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Topics - rjmiz
1
« on: July 20, 2008, 10:59 »
I can steal your best image, and there's nothing you can do.
Better yet I might steal it and you would not ever even know it!
How?
Suppose I'm going through your portfolio. (admiring all your wonderful images).
I spot one fantastically great image I think I would like to use on my website.
It's too much trouble to sign up to buy your image, I want it for free.
I don't want it with watermarks, and the thumbnail is too small.
One solution might be to use tineye to find it on the net used by some other person who bought it.
Copy the image from their site. Wow! FREE IMAGE! and you would never even know or even suspect it.
I often wonder how many of our images are not stolen directly from us, but from a site that actually purchased it legally.
No use in loosing sleep over it. Someday in the future they might come up with a solution, in the meantime keep shooting.
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
2
« on: July 13, 2008, 05:56 »
A question for some "broadminded" readers:
If you one day turned on the TV, and while watching a nationally run commercial discovered one of your images in that commercial;
1. Would you be happy that your image has been viewed by millions of viewers?
2. Angry because a multi-million dollar corporation paid less then $5.00 of which you probably only see about $1.30 of?
3. Start to wonder how they got your image, and from which stock site?
4. Immediately run out and buy the product or service advertised with your image?
It's a toss of the coin for me. I would have mixed emotions.
While I would be pleased my image was recognized and accepted as worthy by a big corporation, I might have trouble accepting I was paid next to $0.00 for it.
Money or glory? I have to choose.
If I place my image on any stock site for sale I must realize I have done so of my own free will.
When it is sold, it is no longer MY IMAGE I have agreed to license it's use for those conditions set forth in the license agreement.
So if I get upset. and start crying, and whining it's my own doing!
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
3
« on: July 11, 2008, 21:28 »
Alot of threads about subs this month.
And although I hate to hear people constantly cry, whine, and complain, I do in fact understand why they do it.
So I want to present some of the more reasonable people in this forum a question;
A site that acts a broker for sale like the micro sites does needs to turn a profit. (I think we all can agree on this point)
Given that the site needs the profit there are only 2 other parties left....the photog and the buyer.
Either 1 of 3 scenarios can be true
A. The buyer wins (because subs are so inexpensive)
B. The photog wins (because sub prices are higher than other sites)
C. Both photog and buyer maintain a fair and equal distribution.
In my opinion the only site that comes to mind in the "C" scenario is DT.
That's just my opinion, and I have no scientific evidence to back me up.
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
4
« on: July 09, 2008, 15:37 »
This pertains to United States Federal Laws (Not world wide)
Scenario: You have an image that some one copied from your website
1. You can NOT sue some one for copyright infringement in a small claims court. Copyrights pertain to federal law and regulations.
2. The fact that you took a picture, displayed it on your website, stated it was copyrighted by you, does not mean you will win in court.
3. In order to win a copyright claim, your image MUST have a copyright registration.
4. You have 90 days within the alleged infringement to register your image, regardless of of the date the image was taken.
5. If you sue and have had it registered within 90 days, or was already registered you may be awarded discretionary damages and attorney's fees.
6. If you register AFTER 90 days of the infringement, you may still be entitled to reasonable value of the image.
One note to ponder: If you were sick would you ask another photographer for advice, or would you ask a doctor?
So if you have a copyright issue problem my recommendation to to seek legal advice, not that of another photographer.
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
5
« on: July 05, 2008, 12:10 »
I started in June of 2005, with a Canon Rebel 350D.
Never knew microstock existed.
Quickly switched to Canon 1Ds and took thousands of photos. Made a few dollars on microstock.
It is a sad thing what has happened to me in the few years that followed...I became an "UnPhotographer"
It began as a gradual transition. I didn't even see it coming. A little photoshop tweak here, and then one there.
I began to realize as time passed I was using my camera less and less. The callouses on my snap finger began to disappear.
I looked in the mirror one morning and discovered I had become a "UnPhotographer".
Is there no hope for me as I suffer from this dreadful disease?
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
PS anyone want to buy a 1Ds and a bunch of "L" lenses?
6
« on: July 01, 2008, 05:39 »
I just read a thread where one person indicated he/she uploaded about 10 free images to a site a month.
Supposedly they said, this improved their overall sales on that site.
Then that got me thinking about the complaints many here have viewed about subs.
1. Can subs help your overall earnings too?
2. They are not free and at least you get a minimum payment.
3. If people think it's OK to give away FREE images, then why do they complain about subs?
Do I make any sense?
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
7
« on: June 28, 2008, 16:08 »
I have been on 123RF for about 2 months now. I have about 400 images or so on site.
Without really making any comments about myself, I would be extremely interested in
knowing...(getting a feel) about how others are doing there.
