Author Topic: "Exciting" news from 123rf (Read 12898 times)

offisapup · « **on:** June 14, 2022, 10:04 »

Just received this lovely email from 123rf about this exciting, new thing they're doing.

"We hope you're well. You may have noticed a Free Images link on our header - well, that's because we're working on a new section on 123RF.com.

About a decade ago, we had a Free Images section on 123RF whereby contributors could choose images from their portfolios and offer it up for free. It drove traffic, exposure and purchase consideration to the Contributor’s portfolio.

Today, we're reviving this initiative and we hope that you’d be a part of this too!

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Portfolio Exposure!

Similar Images from the paid section will be displayed to drive traffic and consideration to paid content and soon to your own portfolio as well. We’re also building in new and exciting portfolio features. So stay tuned for more from us.

2. Easy uploads!

You can upload or pick images to be included into the Free section. We’ve written up a guideline on how you can do that!

3. Monetization!

As we build monetization programs on top of this offering, you'll receive a share as well 😉

4. #FeelsGood

And most important of all, it’s all about giving back to the community!

Need more information? Visit 123RF’s Free Images section or email us at [email protected].

We are looking forward to what you could offer and together we can reward our community for their appreciation of our work for all these years. Let’s create and share!

Sincerely,

The 123RF Submission Team"

f8 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 14, 2022, 11:03 »

Did they also promise review times within two months or review times without constant emails reminding them?

Justanotherphotographer · « **Reply #2 on:** June 14, 2022, 11:43 »

Quote from: offisapup on June 14, 2022, 10:04

...
3. Monetization!

As we build monetization programs on top of this offering, you'll receive a share as well 😉

...

LOL, okay

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2022, 11:50 »

I left 123rf a long time ago, but what I recall about their old free program was that it only included the smallest size - if you wanted a larger size you had to pay for it. So this revival is a very different program - I wouldn't view it as a revival at all.

FWIW, for anyone considering participation, my take on this is that 123rf is circling the drain and the idea of any contributor benefit coming about from them belatedly joining the giveaway trend is pure fantasy. YMMV.

Firn · « **Reply #4 on:** June 14, 2022, 12:15 »

Quote

4. #FeelsGood

No, it doesn't. Getting paid for my work feels good though.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #5 on:** June 14, 2022, 13:09 »

Must be why one of their people got in touch with me a couple weeks ago on LinkedIn.

Mantis · « **Reply #6 on:** June 14, 2022, 14:03 »

Quote from: offisapup on June 14, 2022, 10:04

And most important of all, it’s all about giving back to the community!

Really bold comment since we have been the only ones ever giving…..well, losing royalties….across the board and now it’s time to give back? Thank you sir, may I have another.

Mimi the Cat · « **Reply #7 on:** June 14, 2022, 14:57 »

WOW!! Portfolio Exposure! #feels good! Easy uploads!

Where do I sign up! Do I get a free unicorn

123rf Morons

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #8 on:** June 14, 2022, 15:47 »

Quote from: Mimi the Cat on June 14, 2022, 14:57

WOW!! Portfolio Exposure! #feels good! Easy uploads!

Where do I sign up! Do I get a free unicorn

123rf Morons

Thank you for covering my thoughts. I was just so excited about all the things I could afford with that Free Exposure, I couldn't type fast enough.
🤭

What exposure will buy...

Milleflore · « **Reply #9 on:** June 14, 2022, 15:52 »

Not a good sign. They've been struggling for a while. Possibly will be gone by the end of the year or bought by someone else.

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #10 on:** June 14, 2022, 15:57 »

Quote from: Annie on June 14, 2022, 15:52

Not a good sign. They've been struggling for a while. Possibly will be gone by the end of the year or bought by someone else.

Being bought by someone else would be good news for 123RF. There have been some others who didn't have enough material or interesting resources to have anyone want to buy them. If 123RF is all the same old stock photos from the same old artists, and that's all pretty much on all the bigger sites... they have nothing of value to sell.

As for struggling for a while, my opinion is, they have been struggling forever.

I'm surprised they are still around.

Milleflore · « **Reply #11 on:** June 14, 2022, 16:03 »

Quote from: Uncle Pete on June 14, 2022, 15:57

Quote from: Annie on June 14, 2022, 15:52
Not a good sign. They've been struggling for a while. Possibly will be gone by the end of the year or bought by someone else.

