This is what got my iStock forum privileges and sitemail access revoked

[nruboc]

SS is probably attracting more contributors, that isn't something to brag about from a contributor's point of view. 300,000 photographers. compared with maybe 75K on iStock. 12 million images on SS. enjoy competing over there.

SS haven't really got that many contributors, not even a fraction of that figure (as I'm sure you know). They have got 12M images but to be honest an alarming number of them are pretty awful and just prop up the bottom of the search results. Image-for-image the competition is actually vastly higher at Istock. I'd love to have the same sort-order positions on Istock as I have on SS.

As it happens SS is also doing very well indeed sales-wise. Month on month my income is increasing mainly due to an ever-increasing number of PPD sales (which other people have noted too). Seems to me that Shutterstock's response to Getty's Thinkstock attack on their market was to respond in kind __ and SS are winning that little game.

Actually I also welcome the additional competition on all agencies from exclusives giving up their crowns. The quality of their work will add significantly to the collections and in time that will bring additional customers to those agencies who pay a much fairer commission to their contributors.

The only reason Istock is able to bully and exploit their contributors is because they 'own' roughly 50% of the entire microstock market. The more powerful they become the more they will abuse it. It is in the interests of all microstockers to have a wide and competitive market for their work. The symbol indicating exclusivity should not be a crown __ it should be a pair of handcuffs.

Very good post, I completely agree, especially with the last two paragraphs

[SNP]

not true - contributors on Istock who disagree are welcome to to disagree and I respect and am good friends with many who are very unhappy with all the changes. there's a line though. there's been a lot of wild speculation, as always.

David - I'm not nervous. I am angry that you're making issues where there aren't any. many people already know who I am anyways, so you can figure it out too. as long as you don't post it in here, I frankly couldn't care less.

[Caz]

You sound a bit nervous, you must have something significant to hide.

[quote author=dgilder link=topic=11331.msg162806#msg162806 date=1284998874

I think I might take it upon myself to do some statistical language analysis on your posts both here and in the iStock forums to find out who you really are.
[/quote]

Oh pulheese    If the post September 7th fall out has shown me anything, it's that there are more people than I thought who love celebrity status.  We get it, we got it, really we did. You're leaving iStock and you don't like the changes. Just like many other, less adulation seeking contributors who stated their postiion and then were done.  Your new found moral highground cult status surely doesn't bestow you the right to threaten other contributors here?? Many people are annoymous for very good reason, it allows them to speak their mind without repercussion for other parts of their lives.

[gostwyck]

there's been a lot of wild speculation, as always.

You keep referring to 'a lot of wild speculation' but never specify what it is. I don't recall any. What do you mean?

[ichiro17]

I've heard this argument before - the other sites, Dreamstime and Fotolia ...
What about Dreamstime and Fotolia?
Today IStock is the only agency that offers me a 15% commission.
No other site has gone this low.
I'll cross one bridge at a time.

Contributors who are upset and post on IStock forums are jerks.
Thing is, historically speaking it's because of 'jerks' like them, people who have the guts to ask questions and demand answers, that we have evolved into free, democratic societies.
I'll take the jerks anytime.
As opposed to incognito posters who can't even muster enough courage to reveal their true identity.  
Not to be trusted.

Trusted or not, i think the ridiculous amount of complaining you do is over the top.  You complain about 15% commissions, meanwhile, what does that even mean for you.  Are you even losing any money.  I mean, you have 150 downloads in forever, so what does the 25% reduction in commission cost you? maybe $40 a year (i think i'm being generous here)? For the amount of complaining you do, why not just stop uploading.  You can probably make more money selling dandelions on the street corne.  and you get to keep 100% of that.

[gostwyck]

Oh pulheese    If the post September 7th fall out has shown me anything, it's that there are more people than I thought who love celebrity status.  We get it, we got it, really we did. You're leaving iStock and you don't like the changes. Just like many other, less adulation seeking contributors who stated their postiion and then were done.  Your new found moral highground cult status surely doesn't bestow you the right to threaten other contributors here?? Many people are annoymous for very good reason, it allows them to speak their mind without repercussion for other parts of their lives.

I can't agree with you there Caz. I'd say David has proven he is a man of both action and integrity. I certainly didn't see any celebrity-seeking. I just saw a bloke standing up strongly for what he believed in. A few more of him and a few less of the spineless do-nothingers (or worse the apologists) and we wouldn't be in the mess we are.

[Caz]

I can't agree with you there Caz. I'd say David has proven he is a man of both action and integrity. I certainly didn't see any celebrity-seeking. I just saw a bloke standing up strongly for what he believed in. A few more of him and a few less of the spineless do-nothingers (or worse the apologists) and we wouldn't be in the mess we are.

He did, indeed. But posts like the one I referenced don't fit with that integrity, in my book.

[Pixel-Pizzazz]

@ hawk _ eye

What wild speculation?  I must have missed that.  Perhaps you could point that out.

