sure there are none there.

You should be ashamed of yourself for making me look like a total idiot for asking those questions after what just happened at IS. If you think I am going to blindly trust ANY agency right now, you're the ignorant ones.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 07:31
Rubyroo - I couldn't have put it better myself.  It's the reason why other microstock sites are keen to have us affiliate with them.  We prefer to support an independent instead.  From longstanding association we know and respect Peter so directing traffic to Stockfresh is a natural choice for us to make.  :)  
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 07:35
clapper - You should be ashamed of yourself for making me look like a total idiot for asking those questions after what just happened at IS. If you think I am going to blindly trust ANY agency right now, you're the ignorant ones.



Believe me, you didn't need any help from me.  BTW I'm not a clairvoyant nor am I party to your former dealings with agencies.  Perhaps you should make your position clearer in future so that I can make a more informed reply.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 13, 2010, 07:35
You need to check around a little. Currently, my images, after they reach a certain age, automatically go into the FREE section at IS.

Is there a free section on IS? I though there was only a dollar bin.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: dirkr on September 13, 2010, 07:36
Peter, you have your work cut out...   ::)

I really don't appreciate all of the sarcasm and the intonation that I am stupid.

You need to check around a little. Currently, my images, after they reach a certain age, automatically go into the FREE section at IS. There used to be an opt-out for that, but it magically disappeared a while back. I only found out about this after checking the FREE section on my own. Then I had to delete them all. Now, I have to check periodically to make sure there are none there.

You should be ashamed of yourself for making me look like a total idiot for asking those questions after what just happened at IS. If you think I am going to blindly trust ANY agency right now, you're the ignorant ones.

There is a free section on IS? When do images go there? Where do I have to check?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 13, 2010, 07:37
cclapper- Feeding traffic to Stockfresh is a pretty vague statement. Please clarify. Where do I get paid for my image

face/palm

You upload your images to Stockfresh. Stockfresh pays you.  We stupid beggars at RGB are trying to help you to sell your images out of the kindness of our deluded hearts for no remuneration.  What is so vague about that?

You must be making money of of your free site somehow. Don't treat me like I'm some stupid ass that just fell off the turnip truck. You know, like how Kelly Thompson is treating all of IS's contributors right now?

EDITED, sorry I mispoke. The dollar bin. You're all right, I am stupid. I don't know this RGB site and I don't know this weirdvis, this is the first time I've seen him post here. But I am really surprised at you, Peter. All I did was ask some questions and ask for an explanation.

Got my answer, done.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: bittersweet on September 13, 2010, 07:40
You need to check around a little. Currently, my images, after they reach a certain age, automatically go into the FREE section at IS.

Is there a free section on IS? I though there was only a dollar bin.
I was thinking the same thing. That's news to me. The only "free" images are those selected for FIOTW, or given away as part of a promo, IF you are opted into the PROMOTIONAL use. They aren't just randomly sending images to some free bin somewhere. If I am mistaken about this, please provide an example link, as I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one completely unaware of this.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 07:40
cclapper- Feeding traffic to Stockfresh is a pretty vague statement. Please clarify. Where do I get paid for my image

face/palm

You upload your images to Stockfresh. Stockfresh pays you.  We stupid beggars at RGB are trying to help you to sell your images out of the kindness of our deluded hearts for no remuneration.  What is so vague about that?

You must be making money of of your free site somehow. Don't treat me like I'm some stupid ass that just fell off the turnip truck. You know, like how Kelly Thompson is treating all of IS's contributors right now?

EDITED, sorry I mispoke. The dollar bin. You're all right, I am stupid. I don't know this RGB site and I don't know this weirdvis, this is the first time I've seen him post here. But I am really surprised at you, Peter. All I did was ask some questions and ask for an explanation.

Got my answer, done.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 13, 2010, 07:42
You need to check around a little. Currently, my images, after they reach a certain age, automatically go into the FREE section at IS.

Is there a free section on IS? I though there was only a dollar bin.
I was thinking the same thing. That's news to me. The only "free" images are those selected for FIOTW, or given away as part of a promo, IF you are opted into the PROMOTIONAL use. They aren't just randomly sending images to some free bin somewhere. If I am mistaken about this, please provide an example link, as I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one completely unaware of this.

I am NOT opted into the promotional use and yet they STILL went to the dollar bin.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 13, 2010, 07:43
But I am really surprised at you, Peter. All I did was ask some questions and ask for an explanation.

I don't mind answering questions at all and I also don't mind working 12hrs+ per day just to get this thing going. What I mind is when people don't take five minutes to research something beforehand because that's how all the nasty rumors start. That having said sorry if I came across arrogant, it wasn't my intention.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 07:45
cclapper- Feeding traffic to Stockfresh is a pretty vague statement. Please clarify. Where do I get paid for my image

face/palm

You upload your images to Stockfresh. Stockfresh pays you.  We stupid beggars at RGB are trying to help you to sell your images out of the kindness of our deluded hearts for no remuneration.  What is so vague about that?

You must be making money of of your free site somehow. Don't treat me like I'm some stupid ass that just fell off the turnip truck. You know, like how Kelly Thompson is treating all of IS's contributors right now?

EDITED, sorry I mispoke. The dollar bin. You're all right, I am stupid. I don't know this RGB site and I don't know this weirdvis, this is the first time I've seen him post here. But I am really surprised at you, Peter. All I did was ask some questions and ask for an explanation.

Got my answer, done.

RGB is a not-for-profit site.  We make a microscopic income from adverts and everything else, including server and programming, is provided by a dedicated team of volunteers.  We do it because we like giving instead of taking.  It's the old SXC ethos.  Peter understands where we're coming from.  How's that turnip truck doing?  Better mind those speed bumps...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 07:49
Exactly. They get paid for advertising us. That's all there is to it. They earn money which helps them keep their site alive and we get a lot of potential buyers which is good for us. This is how ALL the stock agencies operate.

Ah.  So the owners of "RGB" get money for pimping pay sites, while the contributors get to give their work away for free.

Nice model.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 07:51
You need to check around a little. Currently, my images, after they reach a certain age, automatically go into the FREE section at IS. There used to be an opt-out for that, but it magically disappeared a while back. I only found out about this after checking the FREE section on my own. Then I had to delete them all. Now, I have to check periodically to make sure there are none there.

I think you're imagining things.  There is no free section on IS that old images fall into.

Never mind - I see you found the answer.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 13, 2010, 07:54
Just for the record Cathy... you didn't (and don't) look stupid.  You had concerns so you raised a question, that's all.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on September 13, 2010, 07:59
Just because we at RGB provide free images it does not make us either an enemy or a rival.
I heard from RGB for the first time in this thread. I still have loads of photos from my first cams (2 and 3MP) that aren't accepted any more. Is there any advantage of loading up free shots, and is 2MP allowed?
Advantage: would there be any possibility to have a link in your profile or whatever to our paying portfolio or site, so this can be counted as a reciprocal link by Google? What are the technical requirements in general?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 08:01
RGB is a not-for-profit site.  We make a microscopic income from adverts and everything else, including server and programming, is provided by a dedicated team of volunteers.  We do it because we like giving instead of taking.  It's the old SXC ethos.  Peter understands where we're coming from.  How's that turnip truck doing?  Better mind those speed bumps...

Really?  Where are you registered as a NPO?  BTW, there's nothing that says an NPO doesn't compensate its "employees", so, people can still make a hefty income while working for an NPO.

Also, btw, you may want to revise this on your "About" page: "Our only source of income is from Google ads, and this small amount will be used for future maintenance and upgrades. "
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on September 13, 2010, 08:05
Ah.  So the owners of "RGB" get money for pimping pay sites, while the contributors get to give their work away for free.
Nice model.
Yeah, its sounds almost like iStock for independents, give or take 15%  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Microbius on September 13, 2010, 08:06
You upload your images to Stockfresh. Stockfresh pays you.  We stupid beggars at RGB are trying to help you to sell your images out of the kindness of our deluded hearts for no remuneration.  What is so vague about that?

Thanks for choosing to link to a site that supports its contributors with a fair commission. I for one wish both RGB and Stockfresh both every success.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 08:08
You upload your images to Stockfresh. Stockfresh pays you.  We stupid beggars at RGB are trying to help you to sell your images out of the kindness of our deluded hearts for no remuneration.  What is so vague about that?
Thanks for choosing to link to a site that supports its contributors with a fair commission. I for one wish both RGB and Stockfresh both every success.

Me too!  Maybe next year, RGB can give out a 50% royalty raise to show IS what's what! ;)

Actually, I see no reason not to wish success on StockFresh, aside from that it seems like you're just putting your hopes on "someone else" who can just eventually sell you out anyways.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 13, 2010, 08:09
Ah.  So the owners of "RGB" get money for pimping pay sites, while the contributors get to give their work away for free.
Nice model.

Where do your bosses get their traffic from? Ever heard of stock.xchng (among others)? People happily share their work there with others just like the RGB guys because they want to get into stock or they just enjoy seeing their work everywhere. Or is it wrong because it's a direct competition of the site you're feeding off? :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 08:14
Where do your bosses get their traffic from? Ever heard of stock.xchng (among others)? People happily share their work there with others just like the RGB guys because they want to get into stock or they just enjoy seeing their work everywhere. Or is it wrong because it's a direct competition of the site you're feeding off? :)

I'd say mostly google, where IS is #1 on a search for "stock photos".  I don't see spending excessive effort to build up a base of "free" customers is a very smart move, sxc, rgb or otherwise.  If they want to "get into stock" or "see their work everywhere", they can join a payg site.  The contributor base on the micros are still an open shop, as long as you have some modicum of skill.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on September 13, 2010, 08:15

Ah.  So the owners of "RGB" get money for pimping pay sites, while the contributors get to give their work away for free.

Nice model.

And this is different from the istock/SXC relationship how exactly?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 13, 2010, 08:19
I'd say mostly google, where IS is #1 on a search for "stock photos".  I don't see spending excessive effort to build up a base of "free" customers is a very smart move, sxc, rgb or otherwise.  If they want to "get into stock" or "see their work everywhere", they can join a payg site.  The contributor base on the micros are still an open shop, as long as you have some modicum of skill.

That's true to some extent, but a LOT of people go to SXC for free photos (which is also usually #2 on google by the way) and THEN end up on istock. No wonder all the other agencies have some sort of deal with a free site. Best advertising you can ever get.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on September 13, 2010, 08:19
Free sites to redirect traffic are good in my opinion as long as:
1. contribution to free site is completely voluntary;
2. there aren't too many good pictures for free to distract buyers from paying for pictures;

StockFresh has now explained point 1 perfectly, so no concerns for me.

Point 2 is partly up to contributors (not to upload their best pictures for free), and partly up to buyers (how much time they can lose to search for good pictures among many not so good, and how much quality they're going to sacrifice in order to use a free picture). We must be careful about this.

E.g., if a certain amount of potential buyers are intercepted through a free site, some will be transferred to the linked payed for site, and some will just be happy with the free offer. This is completely positive for the linked site (more buyers) but possibily negative for contributors (less buyers on other sites).

I wouldn't like sites using their free counterpart to damage competitors more than to advantage contributors.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on September 13, 2010, 08:20
You should be ashamed of yourself for making me look like a total idiot for asking those questions after what just happened at IS. If you think I am going to blindly trust ANY agency right now, you're the ignorant ones.

Sorry, but I'm with Peter and everyone else on this one. You asked a rather silly question, one that could be answered with a little common sense or a minute's worth of research on your own. StockXpert images never got fed into SXC, ever, so there was no logical basis for you to assume that SF images would ever be transferred over to RGB.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 08:22
Ah.  So the owners of "RGB" get money for pimping pay sites, while the contributors get to give their work away for free.
Nice model.
And this is different from the istock/SXC relationship how exactly?

I don't think I said it was.  However, technically, that IS and SXC are under the same parent, sxc can be seen as more of a promotional expenditure - it isn't there to "make money" per se, than an outside independent like RGB, whose owners are free to do whatever they like with the influx of monies, as miniscule as they are purported to be.  I'm not a business major, so I may be way off.  Either way, I don't particularly applaud sxc either.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 08:25
I'd say mostly google, where IS is #1 on a search for "stock photos".  I don't see spending excessive effort to build up a base of "free" customers is a very smart move, sxc, rgb or otherwise.  If they want to "get into stock" or "see their work everywhere", they can join a payg site.  The contributor base on the micros are still an open shop, as long as you have some modicum of skill.
That's true to some extent, but a LOT of people go to SXC for free photos (which is also usually #2 on google by the way) and THEN end up on istock. No wonder all the other agencies have some sort of deal with a free site. Best advertising you can ever get.

How do you control customer loss to "free"?  Does rgb screen the incoming work to make sure it is not as good as anything on its partner sites?  Where's the gain/loss line fall?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 08:29
Peter, I'm not taking sjlocke's bait because he/she/it is obviously a troll.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 08:35
Peter, I'm not taking sjlocke's bait because he/she/it is obviously a troll.

Yeah, that's me.  I'm a troll.  I've never posted here before.  Just started today to respond to your posts.

By the way, any info on your NPO registration?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 08:39
cclapper - I really don't appreciate all of the sarcasm and the intonation that I am stupid.

You were the one who brought up the "s" word.  I don't think you are stupid but I do think you are obfuscatory.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 08:41
Peter, I'm not taking sjlocke's bait because he/she/it is obviously a troll.

Yeah, that's me.  I'm a troll.  I've never posted here before.  Just started today to respond to your posts.

By the way, any info on your NPO registration?

You seem well boned on the subject.  I'm sure you know where you can go.  To find out that is...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 08:46
You seem well boned on the subject.  I'm sure you know where you can go.  To find out that is...

One would think if you were really a "not for profit", you'd have that legal information on your about page.  So, you're not really an NPO.  You just say that because it's currently convenient. 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: anonymous on September 13, 2010, 08:53
Peter, you have your work cut out...   ::)

I really don't appreciate all of the sarcasm and the intonation that I am stupid.


+1 ...kind of schoolyardish and silly
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: gostwyck on September 13, 2010, 09:00
+1 ...kind of schoolyardish and silly

This whole thread's been taken over by nothingness. Can we not just let Peter & Co get on with building us a place to sell our work at a much fairer commission than Istock?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: click_click on September 13, 2010, 09:13
I thought this was solely about Stockfresh anyway...  ???
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 13, 2010, 09:15
How do you control customer loss to "free"?  Does rgb screen the incoming work to make sure it is not as good as anything on its partner sites?  Where's the gain/loss line fall?

This is like the old music industry argument: free downloads killing the business... I don't think so. You should think about free content as an opportunity, not as lost revenues. Thousands of people learn about your services. You can hate free sites all you want, but the fact of the matter is that they will never go away. People will always want free stuff. There are many potential customers among them though, and I'm sure you'd rather send potential customers to your site than to the competition. The quality of work is not an issue, although there are some pretty amazing images on SXC and RGB, they don't match the pay sites and they never will.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 09:15
Free sites to redirect traffic are good in my opinion as long as:
1. contribution to free site is completely voluntary;
2. there aren't too many good pictures for free to distract buyers from paying for pictures;

StockFresh has now explained point 1 perfectly, so no concerns for me.

Point 2 is partly up to contributors (not to upload their best pictures for free), and partly up to buyers (how much time they can lose to search for good pictures among many not so good, and how much quality they're going to sacrifice in order to use a free picture). We must be careful about this.

E.g., if a certain amount of potential buyers are intercepted through a free site, some will be transferred to the linked payed for site, and some will just be happy with the free offer. This is completely positive for the linked site (more buyers) but possibily negative for contributors (less buyers on other sites).

I wouldn't like sites using their free counterpart to damage competitors more than to advantage contributors.


Good post but may I point out a flaw in your Point 2 reasoning?  Sites like RGB need to host good quality images otherwise people would not use the site.  No people means no traffic.  A bit of a Catch 22 situation from your point of view I'm sure you agree.  However, the system works which is why SXC still exists.  iStock would probably have destroyed the site if SXC was a threat rather than an asset.  There has been a contraction in the size of SXC's database which iStock is in no hurry to reverse.  They don't need to because SXC enjoys annual seven figure visitors/downloads which produces the traffic.   A lot of RGBers, myself included, have galleries on pay sites other than Stockfresh.  Quite a few of us have also been accepted as Stockfresh contributors (I'm not listed as weirdvis so please don't bother looking) so, with one possible exception (I don't mean you, cclapper), we are all Stockfreshers here.  
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 09:19
+1 ...kind of schoolyardish and silly

This whole thread's been taken over by nothingness. Can we not just let Peter & Co get on with building us a place to sell our work at a much fairer commission than Istock?