I also would like to hear comments from people who refuse or will not upload there.
Are you happy with results you have had?
How long have you been with them?
Does the automatic payment method affect you in any negative way?
Have you noticed cookies in your browser require you to log in after a brief time away?
How does this site compare with some of your favorite sites?
Any input would be appreciated.
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
8
« on: June 27, 2008, 22:57 »
Why not!? They do it with baseball cards. Is this a viable alternative to taking new images? I think this concept would only be feasible for photographers who are skilled enough with say photoshop so that composite images can be formed. I have my very own stock library from which I draw upon images time and time again to make my concept images.  From a legal point of view, if I relinquish the rights to you there is no problem right? Some sites require you be the photographer, BUT....I see they allow NASA images. After giving this some thought this might not be a good idea. If I use you image and incorporate it into one of my concept images you might have second thoughts. Nah, this idea aint gonna work. anybody got any baseball cards they wanna swap? Cranky MIZ The voice of reason
9
« on: June 27, 2008, 22:33 »
There appears to be an issue with a few members as what constitutes a photographer.
Some arrogant weenie headed idiots claim you need experience, formal education, training, or be professional.
Well if I employ my life skills od the last 57 years, and I bring them in to bare on this issue.
I can't help using some analogies.
If I am behind the wheel of a car; I AM A DRIVER
If I have a gun, walking thru the woods looking to shoot some game to eat; I AM A HUNTER
If I am pushing a shopping cart thru a supermarket; I AM A SHOPPER
If I'm in a DR's office waiting to be seen; I AM A PATIENT
It's unfortunate that some seem to be very possessive with the term photographer.
They believe it's a title bestowed upon them from the heavens.
Their egos are tremendous and leave little room for others they refer to as "snap-shooters" or "Picture takers".
Watch out for these people. They lurk in the forums, but are totally identifiable.
some terms to watch for:
"Been a pro for Many, many years"
"This is a game for talented people only"
"This business is specialized and only wants the best"
"I'm so good, I even wrote a book"
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
10
« on: June 26, 2008, 09:43 »
I'm trying to obtain the worlds record for the lowest price paid for a stock image. ( subs DON'T count)
Last week on IS I was off to a good start.....19 cents for an image! Oh boy
Then the day after that I reeled in three .18 cents inages! WOW!
Today I am amazed that I landed a .17 cents image! YAY!
I can't wait to see what tomorrow and next week brings.
Rumor has it there are a few .15 cent images swimming around too. That's my goal.
I won't sleep until I catch that elusive .15 cent image.
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
11
« on: June 23, 2008, 04:02 »
I was wondering if I'm alone in my thoughts about what to create to upload to stock.
What I usually do is compose a set of images based on one theme.
My themes are usually based on business, internet, and current events.
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
12
« on: June 19, 2008, 11:25 »
Would your lifestyle change if you suddenly lost ALL the income from microstock?
My retirement pension is still adequate to allow me to live comfortable, and so most
of what I make is just found money "Mad Money" "Crazy Cash".
I am interested on how others would fair if all of a sudden the income stopped dead.
Those who work full time in the field are obviously making a living and so they don't count.
But if your like me and this is just a hobby, I would like to know how your lifestyle would change.
Rather than talk about myself, I am genuinely interested in hearing from others.
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
13
« on: June 18, 2008, 22:02 »
In a recent posted thread on the DT forum someone asked: (I quote)
"...is any option to Know how many peoples view our portfolio? "
Someone replied "No there isn't"
Well that is true, there is no counter of sorts....BUT! there is a way to keep track of people who
admire your work enough to add you as a "Favorite Photographer".
The result of this is THEY appear on a list in YOUR profile as (Example) "MIZ is favorite photographer for:"
click on that list and there is a drop down of every single photographer who thought to admire your work and added you as a favorite.
Now if you never noticed this before, don't go running off to see if you have a fan club....you don't!
Because you would have noticed it before, and would have received a notice that you were added.
