MicrostockGroup
Agency Based Discussion => New Sites - General => Topic started by: cthoman on October 12, 2011, 09:54
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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?
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I'd say in a few weeks iStock will make sure that this site won't be around anymore.
Not only is the name a cheap rip off but also the site design and layout as well. No idea if iStock has an easy case there but I think they have a bigger financial punch to keep such fuddy duddies out of their way.
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No idea if iStock has an easy case there but I think they have a bigger financial punch to keep such fuddy duddies out of their way.
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.
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I browsed their site last night. Looks like an illustrator who is a bit fed up with how the big guys are behaving. Might not amount to anything but maybe a site with a illustration bias, reasonable prices, and commissions is something to give a chance. Looks like vectors sell for about $10 with a 40% commission.
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...maybe a site with a illustration bias, reasonable prices, and commissions is something to give a chance. Looks like vectors sell for about $10 with a 40% commission.
That's what I thought too. Some definite positives, but I'm still not sure about the iStock design emulation.
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No idea if iStock has an easy case there but I think they have a bigger financial punch to keep such fuddy duddies out of their way.
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.
Its not the fluid design that's the problem, its the name, and similarity to the iStock design - same fonts, "Best Match" etc. that all potentially create confusion over iStock's trademarks. Hope they paid up in advance for the advertising!
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I'd say in a few weeks iStock will make sure that this site won't be around anymore.
Not only is the name a cheap rip off but also the site design and layout as well. No idea if iStock has an easy case there but I think they have a bigger financial punch to keep such fuddy duddies out of their way.
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
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Its not the fluid design that's the problem, its the name, and similarity to the iStock design - same fonts, "Best Match" etc. that all potentially create confusion over iStock's trademarks. Hope they paid up in advance for the advertising!
Right, that's what I meant. They even stick to the same color scheme as iStock - that's just lame. Same text link colors etc.
An agency doesn't have to have a super fancy interface to do a good job at selling images but at least distinguish yourself from the rest, especially from the leader... unless you're trying to manipulate people into believing they're buying at IS...
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I've seen this site before. I think the founder is a member of MSG.
Indeed, the site looks like a clone of istock.
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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
Thanks for the info, Luis.
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I've seen this site before. I think the founder is a member of MSG.
Yes, halfshag (http://www.microstockgroup.com/profile/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/ (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. :P
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Its the http://www.irockstock.com/halfshag (http://www.irockstock.com/halfshag) profile page on irockstock that's more illustrative. There's more than a passing resemblance to the istock site - many terms are lifted straight fromit & in case anyone wonders where the ideas came from he says: "My name is Richard Simpkins, I'm the CEO of iRockStock LTD. I'm also a former exclusive vector / photo / Flash contributor at iStock."
There doesn't have to be a direct trademark infringement for there to be a cause of action - take a look at this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_dress (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_dress) for examples.
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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.
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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.
Thanks for stepping in to clarify. I would say that as a potential contributor the similar site design to iStock gives me a lot of apprehension as far as signing up. It just raises a giant red flag for me. Which is a shame because it looks like the site is actually pretty good.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
We've been working so closely to the project for so long the big miss-match between what we think we've created and how it's being perceived is very interesting. We don't want this, of course. Thanks everyone.
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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.
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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.
My thinking as well. I'm sure the agency terms of "irockstock.com" are fair but the similarity to iStock is uncanny.
It may not be a problem to most buyers, contributors and maybe even to iStock but I perceive it as a sister company of iStock. I actually looked twice to see if irockstock was affiliated with iStock in any way because the look was so similar.
Call me paranoid, still, best of luck.
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Halfshag, if I understand the initial poster correctly you are advertising here to get contributors, how do do intend on getting customers?
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Halfshag, if I understand the initial poster correctly you are advertising here to get contributors, how do do intend on getting customers?
I looked thru his messages and he never advertised the site to be fair.
Edit: I was wrong: I missed the advertisement because I have adblock on in FF.
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I remember Windows 95 looked very much like the Mac operating system but I think Bill Gates did OK with it.
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 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Computer,_Inc._v._Microsoft_Corporation)
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Halfshag, if I understand the initial poster correctly you are advertising here to get contributors, how do do intend on getting customers?