Sorry about that.  Just a little chatty this morning. (chat mode off)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: anonymous on September 13, 2010, 09:21
+1 ...kind of schoolyardish and silly

This whole thread's been taken over by nothingness. Can we not just let Peter & Co get on with building us a place to sell our work at a much fairer commission than Istock?

Sorry about that.  Just a little chatty this morning. (chat mode off)
wasn't referring to you  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 13, 2010, 09:35
I just want to comment on one more thing. I have my photos on Flickr and Behance and both companies sell advertising right next to my pictures, which means they are making money off me. I don't think this is in any way different from RGB owners making some money to cover operating costs. Sites like that can become an expensive hobby if traffic starts to grow.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on September 13, 2010, 09:42

Thanks for choosing to link to a site that supports its contributors with a fair commission. I for one wish both RGB and Stockfresh both every success.

Likewise.  ^^ :)

I do have a question about RGB.  Maybe it has been answered above and I missed it?

If someone donates an image to RGB, would it have visible links to images in that same person's SF portfolio?  In other words could donated images directly impact sales for the donating contributor, in addition to general sales for the SF site? 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 09:43
I just want to comment on one more thing. I have my photos on Flickr and Behance and both companies sell advertising right next to my pictures, which means they are making money off me. I don't think this is in any way different from RGB owners making some money to cover operating costs. Sites like that can become an expensive hobby if traffic starts to grow.

You mean like iStock 2002 ? ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 10:02
You seem well boned on the subject.  I'm sure you know where you can go.  To find out that is...

One would think if you were really a "not for profit", you'd have that legal information on your about page.  So, you're not really an NPO.  You just say that because it's currently convenient. 

RGB is an organisation of graphic designers, photographers and programmers that operates on a voluntary, non-profit basis.  That makes us a not for profit organisation but not one of those official, government funded fake charities.  We will be feeding traffic to Stockfresh.  If that worries certain people (not you cclapper) then I won't be losing sleep over it.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 10:07

Thanks for choosing to link to a site that supports its contributors with a fair commission. I for one wish both RGB and Stockfresh both every success.

Likewise.  ^^ :)

I do have a question about RGB.  Maybe it has been answered above and I missed it?

If someone donates an image to RGB, would it have visible links to images in that same person's SF portfolio?  In other words could donated images directly impact sales for the donating contributor, in addition to general sales for the SF site? 

Lisa, if you have a gallery at RGB there are no problems with using the accompanying profile or image information to link back to Stockfresh.  SXCers with images on paying sites linked back to those sites routinely.  :0)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: TheSmilingAssassin on September 13, 2010, 10:08
I’ve just read through the second half of this thread and emotions seem to be running high over nothing.  Let me recap...

Cclapper’s question to weirdvis came across a little hostile and almost as if it was an accusation.  She’s probably paranoid over the IS caning and it seems she has lost trust in management on all agencies altogether.

Weirdvis, who has diligently been explaining RGB’s relationship to SF became frustrated and took offence to cclapper’s paranoia worrying that her question will instil unnecessary fear into contributors who currently have confidence in, or high hopes for SF.  Cclapper’s paranoia went a step further and falsly accused weirdvis if calling her stupid which he did not.

Sean then stepped in and made a mountain out of a molehill over the term “not-for-profit”.  Perhaps that term should not have been used but what weirdvis meant is that they are not making a profit from RGB, not that they’re registered as an NPO.  Having said that though, even NPOs need money to operate their organisation, regardless if no or a marginal profit is made.  I’d say Sean is feeling the effects of IS and is a little touchy at the moment.  I’m also sure that he'd prefer IS exclusives to remain put for the time-being rather than taking their business away and heading towards SF, because let’s face it, SF sure sounds appealing, doesn’t it?  

I think everyone should take a deep breath in and remember who the bad guy is here.  It’s not SF, it’s IS.

As for my opinion on free sites, I think they are necessary.  Without them, people will be downloading your images illegally from other websites anyway.  A free site gives these types somewhere to go without hurting those who opt to make money from their images.  The other bonus is that RGB will direct traffic to SF so it’s a win:win situation.  There are many reasons why some contributors want their photos on free sites.  Portfolio exposure is one of them. Many times a photographer will submit their best images from a group and submit the rest for free.  There’s no real loss here because those images wouldn’t have made him money anyway and there’s a chance his revenue-generating images will sell if a buyer is directed from the free site.

Who knows why RGB is interested in running the free site for peanuts while advertising for SF.  Perhaps management at RGB has some personal vested interest in SF, perhaps they too are gaining exposure and experience?  Who knows?  Does it matter really?  The animal we’re all interested here is SF and if RGB helps them succeed in anyway, they have my thumbs up!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on September 13, 2010, 10:09
Good post but may I point out a flaw in your Point 2 reasoning?  Sites like RGB need to host good quality images otherwise people would not use the site.  No people means no traffic.

Basically agree. I think the key is balance: a free site must have good pictures but still take care not to completely replace pay sites.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 13, 2010, 10:09
I just want to comment on one more thing. I have my photos on Flickr and Behance and both companies sell advertising right next to my pictures, which means they are making money off me. I don't think this is in any way different from RGB owners making some money to cover operating costs. Sites like that can become an expensive hobby if traffic starts to grow.

You mean like iStock 2002 ? ;)

Yes, that's the only site in the universe that started out as a hobby and became huge...  ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 10:13
I’ve just read through the second half of this thread and emotions seem to be running high over nothing.  Let me recap...

Cclapper’s question to weirdvis came across a little hostile and almost as if it was an accusation.  She’s probably paranoid over the IS caning and it seems she has lost trust in management on all agencies altogether.

Weirdvis, who has diligently been explaining RGB’s relationship to SF became frustrated and took offence to cclapper’s paranoia worrying that her question will instil unnecessary fear into contributors who currently have confidence in, or high hopes for SF.  Cclapper’s paranoia went a step further and falsly accused weirdvis if calling her stupid which he did not.

Sean then stepped in and made a mountain out of a molehill over the term “not-for-profit”.  Perhaps that term should not have been used but what weirdvis meant is that they are not making a profit from RGB, not that they’re registered as an NPO.  Having said that though, even NPOs need money to operate their organisation, regardless if no or a marginal profit is made.  I’d say Sean is feeling the effects of IS and is a little touchy at the moment.  I’m also sure that he'd prefer IS exclusives to remain put for the time-being rather than taking their business away and heading towards SF, because let’s face it, SF sure sounds appealing, doesn’t it?  

I think everyone should take a deep breath in and remember who the bad guy is here.  It’s not SF, it’s IS.

As for my opinion on free sites, I think they are necessary.  Without them, people will be downloading your images illegally from other websites anyway.  A free site gives these types somewhere to go without hurting those who opt to make money from their images.  The other bonus is that RGB will direct traffic to SF so it’s a win:win situation.  There are many reasons why some contributors want their photos on free sites.  Portfolio exposure is one of them. Many times a photographer will submit their best images from a group and submit the rest for free.  There’s no real loss here because those images wouldn’t have made him money anyway and there’s a chance his revenue-generating images will sell if a buyer is directed from the free site.

Who knows why RGB is interested in running the free site for peanuts while advertising for SF.  Perhaps management at RGB has some personal vested interest in SF, perhaps they too are gaining exposure and experience?  Who knows?  Does it matter really?  The animal we’re all interested here is SF and if RGB helps them succeed in anyway, they have my thumbs up!

What you said with knobs on, pseudonymous!  And thank you for understanding my frustration.  :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 10:14
Yes, that's the only site in the universe that started out as a hobby and became huge...  ;D

More that Bruce had to start charging to cover operating costs, and here we are today.  Seems like a new "hobby" site will just end up traveling the same path.  So, why go backward?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 10:16
Good post but may I point out a flaw in your Point 2 reasoning?  Sites like RGB need to host good quality images otherwise people would not use the site.  No people means no traffic.

Basically agree. I think the key is balance: a free site must have good pictures but still take care not to completely replace pay sites.

I don't think that will ever happen.  Talent should be rewarded.  :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 13, 2010, 10:16
Yes, that's the only site in the universe that started out as a hobby and became huge...  ;D

More that Bruce had to start charging to cover operating costs, and here we are today.  Seems like a new "hobby" site will just end up traveling the same path.  So, why go backward?

What are you trying to say?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 10:31
That the histories are similar.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 13, 2010, 10:36
I get that but what do you mean by going backward?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on September 13, 2010, 10:38

Lisa, if you have a gallery at RGB there are no problems with using the accompanying profile or image information to link back to Stockfresh.  SXCers with images on paying sites linked back to those sites routinely.  :0)

Makes sense.  Thanks for the explanation.  :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: alias on September 13, 2010, 10:38
Getty will either buy or attempt to eliminate any site or alternative model which has significant market share. Back to the 90s.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 10:39
Amateur (well, non-"pro") content for free.  Which, to me, is going backwards from getting paid real money for content.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: TheSmilingAssassin on September 13, 2010, 10:41
Yes, that's the only site in the universe that started out as a hobby and became huge...  ;D

More that Bruce had to start charging to cover operating costs, and here we are today.  Seems like a new "hobby" site will just end up traveling the same path.  So, why go backward?

It's not going backwards at all.  Even if SF ends up in the same position as IS is today, what made you a decent living was the time between 2002 and 2011.  If you knew IS would end up being as greedy (or inefficient) as it is today, would you, if you could, turn back time and not join IS and make all the money you've made?  If money goes to Peter's head in 8 years time and he then cuts our lunch, who cares, everyone will bail and go to the next hero who's willing to accommodate us and pay us a fair commission.  For the time being though, Peter and SF are the hero and what they're offering is worth considering.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 10:43
Not SF.  RGB.  I have no problem with Peter trying to make a go of it with paid for content (although he's still a competitor ;)).
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 13, 2010, 10:49
Surely if - as Peter says - all the agencies (including iStock since fairly recent acquisition of SXC) are using some kind of free model to bring traffic to their sites, then it's not so much 'going backwards' as 'the way things are done'.  (?)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: TheSmilingAssassin on September 13, 2010, 10:55
Not SF.  RGB.  I have no problem with Peter trying to make a go of it with paid for content (although he's still a competitor ;)).

I still don't get how operating free sites are going backwards when they're in existence today.  RGB shouldn't effect anyone who doesn't want to give away their content for free but it'll help sell content on SF and will help their SEO.

I think sitting at IS next year accepting a pay cut while image prices have gone up is going backwards.  Kelly's speech about any business becoming more profitable over time was correct, but any business should also become more efficient over time as well so a contributor's profit margin, as well as IS's should go up as well.

I feel for you Sean, and other exclusive there at the minute.  It's a tough decision to make but eventually you're going to have to make it and I have a feeling you'll be crossing over to other avenues sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on September 13, 2010, 10:58
cclapper,

I remember that SXC showed some results for free images (2 rows of 4 images or something like that), and below these a few results from StockXpert saying something about looking for more images, if the person clicked on it they would be transfered to StockXpert.

On a side note, I think RGB images should be limited to a very small res, no more than 800x600, which would already suffice for most applications, not only web but folders and flyers.  In fact. I don't know why give good images for free anyway, but...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: loop on September 13, 2010, 11:43
Free sites (at least free sites with a semi-decent content database) don't really exist. "Free" mean that contributors give away their work for free, and that's the only free part of the business. Owners get rewarded with income coming from ads, links etc. Customers get the product for free exposing themselves to the ads, etc.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 12:12
Surely if - as Peter says - all the agencies (including iStock since fairly recent acquisition of SXC) are using some kind of free model to bring traffic to their sites, then it's not so much 'going backwards' as 'the way things are done'.  (?)

Perhaps.  The "going backwards" bit, is more a comment on the assumption that creators of said "free" sites have greater ambitions than providing pro bono coding and other people's content for no charge, and that it would end up being a stepping stone to something fairly profitable for both parties.  Thus, "going backwards" to start in the first steps of IS and progress forwards.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 13:24
cclapper,

On a side note, I think RGB images should be limited to a very small res, no more than 800x600, which would already suffice for most applications, not only web but folders and flyers.  In fact. I don't know why give good images for free anyway, but...

Sigh...

Why should RGB limit image resolution to 800x600?  Because RGB contributors owe you a living?  Why give away good images at all? Because not everyone shoots photos or creates graphics for profit.  A lot of people give back to the free community they have benefitted from, uploading images of their own to share.  The bulk do it for the kudos, to see their images working and helping people all over the world  It's called magnanimity and co-operation.  Flikr and SXC are bigger than RGB by several magnitudes yet neither site have put any successful microstock site out of business, nor will they.  Human nature and vested interest will ensure that pay sites will always prevail.   Will you be raising concerns if an RGB referral buys one of your images?  Paying and free stock sites are not mutually exclusive.  A lot of stock contributors have their feet in both camps.  I'm one of them, having my images hosted on several pay sites as well as the freebies available via RGB.  Perhaps you should try it and then maybe you'll understand?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 13, 2010, 13:26
Perhaps.  The "going backwards" bit, is more a comment on the assumption that creators of said "free" sites have greater ambitions than providing pro bono coding and other people's content for no charge, and that it would end up being a stepping stone to something fairly profitable for both parties.  Thus, "going backwards" to start in the first steps of IS and progress forwards.

Oh I see what you mean. It was a brave decision from the IS guys to start charging for the images, but it was a completely different world back then and it worked. I wonder if anyone could pull that off nowadays. Most likely not.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: RT on September 13, 2010, 13:37
 Will you be raising concerns if an RGB referral buys one of your images? 

I'd probably be left wondering whether they'd had bought more if free sites like RGB didn't exist.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 14:02
Surely if - as Peter says - all the agencies (including iStock since fairly recent acquisition of SXC) are using some kind of free model to bring traffic to their sites, then it's not so much 'going backwards' as 'the way things are done'.  (?)

Perhaps.  The "going backwards" bit, is more a comment on the assumption that creators of said "free" sites have greater ambitions than providing pro bono coding and other people's content for no charge, and that it would end up being a stepping stone to something fairly profitable for both parties.  Thus, "going backwards" to start in the first steps of IS and progress forwards.

Maybe it's time you quit judging people by iStock standards. Even if RGB harnesses the Dark Forces and grows bigger than a demonically enhanced Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and actually turns a profit whereby RGB Towers relocates to it's own tropical island, what business is it of yours?  Your speculation and scare tactics seem designed to drive a wedge between Stockfresh and RGB.   It's strange that you appear to see RGB as a threat but not Stockfresh.  How come?  
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 13, 2010, 14:06
 Will you be raising concerns if an RGB referral buys one of your images? 

I'd probably be left wondering whether they'd had bought more if free sites like RGB didn't exist.

Well apparently the likes of iStock and StockXpert wouldn't have come into being for you to sell your images.   ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: RT on September 13, 2010, 14:44
 Will you be raising concerns if an RGB referral buys one of your images? 

I'd probably be left wondering whether they'd had bought more if free sites like RGB didn't exist.

Well apparently the likes of iStock and StockXpert wouldn't have come into being for you to sell your images.   ;)

That's right I'd still be earning $300 for each download  ;) ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on September 13, 2010, 17:18
FWIW I got 3 downloads on Stockfresh today, more than doubling my total $ with them.  That is completely out of the ordinary.  Would not be surprised if that was a buyer who was referred by one of the folks that's driving traffic there.  If so, hope it continues :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 13, 2010, 17:38
Oh that's great news Lisa  :)

I'm so happy to hear that sales are starting to come through.  Still waiting for my first, but I'm sure it'll all take off once the marketing starts  :) 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: dnavarrojr on September 13, 2010, 17:44
Peter, you have your work cut out...   ::)

I really don't appreciate all of the sarcasm and the intonation that I am stupid.

You need to check around a little. Currently, my images, after they reach a certain age, automatically go into the FREE section at IS. There used to be an opt-out for that, but it magically disappeared a while back. I only found out about this after checking the FREE section on my own. Then I had to delete them all. Now, I have to check periodically to make sure there are none there.

You should be ashamed of yourself for making me look like a total idiot for asking those questions after what just happened at IS. If you think I am going to blindly trust ANY agency right now, you're the ignorant ones.

