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Author Topic: Sales have tanked big time  (Read 180562 times)

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« Reply #125 on: September 20, 2011, 10:34 »
0
How do you get accepted by FT ?

isolations and people dont get rejected

FT, and the other big players, spend a fair amount of resources on reviewing images.  It makes sense that they're becoming increasingly more selective over who and what they let in.  They have a very good idea of what will and won't sell, and they don't want to invite people in who won't earn them decent money and instead just be a drain on their reviewing resources.

To get accepted (and do well) at FT or any other site, follow two simple rules:
1. Be unique... create a unique style
2. Do marketing research... find underserved niches of topics that are in demand


RacePhoto

« Reply #126 on: September 20, 2011, 12:42 »
0
How do you get accepted by FT ?


Maybe the question should be, why do you want to get accepted at FT? Have you read the threads here about their latest changes and how they treat artists or maybe the mysterious partner programs, where your images will show up around the world?

Quote
Fotolia
Opt out possible?  No
1&1 - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/news-lcn-com-and-fotolia-form-strategic-partnership/
1photoshop.fr - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/more-Fotolia-partners/
AgeFotostock - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
artforweb - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
artiloo - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/more-Fotolia-partners/
Bilderking - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
EasyFototock - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
everystockphoto - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/fotolia-and-everystockphoto-com/
fotky foto fotobanka - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/fotolia's-partner/
foto.artgeist - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
Fotonity - http://us.fotolia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=15570
Imagesformyweb - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/more-Fotolia-partners/
Imagetrail - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
IML Image Group Ltd - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
inkshuffle - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/inkshuffle-com/
kitgrafik - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
LCN Hosting - http://blog.fotolia.com/us/news/fotolia/fotolia-_lcn-_partnership-.html
Microsoft Office - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/worse-than-istock-for-me/msg189974/#msg189974
Moo - http://blog.fotolia.com/us/news/fotolia/fotolia-partners-moo-.html
Moodboard - http://www.stockphototalk.com/the_stock_photo_industry_/2008/03/fotolia-moodboa.html
Oligopix - Per my post #47 in this thread
okaypix - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
onlydoo - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
photog.snaparazzi.eu - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
photos.codes-sources - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
photoxpress - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
Picturevillage - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/picture-village/
pingg - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/news-fotolia-announces-partnership-with-pingg-com/
pixers.pl - per my post #45 in this thread
purebudget.com - per ThomasAmby post #56 of this thread
Scake - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/skace-com-another-fotolia-affiliate-probably/
scanpix - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
sisustus.net - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/more-Fotolia-partners/
SlideRocket - http://blog.fotolia.com/us/news/fotolia/fotolia-_sliderocket-_partners.html
snaparazzi - http://blog.fotolia.com/us/on_the_net/cool_tools/snaparazzi_fotolia_api.html
TemplateMonster - http://blog.fotolia.com/us/press/release/fotolia-_templatemonster-_stoc.html
Tuweimei - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/Fotolia-partners/
Value Stock Images - Per my post #44 in this thread
visionbedding.com - http://www.microstockgroup.com/image-sleuth/visionbedding-com/
web-set.com - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/more-Fotolia-partners/
Xycod - http://www.microstockgroup.com/fotolia-com/partner-deal-with-xycod/

pixmac terminated 12/31/10  - per zager in post 28 of this thread.




« Reply #127 on: September 20, 2011, 13:14 »
0
How do you get accepted by FT ?

Maybe the question should be, why do you want to get accepted at FT? Have you read the threads here about their latest changes and how they treat artists or maybe the mysterious partner programs, where your images will show up around the world?


OK, so my images end up in lots of places I cannot track.  Potential for a lot more sales, but also for some sales not being properly commissioned to me.  I hope there are no issues and if there are FT takes steps to correct them.  But do I lose sleep?  No.  Here's why...

I don't think of myself as an artist pouring my soul into works that I must cling to and protect as my children.  I'm a business person.  I produce a product, send it out into the world, and hope it makes me some decent money.  Will it be stolen at some point?  I assume yes, and accept it as part of the process.  The bottom line is that I work a few hours a day on this side job and have created an income that is now larger than my main job.  FT is a huge part of that income... it's now my #1 earner, maybe thanks in large part to its diverse network of partners.  
« Last Edit: September 20, 2011, 13:26 by stockmarketer »

RacePhoto

« Reply #128 on: September 21, 2011, 14:44 »
0
How do you get accepted by FT ?

Maybe the question should be, why do you want to get accepted at FT? Have you read the threads here about their latest changes and how they treat artists or maybe the mysterious partner programs, where your images will show up around the world?


