MicrostockGroup
Agency Based Discussion => 123RF => Topic started by: thx9000 on February 01, 2018, 13:05
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Anyone noticed the change in their profile ? My 12 month total hasn't changed much but I dropped from fourth to second level .
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I just noticed it as well. Maybe it’s a glitch and it’ll go back to normal tomorrow. Maybe they’ve increased the requirements for each level and they’re looking to screw over contributors.
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Same here. Have sent an email. Unless I have forgotten, it seems they have changed the royalty page: https://www.123rf.com/contrib_structure.php (https://www.123rf.com/contrib_structure.php) - there is nothing mentioned about what is required for each tier. That's scary.
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Mine showed a drop in level as well, which if true will cause me to drop them.
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This is a screen shot of the table from Sept 2 2016; From the Wayback Machine:
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This is a screen shot of the table from Sept 2 2016; From the Wayback Machine:
I'm 100% sure that they cut commisions even without informing the contributors.
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I have some subscriptions from yesterday at 0.288 instead of the usual 0.324 . So it's not a bug apparently . They just left us find out for ourselves . Very smooth ,123rf .
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I dropped from level 5 to level 3. I have a bit over 5000 points. Yesterday I still had subscription sales for 0.36 dollars (like before).
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They merged some levels so some people will get a drop and some won't . Here's the old level structure - https://blog.123rf.com/2-6-royalties-commissions-payment/ . The new one has already been posted here although the credit targets are missing . The way they are handling this is totally unacceptable . I won't be uploading there anytime soon .
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I changed the title with something more appropriate
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They merged some levels so some people will get a drop and some won't . Here's the old level structure - https://blog.123rf.com/2-6-royalties-commissions-payment/ . The new one has already been posted here although the credit targets are missing . The way they are handling this is totally unacceptable . I won't be uploading there anytime soon .
I stopped uploading there when they awarded themselves a commission rise at my expense because they weren't marketing my work as well as they had in the past. I don't believe in rewarding failure.
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I panicked when I saw that my comission level dropped. But I think with the merged bands I àm actually making the same percentage? Anyway, very low trick to pull this without informing us first.
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They remove 35% and 45% levels and everyone who was on this two levels are one level down and have lower commission. This is so unfair
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Less uploads there and that is it..
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They remove 35% and 45% levels and everyone who was on this two levels are one level down and have lower commission. This is so unfair
So it would seem anyone in the old Tier 4 bracket, which I am guessing would have been a LOT of people, have lost 5% on credit sales, and 4cents on every subscription overnight with no explanation. 123Rf - Care to explain?
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They remove 35% and 45% levels and everyone who was on this two levels are one level down and have lower commission. This is so unfair
So it would seem anyone in the old Tier 4 bracket, which I am guessing would have been a LOT of people, have lost 5% on credit sales, and 4cents on every subscription overnight with no explanation. 123Rf - Care to explain?
Except your maths is wrong, going from 35% to 30% commission isn't a 5% loss, it's roughly 15%.
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They remove 35% and 45% levels and everyone who was on this two levels are one level down and have lower commission. This is so unfair
So it would seem anyone in the old Tier 4 bracket, which I am guessing would have been a LOT of people, have lost 5% on credit sales, and 4cents on every subscription overnight with no explanation. 123Rf - Care to explain?
Except your maths is wrong, going from 35% to 30% commission isn't a 5% loss, it's roughly 15%.
Public school.... :( haha I see what you're saying, I was more trying to say on the old chart I received 45% of a credit sale, now its 40%.
But more importantly - we need an answer from 123RF on this pronto.
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Where's the current chart of what falls into what category? All I can find is this: https://www.123rf.com/contrib_structure.php (https://www.123rf.com/contrib_structure.php)
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They merged some levels so some people will get a drop and some won't . Here's the old level structure - https://blog.123rf.com/2-6-royalties-commissions-payment/ . The new one has already been posted here although the credit targets are missing . The way they are handling this is totally unacceptable . I won't be uploading there anytime soon .
Yeah, they aren't even showing the targets. It definitely looks like another money grab. Just squeeze a little bit out of all the contributors.
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Don't think they're telling, but you can check your own rank on the Dashboard page. I was level 6 now level 4.
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I dropped from level 5 to level 3. I have a bit over 5000 points. Yesterday I still had subscription sales for 0.36 dollars (like before).
Same here: dropped from level 5 to 3, but I still sold .36 subs, today.
I'm still at 50% as per this new table.
So, no change for me.
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Well, I was a level 3 I guess with 1400 credits, and now it says I'm a level 2, but according to both charts, I'm still making 40% & .28 ?
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I guess the 4 to 2 contributors were the big losers. Lucky me.
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I assume it is this now from what people are saying.
0 – 1,999 Level 1
30%
$0.216
2,000 – 4,999 Level 2
40%
$0.288
5,000 – 19,999 Level 3
50%
$0.360
20,000 – 49,999 Level 4
52%
$0.374
50,000 – 99,999 Level 5
54%
$0.389
100,000 – 499,999 Level 6
56%
$0.403
500,000 – 999,999 Level 7
58%
$0.418
1,000,000 and above Level 8
60%
$0.432
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....and of course, you all now know now what " currently down for maintenance" means. And you're still contributing to this "agency"?
