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Author Topic: Opportunity to Sell on Jupiterimages  (Read 16812 times)

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« on: September 27, 2007, 13:57 »
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Guys,

We've just launched a new program for Stockxpert contributors who want the opportunity to sell on Jupiterimages.

The program is called SXPress Way:

http://www.stockxpert.com/special/sxpress/

Hey, the macro guys are coming over here, so why not show you can compete with them on their own turf too?!

Thanks,
Steve


grp_photo

« Reply #1 on: September 27, 2007, 14:08 »
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 :) Good moves !
So the Dynamic Graphics Collection will be avaible through stockxpert thats good some exclusive content for stockxpert which is not avaible on other micros will attract more customers!
And i certainly apply for Jupiterimages ;D

grp_photo

« Reply #2 on: September 27, 2007, 14:12 »
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:) Good moves !
So the Dynamic Graphics Collection will be avaible through stockxpert thats good some exclusive content for stockxpert which is not avaible on other micros will attract more customers!
And i certainly apply for Jupiterimages ;D
its different stockxpert - users can sell exclusive stuff via Dynamic Graphics well not bad either  :-\

« Reply #3 on: September 27, 2007, 14:14 »
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The DG collection will remain separate from StockXpert, but it is a JI collection exclusively for StockXpert contributors who want to test the macro waters with exclusive images.

Thanks!
-Steve

« Reply #4 on: September 27, 2007, 14:16 »
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looks like a nice program.

Are we all on the same page though?? - it seems I am either misunderstanding grp_photo, or steve_oh or both :)

Images that are in the 'dynamic graphics' collection will be submitted by stockXpert users and will be sold as macro stock on jupiter images.  Is this right?

« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2007, 14:18 »
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The DG collection will remain separate from StockXpert, but it is a JI collection exclusively for StockXpert contributors who want to test the macro waters with exclusive images.

Thanks!
-Steve

ok perhaps you answered my question :)

grp_photo

« Reply #6 on: September 27, 2007, 14:19 »
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Even my shots from Canon 1 DSII don't have 55MB (they are 47,5 MB) so are we allowed to upsize to 55MB  ::) . The DSIII is not an sale already and with the exception of iofoto nobody has a digital Hasselblad on Stockxpert.

« Reply #7 on: September 27, 2007, 14:29 »
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I think it is always confusing when people talk in megabytes because image sizes change depending on colors and such.  Why aren't minimum requirements talked about in megapixels.

grp_photo

« Reply #8 on: September 27, 2007, 14:38 »
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I think it is always confusing when people talk in megabytes because image sizes change depending on colors and such.  Why aren't minimum requirements talked about in megapixels.
You can simply open a picture in photoshop and pressing alt+ctrl+i the megabytes stand in the upper left corner of the  dialog.

« Reply #9 on: September 27, 2007, 14:42 »
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ahh yes, i guess it IS the same for every image.
36.4M for canon 5D files.

« Reply #10 on: September 27, 2007, 14:51 »
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Yes. Some upsampling is ok.

-Steve

« Reply #11 on: September 27, 2007, 14:59 »
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This is good news.  I will definitely give it a go.  Will landscapes be more acceptable than they are with microstock?  Newspapers and magazines use them a lot in the UK and they buy from the macro sites.

« Reply #12 on: September 27, 2007, 15:02 »
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Not sure. Definitely ask when you send the e-mail.

Good luck, and I'm glad to see you will give it a shot!

« Reply #13 on: September 27, 2007, 15:07 »
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How do we apply. Simply by writing an e-mail? Is there a minimum portfolio size (#pictures) that is required?

« Reply #14 on: September 27, 2007, 15:16 »
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Yup. Send an e-mail to the address at the bottom of the landing page. The process will be a bit different than what you are used at StockXpert. It'll be a bit more personal.

They will address what they would like to see from your portfolio. Only requirement is that you have been an StockXpert contributor for three months.

-Steve

« Reply #15 on: September 27, 2007, 16:03 »
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Am I misunderstanding this?

Aren't only StockXpert exclusive images allowed in this "opportunity"?

