Author Topic: Although I'm making some money, I decided to delete all my photos from iStock (Read 27755 times)

helloitsme · « **on:** February 27, 2017, 01:17 »

because of low price they sell for and pennies we get.

alno · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2017, 04:55 »

Sounds heroic. Another frustrated little person desperate speech. I guess istock wouldn't notice that but people here would like it, one more competitor is gone. How many people who liked your post still keep their own portfolio online on istock?

sharpshot · « **Reply #2 on:** February 27, 2017, 05:08 »

Well done, did the same at the end of 2016. Ignore Irina, one of us leaving makes no difference but lots of us have done it now and I'm sure that does make a difference in several ways. Can't say I have noticed a loss of earnings, I'm sure most buyers are happy to use at least 2 sites and hopefully when they see what the competition has to offer, they wont need istock as much.

cathyslife · « **Reply #3 on:** February 27, 2017, 06:27 »

Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 04:55

Sounds heroic. Another frustrated little person desperate speech. I guess istock wouldn't notice that but people here would like it, one more competitor is gone. How many people who liked your post still keep their own portfolio online on istock?

I liked the post, and my portfolio has been gone from there for a few years. I dont see leaving as frustration, I see it as good business sense. When it takes a lot more money to produce something that brings such insultingly low returns, it is time to not do business with that company. I didnt leave because I expected istock to notice, I left to focus energies and time elsewhere...so I could pay my bills. And because I expect to be treated better. I liked the post because one more person decided they have had enough and it justs drags down the whole industry by staying and allowing oneself to be abused by them.

Maybe you are at the top of the pile, getting preferential treatment from istock and your images are always best-sellers. I can see why you would want to stay. But a whole lot of "little people" who still produce good, saleable stock photos expect more than, what, 2 cents royalty (or is it 0 cents now?).

helloitsme · « **Reply #4 on:** February 27, 2017, 08:13 »

Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 04:55

Sounds heroic. Another frustrated little person desperate speech. I guess istock wouldn't notice that but people here would like it, one more competitor is gone. How many people who liked your post still keep their own portfolio online on istock?

helloitsme · « **Reply #5 on:** February 27, 2017, 08:19 »

Can I delete my files by myself on iStock?

helloitsme · « **Reply #6 on:** February 27, 2017, 08:21 »

I did my calculation and found out that the same photos on iStock I have make 3x as much on Shutterstock. So, definitely I was undercutting myself selling on iStock and it's bad for myself.

alno · « **Reply #7 on:** February 27, 2017, 08:22 »

Quote from: cathyslife on February 27, 2017, 06:27

Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 04:55
Sounds heroic. Another frustrated little person desperate speech. I guess istock wouldn't notice that but people here would like it, one more competitor is gone. How many people who liked your post still keep their own portfolio online on istock?

I liked the post, and my portfolio has been gone from there for a few years. I dont see leaving as frustration, I see it as good business sense.

It's quite a strange business sense to waste some more time with instant portfolio deletion instead of simple stopping new uploads and getting some residual income as some sort of compensation.

ShadySue · « **Reply #8 on:** February 27, 2017, 08:59 »

Quote from: helloitsme on February 27, 2017, 08:19

Can I delete my files by myself on iStock?

No.

cathyslife · « **Reply #9 on:** February 27, 2017, 09:15 »

Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 08:22

Quote from: cathyslife on February 27, 2017, 06:27
Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 04:55
Sounds heroic. Another frustrated little person desperate speech. I guess istock wouldn't notice that but people here would like it, one more competitor is gone. How many people who liked your post still keep their own portfolio online on istock?

I liked the post, and my portfolio has been gone from there for a few years. I dont see leaving as frustration, I see it as good business sense.

It's quite a strange business sense to waste some more time with instant portfolio deletion instead of simple stopping new uploads and getting some residual income as some sort of compensation.

I guess you missed the part where I said I don't want to do business with a company who treats me poorly...I am just not into abuse. Along with MY business sense is also something called ethics and pride in product. If you think "its far better to make a penny than nothing at all", then you can have it. istock must LOVE you.

angelawaye · « **Reply #10 on:** February 27, 2017, 10:20 »

Good for you! I deleted my files at the end of 2016 and never looked back. Some people are fine selling their work for 2 cents - not me.

Pixart · « **Reply #11 on:** February 27, 2017, 10:50 »

Well, since you asked - I "liked" the post and I also deleted my photos a couple years back.

And your other point - no, it doesn't make sense to keep your existing files live if you feel like you are being taken advantage of, abused, treated with little or no respect or if you are propping up a distributor who is ultimately harming the industry.

Anyone who enjoys they way they are treated should also enjoy their earnings.

alijaber · « **Reply #12 on:** February 27, 2017, 12:06 »

Quote from: Pixart on February 27, 2017, 10:50

Well, since you asked - I "liked" the post and I also deleted my photos a couple years back.

The same here.. left at Feb 2015

stockastic · « **Reply #13 on:** February 27, 2017, 13:22 »

Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 08:22

Quote from: cathyslife on February 27, 2017, 06:27
Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 04:55
Sounds heroic. Another frustrated little person desperate speech. I guess istock wouldn't notice that but people here would like it, one more competitor is gone. How many people who liked your post still keep their own portfolio online on istock?

I liked the post, and my portfolio has been gone from there for a few years. I dont see leaving as frustration, I see it as good business sense.

It's quite a strange business sense to waste some more time with instant portfolio deletion instead of simple stopping new uploads and getting some residual income as some sort of compensation.