Yes that's true, we're supporting MSG too. That's an easy question to answer but getting and retaining customers is the question most agencies ask themselves frequently I would think, not just start-ups like us. It's not going to be easy. It wasn't easy getting this far.
Value for money, useful content, ease of use, funds for advertising, referral system, good SEO, good customer service, extensive transparent stats are all things worth having. A unique selling point is a good thing - we've made no mention of that yet.
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Yes that's true, we're supporting MSG too. That's an easy question to answer but getting and retaining customers is the question most agencies ask themselves frequently I would think, not just start-ups like us. It's not going to be easy. It wasn't easy getting this far.
Value for money, useful content, ease of use, funds for advertising, referral system, good SEO, good customer service, extensive transparent stats are all things worth having. A unique selling point is a good thing - we've made no mention of that yet.
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!
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I had a look and it looks like a nice site.
Is FTP available? Or do you plan to add it?
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I had a look and it looks like a nice site.
Is FTP available? Or do you plan to add it?
Thanks. We've had a system on test for quite a long time and plan to add it eventually.
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How is it that you haven't been kicked out of the other micros, I thought most had a policy of closing the accounts of anyone who was involved with the running another stock site?
As far as the similarities to IS goes, it does look like a total clone, but then again DP also looks like a Frankenstein of components from all the other sites and they seem to be doing okay.
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I'm not sure if the sites actually have a policy of closing the accounts of anyone who is involved with running another stock site or if that's just something that was mentioned they might have and was turned in to a fact. Is it written in the terms of any of the sites?
There was something about reviewers keeping quiet because sites didn't like them working for their rivals but I'm not sure that's correct either. I remember a few people here mentioning they were reviewers for other sites and they didn't get their accounts closed.
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Halfshag, if I understand the initial poster correctly you are advertising here to get contributors, how do do intend on getting customers?
Yes that's true, we're supporting MSG too. That's an easy question to answer but getting and retaining customers is the question most agencies ask themselves frequently I would think, not just start-ups like us. It's not going to be easy. It wasn't easy getting this far.
Value for money, useful content, ease of use, funds for advertising, referral system, good SEO, good customer service, extensive transparent stats are all things worth having. A unique selling point is a good thing - we've made no mention of that yet.
You have basically summarized a marketing course's manual outline here, which can hardly suffice as a marketing plan. Will keep an eye on the forums for feedback from contributors joining your site to see how you fare (actually making some sales). As for me, a good looking site has never guaranteed any measure of success, but all those things you mentioned does, so I would like to see how you intend on implementing them before I make any move. Best of luck with your enterprise.
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Yesterday I submitted some vectors to iRockStock and today I was accepted ;D
I for one think that the idea of a site which looks something like IS but which behaves differently (i.e. apparently does not intend to scr*w us in every way possible). I also like that the owner is supporting MSG, and has tried here to address some of our concerns. And who seems to have good idea of what he is doing and has fair commissions. What's not to like?
If other sites seek retribution against him for competing with them, I don't think that's fair, but it's his problem.
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Yesterday I submitted some vectors to iRockStock and today I was accepted ;D
I bet this came as a total shock to you ;)
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I checked out the site and then thought of the istock lawyers sounding sort of like the lawyer in this Family Guy clip:
Alyssa Milano family guy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpcU4n8_ZCk#ws)
;D
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If sites removed halfshag from their agency they would be creating quite a double standard. I can think of at least 3 or 4 other photograhpers who own or are head of agencies and are also submitting to all the stock sites.
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I would like to say that I joined in June and already have 2 sales. I know that is not much, but my port is very small (90 photo's or less). Review times there have always been very quick and responses to any questions I asked were returned just as quick. The 40 percent commission is nice and I wish them the best of success. Everyone has to start somewhere. That is just my 2 cents worth.
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How is it that you haven't been kicked out of the other micros, I thought most had a policy of closing the accounts of anyone who was involved with the running another stock site?
As far as the similarities to IS goes, it does look like a total clone, but then again DP also looks like a Frankenstein of components from all the other sites and they seem to be doing okay.
I wanted to praise iRockStock for emulating iStuck—whether it was intended or not. ;) I am sick of iStuck and their tyranny. A big middle finger and a bowl of fresh horse manure is all I have to say about iStuck's great "power" to crush people. This is the time of the PEOPLE. Not the giants on Wall Street. I am so sick of their completely unpredictable rejection policies. Not to speak about how they've shafted everyone with pay.