Do you guys have that many exclusive images on StockXpert?

grp_photo

« Reply #16 on: September 27, 2007, 16:08 »
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Am I misunderstanding this?

Aren't only StockXpert exclusive images allowed in this "opportunity"?

Do you guys have that many exclusive images on StockXpert?
No i think they just want new sessions/photos that are not on sale so far. And if they are accept them in their collection you can't sell them anywhere  else.I personally will produce special sessions for them if they allow me to do so  ;).

« Reply #17 on: September 27, 2007, 20:41 »
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grp_photo is right. Only images that don't appear anywhere else. You will either be producing new images for this or submitting existing images that haven't appeared anywhere else.

Thanks!
-Steve

jsnover

« Reply #18 on: September 28, 2007, 00:25 »
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I'm certainly open to considering exclusive images, but how do we get information about all the details - prices, commissions, time commitment for the images, etc.?

So, if I went ahead and had some exclusive images accepted and after 6 months nothing was selling and I wanted to pull the images to put them somewhere else, can I? Taking images that I know I can sell via the micros and locking them up somewhere with a completely unknown (to me) sales history certainly has some risks.

I saw this via the Stock Photo blog - is there going to be some direct communication StockXpert contributors (an e-mail?) about this opportunity?

Jo Ann

« Reply #19 on: September 28, 2007, 07:58 »
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Hi Jo Ann,

Good questions. I would simply contact them through the e-mail that is on the SXPress page about prices, commissions, time commitment for the images, etc.? You will get a personal reply from Seb, the content editor in charge of this program.

I think images will be priced roughly between $79.99 - $250.00. As for time commitment, I think they want the images for at least a year.

There is certain level of risk involved with everything. Based on the info you receive from Seb and your personal photography situation, you will be able to determine if it is a venture worth persuing.

Remember, this is a little bit different market, so consider it a way to diversify your stockphoto portfolio, reaching new and different customers.

Thanks!
-Steve

« Reply #20 on: September 28, 2007, 10:09 »
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Quote
Remember, this is a little bit different market

indeed, and this is my problem for the moment.  Which kind of images sells better on macro's than on micro's ?  I don't have any idea. 

And because microstocks yield me around $1.2/image/month , there is a certain risk involved for me putting a certain amount macros.

well, I guess I have almost 3 months to think about  ;D

« Reply #21 on: September 28, 2007, 11:16 »
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When you send the e-mail, you can ask that question. I'm sure they will guide you in terms of content and style.

Don't worry. November will be here soon enough. :)

« Reply #22 on: September 28, 2007, 12:30 »
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this sounds exciting!

« Reply #23 on: October 03, 2007, 08:43 »
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I've just received a response from Sbastien Poulin at Jupiter. In the response, there was an outline of the terms. I've taken out the technical part (55MB tiff etc., didn't say anything about up-rez), but here are the economic realities:

"We ask for up to 250 selected images for review and we should be able to get
back to you quickly with our intial feedback.
 
Payment will be issued quarterly and we have a number of payment options
including check and direct deposit.

You will receive a 15% for every image downloaded. Images range from $79.95
for a low resolution file and up to 349$ for a high resolution file.

How Does the Review Process Work?
 
Once we have reviewed your images and made a selection, we would send you an
Image License Agreement for you to sign. All agreements are a 2 year
exclusive to JupiterImages.com."

I asked for, and received, a confirmation that the figure 15% (one  five percent) is correct. It is. Since I can't come up with a polite way to comment on that, I'll just pass it on to whoever are interested.

« Reply #24 on: October 03, 2007, 08:58 »
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Way less than Alamy but for exclusive content? Hmmm. I can only see one winner in this.

« Reply #25 on: October 03, 2007, 09:23 »
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that's crazy.........if you have a $250 sale....it would be basically the same as an extended sale elsewhere.

Tom

« Reply #26 on: October 03, 2007, 09:24 »
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You will receive a 15% for every image downloaded. Images range from $79.95
for a low resolution file and up to 349$ for a high resolution file.