Being bought by someone else would be good news for 123RF. There have been some others who didn't have enough material or interesting resources to have anyone want to buy them. If 123RF is all the same old stock photos from the same old artists, and that's all pretty much on all the bigger sites... they have nothing of value to sell.

As for struggling for a while, my opinion is, they have been struggling forever. I'm surprised they are still around.

Yes! lol (re being bought by some else).

They used to be a good agency for me. There was a time a few years ago when they were my best mid-tier agency. I even used to sell videos on there - before they got rid of that. But they have been sliding down into oblivion ever since.

Justanotherphotographer · « **Reply #12 on:** June 15, 2022, 01:54 »

Quote from: Annie on June 14, 2022, 16:03

Yes! lol (re being bought by some else).

They used to be a good agency for me. There was a time a few years ago when they were my best mid-tier agency. I even used to sell videos on there - before they got rid of that. But they have been sliding down into oblivion ever since.

Same, they were growing for me year on year for ages and even paid an unheard of 50%+ on the higher tiers. When people complained about them I'd always sing their praises. Then I started having technical difficulties with my portfolio a few years ago (images disappearing) and sales tanked overnight never to recover. After dealing with their contributor and tech support my eyes have been opened. They must be operating on a shoe string over there.

Wilm · « **Reply #13 on:** June 15, 2022, 02:35 »

I have not received this e-mail. I wonder if there is any selection going on. Actually, all contributors should receive this e-mail.

I once had 100 downloads per month with an RPD of $1. So that was never particularly worth mentioning. However, for me over the years better than Dreamstime. In the meantime, I'm at a little over 30 downloads with an RPD of $0.5. Ultimately, nothing more comes in there anyway. Let's see how long they survive. The free collection won't save them either.

Fairplay · « **Reply #14 on:** June 15, 2022, 03:12 »

These "exciting" news makes me happier I already deleted my portfolio.

Noedelhap · « **Reply #15 on:** June 15, 2022, 03:57 »

Quote

4. #FeelsGood

And most important of all, it’s all about giving back to the community!

*vomits*

Ukko · « **Reply #16 on:** June 15, 2022, 03:59 »

I just closed my Pond5 account. 123rf is next in line. My guess is that in a year or two there won't be any decent office to work with. This can only be done as a hobby, not as a serious livelihood option.

thx9000 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 15, 2022, 04:15 »

They're barely even trying nowadays. This is as low effort of an announcement as it gets. If you read it with president Camacho's voice it's actually funny.
And yes, if you're still with 123rf and the likes you deserve this kind of treatment

Schadenfreude · « **Reply #18 on:** June 15, 2022, 08:32 »

#FeelsGood

Like a proctology exam.

Unamas · « **Reply #19 on:** June 15, 2022, 13:08 »

I left 123rf a few weeks ago after getting a few returns for the photos sold in August 2021.

Milleflore · « **Reply #20 on:** June 15, 2022, 13:09 »

Quote from: Justanotherphotographer on June 15, 2022, 01:54

Quote from: Annie on June 14, 2022, 16:03

Yes! lol (re being bought by some else).

They used to be a good agency for me. There was a time a few years ago when they were my best mid-tier agency. I even used to sell videos on there - before they got rid of that. But they have been sliding down into oblivion ever since.

Same, they were growing for me year on year for ages and even paid an unheard of 50%+ on the higher tiers. When people complained about them I'd always sing their praises. Then I started having technical difficulties with my portfolio a few years ago (images disappearing) and sales tanked overnight never to recover. After dealing with their contributor and tech support my eyes have been opened. They must be operating on a shoe string over there.

That makes sense.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #21 on:** June 15, 2022, 19:26 »

Here's a fun post I just put together strolling down memory lane on top-5 "Exciting News" announcements:

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2022/06/16/top-5-agency-exciting-news-announcements/

pancaketom · « **Reply #22 on:** June 15, 2022, 22:14 »

Ever since they cut our take promising to double our sales (which never happened), I haven't been impressed with them.

deadly_splash · « **Reply #23 on:** June 18, 2022, 02:34 »

Don't forget Your responsibilities while uploading to 123RF

"I agree to fully defend and indemnify 123RF, its employees, directors, and officers and anyone else associated with 123RF, and each of their successors, licensees, and assigns free and harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, costs, losses, damages, or expenses, including attorneys' fees and expenses, arising from the breach of the warranty above."