I gotta agree, you didn't understand how things worked and instead of trying to give an explanation of the relationship, he had to be a total ass.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on September 13, 2010, 18:49
FWIW I got 3 downloads on Stockfresh today, more than doubling my total $ with them.  That is completely out of the ordinary.  Would not be surprised if that was a buyer who was referred by one of the folks that's driving traffic there.  If so, hope it continues :)

congrats Lisa, still waiting but honestly no problem once if top contributors have just a few, I imagine my humble pictures :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 13, 2010, 18:53
FWIW I got 3 downloads on Stockfresh today, more than doubling my total $ with them.  That is completely out of the ordinary.  Would not be surprised if that was a buyer who was referred by one of the folks that's driving traffic there.  If so, hope it continues :)

That would be great if it's starting to do damage already. Congrats. I just started uploading, so I haven't seen any sales as of yet.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on September 13, 2010, 21:03
It's a big diversion from the topic, but since we moved to this area:

Why should RGB limit image resolution to 800x600?  Because RGB contributors owe you a living? 
No, but because I know the value of a good photo/image, so I don't agree to give it for free just to anyone. I understand your side, having an attractive site will bring you earnings other than the image sales - that's fine, you've invested on the site, but it can be even parasitical if the contributors are not aware of this.

A lot of people give back to the free community they have benefitted from, uploading images of their own to share.  The bulk do it for the kudos, to see their images working and helping people all over the world  It's called magnanimity and co-operation.
They do it for the kudos because they don't realize the value of the images, possibly because they would never think of buying anything at all either. That's why people send photos and videos to online newspapers, they are happy to have their name credited for one day ("Look, Mom, my photo!"), but that may be giving the newspaper a huge traffic and financial return), all from the free and innocent collaboration from their readers.

Listen, I would have no problem letting my church or a NGO I support use one of my images for free, or sharing images with a group of co-workers. We even had a colleague a year ago asking for images to use in support of a friend with cancer and many of us collaborated. This is very different from having IBM or Yahoo or CNN using my images for free.

I posted some small images in Fotopedia and they received low ratings because I added my name unintrusively at the corner of them - what was not prohibited, but still people emailed me to reupload them without my name. I didn't. I would gladly collaborate with them, but not in a way that I may lose control over those images, because people will probably download them without giving any attention to copyright notices.

Even if stock photography is far from being a significant income, I know its value, and it is not because this won't change my financial life that I will simply give images away in a site like SXC or RGB. Sorry, it's a matter of principle.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: TheSmilingAssassin on September 13, 2010, 21:38
madelaide, it is up to you whether you want to submit a free image to RGB.  You might not want to do it yourself, but you should open your mind and see why other's would.  It doesn't devalue that photographer's portfolio as a whole, in fact it probably increases it.  I don't buy images online.  I've only even needed one photograph for my website and it was free from SXC.  I didn't go looking for a free image, I found it on Google.  It wasn't anything spectacular but it was a decent image, it was very fitting and perfect for my website so I downloaded it.  I would have paid for it.  The only request from the photographer was that he'd appreciate anyone who downloads his free images to let them know what we do with those images.  So after placing it on my page, I emailed him with the details and he emailed me back thanking me and complimented the site.  His free image is now embedded on my website reminding me of him and his name is also embedded in my brain and my contact list so if ever I want to buy an image, I will happily go through his extensive portfolios accross many agents.  Imagine if I were a full time buyer and established a good rapport with this photographer?  That one free image could possibly result in many sales on paid sites.

I don't know why everyone is having a go at weirdvis.  He did not come here asking anyone to give away their images for free.  He came here to support StockFresh and to explain RGBs relationship with them.  He even mentioned that RGB will drive traffic to SF without any catch.  I can't see why anyone would have a problem with that or with him and his site.


It's a big diversion from the topic, but since we moved to this area:

Why should RGB limit image resolution to 800x600?  Because RGB contributors owe you a living?
No, but because I know the value of a good photo/image, so I don't agree to give it for free just to anyone. I understand your side, having an attractive site will bring you earnings other than the image sales - that's fine, you've invested on the site, but it can be even parasitical if the contributors are not aware of this.

A lot of people give back to the free community they have benefitted from, uploading images of their own to share.  The bulk do it for the kudos, to see their images working and helping people all over the world  It's called magnanimity and co-operation.
They do it for the kudos because they don't realize the value of the images, possibly because they would never think of buying anything at all either. That's why people send photos and videos to online newspapers, they are happy to have their name credited for one day ("Look, Mom, my photo!"), but that may be giving the newspaper a huge traffic and financial return), all from the free and innocent collaboration from their readers.

Listen, I would have no problem letting my church or a NGO I support use one of my images for free, or sharing images with a group of co-workers. We even had a colleague a year ago asking for images to use in support of a friend with cancer and many of us collaborated. This is very different from having IBM or Yahoo or CNN using my images for free.

I posted some small images in Fotopedia and they received low ratings because I added my name unintrusively at the corner of them - what was not prohibited, but still people emailed me to reupload them without my name. I didn't. I would gladly collaborate with them, but not in a way that I may lose control over those images, because people will probably download them without giving any attention to copyright notices.

Even if stock photography is far from being a significant income, I know its value, and it is not because this won't change my financial life that I will simply give images away in a site like SXC or RGB. Sorry, it's a matter of principle.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Pierdelune on September 13, 2010, 21:54
very nice to read all this bla bla about StockFresh but it is more than a month that I applied and didn't receive any answer yet.   I used to be Sxpert before and they seem to be faster at this time to get new contributors.
Should I say "contributor" ? This appellation reminds me IS  :-\

Sorry for my English. Hope you understand me.  ::)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 13, 2010, 22:00
I would have paid for it.

Bingo.

Quote
I don't know why everyone is having a go at weirdvis.  He did not come here asking anyone to give away their images for free.  He came here to support StockFresh and to explain RGBs relationship with them.  He even mentioned that RGB will drive traffic to SF without any catch.  

No catch, except the cash they're being paid ;) .
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: TheSmilingAssassin on September 13, 2010, 22:32
I would have paid for it.

Bingo.
 

But it wasn't available for sale.  It may have been rejected at IS for lighting issues.  It may have been rejected at DT for similars.  It may have been rejected at FT because it's not what they're looking for etc.  His free image gave him portfolio exposure and it wouldn't have, had it sat on his backup drive doing nothing. 






Quote
Quote
I don't know why everyone is having a go at weirdvis.  He did not come here asking anyone to give away their images for free.  He came here to support StockFresh and to explain RGBs relationship with them.  He even mentioned that RGB will drive traffic to SF without any catch.  

No catch, except the cash they're being paid ;) .

Lol, come on Sean, stop being so hard-headed.  He was talking about there not being a catch for contributors.  What contract, deal or arrangement he has going with SF has nothing to do with us, it's their business.  SF is offerring at least 50% commission so it doesn't matter how they choose to advertise for us.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ap on September 13, 2010, 23:09
let's not "throw out the baby with the bath water..." i think stockfresh and rgb seem pretty above board. i mean, i'm 100% sure i'm contributing to stockfresh and not rgb and that rgb is benefiting stockfresh because sxc used to have a good relationship with stockexpert. in any case, how is it different from the istock sxc relationship? has anyone ever questioned that? did they purchase the entire sxc operation outright or is it still independent?

as i mentioned in another thread, if we as contributors are only jesters in this microstock world, at least we can be the king maker in our choices of who we support. as far as commission, experience, and performance go, it seems that stockfresh is the obvious choice.

disclaimer: i was just approved today after almost three months and most of my files were approved within 8 hours. just make sure don't use quotes around your keywords, they will be rejected.  ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 13, 2010, 23:13
Ooh  I like that term 'king maker'. 

I'm gonna put that on my CV:  'Microstock king maker and breaker'  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ap on September 13, 2010, 23:16
Ooh  I like that term 'king maker'. 

I'm gonna put that on my CV:  'Microstock king maker and breaker'  ;)

hey, i'm all for not being the victims here.  :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 13, 2010, 23:17
Good on you  :)  That term really hit the spot for me   ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: dnavarrojr on September 14, 2010, 00:28
I am wishing StockFresh well.  I actually liked StockXpert and did well there. But lets not lose sight of the fact that SF is a business and they're back because there is money to be made.  They are not philanthropists who are looking out for the best interest of artists (the inability to opt of of subs shows artists interests aren't number one).  So it's best to not have any illusions about them.  They seem like good people with good hearts and intentions, but remember they sold out before, so anything is still possible.

It just seems like their not fully committed to it either...  Why would it take 3 months or more to approve artists?  What's the point of even approving artists if you are still going to review each and every image uploaded?  It seems like they know what they like and don't like and they know what's good and what's not good, so just mass approve everyone and reject the crappy images.  Unless the purpose is to control the number of images being submitted because there isn't enough money behind it to hire reviewers, in which case an approval process makes perfect sense, you don't want the 2 to 4 month image approval times like DT or IS.

Deposit Photos didn't make anyone go through an approval process.  They just accept what they want and reject what they don't like every other agency out there and look how quickly they built up their portfolio (of course, the bounty for referrals and payments for approved images also helped).  Heck, I've got more sales on DP than I do iStock.

Now with this iStock thing SF is probably being flooded with applications and images which is going to make the situation worse for those who haven't been approved yet.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 14, 2010, 01:24
It's a big diversion from the topic, but since we moved to this area:

Why should RGB limit image resolution to 800x600?  Because RGB contributors owe you a living? 
No, but because I know the value of a good photo/image, so I don't agree to give it for free just to anyone. I understand your side, having an attractive site will bring you earnings other than the image sales - that's fine, you've invested on the site, but it can be even parasitical if the contributors are not aware of this.

A lot of people give back to the free community they have benefitted from, uploading images of their own to share.  The bulk do it for the kudos, to see their images working and helping people all over the world  It's called magnanimity and co-operation.
They do it for the kudos because they don't realize the value of the images, possibly because they would never think of buying anything at all either. That's why people send photos and videos to online newspapers, they are happy to have their name credited for one day ("Look, Mom, my photo!"), but that may be giving the newspaper a huge traffic and financial return), all from the free and innocent collaboration from their readers.

Listen, I would have no problem letting my church or a NGO I support use one of my images for free, or sharing images with a group of co-workers. We even had a colleague a year ago asking for images to use in support of a friend with cancer and many of us collaborated. This is very different from having IBM or Yahoo or CNN using my images for free.

I posted some small images in Fotopedia and they received low ratings because I added my name unintrusively at the corner of them - what was not prohibited, but still people emailed me to reupload them without my name. I didn't. I would gladly collaborate with them, but not in a way that I may lose control over those images, because people will probably download them without giving any attention to copyright notices.

Even if stock photography is far from being a significant income, I know its value, and it is not because this won't change my financial life that I will simply give images away in a site like SXC or RGB. Sorry, it's a matter of principle.

I beg to differ about your opinion of image worth.  Freestockers do understand the value of their images because many freestockers are also microstockers.  I have galleries on Shutterstock, Dreamstime, Fotalia and am about to begin creating a gallery at Stockfresh.

And I find it a matter of principle to share some of my images.  I've got some bad news for you.  You lose control of your images the moment someone else downloads them.  Putting your name on the images won't stop them being ripped, it just gives a Photoshopper a few seconds of grief to remove it.  In my experience, both as a contributor and an admin, most microstock sites won't accept an image with a name on.  Uploading is a risk we all take.  I've found the benefits outweigh the downside.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 14, 2010, 01:30
 Will you be raising concerns if an RGB referral buys one of your images? 

I'd probably be left wondering whether they'd had bought more if free sites like RGB didn't exist.

Well apparently the likes of iStock and StockXpert wouldn't have come into being for you to sell your images.   ;)

LOL

That's right I'd still be earning $300 for each download  ;) ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 14, 2010, 01:32
Peter, you have your work cut out...   ::)

I really don't appreciate all of the sarcasm and the intonation that I am stupid.

You need to check around a little. Currently, my images, after they reach a certain age, automatically go into the FREE section at IS. There used to be an opt-out for that, but it magically disappeared a while back. I only found out about this after checking the FREE section on my own. Then I had to delete them all. Now, I have to check periodically to make sure there are none there.

You should be ashamed of yourself for making me look like a total idiot for asking those questions after what just happened at IS. If you think I am going to blindly trust ANY agency right now, you're the ignorant ones.

I gotta agree, you didn't understand how things worked and instead of trying to give an explanation of the relationship, he had to be a total ass.

Maybe you should read back into the thread to the point where I explained the relationship several times...?

Clue, it was before cclapper joined the fracas.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 14, 2010, 01:41
I would have paid for it.

Bingo.

Quote
I don't know why everyone is having a go at weirdvis.  He did not come here asking anyone to give away their images for free.  He came here to support StockFresh and to explain RGBs relationship with them.  He even mentioned that RGB will drive traffic to SF without any catch.  

No catch, except the cash they're being paid ;) .

I wish someone would tell me where I can find all this cash people are talking about because I need a new Porsche.  The ashtray is jampacked full on the old one...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Microbius on September 14, 2010, 02:50
I am wishing StockFresh well.  I actually liked StockXpert and did well there. But lets not lose sight of the fact that SF is a business and they're back because there is money to be made.  They are not philanthropists who are looking out for the best interest of artists (the inability to opt of of subs shows artists interests aren't number one).  So it's best to not have any illusions about them.  They seem like good people with good hearts and intentions, but remember they sold out before, so anything is still possible.

It just seems like their not fully committed to it either...  Why would it take 3 months or more to approve artists?  What's the point of even approving artists if you are still going to review each and every image uploaded?  It seems like they know what they like and don't like and they know what's good and what's not good, so just mass approve everyone and reject the crappy images.  Unless the purpose is to control the number of images being submitted because there isn't enough money behind it to hire reviewers, in which case an approval process makes perfect sense, you don't want the 2 to 4 month image approval times like DT or IS.

Deposit Photos didn't make anyone go through an approval process.  They just accept what they want and reject what they don't like every other agency out there and look how quickly they built up their portfolio (of course, the bounty for referrals and payments for approved images also helped).  Heck, I've got more sales on DP than I do iStock.

Now with this iStock thing SF is probably being flooded with applications and images which is going to make the situation worse for those who haven't been approved yet.

This is crazy, they are just starting out so of course they are prioritising uploads. I would guess that they have been fast tracking those who would add most value to the collection. I appreciate that you spend quite a lot of time blogging and commenting on microstock but the size/ success of the image portfolios of those people complaining don't seem to place them in the fast track category.
This just makes good business sense, if you are trying to attract new buyers you don't wont the few files it is possible to review at this stage (because of time involved) to be mediocre.
This is the usual thing that happens where we over-hype a new agency then blame them when they don't live up to our hype. Give them a chance!!
And before you start singing the praises of Depositphotos I suggest you track down the threads on here discussing their links with Depositfiles, FD went out his way to do a lot of research into these companies' backgrounds and what he found was disturbing to say the least  (google "depositphotos depositfiles" as the threads have been archived now)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on September 14, 2010, 03:10
They are taking a big gamble starting a new site when so many have failed in the past few years.  Keeping costs to a minimum is sensible, they could hire a lot of reviewers and IT people to get the site going more quickly but that is going to cost a lot of money.  It might be more sensible to build slowly and hope their loyal StockXpert contributors and buyers will have a bit of patience.

I am pleased with them so far, the site looks great, is easy to use, reminds me of StockXpert and they already have some buyers.  Much better than most new sites that either have badly designed sites or very few buyers.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on September 14, 2010, 05:20
I wish someone would tell me where I can find all this cash people are talking about because I need a new Porsche.  The ashtray is jampacked full on the old one...

Exactly. They get paid for advertising us. That's all there is to it. They earn money which helps them keep their site alive and we get a lot of potential buyers which is good for us. This is how ALL the stock agencies operate.

Did you lose the check?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on September 14, 2010, 05:59
I've got some bad news for you.  You lose control of your images the moment someone else downloads them. 

This is not news to me at all, I've been on this way too long, with my personal webiste running since... hmmm... 1996 I think.

Yes, people can remove watermarks from images, but then they are deliberately doing it. Not having a WM on them (or my name as in Fotopedia case) only makes this easier, people won't even think twice about using the image, uploading them not just to their website, but to Flickr an Photobucket, as we've seen so many times. If I am giving Fotopedia my images, to help them build a vast visual free online encyclopedia, there is nothing wrong about my adding my name (unintrusively, as I said).