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I assume it is this now from what people are saying.
0 – 1,999 Level 1
30%
$0.216
2,000 – 4,999 Level 2
40%
$0.288
Well, I'm at 1400 and level 2.
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....and of course, you all now know now what " currently down for maintenance" means. And you're still contributing to this "agency"?
Of course! 6.3% of my revenue is not negligible!
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I assume it is this now from what people are saying.
0 – 1,999 Level 1
30%
$0.216
2,000 – 4,999 Level 2
40%
$0.288
Well, I'm at 1400 and level 2.
I wasn't sure about how big level 1 was. Maybe, they just left it 0-250, so level 2 being more 251-4,999.
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I assume it is this now from what people are saying.
0 – 1,999 Level 1
30%
$0.216
2,000 – 4,999 Level 2
40%
$0.288
Well, I'm at 1400 and level 2.
Yep because they only remove 35% and 45% levels. Everything else stay the same. This change hit only contrubutors on this two levels.
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I assume it is this now from what people are saying.
0 – 1,999 Level 1
30%
$0.216
2,000 – 4,999 Level 2
40%
$0.288
Well, I'm at 1400 and level 2.
I think the new levels are:
0 – 999 Level 1
30%
$0.216
1,000 – 4,999 Level 2
40%
$0.288
There's no winners among contributors! I'm on level 3 now and will keep the same commissions, but won't upload new images because I hate greedy agencies. >:(
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If this is true, that's a sleazy move. And above all, without informing contributors.
If you check the current contributor schedule, you'll notice the numbers are missing next to the levels. They deliberately removed this column because they thought the change would somehow go unnoticed?
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I assume it is this now from what people are saying.
0 – 1,999 Level 1
30%
$0.216
2,000 – 4,999 Level 2
40%
$0.288
Well, I'm at 1400 and level 2.
Yep because they only remove 35% and 45% levels. Everything else stay the same. This change hit only contrubutors on this two levels.
No I don't think so I was at level 2 and now at level 1 earning $0.216 per sub instead of the $0.25 per sub.
These people are disgusting.
No more uploads from me
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I assume it is this now from what people are saying.
0 – 1,999 Level 1
30%
$0.216
2,000 – 4,999 Level 2
40%
$0.288
Well, I'm at 1400 and level 2.
Yep because they only remove 35% and 45% levels. Everything else stay the same. This change hit only contrubutors on this two levels.
No I don't think so I was at level 2 and now at level 1 earning $0.216 per sub instead of the $0.25 per sub.
These people are disgusting.
No more uploads from me
Level 2 was 35% So now you are at level one with 30% and 0.216 per sub. What's wrong with that?
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I assume it is this now from what people are saying.
0 – 1,999 Level 1
30%
$0.216
2,000 – 4,999 Level 2
40%
$0.288
Well, I'm at 1400 and level 2.
Yep because they only remove 35% and 45% levels. Everything else stay the same. This change hit only contrubutors on this two levels.
No I don't think so I was at level 2 and now at level 1 earning $0.216 per sub instead of the $0.25 per sub.
These people are disgusting.
No more uploads from me
Level 2 was 35% So now you are at level one with 30% and 0.216 per sub. What's wrong with that?
Whats wrong with that?
I was getting $0.25 per sub and using the old tables I was at level 2
Now with the new schedule I'm getting $0.216 per sub and have been dropped to level 1 even though under the old schedule I should be at level 2.
Nothing difficult about that is there?
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I assume it is this now from what people are saying.
0 – 1,999 Level 1
30%
$0.216
2,000 – 4,999 Level 2
40%
$0.288
Well, I'm at 1400 and level 2.
Yep because they only remove 35% and 45% levels. Everything else stay the same. This change hit only contrubutors on this two levels.
No I don't think so I was at level 2 and now at level 1 earning $0.216 per sub instead of the $0.25 per sub.
These people are disgusting.
No more uploads from me
Level 2 was 35% So now you are at level one with 30% and 0.216 per sub. What's wrong with that?
Whats wrong with that?
I was getting $0.25 per sub and using the old tables I was at level 2
Now with the new schedule I'm getting $0.216 per sub and have been dropped to level 1 even though under the old schedule I should be at level 2.
Nothing difficult about that is there?
OMG ;D And now you are on level 1 because they removed level 2 and level 4. That's all. I still don't get why you wrote "No I don't think so"
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No I don't think so I was at level 2 and now at level 1 earning $0.216 per sub instead of the $0.25 per sub.
These people are disgusting.
No more uploads from me
If you moved from 2 to 1, then you probably have a better idea of the cutoff between them. I kind of gave an educated guess on the level numbers.
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I currently have between
I think the new levels are:
0 – 999 Level 1
30%
$0.216
1,000 – 4,999 Level 2
40%
$0.288
There's no winners among contributors! I'm on level 3 now and will keep the same commissions, but won't upload new images because I hate greedy agencies. >:(
I think this is indeed the new level structure, because I used to be level 3 40% with 1200 points, now I'm level 2 with the same 40%.
Old Levels 1/2 are now New Level 1
Old Levels 3/4 are now New Level 2
Old Levels 5/6 are now New Level 3?
I've emailed them asking for more clarification.
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I still haven't received an reply from days ago when I emailed them.