In my opinion - drawn from my own experience and what others have shared with me is that what is visible in the 'yard' is only what has been purposefully censored or manipulated to their liking (directly - like deleted posts and indirectly - like 'intimidating' phone calls or emails or the general tone of high level attention).  So, if what you see is what they want you to see, and you don't like it, it would stand to reason that your beef is actually with them.  So, what are you going to do about it?  Are you going to tell them that you don't like what they are doing?... hmmm, why does that seem familiar...?  Good luck.

Responsibilty lies with whom has the control.

[dgilder]

I'm sorry, where did I say I would publicize whatever I might uncover?  I'm just interested in sorting out who I am discussing things with.  Its hard to gauge where someone is coming from when they are hiding behind a screen name (for whatever reason), especially when they are obviously very familiar with you.  Hawk_eye, feel free to send me a private message, and I assure you I will keep your identity in confidence.

[SNP]

David - you seem to need to satisfy your curiosity, but I don't really care. You can figure it out or I'm sure someone will tell you. As for being familiar with you, dude, who isn't thanks to all your posts lately?

[Eireann]

Ichiro,
no links, no names, no port, no sales.
No argument.
A nobody.

[ichiro17]

Ichiro,
no links, no names, no port, no sales.
No argument.
A nobody.

Yup just a nobody.  At least no one knows that for sure.  Unlike you and your big mouth and little portfolio with no sales to back it up.  Don't start picking on who and what, because if you were around for any decent amount of time, you would know who I am as I've been a member on this forum forever.  Oh and btw, my port is 10000 dls at iStock and my 12,000 SS sales before I went exclusive (not that thats impressive to you, because you're a bigshot with your 150 lifetime sales)

[nruboc]

Ichiro,
no links, no names, no port, no sales.
No argument.
A nobody.

Yup just a nobody.  At least no one knows that for sure.  Unlike you and your big mouth and little portfolio with no sales to back it up.  Don't start picking on who and what, because if you were around for any decent amount of time, you would know who I am as I've been a member on this forum forever.  Oh and btw, my port is 10000 dls at iStock and my 12,000 SS sales before I went exclusive (not that thats impressive to you, because you're a bigshot with your 150 lifetime sales)

You're the one who started the pissing contest, I support Eieann's right to post what ever she * well pleases. Ignore her if it bothers you so much

[ichiro17]

Ichiro,
no links, no names, no port, no sales.
No argument.
A nobody.

Yup just a nobody.  At least no one knows that for sure.  Unlike you and your big mouth and little portfolio with no sales to back it up.  Don't start picking on who and what, because if you were around for any decent amount of time, you would know who I am as I've been a member on this forum forever.  Oh and btw, my port is 10000 dls at iStock and my 12,000 SS sales before I went exclusive (not that thats impressive to you, because you're a bigshot with your 150 lifetime sales)

You're the one who started the pissing contest, I support Eieann's right to post what ever she  well pleases. Ignore her if it bothers you so much

whatever, she has no respect for others because they don't feel like posting portfolio links yet she demands respect from an agency that she has not even made a decent contribution to. 
I have no problem with people complaining who will actually suffer from the loss and the cuts, but she doesn't even average 4 dls a month.  Don't tell me to ignore that because her whining is the most pathetic thing I've seen in a while. 

[nruboc]

Ichiro,
no links, no names, no port, no sales.
No argument.
A nobody.

Yup just a nobody.  At least no one knows that for sure.  Unlike you and your big mouth and little portfolio with no sales to back it up.  Don't start picking on who and what, because if you were around for any decent amount of time, you would know who I am as I've been a member on this forum forever.  Oh and btw, my port is 10000 dls at iStock and my 12,000 SS sales before I went exclusive (not that thats impressive to you, because you're a bigshot with your 150 lifetime sales)

You're the one who started the pissing contest, I support Eieann's right to post what ever she  well pleases. Ignore her if it bothers you so much

whatever, she has no respect for others because they don't feel like posting portfolio links yet she demands respect from an agency that she has not even made a decent contribution to.  
I have no problem with people complaining who will actually suffer from the loss and the cuts, but she doesn't even average 4 dls a month.  Don't tell me to ignore that because her whining is the most pathetic thing I've seen in a while.  

Well, get used to it, I'm not going to have any files on IStock, but I'm still going to comment any time I choose, regardless of how you feel about it. IStock's decisions affects the whole industry.

[gbalex]

Ichiro,
no links, no names, no port, no sales.
No argument.
A nobody.

Yup just a nobody.  At least no one knows that for sure.  Unlike you and your big mouth and little portfolio with no sales to back it up.  Don't start picking on who and what, because if you were around for any decent amount of time, you would know who I am as I've been a member on this forum forever.  Oh and btw, my port is 10000 dls at iStock and my 12,000 SS sales before I went exclusive (not that thats impressive to you, because you're a bigshot with your 150 lifetime sales)

You're the one who started the pissing contest, I support Eieann's right to post what ever she  well pleases. Ignore her if it bothers you so much

whatever, she has no respect for others because they don't feel like posting portfolio links yet she demands respect from an agency that she has not even made a decent contribution to.  
I have no problem with people complaining who will actually suffer from the loss and the cuts, but she doesn't even average 4 dls a month.  Don't tell me to ignore that because her whining is the most pathetic thing I've seen in a while.  