Cleop6atra · « **Reply #24 on:** August 01, 2022, 12:42 »

As many of you left 123RF, is it possible to leave and request payout when I still don't have minimum payout amount?

sgoodwin4813 · « **Reply #25 on:** August 01, 2022, 15:28 »

I ignored the first e-mail but received a second one today - looks like it is scheduled to go live on Aug. 18th and we are automatically scheduled to be in unless we go and say no. It seems they're trying something like Adobe's free section except without the upfront payment - which is the only reason I can think of for doing it for a contributor. Supposedly only images that haven't had a download in two years are included, and their goal is to get people to go from free to a paid subscription to their PLUS section. Looks like the payment scheme will be based on your proportion of the PLUS downloads - this is what they say "Your earnings = 50% of Nett Revenue ➗ TOTAL PLUS downloads ✖ Number of PLUS downloads of YOUR content". But that will only be for anyone who converts from free to a paid subscription. As if that ever works. Of course they didn't say how much someone will pay for PLUS either. I always love signing up for these vague schemes for exposure and promises of untold wealth in the future. Yay, sign me up!

(fortunately it is easy to opt out but you have to do it before Aug. 18th)

kuriouskat · « **Reply #26 on:** August 02, 2022, 03:15 »

Their selection criteria appears to be off. I just got the option to opt out when I logged in today, and have read the notes on what will be included. This is the information given on new uploads:

For newly updated content, you will be able to choose a catch-all setting to include these uploads into PLUS. However, we’re prioritizing content that has been unsold into PLUS. Hence, we may relax or change the criteria and allow newer content into PLUS in the near future.

It implies that only older, unsold content will be included unless I select otherwise, but on checking the content that was approved within the last 24 hours, it's all opted in.

So I've checked closely on my 'manage content' page and 456 pages of commercial images are included in Plus and Premium, and only 2 pages are labelled as Premium only.

So I'm opted in by default, haven't had any emails, and I'm only aware of this because I logged in to check approval status.

No thanks, 123RF - you can pay me like Adobe does, or count me out. That, or guarantee a minimum earning per download, as 50% of an unstated amount is much too vague for my liking.

Justanotherphotographer · « **Reply #27 on:** August 02, 2022, 03:35 »

I don't receive any notification but had the opt out when I went to the "manage content" section.
Recommend everyone logs in and navigates there as you may not be told and there is a short window for opting out.

rushay · « **Reply #28 on:** August 02, 2022, 03:47 »

Just went in and opted out.

biibii · « **Reply #29 on:** August 02, 2022, 06:33 »

need to opt out or all future uploads are in the free collection. is automatically opt in. sneaky

pancaketom · « **Reply #30 on:** August 02, 2022, 13:08 »

I never got a notification, but I signed in to see how pathetic my earnings were and to opt out. 123RF was once a good earner. After a few rounds of exciting news over the years they are in the lowest tier and off the upload list.

Everyone who doesn't want to give away their work should log in and opt out.

emjaysmith · « **Reply #31 on:** August 02, 2022, 13:22 »

I also never received a notification. I have just opted out but it took about 6 attempts to do it.

Rage · « **Reply #32 on:** August 02, 2022, 13:32 »

Thanks everyone, figured out the opt out. Also removed plus from account settings and preferences for good measure.

How long till they charge us to sell pics,

Wilm · « **Reply #33 on:** August 03, 2022, 02:56 »

I wonder why I did not get this e-mail from 123rf. I also can't find any information about this topic anywhere on the website.

Where can I find the location for opt out?

RalfLiebhold · « **Reply #34 on:** August 03, 2022, 03:07 »

Quote from: Wilm on August 03, 2022, 02:56

I wonder why I did not get this e-mail from 123rf. I also can't find any information about this topic anywhere on the website.

Where can I find the location for opt out?

Wilm, go to "Konto-Einstellungen" and then "Preference Settings"

Wilm · « **Reply #35 on:** August 03, 2022, 03:57 »

Quote from: RalfLiebhold on August 03, 2022, 03:07

Quote from: Wilm on August 03, 2022, 02:56
I wonder why I did not get this e-mail from 123rf. I also can't find any information about this topic anywhere on the website.

Where can I find the location for opt out?

Wilm, go to "Konto-Einstellungen" and then "Preference Settings"

Thanks a lot, Ralf!

