The big problem in my case that's I got more sales but almost 40% less money which is not acceptable. (I'm level 2 after cut)
I deactivated more than half of my portfolio.(yesterday and today)
It's just sad.

Currently in 6th position on the polls. Will be VERY interesting to see where they are end of the month.
Think many contributors is waiting to look at their bottom line end Jan. to make a final decision to stay or leave. Just have the feeling that if they drop more than 2 positions the drop will be out of control after that, as contributors will leave more and more (as it will influence their pockets less and less). Will probably be in exchange for which ever site might be next in line to be promoted to the middle tier.

Quote from: heywoody on January 17, 2013, 15:24

Quote from: CD123 on January 17, 2013, 13:08

Quote from: pancaketom on January 17, 2013, 13:01

I thought they promised sales would be times 2, not divided by 2 as appears to be the case.

I think the x2 forecast was actually for 2012, in anticipation of the commission cut. No promises for 2013. Guess they anticipated massive growth in sales for 2013 due to their price cut. 
As forecasted, I think they are going to find out that price is only one third of the cookie and everyone might be paying the price for their misplaced marketing strategy. Well the year is young. Will wait an see how this is going to pan out.

I don't believe there's been a price cut??  Commission cut certainly - too small a cut of too small a price at too low a volume.  8 bucks to payout so guess my port will be there til around March 

Did they not put out an ad or being boasting to be the cheapest RF site now?

Right on their Homepage they advertise themselves as being the "low price leader for RF content" .

123 RF has always been a sleeper for me and ranks about 4th in my portfolio.  BUT in Jan they took off for some reason and are now 2nd for me?  Have no idea why.

I'm having a BME for # of sales but about third best for $$.  I used to like them but now it makes me sick to look at the low returns since I am at level 2.  Had a small for 14 cents this week and an XL for $1.05 - pathetic, along with the measly 0.25 subs, and most are subs nowadays.  Had an EL for $16.63 this month but that is a lot less than almost anywhere else.  I've stopped uploading and will decide whether to continue with them during the next month or two.

I'm in exactly the same position. level 2. Sales good, prices insulting. I've sold more files this month than ever before but I've made less money than when I had half the number of files in my portfolio. I haven't uploaded anything since 1st January and I'm still deciding what to do with 123rf for the long term...but it's not looking good.

Stopped uploading in November. I have the same amount of sales each month. Around 25. I made a tenner this month. Lowest sale was 22 cent. I need 30 dollar more to payout and then delete my portfolio. By the way. Keeping money because you havent reached payout yet is pure and simple theft. Its criminal, if I signed up for it or not. Its my money, threshold or not. 123 is pure scum, DT as well.

So far everything going as forecasted.
1. More sales for the ones who stayed on (less contributors + new uploads less so more sales for people contributing + possibly more subscription customers due to low price policy).
2. More subscription sales (increase in subscription customers due to low price policy).
3. Drop in income due to huge cut in commission and number of sales can not make up for loss (especially due to less out of contract sales as many are now contracted customers).

Next thing to happen:
1. Due to less out of contract sales (being replaced with subs) your rating might probably be worse that Jan. 2012, as the high score sales are less. This might cause your income percentage to drop even lower (if you are not at the lowest level already).
2. More contributors will leave or stop uploading as it becomes less and less profitable or worth their wile spending time uploading.
3. For a short period even more sales for the ones still holding out and uploading (bottom end of contributors now quickly falling out).
4. Major drop in new uploads over next 3 months and 123RF's name as one of the leading stock agencies are starting to get hurt by sub customers being unhappy with lack of new content).

Possible final outcome after 3 - 4 months:
1. 123RF succeeds in lining so many new subs up with their low pricing that the remaining top end contributor's sales double or triple, perhaps making it worth their while to stay on and upload more. 123RF's strategy has worked and they are pocketing. The industry is forced further down the tube with lower prices making it more and more difficult for contributors to keep head above water.
2. Dissatisfaction by both disappointed low cost chasing subscription customers, ending up with less and less new material and out of pocket contributors leaving the site, causes 123RF's demise.

Probability between outcome 1 and 2?

123RF's view probably 90% for 1, else they will not be doing it.
My view 75% outcome 2.
Apparent feedback on MSG and based on historic similar strategies 90% outcome 2.
Your view?

PS Inherent problem with outcome 1. Only existing high end contributors are finding it worth their while uploading, as they are on the high bracket. Newcomers will probably not find it worth their while to start uploading at such low percentage = no new contributors.

PS PS This is the longest post I have ever written - I hate posts longer than 3 paragraphs - sorry. 

Its probably 1, but I am hoping 2. Really I am hoping they bring back the 50% and everybody happy. But really really hoping 2.

I assume you mean probably 2 (failure)? I think everyone who was dependent on them for a large portion of their income is hoping for 1, but with your provisio about the percentage. However, they are clearly so determined that the 50% will only be re-introduced if their strategy is a complete failure. By that time, I am sure, the iceberg would have been properly hit. 

Only time will tell........ 

I mentioned option 2 twice, so you can safely say I m hoping 2 is the scenario thats going to unfold,

Interesting. Everyone here seemed so certain of their failure I did not think you are betting on their success. My bad 

Its funny how people think, and this is not to flame or troll, just to point out something I just noticed. I get a -1 twice for hoping 123 fail. Yet when its said about IS, people get massive +1s

Which is fine, just noticed it.

Its funny how people think, and this is not to flame or troll, just to point out something I just noticed. I get a -1 twice for hoping 123 fail. Yet when its said about IS, people get massive +1s

Which is fine, just noticed it.

This is what I find a real pain in the *ss about the - and + story (and you know how I feel about it). Instead of disagreeing and motivating your viewpoint, people now just press the "-" button.  Seen people going to a minus for just saying what happened to them (not even an opinion based post). This is why I left a few weeks back.
Just ignore the minus mafia. 

PS You will also notice certain female posters getting 4-5 hearts for saying good morning. 

PS PS On the other hand - it might not have been for your opinion, but just for your blunt answer   

I'm also biding my time.
Back to level 2 despite an (!) EL this time last year which will now fall from the 12 month rating.....!
Dec just 26 sales $20
Jan 37 sales $18
Stopped uploading and watching.............
Sad..........