That residual income is increasingly going to them, not us. I quit IS long ago, and last month I closed accounts at SS and DT. Tired of feeling like a sap and being angry every time I read something new about these so-called 'agencies'.

angelawaye · « **Reply #14 on:** February 27, 2017, 13:39 »

Stockastic, do you only sell macro now?

sharpshot · « **Reply #15 on:** February 27, 2017, 14:34 »

Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 08:22

Quote from: cathyslife on February 27, 2017, 06:27
Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 04:55
Sounds heroic. Another frustrated little person desperate speech. I guess istock wouldn't notice that but people here would like it, one more competitor is gone. How many people who liked your post still keep their own portfolio online on istock?

I liked the post, and my portfolio has been gone from there for a few years. I dont see leaving as frustration, I see it as good business sense.

It's quite a strange business sense to waste some more time with instant portfolio deletion instead of simple stopping new uploads and getting some residual income as some sort of compensation.

It takes less than a minute to send an email requesting to leave. It makes no business sense to be undercutting other sites that have higher prices and pay a much bigger percentage. My only regret about leaving istock is that I didn't do it a few years earlier.

Tror · « **Reply #16 on:** February 27, 2017, 15:00 »

You have more self-respect and dignity than many others which have no better idea than putting whatever pricetag on their works......

stockastic · « **Reply #17 on:** February 27, 2017, 15:22 »

Quote from: angelawaye on February 27, 2017, 13:39

Stockastic, do you only sell macro now?

I left my 300 or so 'stock' photos on Alamy, and get a sale once in a blue moon. But I'm selling more 'wall art' photos on FAA all the time. I'm a small player with no marketing, but even so, I might sell a few prints there in a month. And I no longer feel like a sap.

alno · « **Reply #18 on:** February 27, 2017, 16:13 »

Quote from: cathyslife on February 27, 2017, 09:15

Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 08:22
Quote from: cathyslife on February 27, 2017, 06:27
Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 04:55
Sounds heroic. Another frustrated little person desperate speech. I guess istock wouldn't notice that but people here would like it, one more competitor is gone. How many people who liked your post still keep their own portfolio online on istock?

I liked the post, and my portfolio has been gone from there for a few years. I dont see leaving as frustration, I see it as good business sense.

It's quite a strange business sense to waste some more time with instant portfolio deletion instead of simple stopping new uploads and getting some residual income as some sort of compensation.

I guess you missed the part where I said I don't want to do business with a company who treats me poorly...I am just not into abuse. Along with MY business sense is also something called ethics and pride in product. If you think "its far better to make a penny than nothing at all", then you can have it. istock must LOVE you.

Well, that's definitely not a penny, although my portfolio there is less than a year old. I don't defend that crappy greedy site, but you and many other decent people here take it too personal. Why? You are not raising your chidren with them. It's just some pictures which sell elsewhere too. I've noticed some time ago that words "ethics" and "pride" are often used in cases of hobby-businesses instead of words "new car" and go along with just couple of hundreds of income

Somebody talked about undercutting himself or herself. Be honest to yourself, are your pictures that unique the buyer would go looking for them on a cheaper site? The market is oversaturated and the answer is no in 99,99%.

Daryl Ray · « **Reply #19 on:** February 27, 2017, 17:08 »

Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 16:13

Quote from: cathyslife on February 27, 2017, 09:15
Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 08:22
Quote from: cathyslife on February 27, 2017, 06:27
Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 04:55
Sounds heroic. Another frustrated little person desperate speech. I guess istock wouldn't notice that but people here would like it, one more competitor is gone. How many people who liked your post still keep their own portfolio online on istock?

I liked the post, and my portfolio has been gone from there for a few years. I dont see leaving as frustration, I see it as good business sense.

It's quite a strange business sense to waste some more time with instant portfolio deletion instead of simple stopping new uploads and getting some residual income as some sort of compensation.

I guess you missed the part where I said I don't want to do business with a company who treats me poorly...I am just not into abuse. Along with MY business sense is also something called ethics and pride in product. If you think "its far better to make a penny than nothing at all", then you can have it. istock must LOVE you.

Well, that's definitely not a penny, although my portfolio there is less than a year old. I don't defend that crappy greedy site, but you and many other decent people here take it too personal. Why? You are not raising your chidren with them. It's just some pictures which sell elsewhere too. I've noticed some time ago that words "ethics" and "pride" are often used in cases of hobby-businesses instead of words "new car" and go along with just couple of hundreds of income Somebody talked about undercutting himself or herself. Be honest to yourself, are your pictures that unique the buyer would go looking for them on a cheaper site? The market is oversaturated and the answer is no in 99,99%.

When a "crappy greedy" company has direct and obvious contempt for it's contributors, yes, it is personal.

It's not "hobby income", when it's "feeding your family and paying mortgage income". A hobby to you does not mean it's a hobby to someone else.

"with just couple of hundreds of income" Who's income? $150 to a contributor made iStock $850. If that doesn't bother you, you either work for iStock or have no respect for what you create.

"are your pictures that unique the buyer would go looking for them on a cheaper site?" The answer is yes, mine are, I've seen many others here that could say the same. How about you speak for yourself.

"ethics" and "pride". Someone with both would remove their content from iStock as soon as they understand how awful of a company they are.

angelawaye · « **Reply #20 on:** February 27, 2017, 17:41 »

Daryl Ray, you are spot on!

helloitsme · « **Reply #21 on:** February 27, 2017, 17:56 »

I got locked up in iStock prison. I requested them to delete all my photos, but they replied they won't. It's like once you are in, you are in for life mafia kind of deal. It's ridiculous.

