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Author Topic: istock update for non-exclusives  (Read 32957 times)

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« on: March 21, 2013, 17:31 »
0
 Royalty rates for exclusive content will not change and will be paid at the standard 20% rate. We have set a new non-exclusive rate of 15% for all non-exclusive iStockphoto content licensed through all Getty Images properties (outside of iStockphoto), including single image sales in the Partner Program.  The rates for content licensed from iStockphoto will remain as they are currently listed on the Rate Schedule. The new rate will come in to effect on or after April 20, 2013.


« Reply #1 on: March 21, 2013, 17:39 »
+3
Screw these greedy creeps.

Just when you thought it couldn't get worse, there's another paycut around the corner.

« Reply #2 on: March 21, 2013, 17:40 »
0
Where do they license non-exclusive work on Getty anyways?

« Reply #3 on: March 21, 2013, 17:41 »
0
here is the whole message with discussion links
http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=352443&page=1
http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=352445&page=1


Contributor News: March 21, 2013

Exclusive Survey

One of our highest priorities for 2013 is making improvements for iStock Exclusives.

Some of you may remember a survey from last yearthe feedback from that survey enabled us to make a number of general improvements. It is time now to ask you directly as an exclusive contributor, what you think we should do to improve your iStockphoto experience. Weve got some ideas of our own and we are eager to set them in motion but we want to hear from you first.

This is not a random questionnaire. It is a survey aimed at building an action plan dedicated to improving things for iStock Exclusives. Were really happy with the number of responses so far but would love to hear from all of you! Please take a few minutes and weigh in with your thoughts before the March 27th deadline.

Come join the discussion.

Getty Images 360

We have an amazing collection of Royalty-Free content across our brands and increasingly, certain larger customers are looking for a way to access all of this content on one site. Weve created a feature that will allow specific high-value customers access to the full breadth of our RF content in a single search on gettyimages.com, including all Getty Images, and all iStock and Thinkstock RF content. Getty Images 360, will give unique access to these customers via a special log-in.

Exclusive iStock content that is not opted-in to the partner program will be made available through Getty Images 360 on the same terms as Getty Images royalty-bearing RF content. Standard Getty Images price-points reflect the added value of iStock content being paired with dedicated sales and service and increased legal protections.

To be clear, the additional content from iStockphoto will not be visible to all Getty Images customers in the way some E+ and TAC or Vetta content is. Getty Images 360 is not designed to reach our entire customer base; it is targeted to our most valuable agency, corporate and media customers. We plan to make this feature available starting in May or June, stay tuned.

Official Notice: New Royalty Rate for iStock Non-Exclusive content on Getty Images

Royalty rates for exclusive content will not change and will be paid at the standard 20% rate. We have set a new non-exclusive rate of 15% for all non-exclusive iStockphoto content licensed through all Getty Images properties (outside of iStockphoto), including single image sales in the Partner Program.  The rates for content licensed from iStockphoto will remain as they are currently listed on the Rate Schedule. The new rate will come in to effect on or after April 20, 2013.

Royalties from Getty Images 360 will be reported monthly under the Getty Images category in your stats. Since the customer access is so focused we expect the returns to be proportionate to the limited audience but we are pleased to be able to begin to expose our best Getty Images customers to the full breadth of RF content we represent for the first time. Join the discussion here.

Google Drive Update

Copyright protection is absolutely central to our business and we remain committed to doing all we can to support and maintain your intellectual property rights. We've been working closely with Google to improve the way in which the images are presented in Google Drive. Our agreement with Google allows for the images to be made available to Google users for personal or commercial use. However, the individual user's rights are restricted, and clarifications addressing use are now live in the Google Drives interface.

Google Drive Copy Changes


Now when you search for an image to insert into a document in Google Drive, the following language appears directly under the search field for visibility:

"Results shown are available for personal or commercial use only in Google Drive, and may not be independently redistributed or sold. Learn more."


You will see the revised language (below) when you click on Learn More"

"Stock images available in Google Drive are available for personal or commercial use only in Google Drive and must be used in accordance with our program policies. Images may not be offered for sale or used within templates provided to third parties. If you use stock images depicting a person in connection with a sensitive or unflattering subject, you must include this or a similar statement: "for illustrative purposes only; individual is a model."

The Program Policies link takes you to a page restricting pornographic or otherwise unlawful uses, etc., describing these restrictions in detail.

Still Pending: image metadata is in the process of being included.

We truly appreciate your patience in waiting for these changes to be implemented. We will post another update when all is complete. Join the discussion here.

iStockalypse 2013 Program

You may have noticed that weve taken an exceptionally long break between iStockalypse events. Well, its because weve been busy, heads down, and doing our homework. Were always listening to what you say and weve been working out how to make the iStockalypse events better.

