MicrostockGroup

Agency Based Discussion => iStockPhoto.com => Topic started by: Jo Ann Snover on July 21, 2010, 11:41

Title: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Jo Ann Snover on July 21, 2010, 11:41
There's a thread here (http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=235102&page=1) if you'd like to join in the congratulations. Great job Lisa - couldn't happen to a nicer person :)
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: jsolie on July 21, 2010, 11:44
Quote from: jsnover on July 21, 2010, 11:41
There's a thread here ([url]http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=235102&page=1[/url]) if you'd like to join in the congratulations. Great job Lisa - couldn't happen to a nicer person :)


+100     :)
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: vonkara on July 21, 2010, 11:49
Wow congrats, great job !!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: lagereek on July 21, 2010, 11:52
Yep!!!!   she deserves all the credit in the world, couldnt happen to a nicer person and photographer for that matter!  professionalism pays off!

all the best.  Christian
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: sharpshot on July 21, 2010, 12:01
Congrats Lisa, it's a big achievement, especially for a non-exclusive, like climbing Everest without oxygen :)
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on July 21, 2010, 12:07
Great, Lisa!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: WarrenPrice on July 21, 2010, 12:08
Congratulations, Lisa.  Since I haven't started (yet) at iStock, I can't fully appreciate your accomplishment but do know enough to realize that it is a really big deal.  I would love to follow in your footsteps but probably don't have enough life left in me to get there.   ;D
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: KB on July 21, 2010, 12:11
Huge congratulations (and exceedingly well-deserved)! I'm really, really happy for you.

Now, if only your sales would pick up back to where they should be, you could really celebrate! I hope they do, very soon.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: packerguy on July 21, 2010, 12:22
Congrats! Nice Job!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: lisafx on July 21, 2010, 12:33
Thanks so much JoAnn and everybody!   I am really excited! 

With all my complaining lately about sales, I am still so grateful to have this job.  It beats the he11 out of working for a living!!

I am so happy I think I will take the rest of the week off from complaining!! 
;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: etienjones on July 21, 2010, 12:35
Well Done . . . . . .  don't stop now!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: cathyslife on July 21, 2010, 12:39
Dittos on the congrats! You do great work and deserve whatever extra benefits it brings!

Quote from: lisafx on July 21, 2010, 12:33
I am so happy I think I will take the rest of the week off from complaining!! 
;D ;D ;D

OK, but be sure to check back in next week.  ;D
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Smiling Jack on July 21, 2010, 13:09
Congrats-you deserve it.By the way- you give some of  best advice
 on this fourm.
Smiling Jack
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Eireann on July 21, 2010, 13:23
Wow!
Haven't seen the thread on IS, thank you Jsnover for posting here as well.
This is a terrific achievement, congratulations Lisa!
Especially for an independent.
Even more so for an independent who is not part of a photo-factory and who does all the work by herself.  
Against all odds, fighting with treacherous BMs, smaller upload limits, biased inspections, Vettas, Exclusives and Getty wholly owned collections, Lisa has managed to reach the highest IS ranks.
An amazing story and a well deserved prize!
Shine on your black diamond Lisa and enjoy the party :)
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: rubyroo on July 21, 2010, 13:25
HUGE congratulations Lisa, and so well deserved.   ;D
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: RT on July 21, 2010, 13:31
Well done Lisa, you're one of the few "true" independants to reach that level and it's all down to the hard work you've put into creating a good stock portfolio. I guess you'll be going after a Sapphire next  ;)
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Dreamframer on July 21, 2010, 13:32
Wow, CONGRATS LISAAAAA! GO LISA GO LISA!!!
I'm so happy for you! :)
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Graffoto on July 21, 2010, 13:43
Major mega dittos on all the congrats here.

Just goes to show that hard work pays off in the end.
PS- couldn't have happened to a nicer person, either.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: CofkoCof on July 21, 2010, 13:58
Huge congrats! Do you know on how many of those downloads can we find your hubby? :D
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: MatHayward on July 21, 2010, 14:08
Way to go Lisa!  Very well deserved as I think you are an amazing photographer.  It is very encouraging to see you reach such a high level of success!

