Are you seeing counts of views of your photos anymore?  In the past, I would be able to see which photos people looked at (even if they didn't buy), which helped me to get an idea of the content people are actually looking for/at.

Within the last several months (despite uploading new content), my views are at a standstill.  I don't know if Dreamstime isn't capturing it anymore or if no one is looking at my photos anymore. 

Thoughts?

Wow, that's so cool!  Who would have thought that it was that easy!

Is this a joke?  Its a joke, right?

Wow, this thread has gotten long quickly. 

In the world of microstock, I'm still a newbie.  But I have already learned in 6 months these things:
1. I'm not going to bother with an agency who has no problem paying me $.03 for a sale of my photo.  (iStock - I'm not uploading to them anymore)
2. With the advent of better cameras on smart phones, people all over the world can make a decent photo.  BUT, if the content of your photo isn't valuable to someone else, then it won't ever sell.
3.  I feel like the mass uploading of junk from people referenced in point #2 will eventually burn itself out.  If you're making crap and no one buys it, how long will you continue to do it?  My guess is that maybe a year at best.
4. People have short memories these days and even less patience.  I think people making quality photos who put care and concern about the content and quality will continue to do well.  I always ask myself... if I were in marketing, would I use this?  Is the quality good enough?  Does this photo tell a story or convey an emotion?  If I answer no to any of those questions, then I don't invest the time in uploading and keywording it.
5. Buyers of microstock will look for other agencies if they can't find the content they need on the "regular" sites.  So if an agency like SS becomes too filled with garbage those buyers might go elsewhere.  Loyalty to a brand is fleeting, especially when you can't deliver a quality product anymore.

I do think there is still money to be made in microstock.  And there probably always will...  for those who provide quality content. 

Considering I'm still in my first year and my portfolio is still quite small, I was excited to see numerous actual sales. 

I was disappointed to see the actual amount per sale.  $.19, $.18 and even one for $.03.  Sheesh, it costs me more than $.03 to fart. 

TBH, I'm making more money on Dreamstime than on iStock. 

When I'm out taking photos, I often remind myself that the people looking for content are doing so for ALL KINDS of reasons.  I am always curious about why people download my photos and how they want to use them. 

I do know that we can rarely guess exactly what people are looking for or what they need.  Sometimes I upload a photo that I think "meh, you never know..." and that's what ends up selling. 

Somehow I don't get my updates until several DAYS after you all do.  As of right now (the 22nd) I still don't have my January sales info. 

Grrrrrrr.

Thank you.  I must have glossed over it before.  Although it is a little bit hidden on their site. 

I was also curious about the "what should I shoot?" list.  There are a few in the list that I can actually get, but wondered if there's much use in putting the effort into it.

The majority of my sales seem to be outside of the US.  (not limited to the EU)

Thank you.  Since I'm still fairly new and the delay they have in notifying you of purchases makes it a little challenging. 

For example, I just started uploading in November, 2018.  In that month I had 1 view.  Just last week the November sales numbers came out and that 1 view = 1 sale.  Since December, 2018 numbers aren't out yet, I'm not sure how many of my views are sales. 

Again, just trying to get an idea of what's selling.

Quote from: PrincessFerf on December 21, 2018, 10:38

I have had a couple of my photos rejected (SS, Adobe, iStock) requiring a property release.  I have had plenty of my photos accepted that are similar in nature.

Here's the situation.  The buildings I have shot aren't well known or "famous", I am not trespassing on the property itself (taken from the road) and these aren't people's private homes.  There are no names on these buildings or trademarks.

The agencies are super inconsistent in their review.  What's the deal?  What are your thoughts/suggestions?

A building doesn't need to be famous to require a property release. If it is recognizable private property it will likely require a property release at Adobe Stock. You can review our property release requirements here: https://helpx.adobe.com/stock/contributor/user-guide.html?topic=/stock/contributor/morehelp/legal-guidelines.ug.js

-Mat

That is helpful.  Thank you, Mat.