ShadySue · « **Reply #22 on:** February 27, 2017, 18:14 »

Quote from: helloitsme on February 27, 2017, 17:56

I got locked up in iStock prison. I requested them to delete all my photos, but they replied they won't. It's like once you are in, you are in for life mafia kind of deal. It's ridiculous.

What? They refused let you cancel your contract, as per their terms?
What exactly did they say?

Did you ask to deactivate all your files, or to end your contract with them?

sharpshot · « **Reply #23 on:** February 27, 2017, 18:30 »

Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 16:13

Quote from: cathyslife on February 27, 2017, 09:15
Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 08:22
Quote from: cathyslife on February 27, 2017, 06:27
Quote from: Irina Anosova on February 27, 2017, 04:55
Sounds heroic. Another frustrated little person desperate speech. I guess istock wouldn't notice that but people here would like it, one more competitor is gone. How many people who liked your post still keep their own portfolio online on istock?

I liked the post, and my portfolio has been gone from there for a few years. I dont see leaving as frustration, I see it as good business sense.

It's quite a strange business sense to waste some more time with instant portfolio deletion instead of simple stopping new uploads and getting some residual income as some sort of compensation.

I guess you missed the part where I said I don't want to do business with a company who treats me poorly...I am just not into abuse. Along with MY business sense is also something called ethics and pride in product. If you think "its far better to make a penny than nothing at all", then you can have it. istock must LOVE you.

Well, that's definitely not a penny, although my portfolio there is less than a year old. I don't defend that crappy greedy site, but you and many other decent people here take it too personal. Why? You are not raising your chidren with them. It's just some pictures which sell elsewhere too. I've noticed some time ago that words "ethics" and "pride" are often used in cases of hobby-businesses instead of words "new car" and go along with just couple of hundreds of income Somebody talked about undercutting himself or herself. Be honest to yourself, are your pictures that unique the buyer would go looking for them on a cheaper site? The market is oversaturated and the answer is no in 99,99%.

I disagree. Many professionals never used istock because they didn't like 20%. Many more left when they went below 20%. I left for a logical reason, nothing to do with being precious about my images. If they had enough sales volume to justify paying so little, I would of stayed but the fact is they don't. Selling less for lower commission and at lower prices doesn't appeal to me. Unlike you, I can see that there's still lots of buyers willing to pay more and lots of sites willing to give me a bigger cut.

helloitsme · « **Reply #24 on:** February 27, 2017, 20:27 »

Quote from: ShadySue on February 27, 2017, 18:14

Quote from: helloitsme on February 27, 2017, 17:56
I got locked up in iStock prison. I requested them to delete all my photos, but they replied they won't. It's like once you are in, you are in for life mafia kind of deal. It's ridiculous.
What? They refused let you cancel your contract, as per their terms?
What exactly did they say?

Did you ask to deactivate all your files, or to end your contract with them?

You don't work for iStock, right? If you do, they may end my contributor membership if I post something negative. Wait a minute, that's actually a good thing!!

I requested to delete all my photos and here's their reply.

"We will only consider deactivating files for legal or similar justifiable reasons as it provides a negative experience for customers when files are suddenly unavailable for license."

ShadySue · « **Reply #25 on:** February 27, 2017, 20:44 »

I absolutely don't work for them.
Just ask for your contract to be ended. It'll take some time as per the ASA, and you'll get dribbles of income, but you'll be out. Just asking for your files to be deactivated isn't the same thing.

Mantis · « **Reply #26 on:** February 27, 2017, 21:35 »

Quote from: helloitsme on February 27, 2017, 20:27

Quote from: ShadySue on February 27, 2017, 18:14
Quote from: helloitsme on February 27, 2017, 17:56
I got locked up in iStock prison. I requested them to delete all my photos, but they replied they won't. It's like once you are in, you are in for life mafia kind of deal. It's ridiculous.
What? They refused let you cancel your contract, as per their terms?
What exactly did they say?

Did you ask to deactivate all your files, or to end your contract with them?

You don't work for iStock, right? If you do, they may end my contributor membership if I post something negative. Wait a minute, that's actually a good thing!!

I requested to delete all my photos and here's their reply.

"We will only consider deactivating files for legal or similar justifiable reasons as it provides a negative experience for customers when files are suddenly unavailable for license."

You cannot deactivate all of your images, you have to go for the whole tamale and ask to close your account. It's all or nothing.

helloitsme · « **Reply #27 on:** February 27, 2017, 21:43 »

OK, I'll ask for honorable discharge. Thanks.

alno · « **Reply #28 on:** February 28, 2017, 02:32 »

Quote from: Daryl Ray on February 27, 2017, 17:08

"ethics" and "pride". Someone with both would remove their content from iStock as soon as they understand how awful of a company they are.

I've got a feeling I'm talking to Russian people who pay too much attention to earnings of others

Please don't monopolize those words, "ethics" and "pride". Funny thing about you and many others on this forum that you turn your helplessness about istock or any other site into some sort of dignity cult. "Cheer me up, I've left!" It's not a slavery, it's a free market.

Pauws99 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 28, 2017, 02:44 »

Quote from: helloitsme on February 27, 2017, 20:27

Quote from: ShadySue on February 27, 2017, 18:14
Quote from: helloitsme on February 27, 2017, 17:56
I got locked up in iStock prison. I requested them to delete all my photos, but they replied they won't. It's like once you are in, you are in for life mafia kind of deal. It's ridiculous.
What? They refused let you cancel your contract, as per their terms?
What exactly did they say?

Did you ask to deactivate all your files, or to end your contract with them?

You don't work for iStock, right? If you do, they may end my contributor membership if I post something negative. Wait a minute, that's actually a good thing!!

I requested to delete all my photos and here's their reply.