I have travel reports online, and I've seen travel agencies using those images in their websites, without giving any credit nor asking me for permission. I have seen online travel sites actually copying the whole content of my travel report into theirs (with credist to me, but without my consent). And the reports actually brought my first selling opportunity, but then it was me putting my own content online, and if someone may benefit from it, other than the reads who get hints about the places I visit, should be myself.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on September 14, 2010, 06:12
Ok, this is my last post in this thread about free images. If anyone wants to keep discussing it, I suggest starting anew thread. 

Let's keep this one about StockFresh.

madelaide, it is up to you whether you want to submit a free image to RGB.  You might not want to do it yourself, but you should open your mind and see why other's would.  It doesn't devalue that photographer's portfolio as a whole, in fact it probably increases it.  
Yes, I think it's detrimental, and I am voicing my opinion.  Microstock was also detrimental to macrostock (and it's funny however how people now see macro as an escape to reducing sales in micro...)

I don't know why everyone is having a go at weirdvis.  He did not come here asking anyone to give away their images for free.
I have no problem with weirdvis, I'm just debating a business model he is defending.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: gostwyck on September 14, 2010, 06:31
Let's get this topic back on track with the excellent post by Microbius below;

This is crazy, they are just starting out so of course they are prioritising uploads. I would guess that they have been fast tracking those who would add most value to the collection. I appreciate that you spend quite a lot of time blogging and commenting on microstock but the size/ success of the image portfolios of those people complaining don't seem to place them in the fast track category.
This just makes good business sense, if you are trying to attract new buyers you don't wont the few files it is possible to review at this stage (because of time involved) to be mediocre.
This is the usual thing that happens where we over-hype a new agency then blame them when they don't live up to our hype. Give them a chance!!
And before you start singing the praises of Depositphotos I suggest you track down the threads on here discussing their links with Depositfiles, FD went out his way to do a lot of research into these companies' backgrounds and what he found was disturbing to say the least  (google "depositphotos depositfiles" as the threads have been archived now)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on September 14, 2010, 06:38
Let's get this topic back on track with the excellent post by Microbius below;

This is crazy, they are just starting out so of course they are prioritising uploads. I would guess that they have been fast tracking those who would add most value to the collection. I appreciate that you spend quite a lot of time blogging and commenting on microstock but the size/ success of the image portfolios of those people complaining don't seem to place them in the fast track category.
This just makes good business sense, if you are trying to attract new buyers you don't wont the few files it is possible to review at this stage (because of time involved) to be mediocre.
This is the usual thing that happens where we over-hype a new agency then blame them when they don't live up to our hype. Give them a chance!!
And before you start singing the praises of Depositphotos I suggest you track down the threads on here discussing their links with Depositfiles, FD went out his way to do a lot of research into these companies' backgrounds and what he found was disturbing to say the least  (google "depositphotos depositfiles" as the threads have been archived now)

Exactly why I was asking for clarification on the StockFresh/RGB relationship. But wait, I am stupid for thinking my images would be given away for free.

OK, I'm done with that whole "fracas".  :)

I agree with what Microbius has said, but when my ap still hadn't been approved, after having been on StockXpert already, I was a little annoyed that it took so long. You must admit, there hasn't been a micro site yet that has taken this long to approve, as far as I know. If I am wrong, please correct me.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: gostwyck on September 14, 2010, 07:11
You must admit, there hasn't been a micro site yet that has taken this long to approve, as far as I know. If I am wrong, please correct me.

Well, that's probably very true, but ... there's never been a micro site open up with so much confidence in the owners ... with so many contributors clammering to join all at once ... and so many available images to inspect ... whoosh! If I were them I would prioritise by concentrating on contributors with proven high-demand portfolios.

Other 'new' micros nowadays have to incentivise contributors to upload by paying them to do so, like Veer, and from what I hear they've been pretty slow too.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 14, 2010, 07:17
I wish someone would tell me where I can find all this cash people are talking about because I need a new Porsche.  The ashtray is jampacked full on the old one...

Exactly. They get paid for advertising us. That's all there is to it. They earn money which helps them keep their site alive and we get a lot of potential buyers which is good for us. This is how ALL the stock agencies operate.

Did you lose the check?

Did you forget to send it?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: weirdvis on September 14, 2010, 07:21
Let's get this topic back on track with the excellent post by Microbius below;

This is crazy, they are just starting out so of course they are prioritising uploads. I would guess that they have been fast tracking those who would add most value to the collection. I appreciate that you spend quite a lot of time blogging and commenting on microstock but the size/ success of the image portfolios of those people complaining don't seem to place them in the fast track category.
This just makes good business sense, if you are trying to attract new buyers you don't wont the few files it is possible to review at this stage (because of time involved) to be mediocre.
This is the usual thing that happens where we over-hype a new agency then blame them when they don't live up to our hype. Give them a chance!!
And before you start singing the praises of Depositphotos I suggest you track down the threads on here discussing their links with Depositfiles, FD went out his way to do a lot of research into these companies' backgrounds and what he found was disturbing to say the least  (google "depositphotos depositfiles" as the threads have been archived now)

Exactly why I was asking for clarification on the StockFresh/RGB relationship. But wait, I am stupid for thinking my images would be given away for free.

OK, I'm done with that whole "fracas".  :)

I agree with what Microbius has said, but when my ap still hadn't been approved, after having been on StockXpert already, I was a little annoyed that it took so long. You must admit, there hasn't been a micro site yet that has taken this long to approve, as far as I know. If I am wrong, please correct me.

Don't worry, I've worked with Peter for years and it took them quite a while to approve my ap too.  I have a feeling they are snowed under at the moment because news is getting around that StockXpert has risen from the ashes.  I'm sure they will get around to you as quickly as they can.  :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on September 14, 2010, 10:20
Prioritize top names is not a problem to me, I only hope our months-old sign-ups-without-approval don't lost ground to former IS-exclusives in exodus from there. It would be a betrayal to former StockXpert supporters who have been waiting for so long if they accept these drifters before accepting us.   :-\
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: dgilder on September 14, 2010, 10:48
Well, any exclusive would have a 30 day period before they would be able to upload anyways, so they wouldn't need to prioritize them *too* much.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on September 14, 2010, 10:55
30 days is a very short time compared to how long many of us have been waiting at SF (3+ months for me, and still no answer)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: dgilder on September 14, 2010, 11:02
3 months seems a bit excessive heh :)

Maybe they don't have the capacity yet to take in a flood of images, so they are approving new members as their server capacity increases to handle the load.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on September 14, 2010, 11:19
Didn't stockfresh only become known to the microstock community 3 or 4 months ago? It's a brand new site, not even really fully launched to the public yet. I think the delay in approving applications is just part of the challenge of launching a new company. I highly doubt that it will become the normal expected wait time.

Give the guys a chance. They're working on it.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on September 14, 2010, 11:42
very nice to read all this bla bla about StockFresh but it is more than a month that I applied and didn't receive any answer yet.   I used to be Sxpert before and they seem to be faster at this time to get new contributors.
Should I say "contributor" ? This appellation reminds me IS  :-\

Sorry for my English. Hope you understand me.  ::)

3 months and half waiting! :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on September 14, 2010, 12:24
The irony is, if they had accepted everyone on day 1 and there weren't enough sales for all of us, people would be deleting their portfolios by now :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 14, 2010, 12:41
There are over 600 people waiting at the moment. Let's say we let everyone in at the same time with a 25 pics / day quota which isn't too much. That's 15000 pics / day! You need to have at least 10 full time reviewers to cope with that amount of files. We just don't have that capacity yet.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Sandralise on September 14, 2010, 13:18
They are taking a big gamble starting a new site when so many have failed in the past few years.  Keeping costs to a minimum is sensible, they could hire a lot of reviewers and IT people to get the site going more quickly but that is going to cost a lot of money.  It might be more sensible to build slowly and hope their loyal StockXpert contributors and buyers will have a bit of patience.

I am pleased with them so far, the site looks great, is easy to use, reminds me of StockXpert and they already have some buyers.  Much better than most new sites that either have badly designed sites or very few buyers.


I have to agree with sharpshot. I'm really pleased with SF, easy uploads and love the look of the site!
I'm getting good downloads regularly. They need to be given a chance and I think so far, Great Work SF!! :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ibogdan on September 14, 2010, 14:48
Still no sales there :(
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on September 14, 2010, 15:22
I am happy for the big contributors, you rock guys! :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Pierdelune on September 14, 2010, 15:50
very nice to read all this bla bla about StockFresh but it is more than a month that I applied and didn't receive any answer yet.   I used to be Sxpert before and they seem to be faster at this time to get new contributors.
Should I say "contributor" ? This appellation reminds me IS  :-\

Sorry for my English. Hope you understand me.  ::)

3 months and half waiting! :P

Thanks a lot. I didn't know that it took so long. Also hope that they will stick around and not selling like SXpert done. I liked SXpert very much. I maybee will only keep IS, SS, maybee Weer,  and StockFresh if I am accepted for the  next year. I am tired to upload my pics on many stocksites.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Freezingpictures on September 14, 2010, 15:59
never mind
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mantonino on September 14, 2010, 19:16
I'm finally IN!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 14, 2010, 19:18
Congrats Nilly Milliny!   ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Perry on September 15, 2010, 06:46
I just noticed that I have had my first sale at SF (<- Stockfresh?). At $1.50 it isn't much, but it's definitely a sign of life!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on September 16, 2010, 09:16
I just noticed that I have had my first sale at SF (<- Stockfresh?). At $1.50 it isn't much, but it's definitely a sign of life!

And it's more than you would have gotten selling the same image at iStock. :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: flashon on September 16, 2010, 21:03
They are taking a big gamble starting a new site when so many have failed in the past few years.  Keeping costs to a minimum is sensible, they could hire a lot of reviewers and IT people to get the site going more quickly but that is going to cost a lot of money.  It might be more sensible to build slowly and hope their loyal StockXpert contributors and buyers will have a bit of patience.

I am pleased with them so far, the site looks great, is easy to use, reminds me of StockXpert and they already have some buyers.  Much better than most new sites that either have badly designed sites or very few buyers.


I have to agree with sharpshot. I'm really pleased with SF, easy uploads and love the look of the site!
I'm getting good downloads regularly. They need to be given a chance and I think so far, Great Work SF!! :)

Thanks for the news Sandra. Look like a place to get my feet wet.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: larsfrisk on September 21, 2010, 08:17
My application was approved in a few hours. No sales yet, though.

So, how's it going for Stockfresh? Have you started advertising? Are you making any money yet? Are you doing better or worse than you expected?

To moderator:
Why aren't you adding Stockfresh under "New sites"?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Xalanx on September 21, 2010, 08:50
I stopped uploading until I'll see these "regular sales". I believe the site still has a very long way until it really takes off. Far far behind DepositPhotos (which indeed gets me regular sales).
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ErickN on September 21, 2010, 09:01
Just had my first sale on SF.
Does anybody know what the second « Earnings » number (greyed out) in the dashboard is for ?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: arquiplay77 on September 21, 2010, 09:17
I am still waiting for the application, and for what i read i wil have to wait long.
I understant being a new site cost must be minimum, but on the other hand this should be done without giving up a good performance of the site, they are making a name and a reputation and having contributors wait for a month just to get a few images reviewed is starting with the wrong foot as i see it.
I don´t know what the solution would be besides geting more reviewers (at least temporary), maybe give preference to application process than regular reviews, Maybe let the allready established profesionals that have a massive port in all other sites get pass their images without having to review them. Maybe let pass all images from people with a high aproval percentage and only review them once in the air with the consecuence of lowering that Aproval percentage if some x nº of images don´t pass that post review... i don´t know.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Microbius on September 21, 2010, 09:51
Look they haven't even really had a drive to recruit photographers from the wider community yet. They have been selectively contacting those with something to add.
Let's not forget it's the people who are complaining that descended on the agency, you can't expect them to start out with an infinite number of reviewers to cover every independent microstock contributor on earth in case they all decide to join on start up (which is pretty much what has happened!).
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on September 21, 2010, 09:59
Just a bit of encouragement (hopefully) for those who are waiting a long time to get in.  Once accepted, review times are very good.  So far I haven't waited longer than 24 hours for a review.  Hang in there...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 21, 2010, 10:20
Just had my first sale on SF.
Does anybody know what the second « Earnings » number (greyed out) in the dashboard is for ?

That's for affiliates. If it's grey you're not an affiliate yet.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ErickN on September 21, 2010, 10:24
Just had my first sale on SF.
Does anybody know what the second « Earnings » number (greyed out) in the dashboard is for ?

That's for affiliates. If it's grey you're not an affiliate yet.

Oh, I see.
Thanks Peter !
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: anc on September 21, 2010, 10:32
i have 10 dollars of sales at stock fresh - its going good for me.
will promote it to friends, associates and do what i can to help it get started

SF over IS any day in terms of customer service and fairness in royalties
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on September 21, 2010, 10:50
I am still waiting for the application, and for what i read i wil have to wait long.
I understant being a new site cost must be minimum, but on the other hand this should be done without giving up a good performance of the site, they are making a name and a reputation and having contributors wait for a month just to get a few images reviewed is starting with the wrong foot as i see it.
I don´t know what the solution would be besides geting more reviewers (at least temporary), maybe give preference to application process than regular reviews, Maybe let the allready established profesionals that have a massive port in all other sites get pass their images without having to review them. Maybe let pass all images from people with a high aproval percentage and only review them once in the air with the consecuence of lowering that Aproval percentage if some x nº of images don´t pass that post review... i don´t know.

We are doing most of what you have described but guess what? It's still not enough... :) There's just an insane amount of images coming in. We are now at 300,000! Had to order a ton of hard disks the other day. We obviously don't want to disappoint anyone, but it's not realistic to expect us to have the capacity of the biggest agencies so soon after the launch.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: donding on September 21, 2010, 10:56

We are doing most of what you have described but guess what? It's still not enough... :) There's just an insane amount of images coming in. We are now at 300,000! Had to order a ton of hard disks the other day. We obviously don't want to disappoint anyone, but it's not realistic to expect us to have the capacity of the biggest agencies so soon after the launch.

Sounds like you got a lot of contributors coming your way. I think I'll do you a favor and wait til you catch up to submit my application. ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Inga on September 27, 2010, 12:41
I'm in! Thanks :) *upload*
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on September 27, 2010, 20:29
I'll write a letter to Santa.  Maybe by Christmas I'll receive a reply?   ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Anita Potter on September 28, 2010, 09:19
I'll write a letter to Santa.  Maybe by Christmas I'll receive a reply?   ;D

I think I'll join you  :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Reaktori on September 28, 2010, 17:03
Easily the fastest reviewing site <3 got to love the max. 3h Q :D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Inga on September 29, 2010, 14:00
wooops, wasn't fast enough with keywording...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: arquiplay77 on September 30, 2010, 03:20
I´m IN too !!!
Some days ago i wrote about the long time waiting period for my application, well now that i´m in i have to say the reviews are more than fast, just like it was in StockXpert for me, sometimes a couple of minutes.
I just have doubts on the upload limit, how does it work? Seems like a daily limit but not always the same, yesterday i had 14 images, now i have 11, meybe the number is 10 images for day and it keeps growing until we upload?
cheers
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: alfonsodetomas on September 30, 2010, 05:15
I'm still waiting  :-[
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: PixelsAway on September 30, 2010, 12:38
Isn't the upload limit 25 pictures/day? If you don't wait 24 hours with the next upload it may be lower.

Anyway, the reviewing of uploaded pictures is extremely fast and I have a few sales already.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 03, 2010, 11:06
I wonder how the queue works..??