So ... have I got this right? The maximum you can earn for an image is 15% of  $349 = $52.35

For a high-resolution exclusive image?

Hmmmmm ... I think I'll pass on that thanks, even if it is Jupiter.

« Reply #27 on: October 03, 2007, 09:43 »
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You will receive a 15% for every image downloaded. Images range from $79.95
for a low resolution file and up to 349$ for a high resolution file.


So ... have I got this right? The maximum you can earn for an image is 15% of  $349 = $52.35

For a high-resolution exclusive image?

Hmmmmm ... I think I'll pass on that thanks, even if it is Jupiter.

That was exactly the question I asked, and had confirmed. My first thought was, that photos with the quality they require, will probably earn much more either at Alamy or at a combination of micros.

jsnover

« Reply #28 on: October 03, 2007, 10:50 »
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I got my e-mail reply this morning too, and I can't imagine that anyone with decent images is going to want to tie up a whole shoot for a few accepted shots, exclusively at one site for 2 years for 15%.

My guess is that they think we'll be so wow'ed by being "allowed" to submit to Jupiter that we'll take anything :)

« Reply #29 on: October 03, 2007, 10:53 »
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yeah, i was quite surprised at the 15% as well. 

I suppose if they had TONS of sales it might be worth it but..... not sure i am interested in trying.  15% sounds like a pretty crummy deal.

« Reply #30 on: October 03, 2007, 11:02 »
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I hate uploading to IS for 20% but at least those photos can go on lots of other sites.  15% for exclusive images seems far too low.  I will stick with Alamy and Photoshelter.

« Reply #31 on: October 03, 2007, 12:35 »
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15% for an exclusive image? That is an insult. I cannot think who will be willing to agree to that. 

« Reply #32 on: October 03, 2007, 12:57 »
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15% at any traditional agency is a slap in the face not an opportunity.  The norm is at least 50%.

« Reply #33 on: October 03, 2007, 13:44 »
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wysiwyg_foto,

Which traditional macros pay 50% for RF images that go through similar distribution channels at a similar price point?

-Steve

« Reply #34 on: October 03, 2007, 14:52 »
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Which distribution channels are you looking for?

Photoshelter is currently offering contributors 70% (80% for images uploaded through November)

Alamy offers it's contributors 65% - 55% if one of their sub-distributors licenses the image - 50% if the image is distributed through the novel use arrangement (similar to this collection)

TSS Photo offers 65% commission

MyLoupe (similar distribution scheme) offers 70-85%

Here's a list of 103 more agencies for your review....

http://www.stockasylum.com/text-pages/findagency.htm


Come on Steve - 15% is good? For a two year exclusive contract on lifestyle shoots that we have to fund and put together?  At a time when traditional photographers are laughing at us because iStock only pays a 20% commission?  Isn't this a step backward?  A lot of us got into the micros as a stepping stone to upload to traditional agencies, and we've encountered road blocks along the way (and continue to).  This is just another reason for "pros" to pick on "amateurs contributing to the micros" - another road block to our success.


« Reply #35 on: October 03, 2007, 15:12 »
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15% for an exclusive image? That is an insult.

With this everything is said ... over and out

« Reply #36 on: October 03, 2007, 16:23 »
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15% is definitely too little, especially for exclusive images.

Regards,
Adelaide

« Reply #37 on: October 03, 2007, 17:38 »
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15%... ya... right.... even for "amateurs" you'll be loosing money.   ::)

« Reply #38 on: October 03, 2007, 18:41 »
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I definitely won't be venturing into this company for 15%

« Reply #39 on: October 03, 2007, 19:24 »
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Here's something interesting....  I just received some correspondence from a person that looked into contributing to the collection previously.  He is a Getty Photographer and hates the micros (we exchange banter every once in a while).  Here's his response:

Quote
Thanks for your email. I was going to reply to your previous email and others and I got swamped again and they moved down and I'd forgotten. I'll look back into it.
 
