MicrostockGroup Sponsors


Author Topic: Bruce Livingstone resigned  (Read 19224 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

« on: March 23, 2009, 13:45 »
0
Big day in microstock. The founder of the first and arguably still the most successful microstock agency, iStockphoto, has today announced his resignation.

Great news for Bruce - significant day for the industry - and a nervous day for everyone involved with iStock.

Here's the forum link: http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=86073


« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2009, 14:02 »
0
I always find it hard to believe when the self-confessed workaholic and visionary leader of an organization resigns to "make some time for myself and the people in my life".

I wonder - is this a harbinger of sea-change at iStock?

« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2009, 14:04 »
0
I am surprised he hung on for as long as he did. So many take overs are followed by resignations, purges, etc.

« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2009, 14:07 »
0
I always find it hard to believe when the self-confessed workaholic and visionary leader of an organization resigns to "make some time for myself and the people in my life".

I wonder - is this a harbinger of sea-change at iStock?


It's never for those reasons, although that is the official press release. I think something happens to the owner when he's no longer the owner. Perhaps he considers an idea or a direction the company should go and finds himself up against a board of directors or some other official who doesn't see it that way. I don't think it takes that long before it's time to leave.

« Reply #4 on: March 23, 2009, 14:09 »
0
I always find it hard to believe when the self-confessed workaholic and visionary leader of an organization resigns to "make some time for myself and the people in my life".

I wonder - is this a harbinger of sea-change at iStock?


That depends on who takes over and how this changes the iStock-Getty relationship.

I am surprised he hung on for as long as he did. So many take overs are followed by resignations, purges, etc.

He may have had a contractual obligation to stay on after the sale. It's just gone three years since the sale. Although they seemed to enjoy great independence, so I'm sure he still enjoyed himself (it certainly looked that way to me).

« Reply #5 on: March 23, 2009, 14:13 »
0
regardless the real reasons it is indeed a very big news for microstok

bittersweet

« Reply #6 on: March 23, 2009, 14:33 »
0
I always find it hard to believe when the self-confessed workaholic and visionary leader of an organization resigns to "make some time for myself and the people in my life".

I wonder - is this a harbinger of sea-change at iStock?


That depends on who takes over and how this changes the iStock-Getty relationship.

I am surprised he hung on for as long as he did. So many take overs are followed by resignations, purges, etc.

He may have had a contractual obligation to stay on after the sale. It's just gone three years since the sale. Although they seemed to enjoy great independence, so I'm sure he still enjoyed himself (it certainly looked that way to me).

Yeah, if I remember correctly, he was bound to stay for 3 years, which I believe was up in February. He has a baby now. They tend to shift one's priorities.

« Reply #7 on: March 23, 2009, 14:46 »
0
Big day in microstock. The founder of the first and arguably still the most successful microstock agency, iStockphoto, has today announced his resignation.

Great news for Bruce - significant day for the industry - and a nervous day for everyone involved with iStock.

Here's the forum link: http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=86073


I'm pretty involved in iStock, and I'm not nervous.

I know the word 'culture' gets thrown around pretty loosely in regards to workplaces, but I can definitely say that our workplace has a culture. It's strong and vibrant and it's stayed with us. We've grown a lot over the last few years. There were twenty people in the office when I started. There are more than a hundred now. Throughout all that change and growth, the culture hasn't gone away. Our core team, people who have been together for years, will continue doing what we've always done. So I'm sad that I won't see my friend Bruce as often anymore, but I'm not nervous.

RT


« Reply #8 on: March 23, 2009, 14:49 »
0
I don't think his leaving the company will make much of a difference to iStock, as everyones pointed out he was just serving his hand over period after the sale. From a buyers perspective his leaving makes no difference whatsoever, in fact I bet if you did a poll the vast majority of buyers wouldn't have a clue who he was anyway, that's not intended as an insult to him it's just that we as suppliers have more of an interest in who's running a company than the buyers do.

« Reply #9 on: March 23, 2009, 15:07 »
0
Big day in microstock. The founder of the first and arguably still the most successful microstock agency, iStockphoto, has today announced his resignation.

Great news for Bruce - significant day for the industry - and a nervous day for everyone involved with iStock.

Here's the forum link: http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=86073


I'm pretty involved in iStock, and I'm not nervous.