Guessing I probably won't, until we get a random "Exciting News!!" email newsletter sent out or something.
Its all feeling very iStock...
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they pulled this same stunt years ago, don't you all remember? Lots of promises. IIRC things didn't improve. This will be no different.
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I was at level 4 with 3752, now I'm at level 2
I can live without them
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I currently have between I think the new levels are:
0 – 999 Level 1
30%
$0.216
1,000 – 4,999 Level 2
40%
$0.288
There's no winners among contributors! I'm on level 3 now and will keep the same commissions, but won't upload new images because I hate greedy agencies. >:(
I think this is indeed the new level structure, because I used to be level 3 40% with 1200 points, now I'm level 2 with the same 40%.
Old Levels 1/2 are now New Level 1
Old Levels 3/4 are now New Level 2
Old Levels 5/6 are now New Level 3?
I've emailed them asking for more clarification.
No because I was 6 and am now 4. We shouldn't have to play guessing games. Where is the page with the new structure. It's ridiculous.
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No because I was 6 and am now 4. We shouldn't have to play guessing games. Where is the page with the new structure. It's ridiculous.
It doesn't really look like much of a guessing game. Like somebody said above, they got rid of two levels (35% and 45%). People in those 2 levels lost out because they got moved to 30% and 40% levels. 50% and above levels though appear to be unchanged except they changed the level number from 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8.
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I will stop uploading. 123RF will not get any new illustrations from me.
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With 2491 dls/12mths I also fell from level 4 to 2. That's about $20 less per month for me, so I guess I won't upload anymore.
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I'm rather furious to have also dropped from level 4 to level 2. A sneaky pay cut is a slap in the face for hard-working contributors.
I will think long and hard before I upload anything further.
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There is no doubt that 123 is hurting. Sales have plummeted in a very short period of time. I'm now at level 2. This month so far I am at .28 cents. It's almost laughable now, for me, anyway. The cut is perhaps only to make up for what they lost in the Google search placement debacle where supposedly 123 lost positioning. Right around when that happened sales tanked. They continue to slide for me, a testament to my whooping 28 cents balance so far.
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I had no idea what level I was on but I'm on level 3 now. It's been a slow downhill on there for years. I don't upload anymore. It would have been nice to let contributors know about this change.
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I would suggest everyone emails them with their concerns, or gets on social media to them. A flood of emails or tweets etc may make them actually provide some info on this change at least.
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I still haven't received an reply from days ago when I emailed them.
Guessing I probably won't, until we get a random "Exciting News!!" email newsletter sent out or something.
Its all feeling very iStock...
Exciting news, we have simplified and consolidate the commission levels for you so they are easier to understand. >:( They are 7.9 now on the poll maybe somebody can come back next year Jan. and see how our earnings have dropped, while 123 makes more.
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Wow, I've gone from level 4 to level 1, from 0.324 to 0.216 per sub DL.
Inability to sell = slash the commission rate based on your 12 month points total. Time to pull the plug on this site.
Nice going 123rf
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We now have an agency that changes royalties without even notifying their contributors.
I've just blogged about this, the link is below. Let's spread the word!
123rf Shock Contributors by Dropping Royalties on the Sly. (http://www.microstockposts.com/123rf-shock-contributors-by-dropping-royalties-on-the-sly/)
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I feel like micostock is coming to an end sadly - the returns get smaller and smaller each year.
Soon we will be getting 10 cents an image ... I'm not even surprised anymore at the way these agencies are treating us. I went numb last year sometime.
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I've just blogged about this, the link is below. Let's spread the word!
And I've put your blog post in a Flipboard magazine on Stock Photography that I'm curating. Hopefully that will spread the word (and get more traffic to your site!)
Steve
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I feel like micostock is coming to an end sadly - the returns get smaller and smaller each year.
Soon we will be getting 10 cents an image ... I'm not even surprised anymore at the way these agencies are treating us. I went numb last year sometime.
I'm hoping something better will be born out of the ashes. I thought some companies would be working on something new (more sustainable and better paying), but it doesn't seem to be happening. I'd assume that all these companies are still doing well, so they don't feel any pressure to be better.
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And I've put your blog post in a Flipboard magazine on Stock Photography that I'm curating
I was asked where this was: https://flipboard.com/@steveheap2015/getting-started-in-stock-photography-lhjj87ouy (https://flipboard.com/@steveheap2015/getting-started-in-stock-photography-lhjj87ouy). I hope you can see it without having to sign in. I find Flipboard pretty useful to see what sort of images are being used to illustrate articles - it often gives me a bit of inspiration.
Steve
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Interestingly here on this official 123rf "contributor guide" pages, there is still the old commission structure:
https://www.123rf.com/guidebook/c02s06.htm#2.0 (https://www.123rf.com/guidebook/c02s06.htm#2.0)
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Interestingly here on this official 123rf "contributor guide" pages, there is still the old commission structure:
https://www.123rf.com/guidebook/c02s06.htm#2.0 (https://www.123rf.com/guidebook/c02s06.htm#2.0)
Not only are they sneaks but they are incompetent too
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I posted an article in my blog about this commission cut and took the information presented here to put a commission structure comparision into a table:
https://i2.wp.com/www.alltageinesfotoproduzenten.de/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/123rf-2017-royalty-structure-07-02-_2018_09-43-27.jpg (https://i2.wp.com/www.alltageinesfotoproduzenten.de/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/123rf-2017-royalty-structure-07-02-_2018_09-43-27.jpg)
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Huh this is what they have to say for themselves
"Thank you for your email.