Schadenfreude · « **Reply #36 on:** August 03, 2022, 09:45 »

I just uploaded and I don't think that it gave me the choice of commercial vs. editorial.

Good lord, who asks for these changes?

??

photodave · « **Reply #37 on:** August 03, 2022, 15:50 »

Has anybody been able to close their contributor account recently?

I've sent them two emails requesting closure and so far I've had no response.

Many thanks

Photodave

VSargues · « **Reply #38 on:** August 04, 2022, 06:58 »

I received the email. I configured my account so that my images were paid for. Today I have uploaded images and they have asked me for confirmation of how I want the new ones to be sold. I think it is possible that they will ask the same question again next time. Maybe until I make a mistake in the option and my entire portfolio becomes free? It will be a matter of being cautious day by day until the 18th

Cleop6atra · « **Reply #39 on:** August 04, 2022, 09:03 »

I've emailed them and got the response how to do it. However, if you haven't reached your minimum payout then they will not pay you. But I think I will go ahead and close it anyway, I have only 25$ left so it will take me years to reach minimum payout. And I don't feel that my portfolio is safe there.

photodave · « **Reply #40 on:** August 04, 2022, 09:29 »

Quote from: Cleop6atra on August 04, 2022, 09:03

I've emailed them and got the response how to do it. However, if you haven't reached your minimum payout then they will not pay you. But I think I will go ahead and close it anyway, I have only 25$ left so it will take me years to reach minimum payout. And I don't feel that my portfolio is safe there.

I’m half way to pay out so I was hoping that they would of paid that out. Being blanked by whoever is at the end of their contributor email doesn’t give me much confidence in them.

Cleop6atra · « **Reply #41 on:** August 04, 2022, 12:39 »

Unfortunately this is what they said:
"Please also note that your balance earnings will be forfeited based on our agreement policy which you have accepted during the account registration."
I think I'm gonna close account anyway, I don't wanna risk my portfolio being for free, especially in such a small and unsuccessful agency. Plus my whole batch was rejected recently, because I couldn't select "editorial". And on top of that signing every single time that "I agree to fully defend and indemnify 123RF..." is quite worrying.

photodave · « **Reply #42 on:** August 04, 2022, 13:21 »

Quote from: Cleop6atra on August 04, 2022, 12:39

Unfortunately this is what they said:
"Please also note that your balance earnings will be forfeited based on our agreement policy which you have accepted during the account registration."
I think I'm gonna close account anyway, I don't wanna risk my portfolio being for free, especially in such a small and unsuccessful agency. Plus my whole batch was rejected recently, because I couldn't select "editorial". And on top of that signing every single time that "I agree to fully defend and indemnify 123RF..." is quite worrying.

Thanks for the information, I appreciate it.

Luckily I don’t have many images uploaded to them and I’ll now stop uploading any further photos.

Many thanks

Photodave

trek · « **Reply #43 on:** August 08, 2022, 20:15 »

I noticed I was auto-opted in to plus when I opened manage content - accepted. The opt out in account settings / preferences settings is for "future uploads" only. So I had to opt out twice to avoid the "plus" plan. Purposely poor communication is a very sleazy way of doing business. Pondering permanently removing all my content.

Pacesetter · « **Reply #44 on:** August 09, 2022, 02:54 »

I had 45 photos on the site, it was the first agency I gave up on after waiting weeks for them to be reviewed. Just gone in there and deleted them all. Not gonna give any opportunity for these places to benefit from free giveaways, not in this way at least.

kuriouskat · « **Reply #45 on:** August 09, 2022, 04:20 »

I opted out everything as soon as I saw the original message, but still had about 280 images that were included regardless. I've edited again to remove the PLUS option, but I shouldn't have to do this.

I also have lost the editorial option for submissions.

Thomas from France · « **Reply #46 on:** August 11, 2022, 02:53 »

This helped me to take the decision to leave 123rf.

Next payout, i’m gone !

tupungato · « **Reply #47 on:** August 16, 2022, 07:41 »

Opted out.

f8 · « **Reply #48 on:** August 16, 2022, 10:20 »

No Thanks.

hatman12 · « **Reply #49 on:** August 16, 2022, 21:42 »

Opted out.

emjaysmith · « **Reply #50 on:** August 17, 2022, 06:10 »

Could be coincidence but I haven't had a single download since opting out, not that I got many before.