So lets hear from all those people who have fan clubs on DT! (I like ti call them groupies)
If you aint got a fan club it's probably due to one of two reasons:
1. You have a fairly new portfolio
OR
2. No one has admired your work enough to bother to add you add you. (Maybe you suck....maybe I say)
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
15
« on: June 17, 2008, 01:51 »
My Ratings from 1 to 10 (10 highest rating
Istock, Dreamstime, Fotolia, StockXpert, 123RoyaltyFree, and Bigstockphoto
iStock
Earning potential for my image style 3
My actual earnings 4
Timeliness for review 1
Reviewers fairness 1
Acceptance to rejections ratio 1
Site navigation 6
Payment swiftness 8
My personal ranking in the order of all from 1 to 6 6 (1 being highest)
Dreamstime
Earning potential for my image style 10
My actual earnings 10
Timeliness for review 4
Reviewers fairness 9
Acceptance to rejections ratio 8
Site navigation 9
Payment swiftness 9
My personal ranking in the order of all from 1 to 6 1 (1 being highest)
Fotolia
Earning potential for my image style 8
My actual earnings 7
Timeliness for review 6
Reviewers fairness 4
Acceptance to rejections ratio 7
Site navigation 7
Payment swiftness 4
My personal ranking in the order of all from 1 to 6 3 (1 being highest)
StockXpert
Earning potential for my image style 8
My actual earnings 6
Timeliness for review 10
Reviewers fairness 10
Acceptance to rejections ratio 10
Site navigation 9
Payment swiftness 9
My personal ranking in the order of all from 1 to 6 4 (1 being highest)
123RF
Earning potential for my image style 9
My actual earnings 2
Timeliness for review 8
Reviewers fairness 9
Acceptance to rejections ratio 10
Site navigation 8
Payment swiftness 8
My personal ranking in the order of all from 1 to 6 5 (1 being highest)
BS
Earning potential for my image style 10
My actual earnings 8
Timeliness for review 3
Reviewers fairness 8
Acceptance to rejections ratio 9
Site navigation 7
Payment swiftness 10
My personal ranking in the order of all from 1 to 6 2 (1 being highest)
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
16
« on: June 16, 2008, 13:29 »
As you all are aware, I resell Microstock Supplies for emotionally disturbed photographers. It's a service a perform as a "NON-PROFIT" venture. Today I wish to announce our newest product "Blam-Blaster" TM As always, I read theses forums and try to import items which I think may be of some relief for the emotionally challenged persons that are less artistically inclined. Blam-Blaster TM has been tested in Eastern Europe and is now available world-wide. http://microstockpix.com/supplies/page10/page10.htmlCranky MIZ The voice of reason
17
« on: June 15, 2008, 20:55 »
WARNING the following content may be graphic.
Parental discretion is advised.
This scenario is written by a professional, do not attempt to write one by yourself at home.
This is just one of many reviewers from the many many stock sites across the globe.
It's 3am and Rob, our reviewer rolls out of bed.
His eye lids are stuck together by the glue that mysteriously is secreted at night while we sleep.
Rob's head is pounding, he thinks to himself "Shoot, too much vodka last night". "I gotta slow down soon"
As he stumbles into the kitchen to make coffee, he opens up a bottle pills laying on the kitchen counter.
popping 4 or 5 into his mouth, he takes a deep breath. Rob makes the coffee reaches into the fridge for the milk
and pulls out a near empty container that been in the fridge for 5 weeks. He sniffs the pouring spout, and his heads reels back
from the un-Godly odor of the few drops of milk. He pours it into his coffee, lites a cigarette and starts up his laptop.
Rob notices the one piece of spaghetti hanging off the laptop's screen, and flicks it off with his finger.
After 10 minutes, the laptop boots up and our friend Rob leaves his world, and enters his place of employment on the INTERNET!
Good thing there are no dress codes here. Rob has only his underwear on he's been wearing now for 3 weeks.
As Rob uses one hand to scratch the crack between his cheeks, the other types his password. He's in! ready to work.
Rob is a senior reviewer for a major stock imaging company on the web. Now that the pills are kicking in, and his eyes
are almost able to focus, Rob begins his day. "Why are there so many pictures of people smiling?" he thinks to himself.
REJECT-REJECT-REJECT-REJECT "people can't be that happy" "it's not reality" Rob uses one of the many "Canned" reject
messages already set to use with a click of the mouse. "Image not acceptable for stock"
Rob get's up...rises from his laptop goes to the bathroom to urinate and collapses on the floor.
The END
Note: The reviewer depicted here in our dramatic scenario is purely fictional and was created for entertainment purposes only.
the views and sentiments depicted by the author are not those necessarily shared by the admin of this forum.
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
18
« on: June 15, 2008, 11:45 »
In light of the recent rebellion on a particular site. It was cool!
All who participated took up their keyboards instead of arms.
They made the opposition capitulate and make concessions as well.
The army of rebellious photographers moved forward gathering momentum, and squeezing their opponent.
They backed them into a corner, leaving it no place left to go. At this point it was either give up or die! ...they surrendered.
These brave rebels deserve our appreciation for the sacrifice's they made for all of us.
I think those who made the ultimate sacrifice and pulled their portfolios should be honored by us all.
For those who endured the torture of suspending their uploads?
You will be no less remembered, and will live in all our hearts. I wish to extend my heart felt thanks to you all.