"We will only consider deactivating files for legal or similar justifiable reasons as it provides a negative experience for customers when files are suddenly unavailable for license."

You need to close your account I think

Ariene · « **Reply #30 on:** February 28, 2017, 03:03 »

Irina, you must be new in the stock industry? I used to think the way you think now... It took years until I opened my eyes.
I also left iS, like every other micros few years ago and so far I had no regrets, my earnings doubled out there with other agencies (there are lots of fair pricing, respecting our work), and from what I can see with my friends the trend is going only in one direction for micros - to the bottom.

Give time to yourself Irina, you will find out why it's not worthwhile to sell for so cheap and undervalue your work. Actually, when I left micros many people here were joking and laughed on me and now, after few years, they do the same - leaving micros one by one...

I remember when I joined SS and other micros almost 10 years ago it was about masses of sales. Maybe it had some sense for photographers to earn loads of $ fast... Well, it's not working this way anymore. Not now, when you have to compete with over 100 mln garbage images.

From SS site: "Over 125 million royalty-free stock images / Over 1,000,000 new stock images added weekly". I mean wow! Should it tell you something?

dpimborough · « **Reply #31 on:** February 28, 2017, 03:42 »

Irina said earlier she's been contributing for under one year.

She'll learn soon enough

alno · « **Reply #32 on:** February 28, 2017, 04:19 »

Quote from: Ariene on February 28, 2017, 03:03

Irina, you must be new in the stock industry? I used to think the way you think now... It took years until I opened my eyes.
I also left iS, like every other micros few years ago and so far I had no regrets, my earnings doubled out there with other agencies (there are lots of fair pricing, respecting our work), and from what I can see with my friends the trend is going only in one direction for micros - to the bottom.

Give time to yourself Irina, you will find out why it's not worthwhile to sell for so cheap and undervalue your work. Actually, when I left micros many people here were joking and laughed on me and now, after few years, they do the same - leaving micros one by one...

I remember when I joined SS and other micros almost 10 years ago it was about masses of sales. Maybe it had some sense for photographers to earn loads of $ fast... Well, it's not working this way anymore. Not now, when you have to compete with over 100 mln garbage images.

From SS site: "Over 125 million royalty-free stock images / Over 1,000,000 new stock images added weekly". I mean wow! Should it tell you something?
[/

My portfolio on istock is under one year, my total contributing experience is a little more than 2 years. I don't do photos in first place, my main income goes from videos. I use batch uploading software and upload only screenshots from some videos to multiple sites, including istock, sort of collateral income, about 5% of total. To say the truth I can't imagine somebody starting uploading photos only nowdays. It's really pathetic to watch your precious hours of life being sold for 20 or 30 cents even 30 or 100 times a day. The same thing will surely happen to videos, I guess we have 3-4 years left. I hope to find another sources of income meanwhile. I wish all other members of this forum could do the same, this would prevent them from being old farts full of pride, ethics and old days glory complaining about some new pricing model $1 per 4K on Shutterstock in 2025

sharpshot · « **Reply #33 on:** February 28, 2017, 07:26 »

Irina, I started 10 years ago and the amount I make per sale with SS has gone up a lot over those years. This week I sold a photo I took years ago on SS for $60. That doesn't happen all the time but just shows that there's still money to be made with stills and there's no need for non-exclusives to think that they have to accept pennies for their images. I understand that getting a few extra dollars a month from istock might seem like a good idea but I think it just gives the other sites an excuse to pay us less. When there's lots of places to sell, why waste time with a site that isn't as good as the rest?

Daryl Ray · « **Reply #34 on:** February 28, 2017, 08:14 »

Maybe microstock has more than "3-4 years left" if new contributors didn't come into the game acting like they know it all, maybe actually listened to those with a few more years under their belt trying to give valuable advice. Maybe they shouldn't be taking a firm, uneducated stand about things they have no historical context of, uploading blindly "to multiple sites, including iStock,". Maybe not undercutting, maybe not perpetrating the continuation of the precedent that companies can pillage our earnings while some of us smile and thank them. Maybe, just maybe, "The same thing will surely not happen to videos", unless of course folks like you continue being mesmerized by trickling pennies, refuse to listen to reason, and continue actively contributing to the demise of this industry.

Maybe it's a language thing, but no one is telling you what to do. It's called advice from people who have been in this long enough to know the difference between sustainability and erosion. The history is there, whether you want to listen or not.

Daryl Ray · « **Reply #35 on:** February 28, 2017, 08:46 »

People like Irina see microstock as a sinking ship. They have the option, the freedom, to go do something else, but no, they get on, bring a hammer, and smash holes in the boat. All the while ignoring reason and the pleas of fellow shipmates begging them to think about what they are doing. It doesn't occur to them, or enough seasoned contributors for that matter, that if more of us started patching those holes instead of making them bigger, and did what little we can each do individually, that maybe we might come to realize the ship isn't sinking that fast, maybe not at all.

ShadySue · « **Reply #36 on:** February 28, 2017, 13:46 »

Quote from: Daryl Ray on February 28, 2017, 08:46

People like Irina see microstock as a sinking ship. They have the option, the freedom, to go do something else, but no, they get on, bring a hammer, and smash holes in the boat. All the while ignoring reason and the pleas of fellow shipmates begging them to think about what they are doing. It doesn't occur to them, or enough seasoned contributors for that matter, that if more of us started patching those holes instead of making them bigger, and did what little we can each do individually, that maybe we might come to realize the ship isn't sinking that fast, maybe not at all.

You might as well whistle down the wind.
It's the same argument I (and others) made years ago about selling for 25c on SS; and which the old macro shooters made about iS.