I just signed up for iRockStock and hope to upload my portfolio. Hopefully—speaking as an illustrator—the process won't be like iStuck and alot more like GraphicLeftovers (if it is, I will probably lay back until it improves). Also, I hope they can appreciate unique styles of work that sell (unlike iStuck).
Congrats iRockStock. May you and the other independents continue to nibble away at iStuck. We don't need one giant on the block. Everybody can make it if we don't get greedy. ;D
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I would like to say that I joined in June and already have 2 sales.
Don't boast too much over sales. You might draw the attention of the Arcurs scouts, and before you know it another WMD (some DVD's with 50K top images) will be launched from Aarhus. ;D
Im totally pro the Slocke strategy: nothing to see there, just move on. ;)
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I have a legal responsibility to act in the best interests of the company. This obviously includes staying within the
law. Other responsibilities include my best efforts to launch and run the site effectively. As part of the launch I chose MSG as the first place to advertise
because I like the site, visit it daily and because I knew my ad would create a reaction, negative or positive, it didn't really matter so long as people looked at the
project as a serious effort and talked about it. I think the ad has worked out much better than expected, thank you.
I've already rejected accusations of plagiarism and I stand by this, it is not my intention to harm the brand of any existing
company. What does bother me is if perceived similarities undermine our legitimacy in the eyes of potential customers or
contributors. This devalues our efforts and I'm not happy about that at all. Changes may occur on the site for that reason.
I've got no idea how other agencies will react to the project but according to our logs we had significant activity from Calgary last Friday so I would guess an opinion is forming.
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I would like to say that I joined in June and already have 2 sales. I know that is not much, but my port is very small (90 photo's or less). Review times there have always been very quick and responses to any questions I asked were returned just as quick. The 40 percent commission is nice and I wish them the best of success. Everyone has to start somewhere. That is just my 2 cents worth.
Thanks Randall. Tweeting each time you've had files accepted really kept our spirits up during those very long months :)
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I really like the site and what you are doing (I am an illustrator myself) and I might even join the site, but at the moment I am very afraid that this 'opinion being formed in Calgary' will be detrimental to your success :'(
Curious to see how things will evolve...
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I just registered.
The site is written in ENGLISH!
I mean, not Spanish English, German English, Hungarian English, Asian English ...
but in plain British English. How refreshing!
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"I've already rejected accusations of plagiarism and I stand by this"
Come on now - you even have the same adorable icons by everyone's names, lol - a shield for an admin, etc...
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The name might be OK, because there's already isignstock and they don't seem to of done anything about that. They might have a good reason to use that name though. I think I would be seeking pre-emptive legal advice. It would be a waste of everyone's time if this site runs in to problems, I would rather find out now than after spending money on it.
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Registered two hours ago, ID submitted (and confirmed within 30 minutes) and x5 sample images uploaded for review. Images from my ports at iSP, SS and DT.
If accepted, my entire portfolio will be uploaded over the next few days to irockstock. Apart from anything else, it's a privilege to support a British venture in what is a US and Canadian dominated industry. I hope they get many more British photographers joining and contributing images.
Good luck with it Halfshag!
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...according to our logs we had significant activity from Calgary last Friday so I would guess an opinion is forming.
The Dark Lord of Mordor is gathering his orcs, er I mean lawyers. :'(
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I really like the site and what you are doing (I am an illustrator myself) and I might even join the site, but at the moment I am very afraid that this 'opinion being formed in Calgary' will be detrimental to your success
Calgary ows obedience to the British crown and rules some pinewoods around as serfs. Britannia, at the contrary, rules the waves. It's about time we Europeans beat some sense back into our rebellious colonies that seem to be ruled by gangs of greedy lawyers nowadays. The best thing that could happen to iRockStock is that the i-thing sued them, before a British and EU court of course. Everybody likes free publicity.
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It sounds as your site is worth a try...
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I really like the site and what you are doing (I am an illustrator myself) and I might even join the site, but at the moment I am very afraid that this 'opinion being formed in Calgary' will be detrimental to your success
Calgary ows obedience to the British crown and rules some pinewoods around as serfs. Britannia, at the contrary, rules the waves. It's about time we Europeans beat some sense back into our rebellious colonies that seem to be ruled by gangs of greedy lawyers nowadays. The best thing that could happen to iRockStock is that the i-thing sued them, before a British and EU court of course. Everybody likes free publicity.