We've heard you say that while the iStockalypse events are an excellent opportunity to work with models, locations, Art & Technical Directors, etc. the shooting isnt necessarily the favorite part of the event. In fact, the part that draws the community from far and wide is the opportunity to meet, mingle, connect and mind meld with other artists and importantly, to get more connected with the teams at iStock and Getty Images.

With that in mind, were approaching the iStockalypse events, and 2013, with a plan to reach and inspire more photographers.

Read more about the iStockalypse events here

Upload limits for illustrators

Vector illustration inspections have historically had a much faster turnaround than the other file types on iStock. We've looked at how many contributors are using all of their existing upload slots and to our surprise, the number is low. This got us thinking: What's the point in having a weekly upload limit anyways?

On Monday, March 18th we increased our upload limits to 999 submissions per week (the maximum we can assign with our current upload system).
Our inspectors are ready, so bring on the submissions! Join the discussion here.

« Last Edit: March 21, 2013, 17:52 by Sadstock »

« Reply #4 on: March 21, 2013, 17:43 »
+2
So single image sales in the partner program is being cut from what rate to 15%?  I don't recall?  Was something a little less than 85% unsustainable?   ::) >:(

« Reply #5 on: March 21, 2013, 17:45 »
0
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« Last Edit: May 12, 2014, 15:04 by Audi 5000 »

« Reply #6 on: March 21, 2013, 17:46 »
0
Where do they license non-exclusive work on Getty anyways?

Outside of the partner program, I'm not sure. I find all the layers, collections and other bits and pieces to be hard to keep track of.

« Reply #7 on: March 21, 2013, 17:47 »
0
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« Last Edit: May 12, 2014, 15:04 by Audi 5000 »

« Reply #8 on: March 21, 2013, 17:48 »
+3

One of our highest priorities for 2013 is making improvements for iStock Exclusives.


Funny how they openly admit to focus on Exclusives only, and then screw non-exclusives even more. They really want to get rid of us.

« Reply #9 on: March 21, 2013, 17:49 »
0
ooops
« Last Edit: March 21, 2013, 17:53 by Sadstock »

« Reply #10 on: March 21, 2013, 17:51 »
+1
So single image sales in the partner program is being cut from what rate to 15%?  I don't recall?  Was something a little less than 85% unsustainable?   ::) >:(


It looks like it was just under 24% for non-exclusives according to this schedule;

http://www.istockphoto.com/help/sell-stock/rate-schedule

So that's a 38% cut for us then.

« Reply #11 on: March 21, 2013, 17:52 »
+7
Let me guess - that high value customer they want to please - Number one is GOOGLE....

I see a lot of easter eggs and holiday candles coming your way istock. many seashells and backgrounds too. objects on white en masse.

everything else...probably not...
« Last Edit: March 21, 2013, 18:40 by cobalt »

« Reply #12 on: March 21, 2013, 17:52 »
+1
.
« Last Edit: May 12, 2014, 15:04 by Audi 5000 »

« Reply #13 on: March 21, 2013, 18:13 »
+21
No surprise that the "contributor news" is full of bad news for indies. Lovely that they are offering convenience to their Getty360 top customers, but I see no reason whatsoever that they can't pay indies their contract rate (15% to 20%) on any sales made through that program - or a straight 20% like everyone else.

As far as the supposed improvements in the Google deal, the missing images from a few days ago (see here) are back (including Sean's tailgate images), so any thought that they'd removed content to placate iStock contributors is out the window.

Also, I do not see any license information displayed in search results as the Google text says I will - see here for the Google "Learn More" page. So there's no way to know what license goes with what.

The note that you have to say "posed by model" for sensitive uses doesn't in any way address the concerns of iStock contributors - if you license through iStock, sensitive uses are prohibited (although they never seem to want to enforce those), aren't they?

On the iStockalypses, the feedback I have seen via Facebook groups is that the new format is totally lame and not what you pay them money for, so I'm not sure where they got the idea they're giving contributors what they wanted. I think it's a training exercise so they can bring on new contributors to replace some of the disaffected exclusives they're losing as a result of their greedy and dishonest policies over the last few years.

Edited to add that the kicker for IS exclusives is that they now get 20% for their iStock content instead of their 25% to 45% when purchased by one of the Getty360 customers.

I'm sure they'll go on and on about how it's OK 'cause it's a higher price (but if you look at the complaints about the large number of low value sales from Getty mixed in with some at much higher prices, it's not clear how much more than will be) but the bottom line is that they have figured out a way to get everyone to 20% and do away with the higher royalty rates for exclusives.

Now it's just the biggest customers (and I don't suppose they'll share the percentage of total sales those big customers represent; I'm guessing it's high as lots of the smaller ones have left by now) but it's just one more small change to make that apply across the board and you've effectively done away with exclusive royalty rates while keeping exclusive contributors from selling elsewhere.

Geniuses!!
« Last Edit: March 21, 2013, 18:24 by jsnover »

« Reply #14 on: March 21, 2013, 18:22 »
+11
I am sooooo done with these jerks.