ShadySue · « **Reply #37 on:** February 28, 2017, 13:50 »

Quote from: sharpshot on February 28, 2017, 07:26

This week I sold a photo I took years ago on SS for $60. That doesn't happen all the time but just shows that there's still money to be made with stills and there's no need for non-exclusives to think that they have to accept pennies for their images.

Good that you got $60 for a sale.

But I bet most of the rest of your sales this week were for pennies, and you had to accept that (AFAIK, you can't opt out of subs sales on SS [or any other micros]). or remove your port from SS.

Pauws99 · « **Reply #38 on:** February 28, 2017, 13:54 »

Quote from: Daryl Ray on February 28, 2017, 08:46

People like Irina see microstock as a sinking ship. They have the option, the freedom, to go do something else, but no, they get on, bring a hammer, and smash holes in the boat. All the while ignoring reason and the pleas of fellow shipmates begging them to think about what they are doing. It doesn't occur to them, or enough seasoned contributors for that matter, that if more of us started patching those holes instead of making them bigger, and did what little we can each do individually, that maybe we might come to realize the ship isn't sinking that fast, maybe not at all.

So can you name a web based service/industry where the same thing hasn't happened? its just the reality of the market place it doesn't make me like it or think its fair or just.

"From now on I'm thinking only of me.” Major Danby replied indulgently with a superior smile: “But, Yossarian, suppose everyone felt that way?”
“Then,” said Yossarian, “I'd certainly be a damned fool to feel any other way, wouldn't I?”

Daryl Ray · « **Reply #39 on:** February 28, 2017, 13:55 »

Quote from: ShadySue on February 28, 2017, 13:46

Quote from: Daryl Ray on February 28, 2017, 08:46
People like Irina see microstock as a sinking ship. They have the option, the freedom, to go do something else, but no, they get on, bring a hammer, and smash holes in the boat. All the while ignoring reason and the pleas of fellow shipmates begging them to think about what they are doing. It doesn't occur to them, or enough seasoned contributors for that matter, that if more of us started patching those holes instead of making them bigger, and did what little we can each do individually, that maybe we might come to realize the ship isn't sinking that fast, maybe not at all.
You might as well whistle down the wind.
It's the same argument I (and others) made years ago about selling for 25c on SS; and which the old macro shooters made about iS.

I know it. But I think it bears repeating, maybe not for the stubborn cats I'm wasting time "debating" with, but for the sake of the silent readers of these forums.

Daryl Ray · « **Reply #40 on:** February 28, 2017, 13:58 »

Quote from: Pauws99 on February 28, 2017, 13:54

Quote from: Daryl Ray on February 28, 2017, 08:46
People like Irina see microstock as a sinking ship. They have the option, the freedom, to go do something else, but no, they get on, bring a hammer, and smash holes in the boat. All the while ignoring reason and the pleas of fellow shipmates begging them to think about what they are doing. It doesn't occur to them, or enough seasoned contributors for that matter, that if more of us started patching those holes instead of making them bigger, and did what little we can each do individually, that maybe we might come to realize the ship isn't sinking that fast, maybe not at all.
So can you name a web based service/industry where the same thing hasn't happened? its just the reality of the market place it doesn't make me like it or think its fair or just.

"From now on I'm thinking only of me.” Major Danby replied indulgently with a superior smile: “But, Yossarian, suppose everyone felt that way?”
“Then,” said Yossarian, “I'd certainly be a damned fool to feel any other way, wouldn't I?”

Yup, stock video. Although, it inevitably will because of aforementioned reasons.

Pauws99 · « **Reply #41 on:** February 28, 2017, 14:08 »

Quote from: Daryl Ray on February 28, 2017, 13:58

Quote from: Pauws99 on February 28, 2017, 13:54
Quote from: Daryl Ray on February 28, 2017, 08:46
People like Irina see microstock as a sinking ship. They have the option, the freedom, to go do something else, but no, they get on, bring a hammer, and smash holes in the boat. All the while ignoring reason and the pleas of fellow shipmates begging them to think about what they are doing. It doesn't occur to them, or enough seasoned contributors for that matter, that if more of us started patching those holes instead of making them bigger, and did what little we can each do individually, that maybe we might come to realize the ship isn't sinking that fast, maybe not at all.
So can you name a web based service/industry where the same thing hasn't happened? its just the reality of the market place it doesn't make me like it or think its fair or just.

"From now on I'm thinking only of me.” Major Danby replied indulgently with a superior smile: “But, Yossarian, suppose everyone felt that way?”
“Then,” said Yossarian, “I'd certainly be a damned fool to feel any other way, wouldn't I?”

Yup, stock video. Although, it inevitably will because of aforementioned reasons.

Its already happening as you have pointed out in other posts its just behind because the barriers of entry are higher.

Daryl Ray · « **Reply #42 on:** February 28, 2017, 14:11 »

Quote from: Pauws99 on February 28, 2017, 14:08

Quote from: Daryl Ray on February 28, 2017, 13:58
Quote from: Pauws99 on February 28, 2017, 13:54
Quote from: Daryl Ray on February 28, 2017, 08:46
People like Irina see microstock as a sinking ship. They have the option, the freedom, to go do something else, but no, they get on, bring a hammer, and smash holes in the boat. All the while ignoring reason and the pleas of fellow shipmates begging them to think about what they are doing. It doesn't occur to them, or enough seasoned contributors for that matter, that if more of us started patching those holes instead of making them bigger, and did what little we can each do individually, that maybe we might come to realize the ship isn't sinking that fast, maybe not at all.
So can you name a web based service/industry where the same thing hasn't happened? its just the reality of the market place it doesn't make me like it or think its fair or just.