This is getting ridiculous. Do you realize that's a further 25% reduction from 20%? Not 5%, but 25%, or 1/4 less. See, most photographers are not too smart to realize this, and the 'agencies' have slowly whittled the 50 to 40, then to 30, then to 20.
 
(Not to defend the 15%, but if it is really traditional, they should not be unlimited use, so you should be able to get more for a longer or bigger use license, and get more than micro payments)

Seems the going rate has been decreasing  ::)

« Reply #40 on: October 03, 2007, 19:35 »
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Seems the going rate has been decreasing  ::)


Seems the combination of micros plus Alamy may not be such a bad one   :)

« Reply #41 on: October 03, 2007, 20:53 »
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I understand for some of you that you don't think this is much of an opportunity  I respect that.

I wanted to respond to wysiwyg_foto and his comment  " A lot of us got into the micros as a stepping stone to upload to traditional agencies, and we've encountered road blocks along the way (and continue to)..."

This is a stepping stone and it might not come with the royalty you want but it has potential.

This opportunity is designed for people who want to kill 200 birds with 1 stone. Give us your images and we will distribute on Jupiterimages.com (JI) and within our network of over 200 agents worldwide.

It is easier and less time consuming for you.

We ask for 'exclusive' to JI because we are distributing your images in the context of 200 agent sites worldwide. Because of our size, we have been able to establish relationships with companies alot of you simply don't have access too.

To the question related to 'similars' if you are a resourceful and savvy shooter, it is not unlikely for us to select 50+ images from a 1 day shoot. If you have any concerns about what is acceptable, let us take a look and give you some feedback. Might not be as tight as you think.

Lastly, this is an entry point for other opportunities. As a JI contributor, you are exposing yourself to other content directors who are looking for new talent. Having a relationship with JI increases your chances of being seen and being offered other opportunities which in some cases come with a better payout.

I hope some of you will re-consider your decision and give us a try.

« Reply #42 on: October 03, 2007, 21:20 »
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paddy_ji:

I think you have a lot of nerve trying to defend a 15% royalty.

« Reply #43 on: October 03, 2007, 21:45 »
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Paddy,

I do understand the potential of a solid company with a worldwide network.  However, asking for exclusive images but paying so little is disencouraging for most of us.  Maybe those who are full time photogs with studios may spare some time and make special photo sessions exclusively for Jupiterimages.  It's not my case, though, as in a good month I manage to produce maybe 20 images which are not outstanding at all.  My best work (IMHO) and which is not in microstock, are my travel images, most of which still in slides that I very slowly digitalize and edit.  I could select a few images to submit to Jupiter only and "feel" the potential of my images with this company's clients.  But 250?  I don't even have that many in high res quality images.  But still the 15% earnings sound too little.

Regards,
Adelaide

« Reply #44 on: October 03, 2007, 22:25 »
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It would be great if the more forward looking agencies would offer some transparency, some justification for their cut, especially if it's 50% or more of sales.

Marketing, staff, infrastructure, bandwidth, tech, customer reach, etc. Yes, that stuff all costs, and it's good for the agencies to be profitable too. But 85%??


« Reply #45 on: October 03, 2007, 23:10 »
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Paddy, with all due respect - I get a better commission through a DT, SS, IS, etc. extended license without having exclusive images.  The same license at Shutterstock yields me a $20 commission - they don't require exclusivity and they don't require my images to be of good quality at 55mb (approximately 20mp)

Just about ANY contributor on this forum has the ability to get accepted to the agencies I listed above.  I don't see this as a stepping stone, I see this as a way to reduce the commissions of existing traditional photographers by replacing them with people eager to submit to a "traditional agency".  I'm sorry - but that's what I'm seeing whether the intention is there or not (I'm not trying to bash you).

DG isn't one of the brands that is marketed through Adobe Stock Photos that Jupiter tends to market to - at least the Photodisc deal through iStock is transparent about marketing to Adobe Stock Photos and their recent deal with LuLu.