And the British and European courts will kick them well into the long grass. Canadian lawyers will not enjoy the experience, any more than American lawyers, in facing the English and European courts. And besides, iRockStock has done nothing wrong. Anyways, what are the Canadians afraid of, a little competition? They really ought to be more concerned about the beatings their getting in the microstock markets by SS, DT and FT. That's really gonna kill them off.....
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^^^Don't you think it could cost a lot of money? Sometimes it doesn't matter if you're in the right, you also have to have the money and time to win. When you're trying to attract contributors and buyers, going through a costly legal action isn't going to work. I'm not confident about most new sites, this one has a potential huge problem. I'm all for a UK site but the last microstock priced one I tried was a waste of time.
If there aren't any legal problems, I'm far more likely to upload my portfolio, so I hope iRockStock seek advice and make changes if they have to.
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I'm all for a UK site but the last microstock priced one I tried was a waste of time.
This one probably too. So what? Whining 5 years from now IS had - sadly enough - to lower commissions to 1 dollarcent to be "sustainable"?
If there aren't any legal problems, I'm far more likely to upload my portfolio, so I hope iRockStock seek advice and make changes if they have to.
Why would there be legal problems? Because iStock forgot to patent the shield as an administrator's icon on the forum? :D
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Actually, this is a golden opportunity for IS to increase their profits. They should make an announcement like this:
"In the interest of fair microstock trade and sustainability of our business model, our upper level managers and everyone else under them have decided that any contributors whom we discover uploading their images to other stock sites that are similar in design to Istock will have their canisters reduced to the base level and their royalties reduced to 0.1% for life."
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I really like the site and what you are doing (I am an illustrator myself) and I might even join the site, but at the moment I am very afraid that this 'opinion being formed in Calgary' will be detrimental to your success
Calgary ows obedience to the British crown and rules some pinewoods around as serfs. Britannia, at the contrary, rules the waves. It's about time we Europeans beat some sense back into our rebellious colonies that seem to be ruled by gangs of greedy lawyers nowadays. The best thing that could happen to iRockStock is that the i-thing sued them, before a British and EU court of course. Everybody likes free publicity.
And the British and European courts will kick them well into the long grass. Canadian lawyers will not enjoy the experience, any more than American lawyers, in facing the English and European courts. And besides, iRockStock has done nothing wrong. Anyways, what are the Canadians afraid of, a little competition? They really ought to be more concerned about the beatings their getting in the microstock markets by SS, DT and FT. That's really gonna kill them off.....
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I have no idea if Istock might have a case, but generally I think the plaintiff gets to pick the venue, so Istock/Getty could sue in U.S. or Canada.
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I found out i couldn't register with "IE". Had to use chrome. When i upload my id i'll be al set to see what the site can do.
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Hello to all!
Who has experience with the support service of this site? Week did not respond to the letter. ???
Maybe you can help me. Please tell me the iRockStock works with Moneybookers? Thanks.
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Hello to all!
Who has experience with the support service of this site? Week did not respond to the letter. ???
Maybe you can help me. Please tell me the iRockStock works with Moneybookers? Thanks.
Hello Gennady,
I read your email the day it came in. It was a request for information for your blog as far as I could tell so we treated it differently to a support request, it is on my todo list :)
I'll write something for you at the weekend all being well.
We don't support Moneybookers at the moment but we are going to add it as soon as possible.
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Thank You, Halfshag.
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Interesting to see a start-up involved in stock Flash files. Is Flash still a viable market? I saw a lot of news last week about the death of Flash after Adobe announced the end of mobile development.
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Interesting to see a start-up involved in stock Flash files. Is Flash still a viable market? I saw a lot of news last week about the death of Flash after Adobe announced the end of mobile development.
Ha ha! My 5 years old Nokia 810 Maemo internet tablet can handle flash perfectly without any special app -despite using obsolete hardware and OS - while some fancy (and expensive) "smart" phones don't.
And it can even browse, email, phone (IP or skype) using free wi-fi which is available in every decent pub, art gallery, museum in Britain nowadays.
Anyway, I don't like flash as well, especially when used improperly for web sites intro which everyone skips.
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Thank You, Halfshag.