As part of an initial phase, the 2nd and 4th Tier has been removed from the previous Contributor Commission Structure. We understand that these changes have caused a lot of concern among Contributors but rest assured, the coming phase would be good news for Contributors.
All the changes will be conveyed in full in an official announcement once all the phases are deployed, which is estimated to be around the end of March 2018.
Please bear with us in the meantime and do look out for the official announcement from us.
Best regards,
Your Submissions & Review Team"
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I posted an article in my blog about this commission cut and took the information presented here to put a commission structure comparision into a table:
https://i0.wp.com/www.alltageinesfotoproduzenten.de/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/123rf-2017-royalty-structure-07-02-_2018_09-43-26.jpg (https://i0.wp.com/www.alltageinesfotoproduzenten.de/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/123rf-2017-royalty-structure-07-02-_2018_09-43-26.jpg)
Your Contributor Level : 2 | Past 12 Month License Points Total : 3752
So, even with 3752 I'm still level 2.
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Huh this is what they have to say for themselves
"Thank you for your email.
As part of an initial phase, the 2nd and 4th Tier has been removed from the previous Contributor Commission Structure. We understand that these changes have caused a lot of concern among Contributors but rest assured, the coming phase would be good news for Contributors.
All the changes will be conveyed in full in an official announcement once all the phases are deployed, which is estimated to be around the end of March 2018.
Please bear with us in the meantime and do look out for the official announcement from us.
Best regards,
Your Submissions & Review Team"
so, they will take larger percent of our income for a month and then we will see good and exciting news.
nice.
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I posted an article in my blog about this commission cut and took the information presented here to put a commission structure comparision into a table:
https://i0.wp.com/www.alltageinesfotoproduzenten.de/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/123rf-2017-royalty-structure-07-02-_2018_09-43-26.jpg (https://i0.wp.com/www.alltageinesfotoproduzenten.de/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/123rf-2017-royalty-structure-07-02-_2018_09-43-26.jpg)
Your Contributor Level : 2 | Past 12 Month License Points Total : 3752
So, even with 3752 I'm still level 2.
Sorry, I missed to adjust the credits, so that the missing levels are taken into account. I just updated the table, thanks for the notification.
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Huh this is what they have to say for themselves
"Thank you for your email.
As part of an initial phase, the 2nd and 4th Tier has been removed from the previous Contributor Commission Structure. We understand that these changes have caused a lot of concern among Contributors but rest assured, the coming phase would be good news for Contributors.
All the changes will be conveyed in full in an official announcement once all the phases are deployed, which is estimated to be around the end of March 2018.
Please bear with us in the meantime and do look out for the official announcement from us.
Best regards,
Your Submissions & Review Team"
Good news how? Give contributors a commission cut (again) without prior notice and then make them wait 2 months before making a full announcement?
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Depends on how they define "good news".
A royalty cut for photographers might be good news for 123rf since they get a bigger share.
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Depends on how they define "good news".
A royalty cut for photographers might be good news for 123rf since they get a bigger share.
My guess is that they create a -0 tier, pay 80% and anyone who has sold at least one file gets put into that tier ;)
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Good news how? Give contributors a commission cut (again) without prior notice and then make them wait 2 months before making a full announcement?
I guess there are lots of things that could be good news. I'm not holding my breath though.
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Well I never received a reply from them, but thanks for sharing your response you got.
2 months to "deploy" (makes it sound exciting) rate cuts with no warning? Come on.
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The last "exciting news" I heard from them was that whole Creative Commons for donations joke.
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The last "exciting news" I heard from them was that whole Creative Commons for donations joke.
If the exciting Phase 2 news is "with you making less money, we can spend more on advertising, which will make you MORE money!" I'm gonna loose it!
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After confuse with their policy, search on the web and found this forum.
If they just told us in advanced, it's not gonna worst like this. :-\
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Is it even legal for them to cut rates secretly? We are meant to have a contract with them and contracts usually allow you to opt out in advance if one side decides unilaterally to alter the terms.
The only reason they can do this is because they get their hands on the cash before we do, imagine how they would squeal if we got the money first and decided to increase our commissions without telling them before handing on the balance.
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lol I knew it. I can tell I can tell, I never like the founders, crooked business etiquette.
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Part of the 123RF answer to my email about my concern:
"As part of an initial phase, the 2nd and 4th Tier has been removed from the previous Contributor Commission Structure.
We understand that these changes have caused a lot of concern among Contributors but rest assured, the coming phase would be good news for Contributors.
All the changes will be conveyed in full in an official announcement once all the phases are deployed, which is estimated to be around the end of March 2018.
Please bear with us in the meantime and do look out for the official announcement from us."
I am speechless…
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This might be a good time to remind of the last royalty cut stunt that 123rf pulled of some years ago:
http://www.microstockgroup.com/123royaltyfree-com/123rf-sharing-commissions-with-parent-company-inmagine/ (http://www.microstockgroup.com/123royaltyfree-com/123rf-sharing-commissions-with-parent-company-inmagine/)
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good news for Contributors
The four most dreaded words in microstock!