I have one remaining active image, which brings in a few dollars.  I'll leave it there to keep the account active in case IS is sold, or reorganized, and becomes something that makes sense. 

Otherwise, I'll stop thinking about them.
« Last Edit: March 21, 2013, 18:26 by stockastic »

« Reply #15 on: March 21, 2013, 18:30 »
0
.
« Last Edit: May 12, 2014, 15:03 by Audi 5000 »

« Reply #16 on: March 21, 2013, 18:33 »
+4
I am sooooo done with these jerks.

I have one remaining active image, which brings in a few dollars.  I'll leave it there to keep the account active in case IS is sold, or reorganized, and becomes something that makes sense. 

Otherwise, I'll stop thinking about them.

  Unless they have some real changes someday, I'm done with them too.  I have disabled anything that had even a hint of a person in it.  I'll leave a few there since I've already gone through that excruciating upload process, but they will never get another new file from me.

« Reply #17 on: March 21, 2013, 18:33 »
+12
I am so glad I went indie. I just dont have to worry about all of this anymore.

I just need to decide carefully if I supply them, is it content that can be "lost" to google drive forever.

But all the interesting content, especially anything model released, will go elsewhere.

It looks like they just want to combine all their content in one large mass and try to do extra large deals with extreme discounts. And probably move away or reduce dealing with single image sales. Either subscriptions or large bulk sales.

And move around the istock exclusive content and the 25-45% royalty.

Of course since we cannot see getty360, we dont know what the best match looks like. So the exclusives dont even know if they will be favored in this search. And all the getty photographers must now compete with all the indie content in getty360.

Another invisible, mysterious deal. Like Getty connect.

« Reply #18 on: March 21, 2013, 18:37 »
+4
Edited to add that the kicker for IS exclusives is that they now get 20% for their iStock content instead of their 25% to 45% when purchased by one of the Getty360 customers.
These are sales from Getty so we would get nothing if the buyer didn't find our file and for our files that are already there we get 20%.  The only way this might be a loss is if a non vetta, agency, or E+ file is bought on Getty when the buyer would have left Getty to search on Istock instead.  I think that is pretty unlikely in most cases so I don't think it will be bad for us.

In terms of money my Istock sales are around $9 RPD while Getty sales are $20 RPD.

have they ever disappoint you? is it even possible? you are a perfect fit really ;D (but yep we have heard many exclusives here talking this and that and now? yep!)

« Reply #19 on: March 21, 2013, 18:40 »
-1
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« Last Edit: May 12, 2014, 15:03 by Audi 5000 »

« Reply #20 on: March 21, 2013, 18:41 »
0
If I'm remember right ok if not correct me. In the Google deal the value per image payed was approximately 60$. Because the 20% is 12$. Next deal now you know what you get if exclusive, while if not...  ;D ;D

« Reply #21 on: March 21, 2013, 18:50 »
+4
Edited to add that the kicker for IS exclusives is that they now get 20% for their iStock content instead of their 25% to 45% when purchased by one of the Getty360 customers.
These are sales from Getty so we would get nothing if the buyer didn't find our file and for our files that are already there we get 20%.  The only way this might be a loss is if a non vetta, agency, or E+ file is bought on Getty when the buyer would have left Getty to search on Istock instead.  I think that is pretty unlikely in most cases so I don't think it will be bad for us.

In terms of money my Istock sales are around $9 RPD while Getty sales are $20 RPD.

have they ever disappoint you? is it even possible? you are a perfect fit really ;D (but yep we have heard many exclusives here talking this and that and now? yep!)
Sure lots of things disappoint me.  They aren't reducing royalty rates for exclusives and they may sell more files at a higher RPD, I don't see much risk in this deal for me, do you?

no man its a fine deal ;D

« Reply #22 on: March 21, 2013, 18:53 »
+7
raising illustrator upload limit to 999/168  ;D (in their own words: lifting the limits)

HOW DESPERATE!

no more files for you istock..

« Reply #23 on: March 21, 2013, 19:31 »
+17
"Standard Getty Images price-points reflect the added value of iS content being paired with dedicated sales and service and increased legal protections."

Which, as we know, doesn't preclude images being licensed for a price that nets the contributor, say, $12 or so, and even down to under $1.

This despite the clause in the ASA that says:
"3.c ... Unless otherwise provided for in the upload process or on the Site, your Exclusive Content may be made available for licensing through a similar or higher price tier Collection of a Distribution Partner as may be determined by iStockphoto from time to time upon notice to you either by posting notice on the Site or otherwise. "

Similar or higher doesn't mean much when you provide huge discounts.

« Reply #24 on: March 21, 2013, 19:45 »
+19
Each file bought from, or uploaded to, IS is a vote that their prices, commissions, terms... are acceptable. Period.
« Last Edit: March 21, 2013, 19:47 by ann »


 

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