- number of sales (DT, IS and DP provide this kind of information, other can have some stats but harder..)
- number of files ?? (guess not..)
- other ??

there is no rush once we heard that there are a few sales but not so many buyers... I guess more than 4 months is a long time.. yeh I know all about sales, reviews, etc.. come on.. get more people, be more confident..
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: tamasvargyasi on October 03, 2010, 12:43
I`m still disappointed about SF, I applied as I remember on the first week when they begin to accept contributors (that is beginning of the June), but I`m still waiting for my application to be reviewed. I wrote them once and got a reply to wait there are to many appliers. So I waited but still nothing. Meanwhile my wife applied after a couple weeks when I did and surprise she is already accepted about two months ago. Maybe Peter read these lines and can answer me, why I`m still on the hold.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sam100 on October 03, 2010, 13:04
I'm also wondering how much longer i need to wait... but in the end... i'll just have to wait....  :-X

Patrick.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: nicmac on October 03, 2010, 20:02
I'm in! awesome thanks Peter!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: MicrostockExp on October 03, 2010, 21:13
I think I start forgetting about it... Application sent 4 months ago :-\
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 03, 2010, 21:49
I think I start forgetting about it... Application sent 4 months ago :-\

what and who are they looking for?? :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: MicrostockExp on October 03, 2010, 23:11
We will find out one day might be:)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on October 04, 2010, 09:42
Tamas, I can only tell you the same thing I told many times over. Hundreds of people are applying, we have a very small team and we don't necessarily approve contributors in order. This is to ensure fast reviews once you're in. I know it's frustrating but we really can't do any more at the moment.

We're making progress though because in the first time in SF history we have more people online (710) than waiting (650) and today we're going to hit 350,000 images. :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 04, 2010, 11:27
Tamas, I can only tell you the same thing I told many times over. Hundreds of people are applying, we have a very small team and we don't necessarily approve contributors in order. This is to ensure fast reviews once you're in. I know it's frustrating but we really can't do any more at the moment.

We're making progress though because in the first time in SF history we have more people online (710) than waiting (650) and today we're going to hit 350,000 images. :)

Hi Peter! There a few pretty small agencies approving and reviewing photos pretty soon with 3 or 4 persons.. I just don't understand why you aren't? Are the reviews like IS, more than 1 week? I dont get it sorry..! I am talking about GLO
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on October 04, 2010, 11:37
They actually review images within a day, once you're accepted.

It's the initial acceptance backlog that's taking time, because they're essentiall a new agency building up their wares (albeit a new agency being run by very established 'old hands') before starting their marketing drive.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on October 04, 2010, 11:39
Hi Peter! There a few pretty small agencies approving and reviewing photos pretty soon with 3 or 4 persons.. I just don't understand why you aren't? Are the reviews like IS, more than 1 week? I dont get it sorry..! I am talking about GLO

No, usually reviews are done within a day and we'd like to keep it that way. If you don't get it, do the math. If 700 new contributors are trying to upload their whole portfolio at the same time with a 25 images / day quota, there's no way you're going to be able to inspect everything properly with 3 people.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 04, 2010, 12:33
Hi Peter! There a few pretty small agencies approving and reviewing photos pretty soon with 3 or 4 persons.. I just don't understand why you aren't? Are the reviews like IS, more than 1 week? I dont get it sorry..! I am talking about GLO

No, usually reviews are done within a day and we'd like to keep it that way. If you don't get it, do the math. If 700 new contributors are trying to upload their whole portfolio at the same time with a 25 images / day quota, there's no way you're going to be able to inspect everything properly with 3 people.

sorry but GLO is in fact being strict and are doing a great job.. just like in stock, ones do more other not.. sorry but this is the truth!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Amanda_K on October 04, 2010, 14:05
Hi Peter! There a few pretty small agencies approving and reviewing photos pretty soon with 3 or 4 persons.. I just don't understand why you aren't? Are the reviews like IS, more than 1 week? I dont get it sorry..! I am talking about GLO

No, usually reviews are done within a day and we'd like to keep it that way. If you don't get it, do the math. If 700 new contributors are trying to upload their whole portfolio at the same time with a 25 images / day quota, there's no way you're going to be able to inspect everything properly with 3 people.

sorry but GLO is in fact being strict and are doing a great job.. just like in stock, ones do more other not.. sorry but this is the truth!

GLO seems to be a different sort of site all together.  Also when an agency is being run by someone with this much experience I don't think it's necessary to keep trying to tell them how to do their job.  (Or at least that's how it seems to be coming across.)  I think it's really great that Peter comes in here to update us on things and I'd hate to discourage that direct communication with continuous bashing on the point.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on October 04, 2010, 14:28
sorry but GLO is in fact being strict and are doing a great job.. just like in stock, ones do more other not.. sorry but this is the truth!

GLO added 6000 images last week, we added 20000. I wonder how they work faster... :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sam100 on October 04, 2010, 14:31
Who is GLO.... ???
Patrick.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on October 04, 2010, 14:32
Who is GLO.... ???

Graphic Leftovers
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sam100 on October 04, 2010, 14:36
THX....  ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mtkang on October 05, 2010, 02:06
joining 2 months at GL, i had made 4 sales, stockfresh is still pending of my application.

i find it quite unprofessional to name your competitor this way. I am really surprised attitude like that can manage a successful company. I guess time is changing, old way of doing business is out-dated.. :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on October 05, 2010, 04:15
i find it quite unprofessional to name your competitor this way. I am really surprised attitude like that can manage a successful company. I guess time is changing, old way of doing business is out-dated.. :)

Someone implied that we're doing something wrong because other small sites (like the one mentioned) review a lot more images with a small team. I was just setting facts straight. I know how much a person can review. Also, these stats are public, I got them from Twitter. I find it funny that people can say anything about us without consequences but we're supposed to shut up because if we dare to state the facts we're unprofessional. :D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: TheSmilingAssassin on October 05, 2010, 04:50
I really don’t understand how anyone can compare GLO with SF.  GLO has been around for quite some time now and people still don’t know who they are.  There wasn't a great rush to join GLO when they started up either and that's what is causing the wait at SF.  Although a great site who’s fair to the contributor and a site I hope someday will take off, GLO is just not in the same ballpark as SF is expected to be.  SF made one announcement and because of their reputation and experience, everyone’s trying to get in at once, including myself.  People are complaining about it as if it’s a negative, but remember that we're all dying to get in because we suspect this site will be great.  I wouldn’t be so keen about joining if everyone else wasn’t.  With such confidence from the contributors and probably from the buyers who dealt with StockXpert, SF is sure to boom. 

SF don’t have the resources to handles such large volumes of incoming applicants and it wouldn’t be wise at this point to put more on before the site has established itself. 

Just relax people.  We’ll get in eventually and by then, the buyers will have multiplied as well.  The only ones that should be complaining about SF’s long line of applicants is the other agencies, who I suspect are watching nervously, hoping SF doesn’t steal their buyers and contributors from them.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: qwerty on October 05, 2010, 04:59
Hi Peter! There a few pretty small agencies approving and reviewing photos pretty soon with 3 or 4 persons.. I just don't understand why you aren't? Are the reviews like IS, more than 1 week? I dont get it sorry..! I am talking about GLO

No, usually reviews are done within a day and we'd like to keep it that way. If you don't get it, do the math. If 700 new contributors are trying to upload their whole portfolio at the same time with a 25 images / day quota, there's no way you're going to be able to inspect everything properly with 3 people.

I'd settle for 50 a week if I was approved.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Wampa on October 05, 2010, 05:16
I joined to Stockfresh 1.June.
Affiliate program was accepted immediately but my application waiting. It is not fair. I may make advertisement for them but upload images no ??? For me would be better if they reject my applications as I must wait for now 4 months.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: eggshell on October 05, 2010, 05:34
I really don't get the SF negativity only because a couple of applicants are still on the queue list and whining about it every other day .
SF review times at the moment are second only to CanStock ( who basically approve everything ) and the rejection reasons they provide are pinpoint accurate , not some vague list . Judging from the few views per file the traffic is still quite low but I think SF has all the ingredients to become a successful agency . Just give them some time .
Unfortunately I don't see GLO developping as a photography stock . The only people that sell regularly ( sort of ) there are illustrators . I'm really curious about GLO's photo sales stats
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on October 05, 2010, 05:39
I really think it's important for people to remember times in their lives when they were put under pressure to do things faster than was humanly possible, perhaps by an overbearing boss, and acknowledge how that feels.  The people at SF are human, not robots, and as others have said, the return of the StockXpert management to the fold has been met with huge enthusiasm and excitement at the potential this offers.  Especially as they are promising a fair and comparatively high commission rate at a time when we're all feeling a bit 'shafted' elsewhere in the industry.

Of course it's frustrating to wait, but once you're accepted, the review times are among the fastest in the industry, at less than 24 hours.  Once you get in, this wait will soon become a distant memory... and we all hope that, once established and fully marketed, we'll have an SF love-fest :)

I have my fingers firmly crossed that SF will fulfill our expectations - and I'm sure the management and staff are feeling some pressure from the optimism many of us have... so let's just let them get on with it rather than pulling them away from it to answer all these attacks they're getting in this forum.  This is a story that will take time to unfold.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mtkang on October 05, 2010, 05:48
what i am saying sometimes the managements should stay out of complains if they dont have a solution at this moment. you don't see istock management come here to explain their changes, telling you shutterstock is paying $0.25.

it is good if some staff come here to assist us, but if there is no good explanation, please direct them to customer service.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Danicek on October 05, 2010, 05:55
^^^ I don't think you speak for majority of people here, which I believe much prefer the fact that Peter is coming here to try to explain stuff.

Your application is in queue? So is mine. Have you looked at portfolio of people who are in and at yours? I did that with mine and kind of see why are some in and some others not.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Fotonaut on October 05, 2010, 06:08
^^^ I don't think you speak for majority of people here, which I believe much prefer the fact that Peter is coming here to try to explain stuff.
Your application is in queue? So is mine. Have you looked at portfolio of people who are in and at yours? I did that with mine and kind of see why are some in and some others not.

+1
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on October 05, 2010, 06:09
Yes I think it's far preferable that the agencies participate in the forum and answer us directly.  Peter's actually the co-owner, not a 'member of staff', and I think he's given us the only answer he can...  they're getting on with it and they're reviewing upwards of 20,000 images per week with a very small staff of reviewers, and they're slowly clearing the initial backlog that was generated by a huge avalanche of excited applicants who trust their record with StockXpert.  Once they have sufficient numbers to feel competitive enough to start marketing, they will.

This all makes perfect business sense to me.  What else can they do?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mtkang on October 05, 2010, 06:18
i am basically just pointing out that there is not necessary to say something like that company do blah blah..so what else we can do.

I am quite surprise it is from a mouth of CEO.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on October 05, 2010, 06:26
I think he's just being completely straight and honest with us - which I find a refreshing contrast to the organised 'spin' we're used to from corporates etc.   I understand your feeling - I'm of the old school 'Dale Carnegie' type approach to communication myself - but find that this manner of communication is very much in the nature of business start-ups, especially in the Internet era.

I do agree though that something in general has been lost in the manner of communication over the last generation - but I don't think that's Peter's fault  ;)  I think it has something to do with the speed of the Internet; information overload etc.  Business people have become more reactive (and sometimes react emotionally), whereas they used to take time to consider and present a calm and controlled facade, no matter what chaos was occurring in the background.  I don't mean that as a criticism in any way - I think it's inevitable, until we all catch up with ourselves and calm down a bit.

It's very human and honest though... which I think is to be appreciated.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on October 05, 2010, 06:38
what i am saying sometimes the managements should stay out of complains if they dont have a solution at this moment. you don't see istock management come here to explain their changes, telling you shutterstock is paying $0.25.

it is good if some staff come here to assist us, but if there is no good explanation, please direct them to customer service.

Please don't compare anybody to istock...in my opinion, istock TOTALLY has the wrong idea about communication. Or lack thereof, I should say. You may not like the answer Peter is giving, I know I sure didn't before I got approved, but at least he's here, and at least he is giving an honest answer. Something you sure don't get from istock.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on October 05, 2010, 07:15
i am basically just pointing out that there is not necessary to say something like that company do blah blah..so what else we can do.
I am quite surprise it is from a mouth of CEO.

It wasn't me who brought it up. Normally I don't talk about other agencies but when people don't do their research and make false claims I think I have the right to point out the opposite. This forum is a great place to communicate and many agencies read it and even join the discussion. I'm here because we get a ton of questions and I want to assure people who have been waiting for a long time that we're working hard getting all that content online.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: elvinstar on October 05, 2010, 10:21
Sorry, this is off topic, but where do you see the reasons for the rejections? You can click on the rejected page which brings up the thumbnails of the rejected photos but I see no reasons anywhere? I think it would help me to know what not to send them since I am uploading my whole portfolio as I am sure everyone else is doing too.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on October 05, 2010, 10:26
With your images listed, click on the red button by the rejected image, and a little message will pop up.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on October 05, 2010, 10:27
I don't understand all the negativity directed toward StockFresh.  First we all jump on the bandwagon thinking they are going to magically rival Istock/Getty overnight, and then bash them when they don't meet those expectations in the course of a month's time??   ::)

Peter and co.  know what they are doing.  And they are doing it in a reasonable timeframe.  Let's just cool our jets and let them do their jobs.  

Nobody is forcing any of us to upload there.  Personally, I see a lot of potential in SF, but I am not going to freak out if it takes awhile for them to build momentum.

Like many other endeavors, they could do it fast and badly, or take the time to get things right and have a good chance at longevity.  
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: abimages on October 05, 2010, 10:44
I don't understand all the negativity directed toward StockFresh.  First we all jump on the bandwagon thinking they are going to magically rival Istock/Getty overnight, and then bash them when they don't meet those expectations in the course of a month's time??   ::)

Peter and co.  know what they are doing.  And they are doing it in a reasonable timeframe.  Let's just cool our jets and let them do their jobs.  

Nobody is forcing any of us to upload there.  Personally, I see a lot of potential in SF, but I am not going to freak out if it takes awhile for them to build momentum.

Like many other endeavors, they could do it fast and badly, or take the time to get things right and have a good chance at longevity.  

Agree 100% Lisa. Well said!
I'm looking forward to starting uploads next week, upon release from IS ::)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cthoman on October 05, 2010, 10:46
I don't understand all the negativity directed toward StockFresh.  First we all jump on the bandwagon thinking they are going to magically rival Istock/Getty overnight, and then bash them when they don't meet those expectations in the course of a month's time??   ::)

Peter and co.  know what they are doing.  And they are doing it in a reasonable timeframe.  Let's just cool our jets and let them do their jobs.  

Nobody is forcing any of us to upload there.  Personally, I see a lot of potential in SF, but I am not going to freak out if it takes awhile for them to build momentum.

Like many other endeavors, they could do it fast and badly, or take the time to get things right and have a good chance at longevity.  

Really... I don't know why anybody would expect anything to happen overnight. Even if you get in, that's no guarantee of immediate sales.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: dirkr on October 05, 2010, 11:01
I don't understand all the negativity directed toward StockFresh.  First we all jump on the bandwagon thinking they are going to magically rival Istock/Getty overnight, and then bash them when they don't meet those expectations in the course of a month's time??   ::)

I think the "we" still feeling very positive about SF is a different and much larger group than the SF-bashing "we"  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: bittersweet on October 05, 2010, 11:02
i am basically just pointing out that there is not necessary to say something like that company do blah blah..so what else we can do.

I am quite surprise it is from a mouth of CEO.