Last time 123 cut commissions it was going to somehow lead to massive new sales that would see our proceeds increase dramatically - and we all know how that went. Sort of like the Republican tax cuts in the US that are supposed to magically stimulate the economy so much that tax proceeds will increase rather than decrease - been tried many times before with the same result as microstock commission cuts. Can't wait to see what sort of scam 123 will roll out in March. The only real question is: do we stay with them to see what happens or bail out now?
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We understand that these changes have caused a lot of concern among Contributors but rest assured, the coming phase would be good news for Contributors.
OMG, bwahahahahaha they can't be serious. I can just imagine the execs sitting around the meeting table. "Okay so we need to reduce contributor commissions. Let's not tell them and when they eventually figure it out give them the old 'we have good news' line?" (everyone laughs)
Fast forward a couple months. "We're excited to announce we've launched some great changes that will benefit all contributors. We've adjusted (lowered) royalty percentages for contributors and have improved (raised the goal bar really high) contributor goal levels. This will benefit contributors (123rf) by encouraging you to contribute a higher quantity and quality work. You will make more (less) money through increased sales volumes (falling sales). We're proud to support our wonderful contributor community with these exciting changes.
FAQ
Q: How will this impact my income?
A: You will somehow miraculously against all mathematical theory make more money from reduced commissions and lower sales volume. Aren't you excited?
Q: Are my royalties being reduced?
A: Reduced is such a harsh word. We prefer to use the word "adjusted" which is much more pleasant and doesn't specify a reduction.
Q: How do I benefit from these changes?
A: There will be absolutely no benefit to you but we'll spin it so it sounds exciting like you'll somehow benefit.
Q: Can I opt out of these changes?
A: Absolutely. We believe in freedom of choice, fairness, and strong relationships with our contributors. You can request to close your account or if you prefer you can openly complain on the internet and we'll close it for you.
Humor aside, it will be interesting to see what the "good news" is.
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They will make an announcement ONCE all the changes have been introduced - so they will tell us after we have already found out, good of them. I was regularly earning $200-$300 a month with them until about 18 months ago, now lucky to hit $75, and now they have cut levels again. Gone from level 5 at 50% to probably level 2 now on what, 30%?
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Everybody loves surprises... Unless they are terrible surprises.
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Everybody loves surprises... Unless they are terrible surprises.
The timing of the announcement is also interesting. They could have held at 2017 rate for this year and then in 2019, based on the earnings, artists would be at the new rate. Instead they pulled the rug out from under contributors, without notice, and said, we'll be telling you what happened in a few months.
Or they could have announced in October that the 2018 rates would be adjusted based on 2017 sales. Instead they said nothing, made the change, and haven't explained anything except what some people have discovered. I'm happy I left. No terrible surprises from 123RF anymore.
Watch that 8.6 in the poll and see how you are earning more with the new plan. Anyone taking bets on the rise or fall of the number? :)
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This might be a good time to remind of the last royalty cut stunt that 123rf pulled of some years ago:
[url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/123royaltyfree-com/123rf-sharing-commissions-with-parent-company-inmagine/[/url] ([url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/123royaltyfree-com/123rf-sharing-commissions-with-parent-company-inmagine/[/url])
We aren't the same company, just the same stock holders. No matter how they lie about the new levels, we're getting a cut in pay and they are making more money. We're being lied to again.
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If the final result will be lower commission I will delete my portfolio. I am tired to be treaten like an idiot.
I will feel better and it will be completelly painless as I am earnig here 2% compared to SS.
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Is it really too much to ask these companies to operate with a minimum baseline of common decency? I'm also getting tired of the drama of deleting files, not uploading to certain agencies and trying to track all of the bad behaviour. I've stopped uploading at 123. I have clients who use them and I'll be vigorously informing them of the bad behaviour. If the "great news" is bad enough, I'll delete my port. Ever since they pulled the royalty credit stunt, I've put them in the same category as IS and DP and bad reputations are hard to shake.
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3 weeks and still waiting for response from 123 support to my question about official commission rule.
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I've stopped submitting to this agency, problem solved.
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The usual out of control greed.
I am no longer submitting to them.
If the rates do fall, I will delete my portfolio.
. . . nuff said.
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3 weeks and still waiting for response from 123 support to my question about official commission rule.
I got a reply,
They have removed the 2nd and 4th Tier from the previous Contributor Commission Structure. This is phase 1. Phase 2 will bring good news. And they didnt announce phase 1, because they want to give a full announcement after phase 2, end of March
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It all makes sense now...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zc4bGkU05o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zc4bGkU05o)
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Finally got back a canned reply to my email sent on Feb 2nd.
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3 weeks and still waiting for response from 123 support to my question about official commission rule.
I got a reply,
They have removed the 2nd and 4th Tier from the previous Contributor Commission Structure. This is phase 1. Phase 2 will bring good news. And they didnt announce phase 1, because they want to give a full announcement after phase 2, end of March
I am back in the first tier and I get $0.196 (0.216 - tax) for a download. I don't see how that will change in phase 2, so no more uploads to 123 from me.