I know the word 'culture' gets thrown around pretty loosely in regards to workplaces, but I can definitely say that our workplace has a culture. It's strong and vibrant and it's stayed with us. We've grown a lot over the last few years. There were twenty people in the office when I started. There are more than a hundred now. Throughout all that change and growth, the culture hasn't gone away. Our core team, people who have been together for years, will continue doing what we've always done. So I'm sad that I won't see my friend Bruce as often anymore, but I'm not nervous.


That's good to hear. At the time of posting the above there was no confirmation that Kelly would take over. Other iStock insiders told me directly that they were nervous. Very nervous.

« Reply #10 on: March 23, 2009, 15:12 »
0
This makes sense and it happens all the time when companies are acquired. I'm to new to microstock t know how iStock changed in the last three years but I wouldn't say that it chnages a lot in the last few month and it doesn't seem like his resignation will result in more changes.

« Reply #11 on: March 23, 2009, 15:31 »
0

I'm pretty involved in iStock, and I'm not nervous.

I know the word 'culture' gets thrown around pretty loosely in regards to workplaces, but I can definitely say that our workplace has a culture. It's strong and vibrant and it's stayed with us. We've grown a lot over the last few years. There were twenty people in the office when I started. There are more than a hundred now. Throughout all that change and growth, the culture hasn't gone away. Our core team, people who have been together for years, will continue doing what we've always done. So I'm sad that I won't see my friend Bruce as often anymore, but I'm not nervous.

For so many of us iStock means so much! I am sad to see Bruce going but I totally understand his reasons and I respect it. I know iSotck will be in good hands and with people like Kelly, JJ and you rogermexico - to mention only a few from the crew- everything will be OK.
« Last Edit: March 23, 2009, 15:40 by doconnell »

« Reply #12 on: March 23, 2009, 15:31 »
0
... it's just that we as suppliers have more of an interest in who's running a company than the buyers do.

Yep, as in "who will the next best match favor?", and "will the focus of the agency become even more inclusive, or less?", and "what will happen to the exclusive commission rates?".

lisafx

« Reply #13 on: March 23, 2009, 16:04 »
0

He may have had a contractual obligation to stay on after the sale. It's just gone three years since the sale.

Exactly.  I remember when the original annoucement was made that Getty was buying istock, Bruce said he was contracted to stay on as head of istock for 3 years. 

I am certainly grateful for his vision and efforts in starting this industry.  It has brought a lot of happiness to my life.  I wish him the best.

It is a bit scary for the future of istock.  Wonder if the rest of the long time admins will be staying on or if there will be more high level resignations.

ETA looks like everyone else intends to stay in place.  That is definitely reassuring. :)
« Last Edit: March 23, 2009, 16:14 by lisafx »

« Reply #14 on: March 23, 2009, 16:16 »
0
Good riddance...

« Reply #15 on: March 23, 2009, 16:21 »
0
I wonder if he's included in the 110 Getty employees who were asked to leave last week?

yecatsdoherty

« Reply #16 on: March 23, 2009, 16:23 »
0
Big day in microstock. The founder of the first and arguably still the most successful microstock agency, iStockphoto, has today announced his resignation.

Great news for Bruce - significant day for the industry - and a nervous day for everyone involved with iStock.

Here's the forum link: http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=86073


I'm pretty involved in iStock, and I'm not nervous.

I know the word 'culture' gets thrown around pretty loosely in regards to workplaces, but I can definitely say that our workplace has a culture. It's strong and vibrant and it's stayed with us. We've grown a lot over the last few years. There were twenty people in the office when I started. There are more than a hundred now. Throughout all that change and growth, the culture hasn't gone away. Our core team, people who have been together for years, will continue doing what we've always done. So I'm sad that I won't see my friend Bruce as often anymore, but I'm not nervous.





I really like what you said Andrew. after a nervous few months, this adds to the feeling of concern. but, I also believe that the iStock culture is entrenched and has a life of its own at this point. it will continue to evolve, but in a direction I think most of us can in general look forward to. I can understand how it would be once ownership is given up...you would eventually want to move on. I would. should be interesting.

« Reply #17 on: March 23, 2009, 16:24 »
0
Bruce's decision has nothing to do with other recent shakeups at Getty. It's something he's been coming to for a while.

yecatsdoherty

« Reply #18 on: March 23, 2009, 16:42 »
0
I don't think his decision would have anything to do with the Getty shake ups. Bruce was never 'just' an employee, and I think he deserves more credit than to insinuate that this was an impromptu decision. if he made decisions like that, iStock would not be what it is today. I think he has made an important and probably difficult decision. and he will be continuing on as a contributor, which I'm sure he has really missed.