I understand your point, but it seems like you missed part of the conversation. The only reason he said anything specific about a competitor is because it was repeatedly thrown to him as an example of some perceived failure on his part:

Hi Peter! There a few pretty small agencies approving and reviewing photos pretty soon with 3 or 4 persons.. I just don't understand why you aren't? Are the reviews like IS, more than 1 week? I dont get it sorry..! I am talking about GLO

No, usually reviews are done within a day and we'd like to keep it that way. If you don't get it, do the math. If 700 new contributors are trying to upload their whole portfolio at the same time with a 25 images / day quota, there's no way you're going to be able to inspect everything properly with 3 people.

sorry but GLO is in fact being strict and are doing a great job.. just like in stock, ones do more other not.. sorry but this is the truth!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 05, 2010, 21:05
I joined to Stockfresh 1.June.
Affiliate program was accepted immediately but my application waiting. It is not fair. I may make advertisement for them but upload images no ??? For me would be better if they reject my applications as I must wait for now 4 months.

you are 100% right.. maybe I should remove the banner from my crappy blog :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: stormchaser on October 06, 2010, 00:20
I joined to Stockfresh 1.June.
Affiliate program was accepted immediately but my application waiting. It is not fair. I may make advertisement for them but upload images no ??? For me would be better if they reject my applications as I must wait for now 4 months.

you are 100% right.. maybe I should remove the banner from my crappy blog :P

Luis, it looks like the strategy is to take the high rollers first. I've totally forgotten about SF and have other lucrative irons in the fire. 30 days for an approval is understandable, 3 or 4 months is not. Good luck to you.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: MicrostockExp on October 06, 2010, 01:59
For me Stockfresh approach makes sense, it is just a shame the queue order was not respected :(
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: diego_cervo on October 06, 2010, 02:00
My port is online since 1 week and yesterday I got my first XL sale  ;)
Not bad
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 06, 2010, 12:10
For me Stockfresh approach makes sense, it is just a shame the queue order was not respected :(

queue order.. exactly :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on October 06, 2010, 12:19
For me Stockfresh approach makes sense, it is just a shame the queue order was not respected :(
Queues are too British! We continentals wiggle ourself in front using dirty tricks like claiming we are just going to ask a quick question ;-)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: MicrostockExp on October 06, 2010, 12:25
ah ah * it I am less French than I thought:)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on October 06, 2010, 12:34
]Queues are too British! We continentals wiggle ourself in front using dirty tricks like claiming we are just going to ask a quick question ;-)

 :D

You just reminded me of an elderly great-aunt in London who used to bash people with her umbrella if they jumped the queue
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: MarkFGD on October 06, 2010, 12:35
Warning to all continentals: never try to wiggle yourselves to the front of a queue with a British person in it. You'll hurt yourself!  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on October 06, 2010, 12:41
Warning to all continentals: never try to wiggle yourselves to the front of a queue with a British person in it. You'll hurt yourself!  ;)

 :D :D :D

She'd be so proud...  :D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on October 06, 2010, 14:14
Warning to all continentals: never try to wiggle yourselves to the front of a queue with a British person in it. You'll hurt yourself!  ;)
1) My umbrella is much stronger.
2) In most un-british places in the world, the Britt will be alone standing in the queue wondering what all those uneducated savages are fighting for in front of him.  :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on October 06, 2010, 14:16
 :D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on October 06, 2010, 14:27
2) In most un-british places in the world

Oh my dear! Are there still un-British places in the world? Which un-civilised world are we living in?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: MarkFGD on October 06, 2010, 14:39
To my dear Mr. F.D Regular

1) Yes, but my umbrella is longer and thicker than yours.
2) Could you enlighten me as to how one manages to stand in a queue and be alone at the same time?

Thank you in anticipation.

Mr. FGD  :-*
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on October 06, 2010, 14:44
Excellent question, old bean  ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on October 06, 2010, 14:51
To my dear Mr. F.D Regular

1) Yes, but my umbrella is longer and thicker than yours.

Yikes!  Are we still talking about umbrellas here??  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on October 06, 2010, 15:05
1) Yes, but my umbrella is longer and thicker than yours.
Alas, size doesn't matter. It's how you use it. Don't brag too much mate. Only your parliament is hung.  ;)
2) Could you enlighten me as to how one manages to stand in a queue and be alone at the same time?
Well, jolly good Sir. The Britt will stand alone in what he thinks is the queue, while everybody else (unBritts obviously) bunches up in front of the desk, scorning and yelling at each other I was first. The strongest umbrella of course wins.

@Microstockphoto.co.uk : "Are there still un-British places in the world? Which un-civilised world are we living in?"
Take London for instance. All you can get there for a bite is chicken tandoori, Peking Duck, Döner Kebap and that insult to global cuisinerie, the horrible Big Mac. Where's the fish & chips gone and the lukewarm ale served in bars that are only open 30 seconds per day? Even the Hastings pier burned down, the centre of Brittish amusement.

PS - we are getting grossly off topic.  :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on October 06, 2010, 16:35
1) Yes, but my umbrella is longer and thicker than yours.
Alas, size doesn't matter. It's how you use it. Don't brag too much mate. Only your parliament is hung.  ;)
2) Could you enlighten me as to how one manages to stand in a queue and be alone at the same time?
Well, jolly good Sir. The Britt will stand alone in what he thinks is the queue, while everybody else (unBritts obviously) bunches up in front of the desk, scorning and yelling at each other I was first. The strongest umbrella of course wins.

@Microstockphoto.co.uk : "Are there still un-British places in the world? Which un-civilised world are we living in?"
Take London for instance. All you can get there for a bite is chicken tandoori, Peking Duck, Döner Kebap and that insult to global cuisinerie, the horrible Big Mac. Where's the fish & chips gone and the lukewarm ale served in bars that are only open 30 seconds per day? Even the Hastings pier burned down, the centre of Brittish amusement.

PS - we are getting grossly off topic.  :P


I'm vegetarian so neither big mac nor fish and chips, just jacket potatoes with cheddar cheese while in London. And the all-too-frequent (extra)-cold beer is regrettable indeed.

Well, in this case going off topic is somehow our right since we're stuck in here waiting for approval with nothing new to say about the original topic. I understand their reasons but it's almost 20 weeks now and...
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on October 06, 2010, 19:10
Hate to change the subject from long and thick umbrellas  :o , but back on topic...

Luis, it looks like the strategy is to take the high rollers first. I've totally forgotten about SF and have other lucrative irons in the fire. 30 days for an approval is understandable, 3 or 4 months is not. Good luck to you.

I don't think that is the strategy...I'm in and I am FAR from being a high roller.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 06, 2010, 19:28
Hate to change the subject from long and thick umbrellas  :o , but back on topic...

Luis, it looks like the strategy is to take the high rollers first. I've totally forgotten about SF and have other lucrative irons in the fire. 30 days for an approval is understandable, 3 or 4 months is not. Good luck to you.

I don't think that is the strategy...I'm in and I am FAR from being a high roller.

come on, are you a regular??? :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on October 06, 2010, 19:49
come on, are you a regular??? :P

Depends on what you mean by a regular!   :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 06, 2010, 20:18
come on, are you a regular??? :P

Depends on what you mean by a regular!   :)

Regular - not in stockfresh!

what do you think about the queue and all this time to get in?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cthoman on October 06, 2010, 21:06
Not to rub salt in anyone's wounds, but I had my first sale at SF today. Two weeks online and one sale doesn't seem too bad for a new agency. How are others doing there?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: MarkFGD on October 06, 2010, 21:23
If I can take this thread off topic again for a millisecond to congratulate FD-regular on his excellent reply "... Only your parliament is hung". I'm not going to try to top that.

And to get this thread back on track:

Yes, four months is a long time to wait in a queue but what's more important to remember is you've got a new library where the owners have a credible history in this business, are willing to talk to you on this forum and, best of all, offer you 50% of the takings. Come January, it's one I'll definitely be recommending to colleagues in the design industry.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Anita Potter on October 06, 2010, 22:48
Yes, four months is a long time to wait in a queue but what's more important to remember is you've got a new library where the owners have a credible history in this business, are willing to talk to you on this forum and, best of all, offer you 50% of the takings. Come January, it's one I'll definitely be recommending to colleagues in the design industry.

Yeah all well and good but for those of us who have applied way back in June like myself who are still waiting, and I can only speak for myself, is that it makes me feel like I'm not good enough or I don't have a strong enough portfolio.  Yeah they let in the "higher ranks" first but I also agree that the review queue should have been done in order of completion.  As it doesn't really feel fair to the rest of us who took the time out to fill out the application and submit our best 5 and whatever else was on that application.

I'll continue to wait but I really don't like the feeling that I'm getting because of the waiting.  Definitely makes me feel like my images are not worth even a first look.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Xalanx on October 07, 2010, 01:53
Not to rub salt in anyone's wounds, but I had my first sale at SF today. Two weeks online and one sale doesn't seem too bad for a new agency. How are others doing there?

Congrats for the sale. I have 1500+ files online (since a month, I guess) and I have yet to see a sale. Among new agencies, this one seems to be the worse of all. All the other fresh starters generated almost immediately sales for me - I'm talking DepositPhotos, Zoonar, ClipDealer. I don't see Stockfresh as a success, I hope they'll prove me wrong. The market is not what it was when StockXpert was created.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on October 07, 2010, 02:16
what do you think about the queue and all this time to get in?
Buy a stronger umbrella! I frankly think this is hilarious. The most recent startups like Deposit and Veer-micro paid hundred(s) to convince us to upload. While everybody is dying to get in a new site that doesn't pay a cent to upload. There are more amazing things going on on the micro scene. DT lowers its commissions from 50 to 30%, and well, that's life. Istock lowers its rates from 20 to 15% and the roof falls down.

Chicken run  :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on October 07, 2010, 02:24
No sales for me yet... but I'm not really expecting any until they get their marketing underway.  I think it's great that some are getting sales in spite of that.  Congrats!

I do understand the frustrations about the queue order... that is definitely something that hasn't been explained, and I don't know the answer.    

It may be that the first phase was huge ports/big sellers/high acceptance rates (Yuri et al) - to get up and running with a big sales stock asap... and now that they've (possibly) processed those, it's on to greater diversity via lower volume ports, but still with high acceptance rates.   I think Peter said somewhere in this thread that speed was really important to them in these early stages... so high acceptance rates would seem a logical criteria for speedy reviewing.

Just my guess, FWIW. If those who are still waiting had high acceptance at StockXpert, and have high acceptance rates at other agencies, then I'm obviously barking up the wrong tree.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sam100 on October 07, 2010, 02:29

Just my guess, FWIW. If those who are still waiting had high acceptance at StockXpert, and have high acceptance rates at other agencies, then I'm obviously barking up the wrong tree.

Indeed, i have a very high acceptance ratio at all sites.. and over 10.000 images online.. still not in.

Patrick.

ps :not complaining, just stating facts.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on October 07, 2010, 03:33
Ah... bang goes that theory then.  Completely wrong.  Sorry  :(
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: qwerty on October 07, 2010, 05:43
Accepted today
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 07, 2010, 11:59
what do you think about the queue and all this time to get in?
Buy a stronger umbrella! I frankly think this is hilarious. The most recent startups like Deposit and Veer-micro paid hundred(s) to convince us to upload. While everybody is dying to get in a new site that doesn't pay a cent to upload. There are more amazing things going on on the micro scene. DT lowers its commissions from 50 to 30%, and well, that's life. Istock lowers its rates from 20 to 15% and the roof falls down.

Chicken run  :P

yep it's true..! we have faith in everything.. I had more time ago, today not that much on a lot of agencies (which I stop uploading..)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on October 07, 2010, 12:31
Accepted today

Congrats qwerty! :) 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 07, 2010, 13:38
Accepted today

Congrats qwerty! :) 

I have a qwerty and nothing here..! Respect the queue Peter, no answer to that?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 07, 2010, 13:39

Just my guess, FWIW. If those who are still waiting had high acceptance at StockXpert, and have high acceptance rates at other agencies, then I'm obviously barking up the wrong tree.

Indeed, i have a very high acceptance ratio at all sites.. and over 10.000 images online.. still not in.

Patrick.

ps :not complaining, just stating facts.

something is pretty * WRONG for sure.. at least with your port..
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: qwerty on October 07, 2010, 14:53
Accepted today

Congrats qwerty! :) 

I have a qwerty and nothing here..! Respect the queue Peter, no answer to that?

???
I've been waiting for many many months, I can't remember exactly how long. I can assure you I had to wait in the que
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 07, 2010, 15:56
remove this please
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 07, 2010, 15:56
Accepted today

Congrats qwerty! :) 

I have a qwerty and nothing here..! Respect the queue Peter, no answer to that?

???
I've been waiting for many many months, I can't remember exactly how long. I can assure you I had to wait in the que

Nah, not true for SURE!.. I have joined on the first day so.. :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: jamiet757 on October 09, 2010, 07:45
I applied to Stockfresh when they first launched, and like many of you it took months until I heard anything.

I got an email saying that my application was rejected, but that in 1 month I could feel free to apply again. That was over 4 months ago.
I have sent numerous emails to Stockfresh asking why I can't submit another application, all of which have gone unanswered. There is no way for me to submit another application, it just says my application was rejected. I don't get it, what can I do? Am I just banned from the site for life then? No opportunity of ever contributing to them, even if my images improve?

And why won't they answer any of their emails? I have sent more than 5, and haven't gotten a single response, or even acknowledgment that they received my message.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on October 09, 2010, 09:37
I applied to Stockfresh when they first launched, and like many of you it took months until I heard anything.
I got an email saying that my application was rejected, but that in 1 month I could feel free to apply again. That was over 4 months ago.
I have sent numerous emails to Stockfresh asking why I can't submit another application, all of which have gone unanswered. There is no way for me to submit another application, it just says my application was rejected. I don't get it, what can I do? Am I just banned from the site for life then? No opportunity of ever contributing to them, even if my images improve?

Hi James, I'm very sorry about the lack of replies. Did you use the support form to contact us? In normal circumstances you'd be able to apply again but we are so overwhelmed with applications that we simply can't revisit rejected ones.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: jamiet757 on October 09, 2010, 10:10
I applied to Stockfresh when they first launched, and like many of you it took months until I heard anything.
I got an email saying that my application was rejected, but that in 1 month I could feel free to apply again. That was over 4 months ago.
I have sent numerous emails to Stockfresh asking why I can't submit another application, all of which have gone unanswered. There is no way for me to submit another application, it just says my application was rejected. I don't get it, what can I do? Am I just banned from the site for life then? No opportunity of ever contributing to them, even if my images improve?

Hi James, I'm very sorry about the lack of replies. Did you use the support form to contact us? In normal circumstances you'd be able to apply again but we are so overwhelmed with applications that we simply can't revisit rejected ones.

Yeah I used the support form. Are you ever going to allow me to resubmit an application, or should I just give up?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on October 09, 2010, 10:24
Yeah I used the support form. Are you ever going to allow me to resubmit an application, or should I just give up?

I don't recommend resubmitting the same kind of material. Snapshots of cats, ducks and flowers don't sell and you will most likely get rejected again.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 09, 2010, 10:39
how about the queue order talked here days ago..?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on October 09, 2010, 12:35
ps :not complaining, just stating facts.
something is pretty  WRONG for sure.. at least with your port..
He's in.  :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on October 09, 2010, 13:39
how about the queue order talked here days ago..?

I'm not going to go into that because I could write a book about why it makes a lot more sense to prioritize even though respecting the queue order seems more fair and logical at first glance. In an ideal world with an infinite number of reviewers things would be different but this is the real world and we have limited resources so we have to make difficult decisions.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: gaja on October 09, 2010, 14:37
I don't understand the anger some of you display in so many posts. Any agency is at complete liberty to accept of reject any photo or photographer. When they can choose from the creme of the crop, why not take in the best ones first? That way it will be easier to get buyers attracted, something that will be benefit all contributors in the long run.

Que order? Is this a post office line? Do you expect your job applications to be reviewed in the order they were recieved too? Of course not! The best applicants will get interviewed first, not the ones who mailed their letters first.

I'm not in, and I don't expect to be accepted for a long time yet.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Microbius on October 09, 2010, 15:12
I don't understand the anger some of you display in so many posts. Any agency is at complete liberty to accept of reject any photo or photographer. When they can choose from the creme of the crop, why not take in the best ones first? That way it will be easier to get buyers attracted, something that will be benefit all contributors in the long run.

Que order? Is this a post office line? Do you expect your job applications to be reviewed in the order they were recieved too? Of course not! The best applicants will get interviewed first, not the ones who mailed their letters first.

I'm not in, and I don't expect to be accepted for a long time yet.
At last some sense.
People need to grow up and let Peter run his business. They'll decide the best way to use their resources based on their research. You can bet the best way is not going through the que based on who happened to apply first.
You don't like it, don't apply, simple.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 09, 2010, 19:42
I don't understand the anger some of you display in so many posts. Any agency is at complete liberty to accept of reject any photo or photographer. When they can choose from the creme of the crop, why not take in the best ones first? That way it will be easier to get buyers attracted, something that will be benefit all contributors in the long run.

Que order? Is this a post office line? Do you expect your job applications to be reviewed in the order they were recieved too? Of course not! The best applicants will get interviewed first, not the ones who mailed their letters first.

I'm not in, and I don't expect to be accepted for a long time yet.

glad to know that contributors have low expectations from agencies :) (at least you can stay happy all time)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: jbarber873 on October 10, 2010, 09:52
I don't understand the anger some of you display in so many posts. Any agency is at complete liberty to accept of reject any photo or photographer. When they can choose from the creme of the crop, why not take in the best ones first? That way it will be easier to get buyers attracted, something that will be benefit all contributors in the long run.

Que order? Is this a post office line? Do you expect your job applications to be reviewed in the order they were recieved too? Of course not! The best applicants will get interviewed first, not the ones who mailed their letters first.