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I've actually started deleting images from 123 I've had enough let them go screw someone else >:(
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I had actually started uploading to them again last year for the first time since their commission cuts because their RPDL was OK compared to other agencies. Now I've been reduced to level 1, and selling images for 22 cents per subscription DL is too low so they are back off the list. Will wait to see what else they come up with but I suspect this is the end for them. I still get enough ELs and other higher DLs that I will leave my images there for now, but no new images will go there and I won't send the big backlog that built up after the last commission cut either. Too bad - screwing contributors is not a good path to prosperity.
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Exciting new: yesterday I have made a sale for $0.08!
123EF, the New iStock with 10 times less sales but with the same low commissions…
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And the same again if we not united the agencies will kill one day our income completly.
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Exciting new: yesterday I have made a sale for $0.08!
123EF, the New iStock with 10 times less sales but with the same low commissions…
Congrats. Very well done! ;)
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Exciting new: yesterday I have made a sale for $0.08!
123EF, the New iStock with 10 times less sales but with the same low commissions…
Congrats. Very well done! ;)
Oh, thank you so much Mantis! :p
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Anyone had a march payment ? I had any in februrary and I'm waiting for march payment and yes i have more than 50$ ... !
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Anyone had a march payment ? I had any in februrary and I'm waiting for march payment and yes i have more than 50$ ... !
They don't pay until the 15th
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Exciting new: yesterday I have made a sale for $0.08!
123EF, the New iStock with 10 times less sales but with the same low commissions…
Are you opted in for partner sales?
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Exciting new: yesterday I have made a sale for $0.08!
123EF, the New iStock with 10 times less sales but with the same low commissions…
Are you opted in for partner sales?
You know, I don't find where it is indicated on the site…
But I never had a sale for such a low amount before.
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Exciting new: yesterday I have made a sale for $0.08!
123EF, the New iStock with 10 times less sales but with the same low commissions…
Are you opted in for partner sales?
You know, I don't find where it is indicated on the site…
But I never had a sale for such a low amount before.
Check account settings. Payment details.
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I am so glad I left a few months ago.
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Exciting new: yesterday I have made a sale for $0.08!
123EF, the New iStock with 10 times less sales but with the same low commissions…
Are you opted in for partner sales?
You know, I don't find where it is indicated on the site…
But I never had a sale for such a low amount before.
Check account settings. Payment details.
Thank you, I did not see it.
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I've emailed them, but no reply. We should have heard that "exciting news" announcement and how it affects contributors by now.
Also their royalty page is still out of date: https://www.123rf.com/contrib_structure.php (https://www.123rf.com/contrib_structure.php)
Amazing how telling people how they will be paid is at the bottom of the to-do list.
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Huh this is what they have to say for themselves
"Thank you for your email.
As part of an initial phase, the 2nd and 4th Tier has been removed from the previous Contributor Commission Structure. We understand that these changes have caused a lot of concern among Contributors but rest assured, the coming phase would be good news for Contributors.
All the changes will be conveyed in full in an official announcement once all the phases are deployed, which is estimated to be around the end of March 2018.
Please bear with us in the meantime and do look out for the official announcement from us.
Best regards,
Your Submissions & Review Team"
So, the end of March had come and gone and I have yet to see any official announcement, nor what this good news to contributors will be. I also dropped from level 4 to level 2 and stopped uploading pending this announcement. Anyone with more info?
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Is there a way to delete single images on 123RF but leave one to leave the account open? With obvious crooks (e.g., Depositphotos) I like to do that so that I at least have some form of record that they claim there are no more sales.
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Is there a way to delete single images on 123RF but leave one to leave the account open? With obvious crooks (e.g., Depositphotos) I like to do that so that I at least have some form of record that they claim there are no more sales.
Click on upload in the footer. Then click on 5 (Manage Media) . Then click on Remove beside each image. Images can only be deleted one at a time so it's a bit of a chore.
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Is there a way to delete single images on 123RF but leave one to leave the account open? With obvious crooks (e.g., Depositphotos) I like to do that so that I at least have some form of record that they claim there are no more sales.
Click on upload in the footer. Then click on 5 (Manage Media) . Then click on Remove beside each image. Images can only be deleted one at a time so it's a bit of a chore.
Thank you! Chore indeed, but at least it's possible.
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https://www.123rf.com/contrib_structure.php (https://www.123rf.com/contrib_structure.php) - so they removed some info again from this page, but basically its still useless.
It says:
"The tables below list the License Points that you get with each download:"
Then there are no tables below...
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0.09 here too. Step closer to delete account at depositphotos.
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Forget about this crap, stopped uploading there 4 months ago.
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I started to delete my images. It's too much. I am tired of being treated this way.
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"End of march" has passed for two weeks and no announcement in sight. I guess they hope we all forget about the royalty cuts and move on...
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123rf D-Day :-*
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I suggest we all send them a message demanding an immediate and straight answer. >:(
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"End of march" has passed for two weeks and no announcement in sight. I guess they hope we all forget about the royalty cuts and move on...
and it even looks like it's happening.
very few people talk about it.
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I suggest we all send them a message demanding an immediate and straight answer. >:(
Forget it, people are here to lament and whine, not to unite for the common interest…
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I suggest we all send them a message demanding an immediate and straight answer. >:(
Forget it, people are here to lament and whine, not to unite for the common interest…
Exactly. Even more: it is extremely unlikely that so many strangers will ever unite to defend "common interest".