« Reply #19 on: March 23, 2009, 16:49 »
0
I always find it hard to believe when the self-confessed workaholic and visionary leader of an organization resigns to "make some time for myself and the people in my life".

Maybe it is difficult to see something you created being managed differently from what you wanted.  I feel that sometimes at work in a much less significant scale.

Regards,
Adelaide

« Reply #20 on: March 23, 2009, 16:58 »
0
I'm exclusive, I wasn't a bit nervous when Getty bougth istock, I'm not now. But yes a bit sad, because it was great to know that there was a nice and smart guy like him  at the steer. Bruce had the microstock  idea, and put the idea in motion; without him, probably even this forum wouldn't exist. But istock flies on his impulse, and will go on flying, I haven't the sligthlest doubt about it.

bittersweet

« Reply #21 on: March 23, 2009, 17:04 »
0
I'm exclusive, I wasn't a bit nervous when Getty bougth istock, I'm not now. But yes a bit sad, because it was great to know that there was a nice and smart guy like him  at the steer. Bruce had the microstock  idea, and put the idea in motion; without him, probably even this forum wouldn't exist. But istock flies on his impulse, and will go on flying, I haven't the sligthlest doubt about it.

I agree. He put together a really awesome team and most importantly, he did not micro-manage them. They are more than capable of continuing on without him, though of course he will be missed. For whatever problems someone might have with istock as a company, I have a hard time believing that anyone who actually had direct contact with him would say "good riddance". He took time, on more than one occasion, to answer emails from me ... a tiny little (bronze at the time) contributor in a sea of thousands of others. I've never forgotten that.

Anyway, I wish him well. I hope that iStock is none the worse for him leaving. I don't really expect any dramatic differences. It's not as if he was singlehandedly running the place.

PaulieWalnuts

  • We Have Exciting News For You
« Reply #22 on: March 23, 2009, 17:08 »
0
Big day in microstock. The founder of the first and arguably still the most successful microstock agency, iStockphoto, has today announced his resignation.

Great news for Bruce - significant day for the industry - and a nervous day for everyone involved with iStock.

Here's the forum link: http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=86073


I'm pretty involved in iStock, and I'm not nervous.

I know the word 'culture' gets thrown around pretty loosely in regards to workplaces, but I can definitely say that our workplace has a culture. It's strong and vibrant and it's stayed with us. We've grown a lot over the last few years. There were twenty people in the office when I started. There are more than a hundred now. Throughout all that change and growth, the culture hasn't gone away. Our core team, people who have been together for years, will continue doing what we've always done. So I'm sad that I won't see my friend Bruce as often anymore, but I'm not nervous.


That's good to hear. At the time of posting the above there was no confirmation that Kelly would take over. Other iStock insiders told me directly that they were nervous. Very nervous.


Okay I'll take the bait. Nervous about... what?

RT


« Reply #23 on: March 23, 2009, 17:39 »
0
... it's just that we as suppliers have more of an interest in who's running a company than the buyers do.

Yep, as in "who will the next best match favor?", and "will the focus of the agency become even more inclusive, or less?", and "what will happen to the exclusive commission rates?".


Will they finally introduce exclusive image deals?

« Reply #24 on: March 23, 2009, 17:51 »
0
I think it's not strange thing to leave a company after you sold it. It's time to move on, start something new, develop yourself in new directions. If he feel times is there then go for it. He can be proud of himself that he builded such a big company, with a strong community around it.
I never met him in person, but think he is a great guy. So Bruce Good Luck and thanks for everything you've done for Istock


 

Related Topics

  Subject / Started by Replies Last post
30 Replies
16596 Views
Last post September 30, 2008, 01:03
by RacePhoto
269 Replies
77677 Views
Last post February 10, 2013, 15:09
by leaf
34 Replies
19802 Views
Last post May 08, 2013, 21:55
by shudderstok
6 Replies
3882 Views
Last post September 16, 2013, 04:43
by gillian vann
76 Replies
15260 Views
Last post May 24, 2022, 04:14
by jamesbenet

Sponsors

Mega Bundle of 5,900+ Professional Lightroom Presets

Microstock Poll Results

Sponsors