I'm not in, and I don't expect to be accepted for a long time yet.

glad to know that contributors have low expectations from agencies :) (at least you can stay happy all time)

 To be an artist you have to have confidence in your work and your abilities. To sell your art, you have to be realistic about the market and everyone's place in the market. You are free to open your own agency , put up your time and money, and do things that your experiences have taught you are the best ways to get a return on that money. I have a great respect for these guys based solely on StockXpert. I'm willing to give them a chance and work with their rules. If a time comes when it's not worth the effort, then it's up to me to decide what to do about it.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on October 10, 2010, 10:31
I don't understand the anger some of you display in so many posts. Any agency is at complete liberty to accept of reject any photo or photographer. When they can choose from the creme of the crop, why not take in the best ones first? That way it will be easier to get buyers attracted, something that will be benefit all contributors in the long run.

Que order? Is this a post office line? Do you expect your job applications to be reviewed in the order they were recieved too? Of course not! The best applicants will get interviewed first, not the ones who mailed their letters first...

Thank you for stating what a lot of people have been thinking but few want to acknowledge as being true. If you look at the portfolios of people waiting to get accepted and those who were accepted quickly, it all starts to make sense. And there's nothing wrong with that. Peter has a business to run, and it makes the most business sense to get the best people in first.

As for the whining about long wait times, let's also keep in mind that SF is currently in what amounts to a beta stage. There's been no big public announcement, no marketing push, no call to buyers to let them know that StockFresh is new in town. So long wait times should not only be expected at this stage, but they should also be considered a non-standard part of launching the business and not be regarded as the way that SF will function long-term. This is just the beginning. Deal with the issues and quit complaining, or just move on. No one says you need to be a part of a new company from the very beginning, and choosing to be a part of it should mean that you're accepting some rough patches along the way until things smooth out.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mlwinphoto on October 10, 2010, 13:17
I don't understand the anger some of you display in so many posts. Any agency is at complete liberty to accept of reject any photo or photographer. When they can choose from the creme of the crop, why not take in the best ones first? That way it will be easier to get buyers attracted, something that will be benefit all contributors in the long run.

Que order? Is this a post office line? Do you expect your job applications to be reviewed in the order they were recieved too? Of course not! The best applicants will get interviewed first, not the ones who mailed their letters first...

Thank you for stating what a lot of people have been thinking but few want to acknowledge as being true. If you look at the portfolios of people waiting to get accepted and those who were accepted quickly, it all starts to make sense. And there's nothing wrong with that. Peter has a business to run, and it makes the most business sense to get the best people in first.

As for the whining about long wait times, let's also keep in mind that SF is currently in what amounts to a beta stage. There's been no big public announcement, no marketing push, no call to buyers to let them know that StockFresh is new in town. So long wait times should not only be expected at this stage, but they should also be considered a non-standard part of launching the business and not be regarded as the way that SF will function long-term. This is just the beginning. Deal with the issues and quit complaining, or just move on. No one says you need to be a part of a new company from the very beginning, and choosing to be a part of it should mean that you're accepting some rough patches along the way until things smooth out.


Yup, well said.
The way SF is approaching this makes perfect sense.  Those who are upset should just concentrate on working with the other agencies they are currently with and give Peter and company the time they need to get things going.  If you aren't with anyone else then now is a great time to start establishing those relationships.  There's more than one fish in the sea, so to speak.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: tamasvargyasi on October 11, 2010, 10:57
Just two minutes ago I`ve got in. Hope it worth the wait.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: franky242 on October 11, 2010, 11:07
Just two minutes ago I`ve got in. Hope it worth the wait.

same for me, just received my approval mail. Can´t wait to get started with StockFresh and wish all of you still waiting good luck!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Microbius on October 11, 2010, 11:24
The real fun is going to start when people do get in and they don't get any sales for the fist few months.
Then we're going to see all the usual "I'm pulling my portfolio what a waste of time" threads from the same people complaining about not getting in.
Sites like SF and GL deserve our backing and understanding, they treat us like partners and payout 50%. People need to have a serious think about how much time and energy it takes to get a library of the ground and market it. And that the clock doesn't even really start ticking till you have enough decent content to start effectively marketing it!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cthoman on October 11, 2010, 11:29
The real fun is going to start when people do get in and they don't get any sales for the fist few months.
Then we're going to see all the usual "I'm pulling my portfolio what a waste of time" threads from the same people complaining about not getting in.
Sites like SF and GL deserve our backing and understanding, they treat us like partners and payout 50%. People need to have a serious think about how much time and energy it takes to get a library of the ground and market it. And that the clock doesn't even really start ticking till you have enough decent content to start effectively marketing it!

Too funny and too true.  ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: MicrostockExp on October 11, 2010, 11:30
I am in:) too bad Isyndica is gone:(
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: njnightsky on October 11, 2010, 13:57
I finally got accepted today.  ;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on October 11, 2010, 14:17
The real fun is going to start when people do get in and they don't get any sales for the fist few months.
Then we're going to see all the usual "I'm pulling my portfolio what a waste of time" threads from the same people complaining about not getting in.
Sites like SF and GL deserve our backing and understanding, they treat us like partners and payout 50%. People need to have a serious think about how much time and energy it takes to get a library of the ground and market it. And that the clock doesn't even really start ticking till you have enough decent content to start effectively marketing it!

Too funny and too true.  ;D

Hey, I resemble that remark!  :P
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: jbarber873 on October 11, 2010, 17:12
The real fun is going to start when people do get in and they don't get any sales for the fist few months.
Then we're going to see all the usual "I'm pulling my portfolio what a waste of time" threads from the same people complaining about not getting in.
Sites like SF and GL deserve our backing and understanding, they treat us like partners and payout 50%. People need to have a serious think about how much time and energy it takes to get a library of the ground and market it. And that the clock doesn't even really start ticking till you have enough decent content to start effectively marketing it!

+1

Given what's going on at istock, it's really worth trying to support competitors. These guys have a track record.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: anonymous on October 12, 2010, 07:56
Question for Peter:
Is SF looking for the same type(s) of images as StockXpert accepted? Are the approvals leaning a bit more conservative or a bit more artsy? Haven't submitted app yet but would like to have some kind of idea prior to doing so.

Thx
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on October 12, 2010, 13:16
Got accepted last week. What should I NOT upload?

What is their minimum size requriments?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on October 12, 2010, 13:41
Got accepted last week. What should I NOT upload?

What is their minimum size requriments?

I haven't found any particular subject matter off limits there.  Just upload quality, well lighted stock.  I did receive a keyword rejection recently, so check your keywords carefully.  

(sorry, don't know about the sizes.  I have had images accepted from a range of cameras from 6mp D60 through 5DII)

BTW, congrats on getting accepted! :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on October 12, 2010, 14:07
Got accepted last week. What should I NOT upload?

What is their minimum size requriments?

I haven't found any particular subject matter off limits there.  Just upload quality, well lighted stock.  I did receive a keyword rejection recently, so check your keywords carefully. 

(sorry, don't know about the sizes.  I have had images accepted from a range of cameras from 6mp D60 through 5DII)

I agree with Lisa. I have been uploading my portfolio and have a pretty low rejection rate (oops, hope I didn't just jinx it). I have gotten a few rejections for isolated things, with a reason like "please clean up/erase background" or "Please improve editing (masking, brushes and fills)".  Which is baffling, because I try to be very careful about that, and these have all been accepted at other sites, but no sweat, I'll go back and take another look.

So I think a variety of images should do ok. Looks like an XS is .1 megapixels or 283x424 pixels. I couldn't really find a specific statement saying the minimum size requirements. Maybe Brian will jump in with that info.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: shiyali on October 12, 2010, 18:10
I started uploading to SF but ran into "daily upload limits". Can somebody tell me what those are. I couldn't find anything in the FAQ. Thanks!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on October 12, 2010, 18:11
I started uploading to SF but ran into "daily upload limits". Can somebody tell me what those are. I couldn't find anything in the FAQ. Thanks!

For me 25 is the daily limit. Someone in a post above mentioned they had a limit of 50.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: shiyali on October 13, 2010, 07:01
I started uploading to SF but ran into "daily upload limits". Can somebody tell me what those are. I couldn't find anything in the FAQ. Thanks!

For me 25 is the daily limit. Someone in a post above mentioned they had a limit of 50.

Looks like mine is 15
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: bittersweet on October 13, 2010, 07:46
I'm not sure, but maybe it has something to do with approval percentage?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Microbius on October 13, 2010, 09:00
I'm not sure, but maybe it has something to do with approval percentage? My limit is much higher than that.
Much higher than 50 or 15?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: bittersweet on October 13, 2010, 10:26
never mind. did not intend to throw gasoline on this fire.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Xalanx on October 13, 2010, 15:48
Finally, first sale! Reason enough to prove that SF is doing something.  8)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: slobelix on October 25, 2010, 02:52
When i import files in pending folder, no thumbnails are showing. Anybody with the same problem?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on October 25, 2010, 05:42
When i import files in pending folder, no thumbnails are showing. Anybody with the same problem?

The thumbnail generator was down during the weekend. It's back on so the thumbnails should be appearing soon.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on October 26, 2010, 22:54
Hi Peter.. how many "bottom/low/weak/crappy" photographers are still waiting??

in a few days it will be 5 months :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on October 27, 2010, 03:58
Hi Peter.. how many "bottom/low/weak/crappy" photographers are still waiting??

in a few days it will be 5 months :)

I woudn't use any of those words. Crappy ones get rejected. Around 700 people are waiting, but finally we have more contributors on board than waiting :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Koufax73 on October 27, 2010, 08:43
Hi Peter.. how many "bottom/low/weak/crappy" photographers are still waiting??

in a few days it will be 5 months :)

I woudn't use any of those words. Crappy ones get rejected. Around 700 people are waiting, but finally we have more contributors on board than waiting :)

Then, the fact I'm still waiting is a good sign... ;)
If I'd be crappy you'd reject me faaaaar before... Or not?  ???
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on November 04, 2010, 17:38
@Peter - Is there an estimated date when StockFresh will officially be launched to the public? Or any marketing efforts planned for the near future? Just wondering when we might see some action from SF in terms of getting the word out to buyers.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: tdoes on November 04, 2010, 20:52
I'm still patiently waiting!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Microbius on November 05, 2010, 03:57
I've had a couple of sales now. Wayyyyy before I even  thought buyers would be aware of the site. Probably photographers that are also buyers 'cos they know we get a fairer deal there!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: RacePhoto on November 07, 2010, 01:06
The real fun is going to start when people do get in and they don't get any sales for the fist few months.
Then we're going to see all the usual "I'm pulling my portfolio what a waste of time" threads from the same people complaining about not getting in.
Sites like SF and GL deserve our backing and understanding, they treat us like partners and payout 50%. People need to have a serious think about how much time and energy it takes to get a library of the ground and market it. And that the clock doesn't even really start ticking till you have enough decent content to start effectively marketing it!

Too funny and too true.  ;D

Hey, I resemble that remark!  :P

What's funny to me, is all the same people, uploading all the same images, that are already on sale at every site and, every time some new offering comes along, it repeats itself as, one more copy of everything goes up for sale as "Me Too" agencies pop up.

Not to put down these guys and I wish them the best, but just a general repeating story to go with the not getting sales in the start, waiting for marketing for sales to improve, (promises that, soon... just be patient) and the same story that repeats over and over, as each new agency tries to break into the market.

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein


Hey look a new microstock agency... 
;D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on November 07, 2010, 04:11
^^^ This one is different because the owners have had a big previous success with StockXpert.  Its still a gamble, as that might not make a huge difference but the upload is so easy, I'm not going to waste much time uploading there.

People told me it was a waste of time using Snapvillage but that was changed in to Veer and I am pleased I gave them a go.  Graphic Leftovers has proved to me that new sites can still make it, despite people not giving them a chance.

There are lots of different shops selling the same products, why should we be limited to just a few that will then have control over how much they pay their suppliers?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on November 07, 2010, 05:36
Well at this point I agree with both you.

I do agree that new sites with no history 'in the game' are a big gamble.  But since these guys ran StockXpert, and StockXpert was my third highest earner (after SS and iStock), I have a certain amount of faith in them that I wouldn't have in an agency with no track record.

Only time will tell, but I'm willing to give them a chance.

I do feel a bit 'left in the dark' at the moment though, and would very much like to have some clue as to when their marketing drive will begin in earnest.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mtkang on November 08, 2010, 09:25
all the stocks are not fresh anymore, it is just some leftovers.  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on November 08, 2010, 10:15
@Peter - Is there an estimated date when StockFresh will officially be launched to the public? Or any marketing efforts planned for the near future? Just wondering when we might see some action from SF in terms of getting the word out to buyers.

The site was officially launched in June, but of course with a small collection of files. We are spending a minimal amount of money on marketing at the moment. This will gradually increase but there's no point in shoveling too much money into advertising when you have a relatively small collection compared to everyone else on the market. It's very easy to burn money on the internet if you're not running things efficiently. We're over 400,000 pics now so we're starting to have a reasonably nice collection, but I think we need at least a million files to be diverse enough and to be taken seriously. It also takes a while to saturate Google which is also important for growth. So to sum it up, we have plans and we have the money, but we want to spend it wise. :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on November 08, 2010, 10:22
^^^ This one is different because the owners have had a big previous success with StockXpert.  Its still a gamble, as that might not make a huge difference but the upload is so easy, I'm not going to waste much time uploading there.

Exactly. We can't promise success to anyone. I mentioned this in every single email when I invited a couple of people to join. It is a gamble, but I believe that there are a number of reasons why a service like this can work and it is worth a try. If we fail, it's going to be our money and your time wasted. The goal is to make submitting files as effortless as possible, so you don't risk much.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on November 08, 2010, 10:29
@Peter - Sounds good, thanks for the update.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: gbcimages on November 08, 2010, 10:47
@Peter - Is there an estimated date when StockFresh will officially be launched to the public? Or any marketing efforts planned for the near future? Just wondering when we might see some action from SF in terms of getting the word out to buyers.
so why not let in more  contributors and have  more images on the site ? I've been waiting since June. THANKS

The site was officially launched in June, but of course with a small collection of files. We are spending a minimal amount of money on marketing at the moment. This will gradually increase but there's no point in shoveling too much money into advertising when you have a relatively small collection compared to everyone else on the market. It's very easy to burn money on the internet if you're not running things efficiently. We're over 400,000 pics now so we're starting to have a reasonably nice collection, but I think we need at least a million files to be diverse enough and to be taken seriously. It also takes a while to saturate Google which is also important for growth. So to sum it up, we have plans and we have the money, but we want to spend it wise. :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: dnavarrojr on November 08, 2010, 11:55
@Peter - Is there an estimated date when StockFresh will officially be launched to the public? Or any marketing efforts planned for the near future? Just wondering when we might see some action from SF in terms of getting the word out to buyers.

The site was officially launched in June, but of course with a small collection of files. We are spending a minimal amount of money on marketing at the moment. This will gradually increase but there's no point in shoveling too much money into advertising when you have a relatively small collection compared to everyone else on the market. It's very easy to burn money on the internet if you're not running things efficiently. We're over 400,000 pics now so we're starting to have a reasonably nice collection, but I think we need at least a million files to be diverse enough and to be taken seriously. It also takes a while to saturate Google which is also important for growth. So to sum it up, we have plans and we have the money, but we want to spend it wise. :)

You'd have a MUCH larger collection if you actually spent time approving artists...  4 months for approval is ridiculous.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on November 08, 2010, 13:13
You'd have a MUCH larger collection if you actually spent time approving artists...  4 months for approval is ridiculous.

Only if StockFresh took on more image inspectors. For a startup, it's not so easy to just add more people, so quickly approving more artists without adding more inspectors would only increase the wait time in the image review queue. Then you'd probably just be complaining about image review times instead.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on November 08, 2010, 15:56
I should start to upload...

Are people experiencing subs or credit sales (or both)?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ibogdan on November 08, 2010, 17:39
No sale so far (accepted a few months ago)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on November 08, 2010, 17:42
The site was officially launched in June, but of course with a small collection of files. We are spending a minimal amount of money on marketing at the moment. This will gradually increase but there's no point in shoveling too much money into advertising when you have a relatively small collection compared to everyone else on the market. It's very easy to burn money on the internet if you're not running things efficiently. We're over 400,000 pics now so we're starting to have a reasonably nice collection, but I think we need at least a million files to be diverse enough and to be taken seriously. It also takes a while to saturate Google which is also important for growth. So to sum it up, we have plans and we have the money, but we want to spend it wise. :)

Great, that will bury my piddly little portfolio.  ::)

madelaide, I've had one sale for $.50 a couple of days ago, it was an extra small. I'm guessing that's a regular sale, not a sub. Didn't find a way to tell if it was a sub or not.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on November 08, 2010, 18:48
Sold 8 so far for $7, all PPD.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: reckless on November 08, 2010, 20:11
When my first submission is inspected for quality, will I be notified by email if I am accepted or should I continue to check the website each day?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on November 09, 2010, 05:49
When my first submission is inspected for quality, will I be notified by email if I am accepted or should I continue to check the website each day?