Even for perfectly rational people, immediate self-interest is always perceived as more important than common interest. It is just human nature.
We are in a typical "Prisoner's Dilemma"
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I suggest we all send them a message demanding an immediate and straight answer. >:(
^This. I have already emailed and asked them on Twitter. I think everyone needs to do the same, preferably in a public place like Twitter or Facebook.
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There is no point in asking them for "answers" - they've already told you everything you need to know by their actions thus far.
Removal of large quantities of images would get their attention - if anything would induce them to change their mind, and it's possible that nothing would - think the late, not-so-great Dollar Photo Club. Think about what you want them to do - restore the old rate schedule, for example - and set a date by which they do that or the images get removed.
Anything less is a waste of energy. My view is moot as I left the agency when my royalty rate dropped from 45% to 40% because they're not doing well on the sales front but their failures affect my royalty rates.
I'm guessing they're trying to prep the business for a sale so they can get out. It's possible they don't want a contributor revolt as it would put buyers off, so they might act. I doubt that the fundamentals of the business would improve even if they did put the royalty rates back where they were, so it might well be a victory with not much of a contributor benefit. They don't appear to be investing in the business, or advertising in Google searches (you used to see their ads and thumbnails, but now hardly at all)
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There is no point in asking them for "answers" - they've already told you everything you need to know by their actions thus far.
Removal of large quantities of images would get their attention - if anything would induce them to change their mind, and it's possible that nothing would - think the late, not-so-great Dollar Photo Club. Think about what you want them to do - restore the old rate schedule, for example - and set a date by which they do that or the images get removed.
Anything less is a waste of energy. My view is moot as I left the agency when my royalty rate dropped from 45% to 40% because they're not doing well on the sales front but their failures affect my royalty rates.
I'm guessing they're trying to prep the business for a sale so they can get out. It's possible they don't want a contributor revolt as it would put buyers off, so they might act. I doubt that the fundamentals of the business would improve even if they did put the royalty rates back where they were, so it might well be a victory with not much of a contributor benefit. They don't appear to be investing in the business, or advertising in Google searches (you used to see their ads and thumbnails, but now hardly at all)
Completely agree. Their reaction was pretty obvious, the last thing we need is some more half baked justifications. Personally I stoped uploading new material and if/when the end of the month numbers go below a certain threshold I won't hesitate to pull the plug.
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How to delete single or more images on 123rf?
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How to delete single or more images on 123rf?
Click on upload in the footer. Then click on 5 (Manage Media). Then click on Remove beside each image.
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Yeah, I've had enough - this, their finance team, their contributor support, everything. I'm removing all my photos.
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There's not anything more that I can do, I closed my account.
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Completely agree. Their reaction was pretty obvious, the last thing we need is some more half baked justifications. Personally I stoped uploading new material and if/when the end of the month numbers go below a certain threshold I won't hesitate to pull the plug.
I guess this is going to be sooner than I expected. My sales this month are a 1/3 of the usual. Combined with the lower commissions there'll be barely enough to withdraw.
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Terrible month on 123RF as well, plus the fact that the review of editorial pictures has stopped almost 3 months ago... I'm starting to wonder if there's still somebody behind the website, or if rats are deserting the ship...
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Sales drop month by month.....soon be back to Level 1.
Guess that's what they want. :(
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Finally, it's official:
https://www.123rf.com/contrib_structure.php?utm_source=0418contributorannouncement&utm_medium=cta01&utm_campaign=EDM#contributorannouncement (https://www.123rf.com/contrib_structure.php?utm_source=0418contributorannouncement&utm_medium=cta01&utm_campaign=EDM#contributorannouncement)
I find this a complete disgrace since practically none of my sales follows their commission model. At 40% size L should yield 2.4 credits yet I get 1.236. Another L sale gets me 1.032. Size M should yield 1.6, I get 0.576 instead. I dare anyone to look through their sales and find one that reflects correctly their contributor level.
And btw another feature I have recently noticed: the majority of my portfolio is invisible in the search. No wonder sales have dried up
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In february I sent them two emails asking about commission changes. No response.
So I deleted my portfolio 10 days ago.. A week later I received 2 message saying that they apologize for late response and good news for contributors are coming...
I feel much better not contributing to this pitiful site.
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Terrible month on 123RF as well, plus the fact that the review of editorial pictures has stopped almost 3 months ago... I'm starting to wonder if there's still somebody behind the website, or if rats are deserting the ship...
I didn't realise my editorials are sitting in pending ;-). Don't suppose its lost me many $$. Gone from a reasonable middle tier earner to also ran for me. Though thats pretty true of all "middle tier" really.
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Terrible month on 123RF as well, plus the fact that the review of editorial pictures has stopped almost 3 months ago... I'm starting to wonder if there's still somebody behind the website, or if rats are deserting the ship...
I didn't realise my editorials are sitting in pending ;-). Don't suppose its lost me many $$. Gone from a reasonable middle tier earner to also ran for me. Though thats pretty true of all "middle tier" really.
Videos are even worse, they have not been reviewed for almost half of the year now.
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Deleted my pending editorials which had been sitting there since December. I stopped uploading anyway after their latest commission cuts and I'm just waiting for $5 to reach payout then it's goodbye 123rf. There clearly is no "good news for contributors" coming as they stated.
