MicrostockGroup

Agency Based Discussion => 123RF => Topic started by: Mantis on November 03, 2017, 08:22

Title: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Mantis on November 03, 2017, 08:22
Dear Contributors,

I’m Eric, I head the team that secures content for 123RF. Thank you for being supportive of our efforts all these years.

As some of you may know, we acquired Pixlr back in April 2017. With the acquisition of Pixlr, we move closer to our group’s vision to create a Creative Ecosystem that’s powered by design, creativity and constant technological innovation. Our aim is to help everyone (creatives, the-not-so creative and businesses) stay relevant and thrive together in this age of the creative economy.

We’re on the brink of yet another exciting project! We’d like to invite you to be a Founding Member Contributor and take part in its creation. With this new platform, we’d like to build a creative community that shares and provide their footage to be used under a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) licence.

What’s in it for you? :-
1. This platform will run on a donation basis.
a. Downloaders may donate any amount to you as an appreciation of your contribution to the community.
b. 100% of the proceeds will go to you.
2. As for now, our new site is still in the midst of development, however, we would like to register your interest in this project.
a. We aim to build video creation tools that everybody can use as part of the site’s unique offering and in the longer term, we will mix in some monetization ideas.
b. Of course, you’ll be a part of that too!

Interested to back this project? Fill up the form below.
Link : https://eric123rf.typeform.com/to/rY3rmb (https://eric123rf.typeform.com/to/rY3rm)

Look at where they are taking stock.  Share in optional donations.  Holy SH!T.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Noedelhap on November 03, 2017, 08:34
The words 'exciting', 'vision', 'technological innovation' and 'donation basis' combined spell doom and disaster.

There's nothing new about this concept. People (often amateurs and hobbyists) offer CC0 content on their own website or on some platform, with an occasional Paypal donation link as well.
How is this innovating in any way, let alone profitable for us? We're not hobbyists who are happy to see 100,000 downloads and a meager $10 in donations!

Of course, 123RF is NOT doing this for free. Oh no, ad revenue, free traffic, some backlinks to their actual site to obtain paying customers. But we should be thankful they allow us to spend our free time doing things we like so we can see our stuff being used for free. Money isn't the only thing that makes us happy.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: cthoman on November 03, 2017, 08:37
The sad thing is you might actually make more money.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: angelawaye on November 03, 2017, 08:37
All I need to see is the word "exciting" and I'm OUT ...
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: THP Creative on November 03, 2017, 09:45
Wow. Lets hope this doesn't take off.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: sgoodwin4813 on November 03, 2017, 10:18
We’re on the brink of yet another exciting project!

Those are some of the scariest words issued by stock agencies.

and in the longer term, we will mix in some monetization ideas.

Great, sign me up!  I really want to give my stuff away for vague promises of some possible monetization in the future.  They'll even let us participate in possible future monetization - how generous of them!  Sounds like a really good deal!
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: RAW on November 03, 2017, 10:20
What’s in it for you? :-
1. This platform will run on a donation basis.

That gave me the dry heaves.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Chichikov on November 03, 2017, 10:29
"yet another exciting project"
All is said…
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Morphart on November 03, 2017, 10:54
Hey guys they are really nice, if you click the link (for the fun of it), they tell you how much they give you... They're the good guys, they'll publish our videos to their free giveaway site... for free!! Wow what a deal!
Quote
If we approve your video it'll be published on our new site for free under under the CC0 license.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on November 03, 2017, 11:11
It'd be great if 123RF paid 100% to us, and then we could donate to pay them if we though there was value.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Artist on November 03, 2017, 11:43
Woa.. The email looks like a professional kick to the a**
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: noodle on November 03, 2017, 12:02
Jaw-dropping
Just when you wonder how low they can go
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Jo Ann Snover on November 03, 2017, 14:13
Wow. Lets hope this doesn't take off.


It can only take off if contributors supply them with content. Anyone who is earning money through licensing their videos  would do well to give this a pass (I can't imagine many will, but it'd be great if no one did so it sends a message to other agencies looking around for new ways to "disrupt").

It's fine to have free photo/video/illustration sites as long as the content is not (a) stolen and (b) from people who also sell licenses.

What's not fine is setting up a voluntary donation system for professional content.

Edited to add a link to an earlier thread about them acquiring Pixlr (http://www.microstockgroup.com/general-stock-discussion/123rf-acquires-the-hungry-jpeg-pixlr-some-vc-cash-and-talks-ipo-(again)/). I went to Pixlr today and it's still using Flash (which I don't have installed and don't use). A review of Pixlr back in the spring noted that Flash use would have to go (not quite dead yet (https://krebsonsecurity.com/2017/08/flash-player-is-dead-long-live-flash-player/)), yet months later it's still there and 123rf is touting yet another new project.