Being slightly aware of the meaning of "shag" in the U.K., does "halfshag" stand for a sortof coitus interruptus? ;D Just curious.
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Thank You, Halfshag.
Being slightly aware of the meaning of "shag" in the U.K., does "halfshag" stand for a sortof coitus interruptus? ;D Just curious.
Oh Behave!
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Thank You, Halfshag.
Being slightly aware of the meaning of "shag" in the U.K., does "halfshag" stand for a sortof coitus interruptus? ;D Just curious.
Oh Behave!
LOL
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Ha ha! My 5 years old Nokia 810 Maemo internet tablet can handle flash perfectly without any special app -despite using obsolete hardware and OS - while some fancy (and expensive) "smart" phones don't...
It's more of a "going forward" issue. Adobe is stopping development of all mobile Flash players, so all manufacturers are affected, not just Apple holding out on Flash integration. And as mobile appears to be an ever-growing market segment, killing off mobile Flash is essentially killing off Flash altogether. It'll take a few years to really see the effect, but it will eventually go away completely.
So that begs the question, is it worthwhile for a startup to even get involved in stock Flash? There may not be a market at all for those files in a year or two. Why put the time into development, reviews, storage, bandwidth, etc., to handle an obsolete format?
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Thank You, Halfshag.
Being slightly aware of the meaning of "shag" in the U.K., does "halfshag" stand for a sortof coitus interruptus? ;D Just curious.
Oh Behave!
I have a Phd in the Behavioral Sciences. I solemnly declare hereby that I do behave. ;)
It was just a question that popped up the first time I saw his nick.
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Thank You, Halfshag.
Being slightly aware of the meaning of "shag" in the U.K., does "halfshag" stand for a sortof coitus interruptus? ;D Just curious.
Oh Behave!
I have a Phd in the Behavioral Sciences. I solemnly declare hereby that I do behave. ;)
It was just a question that popped up the first time I saw his nick.
I behaved once. A long time ago. Didn't like it. Never did it again. ;D
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I behaved once. A long time ago. Didn't like it. Never did it again. ;D
Well to get back on topic, I had one sale today (wherever your day is) on the Rock thing. A Christmas-related studio shot and I got two whole dollars for it. Let's enjoy it while it lasts, till the Yuris, Lisas, Elenas, Pressmasters etc.. jump on board and the roof falls in ;)
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[...] I had one sale today (wherever your day is) on the Rock thing [...] Let's enjoy it while it lasts, till the Yuris, Lisas, Elenas, Pressmasters etc.. jump on board and the roof falls in ;)
I'm not among them infortunately... but I am (still) waiting for a proper upload method since I've got no time to upload 20 pictures at a time to a new site - no matter how much I like iRock for being clean, professional and European. Maybe they are just waiting as well?
iRock may accept hard drives from them if they want just them, or activate FTP if they want all of us - sorry if the roof falls in but sooner or later they'll have to extend their contributors base in order to increase the number of buyers as well
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but I am (still) waiting for a proper upload method since I've got no time to upload 20 pictures at a time to a new site
Still 10 times less than on Veer where the FTP always disconnects and that doesn't accept IPTC properly (they are married to Adobe's private scheme and ignore the base IPTC scheme). Browser upload only works with 1 file at a time. At least iRockstock works like a charm even on a jungle-wifi with antenna.
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Interesting to see a start-up involved in stock Flash files. Is Flash still a viable market? I saw a lot of news last week about the death of Flash after Adobe announced the end of mobile development.
Ha ha! My 5 years old Nokia 810 Maemo internet tablet can handle flash perfectly without any special app -despite using obsolete hardware and OS - while some fancy (and expensive) "smart" phones don't.
And it can even browse, email, phone (IP or skype) using free wi-fi which is available in every decent pub, art gallery, museum in Britain nowadays.
Anyway, I don't like flash as well, especially when used improperly for web sites intro which everyone skips.
Great, mediocre and bad design will always be the same regardless of the underlying technology.
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but I am (still) waiting for a proper upload method since I've got no time to upload 20 pictures at a time to a new site
Still 10 times less than on Veer where the FTP always disconnects and that doesn't accept IPTC properly (they are married to Adobe's private scheme and ignore the base IPTC scheme). Browser upload only works with 1 file at a time. At least iRockstock works like a charm even on a jungle-wifi with antenna.