I have decided to donate my first .32 cents subscription to a monument to be erected in memory to you all.
(others wishing to donate may deposit your contributions into my paypal account as well)
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
19
« on: June 13, 2008, 12:50 »
All this talk on censorship in the various forums is senseless.
It's a business, not a state run democracy !
The scenario:
I am a young businessman with an established car dealership.
I display all the awards my franchise has won over the years along the walls of my show room.
In the snack area where the coffee and snack machines are is a cork bulletin board with letters
we have received from happy satisfied customers. You wander over and read them and you are
impressed by the amount of praise our dealership has received from former patrons.
The End
Do you not think that there have been complaints as well as praises? So where are the complaints
the customers have bothered to sit down and write so careful in choosing their words?
QUESTION
Why in the name of "Fairness" do the complaints display a conspicuous absence?
Don't play dumb on this one....you know the answer.
My second question is: Do you blame them for not posting them?
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
20
« on: June 11, 2008, 21:26 »
I would like to solicit some suggestions for informing reviewers that an image is not in fact copyrighted. DT and FT both have an area for notes to the reviewers when uploading, but others do not. The problem I run into is with the sites that don't have anyway to tell the reviewer that the image were designed and created my me in photoshop. In the past I have tried submitting property and model releases both indicating that the items were not real and that they were my own creation....but without success. below i submit to you an example of 3 small images that have been accepted on some sites, while rejected by others for copyright infringements.  This is a small sample, however I need to find a solution because these concept images are making up about 50% of my portfolio now. Thank you in advance for any constructive ideas. Cranky MIZ The voice of reason
21
« on: June 10, 2008, 13:37 »
I have it on a reliable inside informant at IS that they are getting
ready to launch a new concept "Sound Clips"!
Yup! I swear this is the truth! It's due to take affect this September.
You heard it here first!
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
22
« on: June 09, 2008, 12:58 »
Are fractals really art? Do they have a place in the stock industry?
My Opinion
Well if FRACTALS are art, then I say they have little or no place in stock. Traditionally stock has catered
to commercial applications, illustrations, blogs, websites, and advertisements. Art is generally applied to a more
cultural atmosphere. I hang art up on my walls in my home.
Now I realize that stock can also be art. I have a few concept images hanging up in my home also.
Movie posters, especially of the 1930 to 1950's era make for good art. And they might be the original stock concept images.
How are fractals created that are used in stock. I would have to guess but I think software. I downloaded one such program
and ran it. It produced some pretty interesting colors and designs. "ALL I DID WAS CLICK A BUTTON"
Other than that, making my very first fractals were so easy I didn't even have to read the instructions that came with the software!
My Conclusion:
99% of of fractals submitted to stock don't belong.
Fractals are a mathematical curiosity.
They are pretty unusual and lovely....like a butterfly.
Now
Those that agree step to the right - all others please face the wall.
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
23
« on: June 09, 2008, 10:57 »
So the subs on FT have been in effect for a while now.
I went to my "Credits" link to count up all the .27 cents I earned. I figure when I get enough, I'll treat myself to a Starbucks coffee.
Well don't cha know to my surprise I ain't gotta enuff to buy a even weekend newspaper!
Holy crap! Where are all the subs everyone's been talking about? I got a grand total of .54 cents! I feel cheated!
So, I got this great idea to come here and ask for contributions to my new "MIZ's Starbuck Coffee Fund"
Donate your subs to me if you can afford to. I've been trying to get subs but it just aint happening for me
What the heck am I doing wrong!?
Cranky MIZ
The voice of reason
24
« on: June 09, 2008, 09:12 »
I just want to clarify in my opinion where the "Suck Zone" lies  Cranky MIZ The voice of reason
25
« on: June 07, 2008, 10:03 »
I would like to ask you a few legitimate questions. I realize that many here will compare. I ask only that you relate, and not compare.
1. Are you upset at the recent price changes on some sites?
2. Have you received any unfair rejections of your images from reviewers?
3. Are you puzzled over the amount of uploads your permitted on some sites?
4. Are you annoyed that some sites take longer than a few days to review your images?
5. Would you like to have YOUR images on the front pages of the sites once in a while?Well, if there were a website that: 1. That every sale you made $18 USA 2. Guaranteed every image you submitted was accepted 3. Had no limits to upload amounts 4. Gave instant approvals of every image you submitted 5. Featured everyone of your newly submitted on the front page.
Would you join?Are you aware that this stock site REALLY does exits? And that hardly anyone approves of it!!! Why? because there's nothing for the cry babies to cry and complain about that's why. That site by the way...want the answer? http://microstockpix.com/supplies/page8/page8.htmlCranky MIZ
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