I think they can't really be serious about building any of these businesses and are still looking to be acquired - this is just buzz to make them look better to potential buyers.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: unnonimus on November 03, 2017, 15:01
A nice feature would be to allow us to use our own adsense codes, so we could earn revenue by people visiting our content pages.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Brasilnut on November 03, 2017, 15:44
I got some images circa 2008 that I'd give away for free, probably not the types of pics they would want but hey, what an exciting opportunity!  ::)  ::) ::)
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: dpimborough on November 03, 2017, 16:14
Exciting in microstock means that icy sick feeling you get before they slide the knife in

Either way they can get stuffed though I'm sure plenty of fools will be happy to give their stuff away for free.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: r2d2 on November 03, 2017, 17:57
**** you 123rf.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: montydad5000 on November 03, 2017, 18:28
Is this real? This can’t be real. 🤣🤣🤣


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: trek on November 03, 2017, 20:20
I don't think they're going to get many volunteers.  Maybe some amateur phone shooters with little else to do. 
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Semmick Photo on November 04, 2017, 00:58
You'll be surprised how many will give their stuff away and amateur content these days is very good.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: OM on November 04, 2017, 08:57
You'll be surprised how many will give their stuff away and amateur content these days is very good.


Some of it isn't even amateur and there's method behind some of the madness...Unsplash  Brooke Lark 80 food photos of decent quality:

https://unsplash.com/@brookelark (https://unsplash.com/@brookelark)

Behind the madness of 'free' is getting people and paid commissions to her Instagram account and pro-photo site (client list):

http://www.cheekykitchen.com/about/ (http://www.cheekykitchen.com/about/)

Just another approach from a different angle.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Asthebelltolls on November 04, 2017, 09:13
You'll be surprised how many will give their stuff away and amateur content these days is very good.

Forgive me....but amateur videographers judging amateur video clips still equals amateur quality.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Semmick Photo on November 04, 2017, 14:15
Well being amateur has nothing to do with being able to see quality. Professionals submit garbage and amateurs submit high end stuff. Amateur just means your income is not your main income. Being amateur says nothing about quality, same as professional doesnt mean everything is perfect.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Semmick Photo on November 04, 2017, 14:20
Jeff HK, sailor and during his trips delivering cargo he shoots photos and videos. Amateur I'd say, probably the best time lapse you'll ever watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHrCI9eSJGQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHrCI9eSJGQ)

Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: vladimir on November 04, 2017, 15:05
Jeff HK, sailor and during his trips delivering cargo he shoots photos and videos. Amateur I'd say, probably the best time lapse you'll ever watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHrCI9eSJGQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHrCI9eSJGQ)



now this is Simply Stunning  :o :o :o
Thanks for sharing !!!
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: ShadySue on November 04, 2017, 15:55
Jeff HK, sailor and during his trips delivering cargo he shoots photos and videos. Amateur I'd say, probably the best time lapse you'll ever watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHrCI9eSJGQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHrCI9eSJGQ)
I enjoyed it too, thanks.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: KB on November 05, 2017, 11:29
One of the meanings of the word amateur is:
a person inexperienced or unskilled in a particular activity

So, yes, 'amateur' can imply less quality based on that. However, based on what I've seen in stock photography and videography, as others have said, the word does not predict the level of quality at all.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Chichikov on November 05, 2017, 11:39
One of the meanings of the word amateur is:
a person inexperienced or unskilled in a particular activity

So, yes, 'amateur' can imply less quality based on that. However, based on what I've seen in stock photography and videography, as others have said, the word does not predict the level of quality at all.

Amateur is a french word coming from the italian amatore, in latin amator which means "lover" (From amare "to love")

By extension an Amateur is somebody doing something because he loves (likes) to do it.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: dpimborough on November 05, 2017, 13:41
One of the meanings of the word amateur is:
a person inexperienced or unskilled in a particular activity

So, yes, 'amateur' can imply less quality based on that. However, based on what I've seen in stock photography and videography, as others have said, the word does not predict the level of quality at all.

Amateur = a person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid basis

Plenty of amateurs produce extermely good work

Olympic sports athletes are amateurs
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Asthebelltolls on November 05, 2017, 14:17
Plenty of amateurs produce extermely good work. Olympic sports athletes are amateurs.


Better not tell all those "amateur" hockey players representing their countries in the Winter Olympics. Hockey players that are multi-millionaires playing in the NHL. ;)

An amateur submitting video clips is a person who doesn't use a tripod. Has no idea what an "establishing shot" is or "pre-roll" footage. Pans and tilts simply for the sake of panning and tilting without using subject matter within the frame to change framing. ie. a bird in flight, traffic, pedestrians, water flowing, etc.

Yes. There are clips shot by people who have no background experience or expertise that are presentable to buyers....but the vast majority of clips that buyers have to wade through is cr"p.....pure and simple. And that`s the problem. Agencies like IS, SS and P5 are far more concerned with volume than they are with quality.

If a company hires professional cameramen and editors to produce their presentation, are they going to use amateur footage supplied by agencies.

Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Thomas from France on November 06, 2017, 01:14
One of the meanings of the word amateur is:
a person inexperienced or unskilled in a particular activity

So, yes, 'amateur' can imply less quality based on that. However, based on what I've seen in stock photography and videography, as others have said, the word does not predict the level of quality at all.