I've got 40+ illustrations up there now. Uploading them one at a time is the only flaw. No disconnects or weird metadata problems. Submission is very, very easy. I hope to get my portfolio up there and support independents like iRockstock.
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but I am (still) waiting for a proper upload method since I've got no time to upload 20 pictures at a time to a new site
Still 10 times less than on Veer where the FTP always disconnects and that doesn't accept IPTC properly (they are married to Adobe's private scheme and ignore the base IPTC scheme). Browser upload only works with 1 file at a time. At least iRockstock works like a charm even on a jungle-wifi with antenna.
I've got 40+ illustrations up there now. Uploading them one at a time is the only flaw. No disconnects or weird metadata problems. Submission is very, very easy. I hope to get my portfolio up there and support independents like iRockstock.
I have more than 100, submission is not very easy at all, it took me hours plus, no sales, only a few views for more than a month now.
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Which parts of the process did you find difficult?
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Half shag is a kind of hand rolling tobacco.
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Which parts of the process did you find difficult?
Let me step in here:
1: No FTP. Fine, web upload may work as well, but you can only select one file at a time. That means at least three clicks per file (click into the next row of the upload window, double click the next file on your own directory, repeat...). Give a possibility of multiple selection here (select a few hundred files at once) would make it a lot easier.
2: After the upload finishes, I end up with a list of "unfinished" files. But they are already complete with all information. To submit them to review I have againt to click three times per file: Click on a file, takes me to a new screen, where I have to click submit, takes me to a new screen, where I have to click on continue, takes me back to the list. And all the clicks are on different places of the screen, so I have to move the mouse pointer around.
And in all that process I am not adding any value - all information is already there.
Best solution would be: Mass upload (either FTP or mass selection on web form) and all uploaded files are directly taken to the review queue. No further interaction needed.
For people not having full data in IPTC or people needing to attach releases (I don't) it needs some additional steps.
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I quite like the fact each file is checked by the contributor before it enters the queue. A chance to make sure duplicates, previously rejected images haven't crept in by accident, a chance to check for 'I'll fill this in later' type descriptions (if you're like me, sounds like you're not), that sort of thing. Removing that step would create more pressure on our resources. I'm not claiming it's perfect and the 'continue uploading page' I promised to remove ages ago - oops.
I wouldn't say it's 'not very easy at all' so I was quite interested to see if lirch would elaborate a bit for my benefit assuming FTP isn't at the root of the issue.
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I quite like the fact each file is checked by the contributor before it enters the queue. A chance to make sure duplicates, previously rejected images haven't crept in by accident, a chance to check for 'I'll fill this in later' type descriptions (if you're like me, sounds like you're not), that sort of thing. Removing that step would create more pressure on our resources. I'm not claiming it's perfect and the 'continue uploading page' I promised to remove ages ago - oops.
I wouldn't say it's 'not very easy at all' so I was quite interested to see if lirch would elaborate a bit for my benefit assuming FTP isn't at the root of the issue.
Multiple upload would save a lot of time halfshag, like Java or whatever. For somebody with more than 3000 images it takes a lot with the curent sytem, thats all Im saying. I think that more than 70% of stockers do have metadata implemented.
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Multiple upload would save a lot of time halfshag, like Java or whatever. For somebody with more than 3000 images it takes a lot with the curent sytem, thats all Im saying. I think that more than 70% of stockers do have metadata implemented.
I agree with this. I can't speak for everyone else, but all my 4000+ files are keyworded and grouped in sets of 50. That way I can upload 50 at a time, then check if all the metadata got imported. Then, upload the next 50. Rinse and repeat. It's still tedious, but not having FTP or some sort of group upload would be a huge deterrent. I don't even like upload limits because I can't spend a weekend or two and get a majority of my files online. Uploading isn't fun, so the less time or days I can spend doing it, the better. I'd rather get it all over in one or two big marathon sessions.
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I quite like the fact each file is checked by the contributor before it enters the queue. A chance to make sure duplicates, previously rejected images haven't crept in by accident
I see that you are keeping a list of rejected files, so you could automatically delete accidental duplicates and previously rejected images, based on file name. Some sites do. Against deliberate resubmission with a different file name there's nothing that can be done anyway (except visual similarity or penalties).
a chance to check for 'I'll fill this in later' type descriptions (if you're like me, sounds like you're not), that sort of thing.