Everyone gets notified in email. No need to check the site.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on November 09, 2010, 07:39
madelaide, I've had one sale for $.50 a couple of days ago, it was an extra small. I'm guessing that's a regular sale, not a sub. Didn't find a way to tell if it was a sub or not.

As far as I know no one pays 50 cents for SUB downloads, so that has to be a PPD one. :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: molka on November 09, 2010, 08:05
madelaide, I've had one sale for $.50 a couple of days ago, it was an extra small. I'm guessing that's a regular sale, not a sub. Didn't find a way to tell if it was a sub or not.

As far as I know no one pays 50 cents for SUB downloads, so that has to be a PPD one. :)

Just a quick question, are estimate on the number of current buyers available? and how is that expanding...?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on November 09, 2010, 09:36
Just a quick question, are estimate on the number of current buyers available? and how is that expanding...?

I'm sorry, but we're not going to disclose any sales stats.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: reckless on November 09, 2010, 11:10
When my first submission is inspected for quality, will I be notified by email if I am accepted or should I continue to check the website each day?

Everyone gets notified in email. No need to check the site.

Thanks
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: RacePhoto on November 10, 2010, 02:59
You'd have a MUCH larger collection if you actually spent time approving artists...  4 months for approval is ridiculous.

Only if StockFresh took on more image inspectors. For a startup, it's not so easy to just add more people, so quickly approving more artists without adding more inspectors would only increase the wait time in the image review queue. Then you'd probably just be complaining about image review times instead.

I suspect they want to have a tight control on the selection process and QC consistency. Everyone here knows what has happened at some other small agencies where the reviewers went wild and seem to have gone bizarro with rejections. That's also one thing that makes IS a better agency. They may take longer, but they have a more consistent reviews.

I'll make it clear that I have no criticism of this particular agency, I don't know anything about them or their progress, I don't even know if I've looked at it. I'm not going to contribute and that will probably make no difference to them, missing my crapstock!  :) 

The point is that every new agency, gets pretty much all the same photos, from pretty much all the same major micro photographers. So what's the big sales point for a buyer? Usually it's price and then that drives the prices down as each new agency tries to undercut the rest, and attract buyers by offering a better deal. It's a downward spiral. Photographers make less, agencies make less and the buyers are like pigs in the mud puddle, enjoying it and staying cool.

The other way to look at it is, every new agency attracts the same people with the same images, like piranhas to some fresh meat, tossed into the water. There's a feeding frenzy, then things calm down and they are hungry for more, but it's all gone. Which someone else pointed out as the second phase where people start complaining about low sales, after they just uploaded all their work to a new site.

Then the agency promises that when they get some more photos or some more money invested, they will do more marketing and then the sales will improve. But alas, if we look back, historically, they never do bring in the buyers and they never do improve past the new agency with potential and opportunity stages. (these guys may be the first to break that cycle. It would be nice.)

After two years the agencies go flat or dormant or out of business. Meanwhile another dozen or so will see the great untapped market and jump into the pond... at which time the same piranhas will swarm to eat up the promise of fresh meat all over again. :D

Personally slow reviews for new photographers and photos on a new site, would be an encouraging sign that they are being discriminating about what they are going to back and put up for their buyers in the first place. The same thing that the same people have been complaining about in the overall picture, about stale, old images, clogging up the search placement. Maybe they are doing something about that as well? Quality over quantity.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Koufax73 on November 11, 2010, 07:59
I'm in! Thank you very much!
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on November 11, 2010, 08:02
I almost forgot about them... then I received an email today saying I'm approved - thanks
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: jbarber873 on November 11, 2010, 08:18

Personally slow reviews for new photographers and photos on a new site, would be an encouraging sign that they are being discriminating about what they are going to back and put up for their buyers in the first place. The same thing that the same people have been complaining about in the overall picture, about stale, old images, clogging up the search placement. Maybe they are doing something about that as well? Quality over quantity.


     Your post was spot on. At this point, the only way a new agency can create a unique presence is to offer something not available elsewhere, which in this case could be a tightly edited collection that is easier to find images that work. The older agencies are clogged up with images that have been around so long they look like winners just from inertia. Starting from scratch is the chance to get it right. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt because I liked StockXpert so much. And as long as they accept MY pictures, they must be building a great collection!  ;)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on November 11, 2010, 09:47
Your post was spot on. At this point, the only way a new agency can create a unique presence is to offer something not available elsewhere...

That's not so hard to do these days, with most of the major PPD agencies giving buyers an added headache with variable image pricing and credit pricing. I think StockFresh is wise to offer buyers a simpler system, where a credit really does cost $1 (or less) and every image is priced the same. It seems sort of silly to say this, but I think a stock agency can distinguish themselves in this crowded market by just being simple. SF is on the right track in that regard.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on November 24, 2010, 22:52
almost 6 months! :) anybody out there??

(talking to "contributors")
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on November 25, 2010, 00:53
anybody out there?? (talking to "contributors")
Yes, they're fine. I just bought my second Ferrari from my commissions there.  :P

Seriously, they are very picky on nature and city shots, more picky than IS on technical quality. Models are always fine with them. They are a bit carnivorous, like Fotolia.
The acceptance policy is certainly different from the one of StockXpert before, even if they have the same reviewers.
It's clearly a choice. They want the best, as jbarber873 said.

If you applied with only city/nature shots, that was perhaps a mistake. I only applied with recent models. I sneaked in my nature later.  ;)
 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: mtkang on November 25, 2010, 01:18
i guess we can call this website a 'successful' launching..
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ibogdan on November 25, 2010, 04:27
I'm with them since summer and yesterday I checked most of my folders. There are not a single view on my images. Something is wrong :(
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on November 25, 2010, 04:37
There's nothing wrong.  Give them at least a year to get going.  Don't expect anything.  It was never going to be easy to launch yet another new site.  They have a small advantage, having success with StockXpert but they would be crazy to spend money marketing until they have a decent sized collection of images.

Their only hope is for us to have lots of patience.  I have sold 10 so far and that's already better than some of the new sites I have tried.  They also have one of the best designs, much nicer than most of the other sites and reminiscent of StockXpert.  Hopefully that will bring back some of their old clients, when they have enough images.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on November 25, 2010, 04:37
Models are always fine with them. They are a bit carnivorous, like Fotolia.

I'm doomed.  I don't have one single model shot.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: ibogdan on November 25, 2010, 04:44
Sharpshot, I don't expect a brand new D3x over night from Stockfresh sales, but in 4-5 months I was expecting at least a couple of views. Seems that nobody is interested in my images. And I'm tired of new born agencies over night. They all promise something different, sales, they try to be very friendly but the major problem is that the small ones don't sell anything.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: sharpshot on November 25, 2010, 07:06
My last sale had 1 view, I don't even know if views work there.  I have never been bothered by views, some sites have thousands and no sales.  I just don't understand why people expect anything from SF yet.  They said from the start that they aren't going to do what several other failed sites have done, spend lots of money.  I think that's wise.  They need time to build up a good collection and hopefully a reasonable percentage of the buyers that used to use StockXpert will be interested.

It is so little effort to upload there and it gives them a chance.  As they used to pay a decent commission with StockXpert and have continued with SF, I will upload my portfolio and give them all the time they want.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: shiyali on November 25, 2010, 07:54
Models are always fine with them. They are a bit carnivorous, like Fotolia.

I'm doomed.  I don't have one single model shot.

I don't think so, I don't have any models either. My stuff is mediocre and so far they have approved about 60%. That's ok with me.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: dirkr on November 25, 2010, 08:41
anybody out there?? (talking to "contributors")
Yes, they're fine. I just bought my second Ferrari from my commissions there.  :P

Seriously, they are very picky on nature and city shots, more picky than IS on technical quality. Models are always fine with them. They are a bit carnivorous, like Fotolia.
The acceptance policy is certainly different from the one of StockXpert before, even if they have the same reviewers.
It's clearly a choice. They want the best, as jbarber873 said.

If you applied with only city/nature shots, that was perhaps a mistake. I only applied with recent models. I sneaked in my nature later.  ;)
 

I only have nature / wildlife / travel pics, no models at all.
Overall acceptance rate above 80%, though this is after resubmitting those rejects that were easy to correct.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on November 25, 2010, 16:44
anybody out there?? (talking to "contributors")
Yes, they're fine. I just bought my second Ferrari from my commissions there.  :P

Seriously, they are very picky on nature and city shots, more picky than IS on technical quality. Models are always fine with them. They are a bit carnivorous, like Fotolia.
The acceptance policy is certainly different from the one of StockXpert before, even if they have the same reviewers.
It's clearly a choice. They want the best, as jbarber873 said.

If you applied with only city/nature shots, that was perhaps a mistake. I only applied with recent models. I sneaked in my nature later.  ;)
 

I see :) my batch had a little of everything but low quality overall :P I have placed also port links but I suck big time I will wait because I want a Ferrari also
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on November 25, 2010, 17:50
I will wait because I want a Ferrari also
Quote
unhappiness and suffering comes from man not wanting what he has and wanting what he hasn't.
-- Buddha.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: rubyroo on November 25, 2010, 18:28
Quote
unhappiness and suffering comes from man not wanting what he has and wanting what he hasn't.
-- Buddha.
[/quote]

So very, very true.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: madelaide on November 25, 2010, 18:52
I'm lazy to look at the site... what is the minimum size required?
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on November 25, 2010, 21:11
I only have nature / wildlife / travel pics, no models at all.
Yes but your wildlife etc... is far above average.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on November 26, 2010, 08:52
There's nothing wrong.  Give them at least a year to get going.  Don't expect anything.  It was never going to be easy to launch yet another new site.  They have a small advantage, having success with StockXpert but they would be crazy to spend money marketing until they have a decent sized collection of images.

Their only hope is for us to have lots of patience.  I have sold 10 so far and that's already better than some of the new sites I have tried.  They also have one of the best designs, much nicer than most of the other sites and reminiscent of StockXpert.  Hopefully that will bring back some of their old clients, when they have enough images.

Absolutely.  There hasn't been an official "launch" yet, so how could it have been unsuccessful?  People seem to have pretty unreasonable expectations for this new website. 
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on November 26, 2010, 09:12
Absolutely.  There hasn't been an official "launch" yet, so how could it have been unsuccessful?  People seem to have pretty unreasonable expectations for this new website.  

No official launch yet, but I don't think it's unreasonable for people to be confused, when there hasn't ever been an agency that has started up like this before. Typically, once a call for contributors goes out, that means the site is ready to do business. Seems silly to me to have thousands of images just sitting there for months, but hey, what do I know. Maybe the big contributors are doing ok sales-wise, even without a launch.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: molka on November 26, 2010, 09:28
They don't want ot go into debt, that's all, they let the thing grow if it does. That might just be one of the reasons why thy can offer 50% and above. I personally find it really nice that the owner comes to speak with contributors, and speaks in a clear, pragmatic manner, no buzzphrases, no shady marketing junktalk.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: lisafx on November 26, 2010, 16:43

No official launch yet, but I don't think it's unreasonable for people to be confused, when there hasn't ever been an agency that has started up like this before. Typically, once a call for contributors goes out, that means the site is ready to do business. Seems silly to me to have thousands of images just sitting there for months, but hey, what do I know. Maybe the big contributors are doing ok sales-wise, even without a launch.

What's the saying - "If you build it, they will come."?  To me it makes perfect sense to get contributors onboard and build the library somewhat, before you go and spend money on a big marketing push.

Remember, this is late in the microstock game, and new sites have to compete with libraries that have over 10 million pics in them.  It seems quite reasonable to get at least several hundred thousand images approved prior to advertising for customers.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: cathyslife on November 26, 2010, 17:24

No official launch yet, but I don't think it's unreasonable for people to be confused, when there hasn't ever been an agency that has started up like this before. Typically, once a call for contributors goes out, that means the site is ready to do business. Seems silly to me to have thousands of images just sitting there for months, but hey, what do I know. Maybe the big contributors are doing ok sales-wise, even without a launch.

What's the saying - "If you build it, they will come."?  To me it makes perfect sense to get contributors onboard and build the library somewhat, before you go and spend money on a big marketing push.

Remember, this is late in the microstock game, and new sites have to compete with libraries that have over 10 million pics in them.  It seems quite reasonable to get at least several hundred thousand images approved prior to advertising for customers.

Point taken.  :)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: kaycee on November 27, 2010, 01:44
still waiting......grey hair......
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: FD on November 27, 2010, 02:46
still waiting......grey hair....
L'Oréal, because you're worth it.  ::) (omdat je 't waard bent!)
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: peter_stockfresh on November 27, 2010, 10:40
Well, there was an official launch back in June, but not with a huge advertising campaign if that's the general impression of a "proper" site launch... :) We are starting slow because as I explained earlier it doesn't make sense to spend bucketloads of money on advertising when you have little to offer compared to the rest of the sites. I think a stock agency needs to have at least a million images to be diverse and serious enough, but of course the more the better. We are now at nearly 500,000 with 1000 contributors, so we obviously need to grow. Sales are fine compared to the size of the collection and our current marketing efforts. Some people are not seeing any sales at all but some contributors are cashing out already. Everything depends on the type of images submitted. If it's not a popular subject, we might not have the critical mass to deliver enough sales. As for views, they are counted very conservatively, customers have to be logged in etc, so you'll probably see low view counts but higher download to view ratios.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Will on November 27, 2010, 12:10
For a company eager to build it's library it does seem a bit odd that new contributor applications are taking months and months to review. Perhaps there are just too many photographer serfs in the market now.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on November 27, 2010, 12:17
For a company eager to build it's library it does seem a bit odd that new contributor applications are taking months and months to review. Perhaps there are just too many photographer serfs in the market now.

The 25-pictures-a-day limit is a bit odd too, in this regard.

However, my first impression - I was only accepted recently - is that reviews are fair: neither too strict nor bland.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: RacePhoto on December 01, 2010, 03:32
Diverse and Serious, I'm liking this site more every time I read something from peter_stockfresh!

Do they take Editorial? :D
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: helix7 on December 01, 2010, 06:00
No official launch yet, but I don't think it's unreasonable for people to be confused, when there hasn't ever been an agency that has started up like this before. Typically, once a call for contributors goes out, that means the site is ready to do business. Seems silly to me to have thousands of images just sitting there for months, but hey, what do I know. Maybe the big contributors are doing ok sales-wise, even without a launch.

Not sure what alternative strategy everyone would have liked to see instead, and as Lisa said it makes sense to build the collection before you try and bring the buyers in.

I think SF is on the right track and is playing this out the right way. Seems no matter what Peter and company do, though, they'll get complaints for it. If they followed the same silly start-up path that other new microstock companies have done lately, they'd be getting complaints for not being typical and doing things the same as everyone else.

I'm not one of the contributors cashing out yet, but I've got $20 in my account so far and I'm not complaining. I say we can't judge SF until the collection hits 1 million images and we see some additional marketing push. If after that the buyers still aren't interested, then maybe the complaints are justified. Until then, I'm happy to see SF doing things a little differently and not trying to follow the same path that countless flash-in-the-pan microstock startups have gone down.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: Anita Potter on December 01, 2010, 11:18
still waiting......grey hair......

I'm right there with ya.

Apparently not good enough to be accepted right away yet not bad enough to get denied.

Peter, any idea on when those of us that signed up in June would find out about having their applications accepted/rejected?  Getting antsy just a wee bit.
Title: Re: StockFresh - from Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff
Post by: luissantos84 on December 01, 2010, 11:20
still waiting......grey hair......

I'm right there with ya.

Apparently not good enough to be accepted right away yet not bad enough to get denied.

Peter, any idea on when those of us that signed up in June would find out about having their applications accepted/rejected?  Getting antsy just a wee bit.

sure it will be before Christmas, hope to get the Ferrari soon :)