I understand the importance of building relationships but at what cost?  At least cover my expenses in the deal.  Let's be fair here.  How about 40%?  At 40% I can at least match a Shutterstock extended license if the agency decides to match Getty's recent $50 for web usage deal.  Give us some incentive  ;)

« Reply #46 on: October 04, 2007, 02:30 »
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Give us your images and we will distribute on Jupiterimages.com (JI) and within our network of over 200 agents worldwide.


How is that different from Alamy, who also have a world-wide network of distributors, pay 65% royalties and don't require exclusivity?


Lastly, this is an entry point for other opportunities. As a JI contributor, you are exposing yourself to other content directors who are looking for new talent.


How many wannabee starlets end up in the Producer's bed in Hollywood, having fallen for exactly that line?   ;)


« Reply #47 on: October 04, 2007, 08:41 »
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How many wannabee starlets end up in the Producer's bed in Hollywood, having fallen for exactly that line?   ;)



Yeah and ending up in a XXXX movie. Litterally getting screwed along the way.*


* Warning sarcasm alert!

jsnover

« Reply #48 on: October 04, 2007, 10:46 »
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...This is a stepping stone and it might not come with the royalty you want but it has potential.
...I hope some of you will re-consider your decision and give us a try.

You're right - it's not entirely about the royalty percentage, but about the $$ return on the images.

I think the major stumbling block you face here is that you're asking for exclusivity - which is a big risk for someone who has other options. You make no guarantees, but you want the selected images for two years (and no similars elsewhere).

If you didn't want exclusivity, I'd happily offer you the same RM images I'm offering via Alamy and PhotoShelter Collection. I'd take my chances on the 15% because I'd only be out the time to upload (and make you TIFF files when Alamy and PhotoShelter Collection take JPEGs).  If you didn't sell, but the other agencies did, it'd be an experiment that didn't work out, and I'd not have lost much.

If you want the images exclusively, there'd have to be some really big carrot dangling out there...15% isn't it.

RT


« Reply #49 on: October 04, 2007, 11:39 »
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I'll stick with Alamy, Getty and the specialist sites I'm with.

15% & Exclusive - You have got to be kidding.

« Reply #50 on: October 04, 2007, 17:05 »
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Steve-O

I'm reading the responses and trying to find a reason to join, but I see no realistic incentive to play the game. Please tell me (us) what we're missing. What makes this deal "good" because no one (self included) is getting the pitch. Historically you've been a voice of reason on the site, please enlighten us as to what we're overlooking. It has the feel of someone I don't know offering me money to take my 18 year old sister on a date (creepy).

Please chime in my brother.

AAA

« Reply #51 on: October 04, 2007, 17:29 »
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If you didn't want exclusivity, I'd happily offer you the same RM images I'm offering via Alamy and PhotoShelter Collection. I'd take my chances on the 15% because I'd only be out the time to upload (and make you TIFF files when Alamy and PhotoShelter Collection take JPEGs).  If you didn't sell, but the other agencies did, it'd be an experiment that didn't work out, and I'd not have lost much.

If you want the images exclusively, there'd have to be some really big carrot dangling out there...15% isn't it.

just a note for you jsnover

I am not 100% sure on this but I think offering RM images on two different sites is a bit of a risky thing.  Some sites let you do it, and some sites do not.  The reason being - when a buyer purchases a RM image they can state where it will be used and how long and for what. 

So the problem comes when a buyer purchases an exclusive license of the image for bilboards accross america from Alamy, and the same day or week someone purchases the same image for exclusive use across america as well - except bought from Photoshelter.... then you have big problems.

Basically if an image is listed at RM on a site - it should be exclusive.

« Reply #52 on: October 04, 2007, 18:19 »
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Leaf,

You say it's risky, but in what sense?

If a buyer gets that image from one site, unless he gets it with exclusive rights (do sites do that without prior consultation to the photog?), can he complain if it is sold to someone else? 

Regards,
Adelaide

« Reply #53 on: October 04, 2007, 21:59 »
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From the thread, I believe I understand where some of the confusion lies   it appears that 'exclusive' is not completely understood in the context of JupiterImages. It has nothing to do with RM. It has everything to do with global distribution of RF content.