Congratulations!

Mat Hayward
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: lisafx on July 21, 2010, 14:12
Quote from: cclapper on July 21, 2010, 12:39

Quote from: lisafx on July 21, 2010, 12:33
I am so happy I think I will take the rest of the week off from complaining!! 
;D ;D ;D

OK, but be sure to check back in next week.  ;D

ROFL!  If I can make it that long ;D

Quote from: CofkoCof on July 21, 2010, 13:58
Do you know on how many of those downloads can we find your hubby? :D

No Idea, but since he's on over 1200 photos in my portfolio I think he must be a huge part of them.  Not to mention all the other work he does behind the scenes.  Not the least of which is listening to me kvetch ;)

Thank you again.  I consider so many of you folks on this forum my friends.  Wish I could buy you all a drink to celebrate!  If you ever make it to Tampa Bay I will definitely do so!!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Microbius on July 21, 2010, 14:13
Mega congrats! well done and well deserved, keep up the great work!!!!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Talanis on July 21, 2010, 14:31
Big congrats Lisa :)
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: brm1949 on July 21, 2010, 14:38
Congrats to you Lisa, your hard work is paying off, plus you love what you do, you deserve it.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Klauts on July 21, 2010, 14:45
Congrats Lisa!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: ap on July 21, 2010, 14:52
congratulations!

one would never think you're a black diamond at is by the amount of complaining you do. ;)  but you always brighten up the forum with your posts.  
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: donding on July 21, 2010, 14:58
Congrats Lisa....you deserve it after all the hard work you put into it. Enjoy!!!! ;D
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Kone on July 21, 2010, 15:11
Congratulations Lisa.
Well Deserved.
I wish you many, many more.

Mod:
And yes, you can sing now: "I am big fish now."
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Phil on July 21, 2010, 15:14
congrats! :)

I think that definetly makes you one of the big fish :)
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: cathyslife on July 21, 2010, 15:36
Quote from: Phil on July 21, 2010, 15:14
congrats! :)

I think that definetly makes you one of the big fish :)

Exactly!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Jo Ann Snover on July 21, 2010, 15:45
Quote from: Phil on July 21, 2010, 15:14
congrats! :)

I think that definetly makes you one of the big fish :)

Most certainly. However Lisa is a big fish with a just-one-of-the-fish personality and attitude. It's refreshing and very nice to be around :)
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: FD on July 21, 2010, 15:46
A kiss on the cheek may be quite sentimental,
but diamonds are a girl's best friend.  ;D
(congrats of course)
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Pheby on July 21, 2010, 15:47
Congratulations, Lisa! No need to say what a huge acheivement that is, all the more as an "independent one-man-show" which is a term I think you actually invented. Cheers to ya!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Colette on July 21, 2010, 16:08
Step by step you reached this mountain top. You are really a model to follow!
Congratulations with your well deserved black diamond status!
I wish you lots of luck for the future (and lots of downloads of course!)  :D
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Artemis on July 21, 2010, 16:12
Couldnt agree more with everything said here, a HUGE congrats Lisa!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: epantha on July 21, 2010, 16:35
C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: elvinstar on July 21, 2010, 16:39
Lisa, congratulations and best wishes for you moving forward. You are far and away one of the nicest, most POSITIVE people here on this forum and one of the few reasons that I continue to visit. Have a drink on me!!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: crazychristina on July 21, 2010, 16:43
Wow, huge achievement. Well done.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: RacePhoto on July 21, 2010, 16:46
Quote from: averil on July 21, 2010, 16:43
Wow, huge achievement. Well done.

Also moved from 35th last Oct. to 29th on the contributor charts passing six people. Nice going!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: lisafx on July 21, 2010, 17:06
Quote from: ap on July 21, 2010, 14:52

one would never think you're a black diamond at is by the amount of complaining you do. ;) 

AP, you know me too well!