Well, get used to it, I'm not going to have any files on IStock, but I'm still going to comment any time I choose, regardless of how you feel about it. IStock's decisions affects the whole industry.

Re: "IStock's decision's affect the whole industry"

A very important point that needs sustained and proactive action on our part.  Lets not let attacks from those who stand to gain from confusing the issue knock us off course.  There is no amount of dialog that will convince me the changes at IS are anything but negative for the micro stock industry as a whole.

[Blufish]

You know what? It doesn't matter who has what DLs, biggest port, whatever. We all have a right to be pissed, not only the people who have significant losses.  This forum is for everyone, New, old, head honchos, egotistical maniacs, whomever. Let's try to not have a pissing contest. 

[RacePhoto]

So here is what I posted on iStock that caused them to revoke my ability to post in the forums, and lock me out of sitemail.   Make of that what you will:

Honestly, without any personal judgment on what you wrote or IS, I think they banned you for a history of writing what you thought, rather than one message that happened to be the last one, when they decided to ban some people.

It's possible they gave the moderators the assignment to clean up the dissidents.  

[Pixel-Pizzazz]

Ichiro,
no links, no names, no port, no sales.
No argument.
A nobody.

Yup just a nobody.  At least no one knows that for sure.  Unlike you and your big mouth and little portfolio with no sales to back it up.  Don't start picking on who and what, because if you were around for any decent amount of time, you would know who I am as I've been a member on this forum forever.  Oh and btw, my port is 10000 dls at iStock and my 12,000 SS sales before I went exclusive (not that thats impressive to you, because you're a bigshot with your 150 lifetime sales)

Maybe you've forgotten where you started.  Let me remind you:

Hey everyone.

I only have 12 photos on Big stock right now with 17 pending.  I was wondering how much people are making on the site and how many photos they have uploaded to this "BIG FIVE" site.

As well, does anyone have any tips.  I just bought a Digital Rebel XT and I would like to get some sales to make back some of that money.  

Joseph

YAY

Finally got into iStock.  Its about time too.  I was waiting because I feel so left out since everyone (even nubes) get in on iStock before me (being involved with this for 3 months and not being in, gets you down) but I'm finally in.  Hopefully I can be successful on it - any tips for them?

Whats with this 30 uploads per week business?  I'm not sure what thats all about...will that change for me?  I have like 300 photos that could potentially meet the iStock bill.  

How are you all doing with iStock?   What are your photo niches?

-gareri

[gostwyck]

^^^ Sweet! 

[traveler1116]

Although the bans seemed inevitable, I appreciated the continued postings by many of the active participants of those threads.  Lots of the stats and personal views help me make my plans for the coming months.

I expect some of the bans will last for a while since istock has made up their minds and they really don;t want to be bothered with dissension in the forums.

Just a week here, but probably because there wasn't really a reason to do it.

[gostwyck]

Just a week here, but probably because there wasn't really a reason to do it.

You as well? Unbelievable.

[traveler1116]

Just a week here, but probably because there wasn't really a reason to do it.

You as well? Unbelievable.

Yep making a reference to this thread, I just said it was ridiculous to tell sean he wasn't up to par, at least that's the only post that Lobo deleted as far as I can tell.  This is the thread:  http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=256872&page=1

[jamirae]

I dont understand their logic for who is banned and who is not. I think it very well could be more about a history of postings rather than one in particular.  But then, Sean has been protesting/disagreeing and so have several others and yet they did not get banned.   I posted my decision to cancel exclusiveness at iStock and I was not banned. 

[ichiro17]

Ichiro,
no links, no names, no port, no sales.
No argument.
A nobody.

Yup just a nobody.  At least no one knows that for sure.  Unlike you and your big mouth and little portfolio with no sales to back it up.  Don't start picking on who and what, because if you were around for any decent amount of time, you would know who I am as I've been a member on this forum forever.  Oh and btw, my port is 10000 dls at iStock and my 12,000 SS sales before I went exclusive (not that thats impressive to you, because you're a bigshot with your 150 lifetime sales)

Maybe you've forgotten where you started.  Let me remind you:

Hey everyone.

I only have 12 photos on Big stock right now with 17 pending.  I was wondering how much people are making on the site and how many photos they have uploaded to this "BIG FIVE" site.

As well, does anyone have any tips.  I just bought a Digital Rebel XT and I would like to get some sales to make back some of that money.  

Joseph

YAY

Finally got into iStock.  Its about time too.  I was waiting because I feel so left out since everyone (even nubes) get in on iStock before me (being involved with this for 3 months and not being in, gets you down) but I'm finally in.  Hopefully I can be successful on it - any tips for them?

Whats with this 30 uploads per week business?  I'm not sure what thats all about...will that change for me?  I have like 300 photos that could potentially meet the iStock bill.  

How are you all doing with iStock?   What are your photo niches?

-gareri

let me remind you that i didn't bitch about 20% or whatever.  and instead of bitching i kept working at it