We ask for 'exclusive' because we have relationships with 'some' of the same RF distributors that you may currently submit to. We also have relationships with RF distributors that you may not have access to. Our DG opportunity gives you distribution beyond what you may be able to do for yourself.

 It would not make sense for us to upload your images under the DG brand and then have you upload them under your own brand. Having duplicate images on the same site is risky and makes a site look bad. It also risks our relationship and credibility with our partners.

The value of the opportunity is in the aggregate sales you stand to earn over 200 distributors  that you may not otherwise have access to.

We are listening, appreciate what you have to say... and look forward to hearing your feedback.




jsnover

« Reply #54 on: October 04, 2007, 22:21 »
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I am not 100% sure on this but I think offering RM images on two different sites is a bit of a risky thing....Basically if an image is listed at RM on a site - it should be exclusive.

I answered this in the other thread where it was referenced, but Alamy's Licensed model (which is what I use) does not require exclusivity - they ask you if someone wants to buy exclusive rights.

@paddy_ji  You explain why DG wants exclusive rights, and how we might be confused about what exclusive means. However, I don't think this addresses the concerns many of us have expressed.

From the contributor's point of view it's all the same - we cannot sell the image anywhere else for 2 years. That only becomes attractive if the returns from that 2 year commitment are great. Saying that 200 distributors will have the image means very little (there are a number of internet stock sites many of us have sold through that don't actually generate many sales).

I realize companies don't want to divulge private sales figures, but you're asking us to just sign up for a 2 year exclusive commitment with zero data on what might be in it for us. If you drop the exclusivity requirement, I'll bet many more people would be willing to give it a try to see what sort of sales it generates...

« Reply #55 on: October 04, 2007, 22:36 »
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On top of that, you are currently paying other contributors at a much higher commission level, then coming here and offering folks that contribute to the micros a smaller commission with delusions of "working with up to 200 other agencies that you may or may not already contribute to".

This deal is very one sided.  Make it attractive to everyone involved by boosting the commissions up to be higher than what a micro pays, and we may become interested.  Currently, you are low balling - the commission schedule is less than what we can earn at the micros.

« Reply #56 on: October 04, 2007, 23:28 »
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There is no intent to delude or misreprensent this opportunity. We have communicated and clarified the DG opportunity in a very public forum and clarified what we are offering. As I mentioned in the earlier post, this opportunity is about exposure and getting in the door. Not for everyone but for some, it is worth the effort.

StockXpert has one of the best royalty rates of all the micropayments at 50%. We are proud of that and have no intentions to change.  Not every opportunity is going to be the same.  The idea is to give you options to pick and choose what you want to participate in.

In response to jsnover and her feedback about..."saying that 200 distributors will have the image means very little (there are a number of internet stock sites many of us have sold through that don't actually generate many sales).

The internet stock sites that are not currently working for you may not be the same ones that we would be distributing through. We partner with image suppliers around the world who are able to promote our content and sell it.

What is it worth to you? According to industry pundits, the average return per image in microstock ranges from $3/image to $5/image. Check out one article here: newbielink:http://rising.blackstar.com/will-adding-more-photos-bring-getty-more-sales-3.html [nonactive]

In traditional RF channels, the return per image is significantly higher as noted in this article.

Fuel for thought.

« Reply #57 on: October 05, 2007, 01:20 »
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my questions are.

if I was to go along to jupiter outside of this "special" deal what is the royalty?
and what is the average $ / year of an image on jupiter?

I realise this is a seperate category within jupiter so there is no answer yet for this category but I would be concerned when I know a number of photogs that consider $10 image / year in traditional agencies as doing well.

Phil


« Reply #58 on: October 05, 2007, 02:07 »
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Paddy, in this article it says the average photographer is making less than $2/image/year on iStockphoto. This is a very low number and I guess for most who might be interested in the Jupiter deal and  who Jupiter wishes that they join, make considerably more.
 I would be really interested what the average of Jupiter is. Would it be possible to post this?

Or lets assume a "very good"microstocker makes $30 / image a year on microstock. Would this microstocker make more per year at Jupiter? Or what about those who make $50 a year/image at microstock?
 