OK, so my images end up in lots of places I cannot track.  Potential for a lot more sales, but also for some sales not being properly commissioned to me.  I hope there are no issues and if there are FT takes steps to correct them.  But do I lose sleep?  No.  Here's why...

I don't think of myself as an artist pouring my soul into works that I must cling to and protect as my children.  I'm a business person.  I produce a product, send it out into the world, and hope it makes me some decent money.  Will it be stolen at some point?  I assume yes, and accept it as part of the process.  The bottom line is that I work a few hours a day on this side job and have created an income that is now larger than my main job.  FT is a huge part of that income... it's now my #1 earner, maybe thanks in large part to its diverse network of partners.  

Wow is that some canned quote you use about heart and soul, I think that's the third time I've read it. :)

Sarcastic remarks (mine) don't always need logical responses, but since you mentioned it, and various times you have written that FT is you best agency, beating SS now and then, I can understand your defending them. They work for you and do a good job.

On the other hand, many other people have problems with FT, not just attitude, commissions or threats, but with that big, out of control distribution scheme, we don't know if images are being credited or not. We don't know who has our work, or who's buying it to give away. It's pretty uncontrolled and wild when someone looks at FT distribution.

The bold part was interesting, You work on the principle of Hope that FT has no issues? Please read the Image Sleuth section and all the places people find their work being given away for free. Maybe you should be more concerned?

BTW do you do photos or art work, graphics, vectors, rasters, whatever you want to call it.

I've read your sales and production numbers with interest, 100 a month for about three years, that's some good output. Especially for a few minutes uploading and a short time each night, producing things that the sites need. In other words, you have a good eye for finding subjects that are under produced, so I wondered if it was all creative drawings? They do produce better earnings than photos and many people here are photographers. :D

How far to Emerald at FT for you? That's a pretty good accomplishment.

Does it bother you that they claim they might return you to White because you sell on cheaper sites. FT sure treats us like crap sometimes. So you make good money, a way for them to make more would be change your commissions. Oh wait, they already did that once or twice, didn't they?
« Last Edit: September 26, 2011, 14:10 by RacePhoto »

Phadrea

    This user is banned.
« Reply #129 on: September 30, 2011, 15:13 »
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I am on track for this to be the second worst month this year.

« Reply #130 on: September 30, 2011, 15:23 »
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I am on track for this to be the second worst month this year.

I will have a BME! that said I am talking about 125$ (without PP)

« Reply #131 on: September 30, 2011, 15:29 »
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Disappointingly, no growth in $$$ here from last year.  Almost exactly the same, despite another 2000 uploads.  Downloads down by 25%.

*.

« Reply #132 on: September 30, 2011, 15:57 »
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$$s BME for me.  By quite a healthy margin.

Xalanx

« Reply #133 on: September 30, 2011, 16:17 »
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Disappointingly, no growth in $$$ here from last year.  Almost exactly the same, despite another 2000 uploads.  Downloads down by 25%.

.

2000 / year is not much. Especially when you start at 8000-something. Of course the capped $$$ has also to do with the unfortunate events happened since the last september on.

« Reply #134 on: September 30, 2011, 16:56 »
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BME without EL, but not by much. Also I have been uploading a decent number of images.

« Reply #135 on: September 30, 2011, 16:59 »
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"2000 / year is not much. Especially when you start at 8000-something"

Sure it is.  It's 2000 multiple person, model released lifestyle images, not walk around pictures if seagulls or rocks.  It should be plenty to provide some growth, regardless of the starting point.  I'm on par with August - no surge.

« Reply #136 on: September 30, 2011, 17:16 »
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The day's not over, but at iStock, my September is 30% below August in $$ and that's never happened before - it's always been a matter of how much it was up, some years more than others. SS is up but not enough to compensate (although it's pretty close to SS beating out IS's monthly $$ total)

And as to the 2,000 images "is not much" comment - what rubbish. Growing your portfolio by 25% when you're at 8K to start is a bunch.

« Reply #137 on: September 30, 2011, 17:28 »
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"2000 / year is not much. Especially when you start at 8000-something"

Sure it is.  It's 2000 multiple person, model released lifestyle images, not walk around pictures if seagulls or rocks.  It should be plenty to provide some growth, regardless of the starting point.  I'm on par with August - no surge.