Thanks so much for all the kind words.  Glad I haven't alienated too many here :)

Guess we will have to add a fish dinner to those drinks tonight - maybe a "fried" fish, LOL!  ;D
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: donding on July 21, 2010, 17:24
Quote from: lisafx on July 21, 2010, 17:06
Quote from: ap on July 21, 2010, 14:52

one would never think you're a black diamond at is by the amount of complaining you do. ;) 

AP, you know me too well!

Thanks so much for all the kind words.  Glad I haven't alienated too many here :)

Guess we will have to add a fish dinner to those drinks tonight - maybe a "fried" fish, LOL!  ;D

Hopefully not fried in BP oil!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: travelstock on July 21, 2010, 19:55
Quote from: lisafx on July 21, 2010, 17:06


Thanks so much for all the kind words.  Glad I haven't alienated too many here :)

Far from alienating people, you've provided inspiration to many.

Congratulations on a well deserved milestone!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Beach Bum on July 21, 2010, 20:54
Congratulations Lisa.  I'd be happy to just make gold. 
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: smitea on July 21, 2010, 21:12
awsome totally couldnt have happened to a well deserving nicer person!! :D
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: madelaide on July 21, 2010, 21:47
Congrats, Lisa, what a great achievement!  This proves you are not just "regular".  ;D
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Norebbo on July 21, 2010, 22:27
Big time congrats! Black diamond is not an easy thing to achieve.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: keo on July 21, 2010, 22:52
Quote from: ap on July 21, 2010, 14:52
congratulations!

one would never think you're a black diamond at is by the amount of complaining you do. ;)  but you always brighten up the forum with your posts.  

+1

Congrats Lisa!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Clivia on July 22, 2010, 02:14
Congratulations. I think we all appreciate how hard you have worked to achieve that beautiful Black Diamond. Very well done indeed.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: qwerty on July 22, 2010, 03:58
well done and thanks for contributing to this forum, its good to hear from all rungs on the ladder.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Imagecom on July 22, 2010, 04:15
Good for You and Congratulations. :)
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Anyka on July 22, 2010, 04:45
Congratulations!  I wish you many more successful years, fun shoots and at least one big raise per year!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Rob Sylvan on July 22, 2010, 10:46
Congrats Lisa! I don't mind repeating myself from the other thread as this is no small thing, well earned and well deserved!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: RGebbiePhoto on July 22, 2010, 10:50
Congratulations, Lisa!!
We've always admired your port, and there is no wonder why you made black diamond.
We wish you many more sales!!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: luissantos84 on July 22, 2010, 11:25
congratulations! more curious is that last time I see your IS profile I saw you were with 160k sales :P (I guess)

long time or not so long? it canīt be before April 09 :P
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: lisafx on July 22, 2010, 15:04
Thanks again for all the nice words :)

Luis, I wish I could tell you when it was 160k.  I don't keep close track, but I do know I have been eagerly awaiting the black diamond for the last couple of months. 

@Rob, thanks for BOTH congrats.  Brings twice the smiles to my face :) :)
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: leaf on July 22, 2010, 17:12
ooh nice.  congrats.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: ragsac on July 22, 2010, 18:34
Congratulation Lisa! Your achievement is an inspiration to many of us.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on July 22, 2010, 19:20
Congrats Lisa! That's a pretty major milestone.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: aremafoto on July 22, 2010, 19:51
Congrats! That's a great achievement! I hope someday I can reach that milestone too.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: sobm on July 22, 2010, 21:41
congrats,Lisafx...I never thought that your are on the level of black diamond of IS because i often saw you like to complain at it, LOL...so what if you turn into the exclusive,the pay would be double or triple...??I dont know,do you have any idea of that?
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: lisafx on July 23, 2010, 08:11
Quote from: sobm on July 22, 2010, 21:41
congrats,Lisafx...I never thought that your are on the level of black diamond of IS because i often saw you like to complain at it, LOL...so what if you turn into the exclusive,the pay would be double or triple...??I dont know,do you have any idea of that?