"From now on I'm thinking only of me.” Major Danby replied indulgently with a superior smile: “But, Yossarian, suppose everyone felt that way?”
“Then,” said Yossarian, “I'd certainly be a damned fool to feel any other way, wouldn't I?”

Yup, stock video. Although, it inevitably will because of aforementioned reasons.
Its already happening as you have pointed out in other posts its just behind because the barriers of entry are higher.

Fair enough. Doesn't mean we shouldn't keep pushing back as long as possible.

Pauws99 · « **Reply #43 on:** February 28, 2017, 14:16 »

Quote from: Daryl Ray on February 28, 2017, 14:11

Quote from: Pauws99 on February 28, 2017, 14:08
Quote from: Daryl Ray on February 28, 2017, 13:58
Quote from: Pauws99 on February 28, 2017, 13:54
Quote from: Daryl Ray on February 28, 2017, 08:46
People like Irina see microstock as a sinking ship. They have the option, the freedom, to go do something else, but no, they get on, bring a hammer, and smash holes in the boat. All the while ignoring reason and the pleas of fellow shipmates begging them to think about what they are doing. It doesn't occur to them, or enough seasoned contributors for that matter, that if more of us started patching those holes instead of making them bigger, and did what little we can each do individually, that maybe we might come to realize the ship isn't sinking that fast, maybe not at all.
So can you name a web based service/industry where the same thing hasn't happened? its just the reality of the market place it doesn't make me like it or think its fair or just.

"From now on I'm thinking only of me.” Major Danby replied indulgently with a superior smile: “But, Yossarian, suppose everyone felt that way?”
“Then,” said Yossarian, “I'd certainly be a damned fool to feel any other way, wouldn't I?”

Yup, stock video. Although, it inevitably will because of aforementioned reasons.
Its already happening as you have pointed out in other posts its just behind because the barriers of entry are higher.

Fair enough. Doesn't mean we shouldn't keep pushing back as long as possible.

I also believe for the really talented there will always be a premium for the averagely talented like myself it will just get harder and harder. tbh when I see some of the really great work on microstock I do believe some people do undersell themselves particularly the really artistic stuff as I'm not sure it even sells well there.

alno · « **Reply #44 on:** February 28, 2017, 16:58 »

Quote from: Daryl Ray on February 28, 2017, 08:46

People like Irina see microstock as a sinking ship. They have the option, the freedom, to go do something else, but no, they get on, bring a hammer, and smash holes in the boat. All the while ignoring reason and the pleas of fellow shipmates begging them to think about what they are doing. It doesn't occur to them, or enough seasoned contributors for that matter, that if more of us started patching those holes instead of making them bigger, and did what little we can each do individually, that maybe we might come to realize the ship isn't sinking that fast, maybe not at all.

Slowly sinking ship is still way better than ever floating s*it. I guess "fellow shipmates" was a bit sugary for "competitors", no? Some of those shipmates have noticed earlier that they have unique portfolio. What is their concern about then?

memakephoto · « **Reply #45 on:** February 28, 2017, 18:04 »

Microstock is geared, more and more, toward third world nations. $100 US, in some places, represents a major improvement to one's lifestyle. Even in Russia, $1 US is equal to 58 rubles. Irina seems willfully ignorant that there are places in the world that are not Moscow. In some places $100 US per month is not even worth mentioning but she will chastise anyone not willing to ride the sinking ship with her straight to the bottom.

I wish I lived in a place where the money i make from microstock was worth the effort. I know i will never make enough money from microstock to make any difference in my life, if I didn't have fun, I wouldn't do it at all. I don't think I'll do it with Istock anymore.

sharpshot · « **Reply #46 on:** February 28, 2017, 18:05 »

Quote from: ShadySue on February 28, 2017, 13:50

Quote from: sharpshot on February 28, 2017, 07:26
This week I sold a photo I took years ago on SS for $60. That doesn't happen all the time but just shows that there's still money to be made with stills and there's no need for non-exclusives to think that they have to accept pennies for their images.
Good that you got $60 for a sale.
But I bet most of the rest of your sales this week were for pennies, and you had to accept that (AFAIK, you can't opt out of subs sales on SS [or any other micros]). or remove your port from SS.

I don't mind subs when there's high sales volume and a minimum $0.38 is much better than $0.02 with istock. I average $1.28 per sale with SS this month, so they do have more than the occasional higher priced sale and I get dollars, not pennies.

ShadySue · « **Reply #47 on:** February 28, 2017, 19:13 »

Quote from: sharpshot on February 28, 2017, 18:05

Quote from: ShadySue on February 28, 2017, 13:50
Quote from: sharpshot on February 28, 2017, 07:26
This week I sold a photo I took years ago on SS for $60. That doesn't happen all the time but just shows that there's still money to be made with stills and there's no need for non-exclusives to think that they have to accept pennies for their images.
Good that you got $60 for a sale.
But I bet most of the rest of your sales this week were for pennies, and you had to accept that (AFAIK, you can't opt out of subs sales on SS [or any other micros]). or remove your port from SS.
I don't mind subs when there's high sales volume and a minimum $0.38 is much better than $0.02 with istock. I average $1.28 per sale with SS this month, so they do have more than the occasional higher priced sale and I get dollars, not pennies.

Not arguing that 38c isn't better than 2c. Just pointing out that people do have to accept pennies for their images in most cases on micros, even if some sales might be better.

