MicrostockGroup

iStock seem to have introduced some sort of Facebook app whereby facebook users can choose from a selection of iStock images to send ecards to friends. There is no charge to facebook users, no direct benefit to iStockers whose images are used and no opt out. (With the last artists' agreement change, they forced us into all marketing initiatives.)

http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=338419&page=1

Disclaimer: I don't 'get' Facebook. I had to join to get information about an event I was participating in (why couldn't the organisers have put the info on their website?) and now just sit there, nothing happening, waste of time. Like Twitter - joined at the time of that silly iStock twitter shenanigans last April, posted that day a couple of times, nada since; yet even today, I got some sort of perv as a 'follower'.

Is this sort of free thing really likely to attract actual cashpaying buyers?

[Or is it 'we won't know until we've tried?]

It's more that they chose to advertise for and appoint a person specifically to find ways of monetising social media (Spazerd is that person) rather than a/another bug identifier.
You've got to keep one eye on the Careers page!
Currently recruiting a 'Media specialist'
Who you are:
As iStock’s Media Specialist you will manage the planning, buying and coordination of all print and online advertising efforts. You always look for opportunities for deeper relationships and strategic campaigns with new and existing advertising partners and you love getting a deal on published CPMs. You’re a whiz at trafficking ads and can’t wait for month-end to report on performance. You thrive online, excel at multi-tasking, and are able to stay on your toes in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

This position reports to the Director, Online Marketing.
and a 'VP Online Marketing'
"Who You Are:
This position is responsible for the overall marketing plans to drive and grow online revenues for iStockphoto and other properties in Getty Images’ multiple-site portfolio. Additionally, this position manages the company’s affiliate marketing strategy. Key areas of focus include new customer acquisition strategies and upsell and retention of existing customers using a variety of marketing channels and tactics and through deep analysis of customer segments and purchase behavior. This position reports to the SVP, Marketing."

I decided I should actually have a look at this app.
So I clicked on the link.
This is what you have to agree to:
Access my basic information
Includes name, profile picture, gender, networks, user ID, list of friends, and any other information I've made public
Access my Profile information
About me and Current location
Post to Facebook as me
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
iStock eCard App may post status messages, notes, photos and videos on my behalf
                                 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Well, that's not going to happen! "Don't install".

Yebbut they're not going to post as me or on my behalf, no doubt annoying the friends I might have if anyone I knew was on FB!
I'm perfectly capable of annoying my imaginary friends on my own. 

And let me guess - we get 3 cents for an e-card.    Be still, my heart.

LOL

Thanks, I needed a laugh today.   So now they've redefined "use" -  I  send you an image, and you look at it, but somehow we haven't "used" it.  

What's next, in the parallel universe/alternate reality of IStock? I guess they could start charging us for this valuable service, which displays our photos to people who might like them so much they decide to buy them.   Oh yeah.

Oh yeah, exactely what we needed! Gazillions of brats on FB having acces to our images for free! Wohoo! I'm sure they'll rush over to istock and buy en masse!
What a contrast with Veer who offers $100 for promotional use versus istock's 'let us use your photos for free for whatever we see fit, or sod off!'.

Does anyone know if and where we can look at the selected images outside of FB, or at least without installing the app? (ditto, not installing apps that need acces to my data, and DEFINITELY not letting the istock twonks near it..)

Giving away our unwatermarked images for free? No thanks. How . do we opt out of this nonsense?

Thats just it, I dont think they have any developers left. This pile of junk must be the result of a little "girl Friday",  pugh!, what a waste of time.