MicrostockGroup

I don't think this is intended for "normal" users like yourself. one must really have a low IQ to opt-in such a program.
I think its a way to pump up prices for contributors of the getty family, like the deal they have with contributor which all of there files are "agency collection"

The only way to effectively reach all of the vector exclusives is to go through and privately site mail all of them about it. Daunting task, but i'm sure it would help considerably.

I had missed this. Thank you for posting, and best of luck with the standoff.

It's too bad that it's so dangerous for badges to speak up - if it weren't I'm sure you'd have many more on board publicly. I won't name names, but at least one badge was canned for speaking out (so no wonder they're so quiet) and it's my understanding that others can't even express their opinions freely in the Inspector forum without threats of being de-badges if they don't pipe down.

So anywho, thank goodness for the vocal Black Diamonds and Diamonds with clout - but no badge - who can still express their opinion, concern, disappointment, etc. You guys are making all the difference (or attempting to) and we thank you!

As much as this is "their" company, this is our company and our images that have made this a multiple-million dollar cash cow of a business.

It occurred to me that there are no "vector admins" who concentrate solely on vectors. Bortonia's portfolio is 12% photos. Colonel's is 19%. One third of Diane555's portfolio is photo and video. Chemc's is over 75% photos.

And what about the inspectors? PinkTag has twice as many photos as vectors.  mrroboto's portfolio contains 27 vectors, the most recent of which was uploaded in 2007. samposnick's portfolio of 122 is all vectors (woot!)  o-che has mostly vectors, but her photos are mostly Vetta. I can't think of/don't know of any other vector inspectors.

I understand that to be an admin or good inspector you don't necessarily have to be a prolific illustrator, but can you imagine some of the big-name photo admins/inspectors having that many vectors in their portfolios? Neither can I.

This makes me wonder if they are fully invested in the future of vector at iS.

Oops - forgot about those guys! And I've actually met two of them!   Actually, I didn't know vectorbomb was an inspector. Do they not announce these things?

Nope, I have never inspected. I don't think people trade off between media, though.

^ Ok, I would imagine that it is also harder than people might think. And, in the current situation, a source of internal conflict. Your employer vs. contributors who care if their share is cut.

Speaking of the current situation, some of the video contributors had a call with HQ yesterday and have not reported back. Anyone know anything?

Are Nico, Sodafish, 4 x 6, and others going to also have a meeting with HQ? Things seem to have gone a little silent today. ( err , yesterday for me)

Nico_Blue just did a list of all opt-outters. Pretty cool. hope it continues to grow.

http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=314922&page=1

edited because I just noticed the list is on page 1 too.

http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=314922&page=7#post6191662

Update from Bortonia.

But she ran away from the subject "royalties rate cut"...
[/quote]

Yes, she was just 'clarifying' a few side issues and/or attempting to obfuscate the main issue.

I don't think Istock are minded to back down on the reduced commission issue though. If they did so there's a real danger that similar protest action could be launched against other commission rates or other issues. A lot of contributors have many reasons to be unhappy with Istock's actions over the last few months. Illustrators in particular.

But guys... we now have official word that this collection will be "super awesome", isn't that enough to get people submitting again

I feel genuinely bad for the people working at istock. Its pretty clear that they really have no say in what their company does when it comes down to maximizing profits at all costs.

Great work Nico, stick to your guns.

It did of course take Istock months to 'reconsider' their original commission rates for the PP. They only did so because they couldn't attract enough content. Unfortunately they're still not offering enough to attract most serious contributors. Istock & Getty are simply too greedy for their own good.

^^^ What's the purpose? No %% upgrade is expected, so my bet is they are just going to try and sweet talk you into joining the program.
My second bet is that they will partially succeed, promising you extra revenue from Getty transfers, extra vetta marketing and what not.
I wish I am wrong though...