On a related note (which nobody has mentioned I think) their sister company - macro agency Inmagine has closed down as a separate site with buyers being re-directed to the Evo (premium) collection at 123rf. This might be another reason for low sales as Inmagine had a Value RF section populated with 123rf images. I have no idea how many sales came through that but it must have an effect - not all Inmagine buyers would just automatically start buying through 123 instead. Whether this move was cost cutting or streamlining is open to speculation.
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I pulled the plug on my content at the site last week.
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I stopped uploading months ago but after getting two sales for $0.15 and 0.17 yesterday (the $0.15 was for "super" resolution) whatever that means, I have decided to close my account if I ever reach payout again. which is very unlikely given the pathetic sales over the last year.
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I too have stopped uploading and am slowly removing images while waiting for the last $5 to go to my final payout. No point in feeding abusive crooks.
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123RF has become total crap. I even got kicked back a level because sales are dwindling. Not my fault, they are to blame for the lack of sales. All the while SS and FT/AS are going better than ever.
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My sales drops like crazy, about -60% -70% nowadays :( :(
hope everything will be okay
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I haven't heard any good news from them since before they decided to go with the credit scheme. They dropped me a level and moved into the "don't upload here anymore" camp. I think I get the lowest for sub sales there now. They might move into the "remove images" camp soon.
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My sales drops like crazy, about -60% -70% nowadays :( :(
hope everything will be okay
To paraphrase Winston Churchill
A microstocker is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last. ;D
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.
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Just got this email:
Dear 123RF Footage Contributors,
Effective June 1st, 2018, we will be unifying tiers 1, 2 and 3 under the
new footage pricing structure, thus saving you the hassle of deciding on a price
for every footage file you upload onto 123RF.com.
This new implementation will also eliminate any confusion that our clients may have in the past about complicated pricing, and facilitate in faster and better decisions when it comes to purchasing your footage.
Check out 123RF’s NEW FOOTAGE PRICING STRUCTURE below :
IMPORTANT: Let us know if you want to be included in the new pricing structure by May 15, 2018.
Your consent and understanding is important for us to continue our collaboration in the long run.
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So what was the good news that was supposed to be announced? Not being sarcastic. I just don't remember seeing what the whole deal was other than new levels.
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what? I just had a sale for 15 cents for a large file download!!
Thats just disgusting.
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The commissions reducing is disgusting indeed but for the past 3 months,
tons of my images won't show up in the search.
It didn't matter if I tried 2-3 keywords or the whole title, zero results :|
Sales tanked badly and coupled with the lower commissions, the recipe for disaster was completed. :(
I contacted the support and they're "working" on it, that was 2 months ago.
Pure bs agency, next step is deleting my account :|
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They've even stopped reviewing my pics, about 80 going back at least a month. On the bright side I had 3 sales this month for a total of $1.73.
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Let's face the truth. 123 is struggling and needed to find a way to claw back royalties, Period. There never was/is any "grand plan" just there never was a grand plan when they went to the RC system, like Istock's many "we expect your sales to grow" lies.
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Down, down, down.
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Down, down, down.
What down?? The commission, if so did they reduced it any near?
Or the sales are down or the website is down?
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I earned $0 on 123 last month for the first time since 2009. They have now dropped so much as to be totally irrelevant.
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Let's face the truth. 123 is struggling and needed to find a way to claw back royalties, Period. There never was/is any "grand plan" just there never was a grand plan when they went to the RC system, like Istock's many "we expect your sales to grow" lies.
But both of these RC systems, lower commissions and new lower minimums were caused by Shutterstock of course? ;) Two years before Shutterstock changed anything? ::)
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We understand that these changes have caused a lot of concern among Contributors but rest assured, the coming phase would be good news for Contributors.
OMG, bwahahahahaha they can't be serious. I can just imagine the execs sitting around the meeting table. "Okay so we need to reduce contributor commissions. Let's not tell them and when they eventually figure it out give them the old 'we have good news' line?" (everyone laughs)
Fast forward a couple months. "We're excited to announce we've launched some great changes that will benefit all contributors. We've adjusted (lowered) royalty percentages for contributors and have improved (raised the goal bar really high) contributor goal levels. This will benefit contributors (123rf) by encouraging you to contribute a higher quantity and quality work. You will make more (less) money through increased sales volumes (falling sales). We're proud to support our wonderful contributor community with these exciting changes.
FAQ
Q: How will this impact my income?
A: You will somehow miraculously against all mathematical theory make more money from reduced commissions and lower sales volume. Aren't you excited?
Q: Are my royalties being reduced?
A: Reduced is such a harsh word. We prefer to use the word "adjusted" which is much more pleasant and doesn't specify a reduction.
Q: How do I benefit from these changes?
A: There will be absolutely no benefit to you but we'll spin it so it sounds exciting like you'll somehow benefit.
Q: Can I opt out of these changes?
A: Absolutely. We believe in freedom of choice, fairness, and strong relationships with our contributors. You can request to close your account or if you prefer you can openly complain on the internet and we'll close it for you.
Humor aside, it will be interesting to see what the "good news" is.
Old response from three years ago but wanted to get an update. I made $0 last month. Was there any benefit to the good news?