MicrostockGroup

I'm just wondering what those who are very experienced, long-standing Getty contributors can tell us on this subject.

I am thinking that the iStock system is probably quite complex, compared with Getty's usual systems.  Presumably their sites don't usually list downloads for all to see (for example), and I'm unclear on how much information direct Getty contributors can access online regarding their sales stats.

My assumption is that they will bring all their sites into line with each other in terms of display/reporting, and that perhaps they'll drop RCs altogether, level exclusives out at their usual 20% flat rate and adopt a flat rate below that level for indies.

What do you Getty-veterans think will happen?

(Of course this could all be rendered redundant if H&F sell the whole shebang to a company with very different plans).

the race to the bottom ie 20% will just leave room for a well capitalised competition come in and raise commissions to 70% for contributors while lowering prices for customers ...

It would not make any financial sense to be exclusive at 20%.

Microstock is sold at much lower prices than the content on Getty. the artists need a sensible working marging to pay for studios, models etc...At 20% I really don´t see how anyone could produce stock especially if getty wants more localized content from Paris, Tokyo or New York.

Ah yes, great point.  In which case they may continue as they seem to be now, going for an overall average of 20% commission.

I was just thinking in terms of simplification of integration, from their POV.  If everyone walks away then they'll have simplified things too far, clearly.

If they drop Exclusives to 20% I will drop my exclusivity

No it isn't and hasn't been for years, a large proportion of the images on Getty are there via distributions agencies and are on every macro site, it's only individual contributors who have to submit exclusive images to them.

So it is!  Well spotted.

 History shows that most people will keep taking whatever they are handed no matter how bad the situation.

History may show that but not for me. I really don't think that plan is on the table.

Very true Zeus

I don't think personally it's the percentage that counts, it's all down to the income. If my income halves from what it currently is, that would be my tipping point.

And yet for me the percentage was the last straw.  I wasn't thrilled with 20%, especially as my income from iStock started to slide.  But it was the September, 2010 announcement and the way it turned success into a zero sum game that made me angry enough to stop uploading and start deactivating.  I didn't wait to see my income there drop, although I was pretty certain the 20% decrease in royalties would hurt.  I decided that I'd put up with iStock's greed and abuse long enough.

Since we're making predictions, here's mine:  Artist exclusivity and exclusive commissions and perks will become a thing of the past within a couple of years.  I'm betting the "bug" preventing people from applying for exclusivity wasn't an accident and won't get fixed.    

Exclusive artists with Vetta, TAC, and maybe some E+ will be invited to have those images all moved over to Getty as image exclusive (hasn't this already happened?), at the standard Getty 20%.  The rest of their ports, presumed to be of low interest or over saturated subject matter, will be shuttled to TS, and also freed up to be uploaded to other micros.  

Superstars like Lise and Sean may be able to negotiate special deals.

Non-exclusives will also be given the opportunity to create unique exclusive content for Getty collections.  

Istock will probably not exist in two years.  I imagine that the url will be redirected to TS and/or Getty.  

Nobody freak out - this is just my guess about where things are headed.  I would LOVE to be wrong!