I dont understand and I believe you shouldnt even answer, 2000 aint much? that a 25% increase come on!

what is enough Xalanx? I hate to point other portfolio but you have less than 500 files for 4 years

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #138 on: September 30, 2011, 17:31 »
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An incredible rollercoaster of a month which ended as my 3rd best month of year after June and August, which latter won out by a quite decent EL, no ELs in Sept. c10% up on last Sept for both $$ and dl; c30% increase in uploads, but I won't be able to sustain that. It's difficult to photograph gulls and rocks for stock when it keeps raining.  ;)
« Last Edit: September 30, 2011, 19:10 by ShadySue »

lisafx

« Reply #139 on: September 30, 2011, 18:03 »
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The day's not over, but at iStock, my September is 30% below August in $$ and that's never happened before - it's always been a matter of how much it was up, some years more than others. SS is up but not enough to compensate (although it's pretty close to SS beating out IS's monthly $$ total)

Exactly the same here.  September is usually one of my best months, but this year, at Istock it is way down from August.  Not sure if it is best match games, the massive influx of other content, or the departure of yet more buyers (to SS where I am having a BME).

And yeah, seriously, 2k images with the kind of production value Sean's talking about are a big achievement and there should be some monetary gain to make it worthwhile.  That said, I have seen an overall drop in $ to reward me for my 1k or so images.

« Reply #140 on: September 30, 2011, 18:14 »
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From what Sean and Lisa said, me think, is it possible that too many top tier photogs are shooting similar concepts? Maybe gulls and rocks have become new niche!  ;D

« Reply #141 on: September 30, 2011, 18:20 »
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Extremely bad month. Where are all the customers?

« Reply #142 on: September 30, 2011, 19:03 »
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I had a pretty good month, but ONLY because of a handful of Getty sales.
Now this last week has been absolutely dismal.

SK

« Reply #143 on: September 30, 2011, 20:47 »
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Worst month of the year for me with September down 25% from last year. I can't justify the time or energy to remain at IS. I  need to give up exclusivity and move my portfolio elsewhere.

« Reply #144 on: September 30, 2011, 21:52 »
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Disappointingly, no growth in $$$ here from last year.  Almost exactly the same, despite another 2000 uploads.  Downloads down by 25%.

.

2000 / year is not much.

Huh? Are you kidding? Please can you define 'much' for us, at least in your world. Out of interest, by how many times 'much' did you beat Sean's 'not much' in the last year?

« Reply #145 on: September 30, 2011, 22:06 »
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Extremely bad month. Where are all the customers?

Looking at my data I'd say Shutterstock. Thanks to the crass decisions of other agencies, or 'distributors' as some of them now prefer to define themselves, they are winning. Easily. Other agencies/distributors, with their overt greed, impatience and general incompetence are basically handing it to them on a plate. It would appear that all Shuttterstock have to do to succeed is ... er ... not be Istock or Fotolia.
« Last Edit: September 30, 2011, 22:15 by gostwyck »

Xalanx

« Reply #146 on: September 30, 2011, 23:23 »
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"2000 / year is not much. Especially when you start at 8000-something"

Sure it is.  It's 2000 multiple person, model released lifestyle images, not walk around pictures if seagulls or rocks.  It should be plenty to provide some growth, regardless of the starting point.  I'm on par with August - no surge.

Well yeah, but I remember Yuri complaining about sales last year I think, with about 20.000 new images. But again, you're not an image factory.

« Reply #147 on: September 30, 2011, 23:41 »
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2000, oh boy.  I uploaded 14 to IS today and it took half the afternoon.  Likely could have sent 50 to 6 other sites in the same amount of time.   If their upload isn't slow enough, I had to go back to photoshop and stitch so many variations of releases together.  2000 sounds like quite an accomplishment of patience!

« Reply #148 on: October 01, 2011, 02:47 »
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Extremely bad month. Where are all the customers?

Looking at my data I'd say Shutterstock. Thanks to the crass decisions of other agencies, or 'distributors' as some of them now prefer to define themselves, they are winning. Easily. Other agencies/distributors, with their overt greed, impatience and general incompetence are basically handing it to them on a plate. It would appear that all Shuttterstock have to do to succeed is ... er ... not be Istock or Fotolia.

Yup as fast as my IS earnings backtrack Shutterstocks soar ...... My returns at SS which were solid to start with have been increasing to more than compensate since the Getty involvement, and that is despite not uploading much for some time.

 Shutterstock and Veer will be getting my fresh better files from now on.

lagereek

« Reply #149 on: October 01, 2011, 02:57 »
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The usual story, IS, down by about 10%,  SS, way up, with DT and FT, slightly up. Must say with the latest IS-best match, give it six months and we will have to do business in the low-tier.


 

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