Amateur is a french word coming from the italian amatore, in latin amator which means "lover" (From amare "to love")

By extension an Amateur is somebody doing something because he loves (likes) to do it.

In French , using the word "Amateur" :
-as an adjective is pretty positive, means "who loves..."
-by saying "he is an amateur" is pretty negative, means he is doing b***s**t.

Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Pauws99 on November 06, 2017, 01:36
One of the meanings of the word amateur is:
a person inexperienced or unskilled in a particular activity

So, yes, 'amateur' can imply less quality based on that. However, based on what I've seen in stock photography and videography, as others have said, the word does not predict the level of quality at all.

Amateur = a person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid basis

Plenty of amateurs produce extermely good work

Olympic sports athletes are amateurs
Olympic sports people haven't even needed to pretend they are amateur for quite some time.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Chichikov on November 06, 2017, 02:21
One of the meanings of the word amateur is:
a person inexperienced or unskilled in a particular activity

So, yes, 'amateur' can imply less quality based on that. However, based on what I've seen in stock photography and videography, as others have said, the word does not predict the level of quality at all.

Amateur is a french word coming from the italian amatore, in latin amator which means "lover" (From amare "to love")

By extension an Amateur is somebody doing something because he loves (likes) to do it.

In French , using the word "Amateur" :
-as an adjective is pretty positive, means "who loves..."
-by saying "he is an amateur" is pretty negative, means he is doing b***s**t.

Exact Thomas.
I was just telling about the etymology and the primary meaning. ;)
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: ShadySue on November 06, 2017, 04:19
One of the meanings of the word amateur is:
a person inexperienced or unskilled in a particular activity

So, yes, 'amateur' can imply less quality based on that. However, based on what I've seen in stock photography and videography, as others have said, the word does not predict the level of quality at all.

Amateur is a french word coming from the italian amatore, in latin amator which means "lover" (From amare "to love")

By extension an Amateur is somebody doing something because he loves (likes) to do it.

In French , using the word "Amateur" :
-as an adjective is pretty positive, means "who loves..."
-by saying "he is an amateur" is pretty negative, means he is doing b***s**t.
But hereabouts "He's a true amateur" is very positive, meaning it's a labour of love.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: ravens on November 06, 2017, 06:56
Who is this Eric? Can someone give me his email please? In this "age of the creative economy" I would like him to send me some $$$ so I can stay relevant and make my life more exciting.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: sarah2 on November 06, 2017, 07:04
The issue of amateur,non amateur, semi-professional, professional who still loves their work etc has nothing to do with it.
We do not have sites for mega fee paying customers to 'drive' traffic to.
This is just another rung on the ladder to zero value for what we create and - in many cases - try to earn a living from.
Herrumph.
:(
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Clair Voyant on November 06, 2017, 07:18
It'd be great if 123RF paid 100% to us, and then we could donate to pay them if we though there was value.

The answer to this is very simple, if anyone has images with 123rf close the account immediately.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: Fatmanphoto on November 06, 2017, 09:34
I'm amazed no one picked up on the Bullsh*t Bingo phrase: "vision to create a Creative Ecosystem". Drivel.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: GraniteCove on November 06, 2017, 12:56
You'll be surprised how many will give their stuff away and amateur content these days is very good.


Some of it isn't even amateur and there's method behind some of the madness...Unsplash  Brooke Lark 80 food photos of decent quality:

[url]https://unsplash.com/@brookelark[/url] ([url]https://unsplash.com/@brookelark[/url])

Behind the madness of 'free' is getting people and paid commissions to her Instagram account and pro-photo site (client list):

[url]http://www.cheekykitchen.com/about/[/url] ([url]http://www.cheekykitchen.com/about/[/url])

Just another approach from a different angle.


Thanks for the links! I'd say her work is top notch. Definitely on trend stylistically and superbly executed. I am curious to know if this is actually successful for her or is it more a case of her respecting her own work enough not to be selling it for a pittance.

She's obviously one of the better shooters on the site, however just about everything on there is far superior to a lot of the stuff SS is ingesting at the moment. Maybe they all know something we don't.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: niktol on November 06, 2017, 17:41
I'm amazed no one picked up on the Bullsh*t Bingo phrase: "vision to create a Creative Ecosystem". Drivel.

Ecosystem... Sounds about right. A part of a food chain.
Title: Re: 123 new license option - Simply Stunning
Post by: YadaYadaYada on November 06, 2017, 17:52
It'd be great if 123RF paid 100% to us, and then we could donate to pay them if we though there was value.

The answer to this is very simple, if anyone has images with 123rf close the account immediately.

Don't you want to wait for the next exciting improvement there? Some day we will be able to pay them to host our images and then they can pay us a small percentage. That's next after free isn't it, or is FAA already making that plan work?  >:(

Amateur isn't a quality issue alone. There can be some who are very good and hundreds who produce junk and trash. Some might use the exposure to get clients. More of the people who will give away their work for free, are in the trash group. Those who depend on selling their work for income or a living should stay far away from this horrible scheme.

You are right, leaving is one way to do that. Don't keep supporting lame agency ideas that help them attract more traffic at our expense.