MicrostockGroup

I saw the ad on this site, so I clicked on it (because that's how I roll). Anyway, I was confused because it looks like iStock, but obviously it isn't. What's the story?

The fluid scarce design is very popular now since it's compatible with mobile devices. 123RF has it, FT has it. You start to see it all over the net. Their name seems to be registered and they are a British site. Of course they won't make it (no USP, more of the same) but iStock would have no point.

That's what I thought too. Some definite positives, but I'm still not sure about the iStock design emulation.

it is open since June or before, I don´t belive IS will close it down, not that I would be worried but hey at least they pay 40% even if there aren´t any sales, perhaps we should all contribute to this "new" agencies trying to pull buyers into better royalties, they were 30% a while ago and they have increased to 40% and also the price of the content, I am sure the owner will show up and talk about it

I've seen this site before. I think the founder is a member of MSG.
Indeed, the site looks like a clone of istock.

Yes, halfshag, a former iStock exclusive illustrator.

"Best Match" is not a trademark of iStock, it has (quoted) 74 million hits on Google. Bigstock for instance uses it too.

The fonts and color scheme aren't patented : there are not that many fonts for a clear web design and they are rendered by the browser.

Many features of iStock aren't there : price slider, disambiguation, categories.

http://www.photokore.com/ was a clone from the start of iStock, included the disambiguation and the TOS (they copied literally) and they apparently never got harassed. Maybe because they are in Korea?

iStockPhoto is a Canadian company and iRockStock is British. They would have to combat legally on enemy terrain since the EU (or EU states) successfully obtained several convictions of Google about privacy and IP. So I wouldn't be too sure.

As to the name, they only have "stock" in common and the front lower case "i" which is an Apple Computer thing. Apple won't object since they "stole" their name from the Beatles' company.

My bet is that "halfshag" will be here soon.  

I have made no secret about my disappointment with iStock over the last 12 months, grumpy illustrator sums up my motivation quite nicely.

My view is that the differences far outweigh any similarities and those similarities you mention are superficial, widely used elsewhere and don't lead anyone into thinking that they are buying from or contributing to anyone other than iRockStock Ltd. I'm happy to listen to any difficulties any established agency might have with us but in reality they'll probably ignore us rather than throw free publicity our way or allow close examination of their own system and practices.

I really don't want this to sound like an ad but a lot of the functionality is different too, the model release system is more
of a library that you can pre-populate and then apply to images at any point before inspection, no categories, no subs,
multiple uploads via HTTP, bitmap illustrations are accepted, payouts at $50, contributors are told what type of credit was used for their sale (prevents hidden and outrageous discounting), images are available for sale after inspection etc.

I've made a site that works OK for me. It's only a starting point and yes we did pay for the ad upfront, just like we will next month.

Many thanks,

Halfshag.

Half, admirable as the effort is, it definitely comes across as a carbon copy of IS.  The profile page, the forum, etc. - it is all a duplicate of the iStock style.

I registered, will try and upload some when I get time.  Was a bit put off by having to upload some ID but I suppose that's a sensible request.  It looks similar to istock but the commission is different   Perhaps having a site that looks a bit like istock isn't such a bad idea.  It used to be a very popular site.  I remember Windows 95 looked very much like the Mac operating system but I think Bill Gates did OK with it.

Halfshag, if I understand the initial poster correctly you are advertising here to get contributors, how do do intend on getting customers?

They had legal issues over the similar "look and feel" for a very long time but finally Apple lost. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Computer,_Inc._v._Microsoft_Corporation

Congrats on the site. I've bookmarked it. I opened a shop for my own work last year (link in my signature), and it's definitely been an interesting experience to see it from the other side. Good luck!

Thanks. We've had a system on test for quite a long time and plan to add it eventually.