Thanks for the congrats :)

As I have said many, many times, the reason slow sales at Istock concern me so much is because they are a very large part of my income. 

And I have also made no secret of the fact that I have considered exclusivity a lot over the years, but in the volatile microstock industry I feel safer keeping my options open for the moment.  FWIW there is no bump in commission from Diamond to Black Diamond anyway. 
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: WebSubstance on July 23, 2010, 14:16
Impressive - Congrats Lisa!!!
Michael
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: pet_chia on July 23, 2010, 14:48
Well done!

I was going to say, "This is very inspiring and motivating to me" ... then again maybe you would rather hear that your competition has become discouraged and quit.   ;)
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: lisafx on July 23, 2010, 14:54
Quote from: pet_chia on July 23, 2010, 14:48
I was going to say, "This is very inspiring and motivating to me" ... then again maybe you would rather hear that your competition has become discouraged and quit.   ;)

LOL!  You HAVE been paying attention ;D
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: michaeldb on July 23, 2010, 20:55
Allow me to add my sincere congratulations. It's a great achievement, especially for a non-exclusive.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: Suljo on July 23, 2010, 21:02
Congrats from angry parrot  ;D
archivement is bigger with B role models, congrats again...
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: djpadavona on August 08, 2010, 01:21
Quote from: lisafx on July 23, 2010, 08:11

As I have said many, many times, the reason slow sales at Istock concern me so much is because they are a very large part of my income. 

And I have also made no secret of the fact that I have considered exclusivity a lot over the years, but in the volatile microstock industry I feel safer keeping my options open for the moment.  FWIW there is no bump in commission from Diamond to Black Diamond anyway. 

I can't blame you for feeling that way.  The bottom line is the vast majority of contributors can make substantially higher income staying independent.  I took a noticeable earnings hit when I went exclusive at iStock, and I am taking another temporary hit right now due to the slow sales there.  If I were doing this for a living, I would almost certainly want to spread my earnings over multiple sites and reduce my risk.  That said I have no regrets for choosing exclusivity.  The income is solid, and the work flow is much simpler.

Keep up the great work Lisa.  We're going to need a new diamond level for some of you!
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: pet_chia on August 08, 2010, 13:20
Quote from: lisafx on July 23, 2010, 08:11
...  FWIW there is no bump in commission from Diamond to Black Diamond anyway. 

A somewhat OT question ... At what level does one graduate from $0.26 royalties for XS images?  And what amount can I look forward to receiving for XS images when I reach that exalted level?  Or are pay increases mostly tied to being exclusive.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: djpadavona on August 08, 2010, 15:31
There is no "mostly" about it Chia.  Pay increases are for exclusives only.  As a non-exclusive, you get a fixed 20% commission regardless of canister level and XS images cost 1 credit for any non-exclusive image.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: pet_chia on August 08, 2010, 18:25
Thanks!  I see that bronze exclusives get approx. $0.76 per XS download, which would be almost a 3 times pay increase for the 30 to 40 percent of my downloads which are XS.
Title: Re: Lisafx is black diamond on iStock
Post by: djpadavona on August 08, 2010, 22:16
Right, just keep in mind the increase is not as dramatic for larger sizes.  Gostwyck, in a thread a few pages back, did an analysis of the expected pay increase for those considering exclusivity:

http://www.microstockgroup.com/istockphoto-com/evaluating-exclusivity-at-istock-crunching-the-numbers/ (http://www.microstockgroup.com/istockphoto-com/evaluating-exclusivity-at-istock-crunching-the-numbers/)

It's darn close to dead-on in my opinion, and well thought out. There are other positive considerations too, such as Vetta and E+.  But there also negative risks such as only being able to get your image accepted at one site...and if they don't like it, you'll never see it online.  When I was independent, I had separate "winners" at Shutterstock, Dreamstime, iStock, etc.  It's a lot to consider.

And now back to our regular programming...LisaFX rules!   :)