This article also says Getty is giving 30%. What is in for us, that Jupiter only gives 15% commission? More marketing more sales? I am just curious, because apart from the 15% I really like the move of Jupiter. Great work there!

Forgive us our questioning an doubt about the 15% being a good deal, but for 2 years these images will be locked to Jupiter. Depending on the photographer and images a good image can earn a few hundred $ a year at microstock. Of course everywhere is risk involved I understand that, but a little more numbers would be helpful in this decision.

Thanks!

« Reply #59 on: October 05, 2007, 10:38 »
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anonymous (and all),

The reasons I have not chimed in more here is simply because I don't know the traditional market well enough.

I do know that the cost of reaching different customers varies, and I would think that this opportunity will provide a way to reach some of those customers. Just like there are photographers who are more comfortable uploading to certain sites and taking on a certain amount of risk, there are customers who feel the same. They just like doing business a certain way with certain agencies.

As for the 15%, if I felt my work was worth more I would see if there was room for negotiating. ;)

I look at it this way. Let's say I'm a traditional stock shooter for JI or someone else. Let's say I make $300,000 a year shooting traditional stock. I would be very happy with this. Would you?

If so, then how would I get there?

Not sure this is a realistic or reasonable scenario, but let's say I'm contracted to provide 1,000 sellable images a month. Over 12 months that's 12,000 images. If they bought the images from me outright, that's $25/image.

Now I would look at my individual circumstances versus that $300,000 per year seasoned stock shooter.

Am I (and my work) worth at least the same?

Being realistic, would I accept a buyout at $25 per image? Would I take my chances with a 15% royalty on a $70-$300 image? Would I pass on both or would I try and negiotiate a deal?

Well, if I knew there was potential to prove myself and perhaps move onto bigger opportunities with a reputable agency, I would definitely consider it.

Again, this is an individual decision. People have to weigh their risk tolerance versus past experience vs. their own current/future personal and professional circumstances vs. the opportunity presented vs. the long-term potential, etc. etc.

Then I'd see if I could change any of these factors to make the condition more favorable. If I still had questions, I'd e-mail them and ask.

Just my two cents

-Steve

« Reply #60 on: October 05, 2007, 16:13 »
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My view:

The 'old school' style of image distribution is in decline.  That decline appears to be accelerating.  Recent announcements from Getty and Jupiter confirm the decline.

The 'new school' of microstock and on-line delivery is growing rapidly and will continue to grow.

Prices for 'old school' delivery are falling.  Prices for microstock are rising.

The print industry (the traditional buyer of RM and exclusive images) is in long term decline.  It is being replaced by on-line content and other electronic media.  Such media needs a regular change of content to keep users interested and active.  Hence demand for images for short term use will grow and demand for long term use will decline.

The 'old school' agencies need to invest heavily in developing their microstock and on-line offerings.  The market is dominated by iStock who sell 16 million images a year (and growing).  Even at an average of just $5 a shot, that's turnover of nearly $100 million per annum.  And if statistics are correct, only 8% of the image market is presently served by microstock.  That gives scope to increase turnover to somewhere between $300 and $500 million in the years ahead.

There are only about 2,000 serious microstock photographers worldwide (by serious I mean photographers producing excellent content and achieving buoyant sales).  As usual, 80% of the income will be earned by 20% of the players (or less).

There is a serious shortage of top class microstock talent.

80% of 'old school' photographers will fail in the microstock market - they cannot produce the quality and imagination needed to compete in the competitive and aggressive microstock market, and have been too reliant on getting business because 'they are a member of the club'.

Jupiter already recognises these problems, which is why it has diversified heavily into music sales, and why it launched StockXpert.

If I was an executive at Jupiter I would ask myself some simple questions: should I throw money at trying to sustain a business model that has been outgrown by advances in technology?  Should I try to sustain that business by reducing prices, cutting photographer commissions and cutting staff and overheads (which Jupiter is already doing, along with Getty)?  Or would it be better to invest to grow that part of the business which is exposed to and well placed in a rapidly growing market?