We usually do this before uploading, to avoid doing over and over on every site.
Removing that step would create more pressure on our resources.
You may leave that step but add a "Submit all" button.
I wouldn't say it's 'not very easy at all' ... assuming FTP isn't at the root of the issue.
I wouldn't say as well. If fact, it's easy. I'd rather say it's very slow if one has thousands of pictures to upload.
A Java multi uploader would be better.
And FTP would even better fit in our workflow - at least for those using distributing services such as Lightburner and similar: if we can upload once and distribute to all, we are much more inclined to upload our full ports to a new site.
Actually both would be the best, since different people like different methods.
I started uploading to SuperHug at about the same time and I'm now over and already having the first sales, while at IRockStock I'm at 3% of my port. It's a pity, since I like IRockStock very much otherwise (nice looking site, you are politely answering questions here and on your forum, reviews are fair...)
If the issue is limiting the number of uploads, your weekly upload limit is enough, without forcing us to click 25750 times to upload 5000 pictures:
250 clicks on "upload"
250 clicks on "photography > upload"
250 clicks to choose "how many"
5000 clicks to browse files
5000 clicks to close the browse window
5000 clicks to submit a picture
5000 clicks to confirm metadata
5000 clicks to close the 'continue uploading page' you promised to remove
TOTAL: 25750 clicks
I'll need to buy a new mouse at the end of this process ;D
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You can upload illustrations in groups of 20 per post (more over tabs) so minus uploading time it shouldn't take hours it should take minutes. I don't doubt for a second that FTP is the easiest way to upload.
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We need to be in a position to cope with the fruit of your clicks and to offer the same level of service that we do now we need more qualified people to help with the reviewing and that takes time to organise. I don't doubt the power of FTP to lift the burden of uploading a bit but apart from staffing levels there are lots of interesting issues that I'm going to post about. The aim is to do this properly so we're not going to rush anything even though it's very tempting.
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I don't mind the upload system. I think the only way to succeed is to have enough buyers to keep the contributors happy. Contributors want to upload their portfolios with ease but then they want instant sales. That would be hard if everyone uploads everything at once. If you don't have lots of money to spend, the best option is to grow slowly. But that leads to anther problem, why should buyers use a site with a small collection of images?
I think Stockfresh have done everything right but they are struggling to get sales going. I hope you can find a way to make it work.
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I wouldn't be interested if it wasn't challenging.
Edited: to remove drama
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You can upload illustrations in groups of 20 per post (more over tabs) so minus uploading time it shouldn't take hours it should take minutes.
One of the issues is that people lose track of where they are in their upload folder, hence duplicate file clicks. I took the liberty of changing the "validateFile()" on your upload page to avoid this, also checking for malicious "image.php.jpg" uploads on the client side.
function validateFile ( e, IDf, IDe, msgnojpg, msgthere ) {
//.. Count file duplicates ...................
var there = 0;
var elLength = document.uploadForm.elements.length;
for (var i = 0; i < elLength; i++) {
if (uploadForm.elements[i].type == 'file') {
var value = uploadForm.elements[i].value;
if ((value.length > 0) && (value == e.value)) there++;
}; };
//.. Get extension and period count ...........
var count = 0; // avoid "image.php.jpg" or "image.jpg.php"
for (var i = 0; i < e.value.length; i++) if (e.value.charAt(i) == '.') count++;
$ext = e.value.split('.').pop().toLowerCase();
//.. Diagnose .................................
if ((($ext == "jpg") || ($ext == "jpeg")) && (count == 1) && (there < 2)) {
document.getElementById(IDf).style.backgroundColor = '#ffffff';
document.getElementById(IDf).style.color = '#000000';
document.getElementById(IDe).innerHTML = " ";
} else {
e.value = '';
document.getElementById(IDf).style.backgroundColor = '#dedede';
document.getElementById(IDf).style.color = '#ababab';
if (there > 1) document.getElementById(IDe).innerHTML = msgthere
else document.getElementById(IDe).innerHTML = msgnojpg;
}; };
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... also checking for malicious "image.php.jpg" uploads on the client side.
If it's not an image it'll be disregarded regardless of the extension(s). Take your point about losing track though.
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It's been down for days. Anyone know if / when it will be back up?
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iRockStock
We're migrating files over to our new servers. More news tomorrow.
23 hours ago