SpaceStockFootage · « **Reply #48 on:** February 28, 2017, 19:54 »

Quote from: helloitsme on February 27, 2017, 20:27

"We will only consider deactivating files for legal or similar justifiable reasons as it provides a negative experience for customers when files are suddenly unavailable for license."

If I got that reply, I'd respond with:

Well it's not a legal issue just yet, but as I've revoked my permission for you to host my copyrighted images on your site, it could quickly become one if you don't remove them at your earliest convenience. Hopefully that's justifiable enough for you.

Mantis · « **Reply #49 on:** February 28, 2017, 19:59 »

Quote from: SpaceStockFootage on February 28, 2017, 19:54

Quote from: helloitsme on February 27, 2017, 20:27
"We will only consider deactivating files for legal or similar justifiable reasons as it provides a negative experience for customers when files are suddenly unavailable for license."

If I got that reply, I'd respond with:

Well it's not a legal issue just yet, but as I've revoked my permission for you to host my copyrighted images on your site, it could quickly become one if you don't remove them at your earliest convenience. Hopefully that's justifiable enough for you.

You have to remember that they were very clear about their policy for deactivating images prior to going live with that promise. Helloitsme or anyone else will get the same response unless their request is to close my account with a 30-day notice. But I'm sure you knew that.

JimP · « **Reply #50 on:** March 02, 2017, 08:43 »

Quote from: Mantis on February 28, 2017, 19:59

Quote from: SpaceStockFootage on February 28, 2017, 19:54
Quote from: helloitsme on February 27, 2017, 20:27
"We will only consider deactivating files for legal or similar justifiable reasons as it provides a negative experience for customers when files are suddenly unavailable for license."

If I got that reply, I'd respond with:

Well it's not a legal issue just yet, but as I've revoked my permission for you to host my copyrighted images on your site, it could quickly become one if you don't remove them at your earliest convenience. Hopefully that's justifiable enough for you.

You have to remember that they were very clear about their policy for deactivating images prior to going live with that promise. Helloitsme or anyone else will get the same response unless their request is to close my account with a 30-day notice. But I'm sure you knew that.

is pays 15% of subs and that can go as low as under 10c per download. ss pays about 28% and rank beginer gets 25c, when we grow we get more. Is when we grow we get the same 15% and low pay.

Read this before it's censored. Phil is leaving in a bang. I wouldn't exit this way but maybe he will make the leaving faster.

If anyone has any information on how I can close my account at istock or Getty.. where am I right now? Why . did they move istock forums here if the istock website is still active?? please email me at PhilWohlrab

all posts by phil https://contributors.gettyimages.com/forum/default.aspx?g=search&[email protected]#0|5

madman · « **Reply #51 on:** March 02, 2017, 11:07 »

Quote from: helloitsme on February 27, 2017, 01:17

because of low price they sell for and pennies we get.

thats right, it seems they don't give a care to contributors and their arts anymore.

diplikaya · « **Reply #52 on:** March 02, 2017, 13:12 »

iStock focused on exclusive contributors, they want images that the buyers can only find on iStock. If you upload only to iStock they pay very high commissions in comparison to non-exclusives. They do not want to pay for images that buyers can find elsewhere. Actually, they say be exclusive or leave. As you noticed the "Microstock Poll Results" on the right you can see exclusive contributors earn nearly 5 times more than non-exclusives and 3 times more than Shutterstock contributors.

I have acquaintances who earn well in iStock and all of them is exclusive. So you need to be exclusive or just leave.

Pauws99 · « **Reply #53 on:** March 02, 2017, 13:30 »

Quote from: diplikaya on March 02, 2017, 13:12

iStock focused on exclusive contributors, they want images that the buyers can only find on iStock. If you upload only to iStock they pay very high commissions in comparison to non-exclusives. They do not want to pay for images that buyers can find elsewhere. Actually, they say be exclusive or leave. As you noticed the "Microstock Poll Results" on the right you can see exclusive contributors earn nearly 5 times more than non-exclusives and 3 times more than Shutterstock contributors.

I have acquaintances who earn well in iStock and all of them is exclusive. So you need to be exclusive or just leave.

Athough if non-exclusives did leave then they probably couldn't afford those high commissions for exclusives. No they don't earn three times more than SS contributors as they can sign up to other sites including I-stock. I can fully understand exclusives who have built a following remaining but I can't see any rational reason to go exclusive now. Just take a look at their forum ;-)

Dr Bouz · « **Reply #54 on:** March 02, 2017, 14:30 »

every single story is unique

PixelBytes · « **Reply #55 on:** March 02, 2017, 15:41 »

Quote from: diplikaya on March 02, 2017, 13:12

iStock focused on exclusive contributors, they want images that the buyers can only find on iStock. If you upload only to iStock they pay very high commissions in comparison to non-exclusives. They do not want to pay for images that buyers can find elsewhere. Actually, they say be exclusive or leave. As you noticed the "Microstock Poll Results" on the right you can see exclusive contributors earn nearly 5 times more than non-exclusives and 3 times more than Shutterstock contributors.

I have acquaintances who earn well in iStock and all of them is exclusive. So you need to be exclusive or just leave.

I am completely exclusive. In my marriage.

I see no reason for Getty to demand the same loyalty I have to my wife. This is business, and I make a lot more money by being independent than if I was IS exclusive, and it has always been that way. I heard long ago that exclusivity paid more than independence, but that was in the days with Vetta and E+ collections, and before Getty started screwing contributors AND buyers right and left. Now the idea that Getty is screwing indies worse than exclusives doesn't make much of a selling point.

helloitsme · « **Reply #56 on:** March 04, 2017, 11:15 »

Just confirmed closing of my account. I'll be worry-free. It's like running away from an abusive pimp.