Anyone with any sense knows the answers to these questions.

My advice to you, Paddy, is to invest to grow StockXpert; StockXpert is already widely respected and gains good comment from some of the microstock industry's most important photographers (andresr's recent comments on the StockXpert forums, for example).  There is a potentially huge market out there of which StockXpert could gain a large slice.  Take whatever action is needed to grow and become even more successful, and you'll find that the microstock photographers will support you.

« Reply #61 on: October 05, 2007, 17:23 »
0
To my thinking (and I may well be wrong) you really are after people in the top 20-25%, these people would all earn much much more than $3-$5 and my concern would be that the 15% is geared up to return somewhere around this figure.  Sorry I don't see any advantages to this deal for the photographers you are after beyond 'increased exposure' something very wishy washy and unproven, and the ego of being able to say "I'm with Jupiter".

Personally it appears this deal is relying too heavily on these last two points and is extremely is one sided as far as finances, it feels to me a bit offensive, just offer the dumb microstockers 15% and tell them their playing in the big league now and they'll be happy, maybe not but thats how it feels to me.  I also feel hatman is right with his comments about bolstering company earnings at photographers expense.

I'm sure some people will take you up on it and hopefully well see the reports of how well they are doing, maybe I'm wrong and it will turn out well.

Phil

is it me or is there an irony here that the micros have long been critisiced for 'ripping off' the photographers compared to the traditional agencies, in particular, Istock's 20%, now a traditional agency offers 15% for exclusive, half of what istock pays a good stockist for exclusivity????

Steve there are micro stockers who earn $300000, not many but there are a few.  I dont think many traditional stock shooters earning $300000 would be getting 15% ???
« Last Edit: October 05, 2007, 19:33 by rustyphil »

« Reply #62 on: October 05, 2007, 22:28 »
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is it me or is there an irony here that the micros have long been critisiced for 'ripping off' the photographers compared to the traditional agencies, in particular, Istock's 20%, now a traditional agency offers 15% for exclusive, half of what istock pays a good stockist for exclusivity????


This was my first thought, and there are traditional stock photographers who will not be happy about this development. Even if this is an offer to a limited group of contributors, it reflects an attitude, and news spread very fast these days.

grp_photo

« Reply #63 on: October 07, 2007, 02:42 »
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Does anybody now what percentage the gold and diamond istock-exclusives get for their pictures at Getty (i think they are in the RF-Collection called photodisc but i am not sure about this).
In any case i think it should be at least the same percentage.
AFAIK 20 - 30 % is the normal RF-Standard (RM is higher) 15% really seems to be ridiculous low. 

« Reply #64 on: December 19, 2007, 00:43 »
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anyone sign up to this offer?

helix7

« Reply #65 on: January 09, 2008, 12:45 »
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Resurrecting an oldie here...

Has anyone tried this StockXpert/JI program? I'm wondering if anyone signed up and what kind of returns they have been getting.

FYI, I emailed Seb and got some info, and the royalty is now 20%.


« Reply #66 on: January 09, 2008, 13:06 »
0
I got in contact with them in the beginning of october and exchanged a few e-mails. I am ready to upload a few sample images, but their ftp-adress was not working for me. So in the end of november I contacted them again and asking if they can help with it and since then I never heard something again from them. Very very slow process (However I must admit I was not the fastest too.) So now its three month and they have not even looked at my sample images I want to send them. So this images, but only a very few, are just sitting on my harddisc and I am beginning to consider to cancel that with Jupiter Images and put them on Alamy or Microstock if they do not answer soon. Right now its lost money, they could have earned me in the last 3 month.

« Reply #67 on: January 11, 2008, 05:01 »
0
Update: Jupiter contacted me again. It seems they did not got my last mail, so I wrote them again, I hope they will receive the e-mail now. Thanks steve for letting them know about my issue, they responded immediately.

« Reply #68 on: January 11, 2008, 07:29 »
0
I send them an email long time ago (2 months), no response. I'll not fight for 15% commision...


 

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