Anyka · « **Reply #51 on:** August 18, 2022, 01:21 »

I opted out immediately, but that was for future uploads - can't find how to opt out for the 10.000 previous uploads?

trek · « **Reply #52 on:** August 18, 2022, 06:19 »

Quote from: Anyka on August 18, 2022, 01:21

I opted out immediately, but that was for future uploads - can't find how to opt out for the 10.000 previous uploads?

Go to manage content and open the accepted folder. You should see a opt out button for existing content. Then check back later and manually edit/change the shots that failed to change.

gnirtS · « **Reply #53 on:** August 22, 2022, 17:30 »

Only just noticed this and not received an email at all.

How can i easily change 1190 pages of images to premium not plus?

All i can see is "select all" which does 20 images at a time so that process would take me hours or days. Is there a better select all?

50% · « **Reply #54 on:** August 23, 2022, 11:29 »

Quote from: gnirtS on August 22, 2022, 17:30

Only just noticed this and not received an email at all.

How can i easily change 1190 pages of images to premium not plus?

All i can see is "select all" which does 20 images at a time so that process would take me hours or days. Is there a better select all?

I have the same problem If there is no easy solution I will delete my Portfolio!

50% · « **Reply #55 on:** August 23, 2022, 11:31 »

Easy way to delete portfolio? Do I have to write support and does this work?

gnirtS · « **Reply #56 on:** August 23, 2022, 13:18 »

Ive sent an email to them saying i need my entire portfolio moved off Plus or can they please delete it.
No reply yet.

I've been away, not logged in for a few weeks and received no email about this account change (the first i noticed was on here) before it was too late to opt out.

Ultimately i'd rather not delete but will do if i cant get a bulk opt out. 123 only earn a few hundred dollars a year so although the cash is "nice" it doesnt make up for the reduction elsewhere as a result of things being free so deletion is better.

hellou · « **Reply #57 on:** August 23, 2022, 14:09 »

Are old images automatically opted-in in this rip-pff PLUS too? i though only new uploaded images? jesus..

gnirtS · « **Reply #58 on:** August 23, 2022, 16:59 »

All the images if mine ive looked at randomly scrolling are in Plus.

And i can only transfer 1 page at a time (20 images). That'll take a long time to do 1196 pages....

hellou · « **Reply #59 on:** August 23, 2022, 18:06 »

PLUS = unlimited downloads for a customer.
what and they not even asked us. Iam out. bye 123rf

Pacesetter · « **Reply #60 on:** August 23, 2022, 23:14 »

You’d think, with the outpouring of such generosity by contributors, eager to give back to the community, zealous to offer high-quality images freely for any variety of project, from simple web articles to elaborate advertising campaigns, at absolutely zero cost to the customer, regardless of their stock photography budget, that 123rf could at least put a ‘like’ button on its library of digital assets so that customers can show their appreciation to the contributor as they download images by the bucket load without paying a dime for them. Geesh what is the world coming to today.

wollwerth · « **Reply #61 on:** August 24, 2022, 09:48 »

I'm only three dollars from a payout. After that, I'm dropping 123.

Delphine · « **Reply #62 on:** August 25, 2022, 02:58 »

Never received any email about this!

I tried to change a few pages of images from Plus to Premium. It seems to work ("content has been updated") but it's been 24 hours and all my portfolio is still in Plus.
Anyway I have to many images to do it manually. I sent them a message that I want everything removed from Plus by the end of the week or I delete my portofolio.

sgoodwin4813 · « **Reply #63 on:** August 25, 2022, 09:18 »

I opted out when they sent the e-mail, but just checked and it said I was opted in for new uploads! Not that I plan to ever upload to them again but it's still annoying since I had opted out. Now I can't figure out how to tell if my whole portfolio was opted out of Plus as I requested or if they just ignored that.

Justanotherphotographer · « **Reply #64 on:** August 28, 2022, 02:41 »

Quote from: sgoodwin4813 on August 25, 2022, 09:18

I opted out when they sent the e-mail, but just checked and it said I was opted in for new uploads! Not that I plan to ever upload to them again but it's still annoying since I had opted out. Now I can't figure out how to tell if my whole portfolio was opted out of Plus as I requested or if they just ignored that.

So p*ssed about this; they did the same to me. I started a new thread in case people think they have already opted out so this thread is old news.