Mantis · « **Reply #57 on:** March 04, 2017, 14:55 »

Quote from: helloitsme on March 04, 2017, 11:15

Just confirmed closing of my account. I'll be worry-free. It's like running away from an abusive pimp.

Congrats.

helloitsme · « **Reply #58 on:** March 04, 2017, 16:14 »

Quote from: Mantis on March 04, 2017, 14:55

Quote from: helloitsme on March 04, 2017, 11:15
Just confirmed closing of my account. I'll be worry-free. It's like running away from an abusive pimp.

Congrats.

Thank you.

dpimborough · « **Reply #59 on:** March 04, 2017, 16:55 »

Quote from: helloitsme on March 04, 2017, 11:15

Just confirmed closing of my account. I'll be worry-free. It's like running away from an abusive pimp.

Such a great analogy yup Getty is an abuser

helloitsme · « **Reply #60 on:** March 04, 2017, 19:03 »

Quote from: Sammy the Cat on March 04, 2017, 16:55

Quote from: helloitsme on March 04, 2017, 11:15
Just confirmed closing of my account. I'll be worry-free. It's like running away from an abusive pimp.

Such a great analogy yup Getty is an abuser

They say "Where is my money?" after all my hard work and leave me with some pennies. Not good.

kalevitamm · « **Reply #61 on:** March 05, 2017, 05:39 »

I’m confused, how or where from I can close/delete my iStockphoto account, through iStock or Getty ESP website?

helloitsme · « **Reply #62 on:** March 05, 2017, 07:26 »

Quote from: kalevitamm on March 05, 2017, 05:39

I’m confused, how or where from I can close/delete my iStockphoto account, through iStock or Getty ESP website?

Click "Need Help?" and then click "Contact Us" at the bottom of the page.
On the pull-down menu, category=Updating my account, Subcategory=I would like to close my account.

They'll send you email asking you to confirm. So, do the same again sending message via "Contact Us".

kalevitamm · « **Reply #63 on:** March 05, 2017, 07:35 »

Thank you Helloitsme,

through iStock or Getty ESP website?

Thanks,

Kalevi

Quote from: helloitsme on March 05, 2017, 07:26

Quote from: kalevitamm on March 05, 2017, 05:39
I’m confused, how or where from I can close/delete my iStockphoto account, through iStock or Getty ESP website?

Click "Need Help?" and then click "Contact Us" at the bottom of the page.
On the pull-down menu, category=Updating my account, Subcategory=I would like to close my account.

They'll send you email asking you to confirm. So, do the same again sending message via "Contact Us".

helloitsme · « **Reply #64 on:** March 05, 2017, 07:48 »

Quote from: kalevitamm on March 05, 2017, 07:35

Thank you Helloitsme,

through iStock or Getty ESP website?

Thanks,

Kalevi

Quote from: helloitsme on March 05, 2017, 07:26
Quote from: kalevitamm on March 05, 2017, 05:39
I’m confused, how or where from I can close/delete my iStockphoto account, through iStock or Getty ESP website?

Click "Need Help?" and then click "Contact Us" at the bottom of the page.
On the pull-down menu, category=Updating my account, Subcategory=I would like to close my account.

They'll send you email asking you to confirm. So, do the same again sending message via "Contact Us".

Yes, ESP site page upper right, there's "Need Help?".

kalevitamm · « **Reply #65 on:** March 05, 2017, 08:04 »

Thank you again, Helloitsme,

find it, got e-mail, I guess I'm done

Thank you for your help,

Kalevi

P.S. now I'm completely free from any microstock sites

Quote from: helloitsme on March 05, 2017, 07:48

Quote from: kalevitamm on March 05, 2017, 07:35
Thank you Helloitsme,

through iStock or Getty ESP website?

Thanks,

Kalevi

Quote from: helloitsme on March 05, 2017, 07:26
Quote from: kalevitamm on March 05, 2017, 05:39
I’m confused, how or where from I can close/delete my iStockphoto account, through iStock or Getty ESP website?

Click "Need Help?" and then click "Contact Us" at the bottom of the page.
On the pull-down menu, category=Updating my account, Subcategory=I would like to close my account.

They'll send you email asking you to confirm. So, do the same again sending message via "Contact Us".

Yes, ESP site page upper right, there's "Need Help?".

kalevitamm · « **Reply #66 on:** March 05, 2017, 08:05 »

Deleted - double post.

helloitsme · « **Reply #67 on:** March 05, 2017, 22:27 »

My question to Getty management is "How can you sleep at night?" giving us pennies. "Do you know Dracula?"

sharpshot · « **Reply #68 on:** March 06, 2017, 03:39 »

Quote from: helloitsme on March 05, 2017, 22:27

My question to Getty management is "How can you sleep at night?" giving us pennies. "Do you know Dracula?"

Probably better than you sleep at night accepting them

I'm sure I sleep better since leaving.

stryjek · « **Reply #69 on:** March 06, 2017, 10:13 »

messaged 3 times about closure of my account, being ignored for over 3 months, ?

sharpshot · « **Reply #70 on:** March 06, 2017, 11:22 »

Quote from: stryjek on March 06, 2017, 10:13

messaged 3 times about closure of my account, being ignored for over 3 months, ?

I had no luck until I emailed them here [email protected]

kalevitamm · « **Reply #71 on:** March 06, 2017, 11:24 »

Hi Stryjek,

oh, sh*t, 3 month?! Did you get any ticket confirmation like me, as few posts above?

Quote from: stryjek on March 06, 2017, 10:13

messaged 3 times about closure of my account, being ignored for over 3 months, ?

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