Author Topic: BigStock redesign? (Read 23606 times)

PowerDroid · « **on:** March 03, 2010, 11:16 »

Just went to check my BigStock earnings and was faced with a totally new looking site.

But it's so bare-bones my immediate thought was it's been hijacked by a hacker looking to capture our passwords.

I'm not going to log in until I'm convinced it's the real deal.

UPDATE/EDIT: After scoping it out and feeling confident it was real, I logged in. Not sure what I think yet. I still think it's so spare that it almost doesn't look legit. I do prefer a "less is more" style, but even the fonts are plain and uninspired. If I didn't know the site, my first thought would be that it can't be one of the big players.

Lee Torrens · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2010, 11:20 »

It's the real deal. Signed in and all my info is there. Same earnings balance, thankfully.

New domain name too!

The old site was very dated, and while this one has very little in the way of visual branding, it's more modern in design. This is clearly related to the Shutterstock acquisition, down playing the BigStock brand and helping boost the Shutterstock brand.

nruboc · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2010, 11:31 »

I like it!

cmcderm1 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2010, 11:37 »

Another WOW site for me!!! I like a fresh new look, makes me think they'll be around awhile.

RT · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2010, 11:43 »

Looks like it's been through the wash and lost all it's colour.

The stats page is better though.

gostwyck · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2010, 11:44 »

It's not even 'BigStock' anymore either __ just 'BIGSTOCK'.

oboy · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2010, 12:00 »

Looks like it is redesigning website day today.

gbcimages · « **Reply #7 on:** March 03, 2010, 12:23 »

about BS upload,Uploaded a couple edited them and can't seem to find where to submit for review.

cathyslife · « **Reply #8 on:** March 03, 2010, 12:29 »

I like it! Simple, clean, to the point.

I don't like that I can't immediately see my sales on the first page, unless I am just missing something. I will give it some time, seems like redesigns are never right when they are first deployed.

etienjones · « **Reply #9 on:** March 03, 2010, 12:32 »

Like an old dog I hate learning new tricks. Yes, I like the "less is more" look but where can I see my portfolio and status of recently submitted images?

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #10 on:** March 03, 2010, 12:39 »

So they redesigned the site. It completely threw me at first, I thought they had been hacked with a redirect, since even the name has changed (dropping "photo").

Why, whenever there is a problem with sales, do managements think that the magic solution is a redesign? All that actually matters is creating awareness of the product with customers and persuading them to use it, but what the shake-up seems to offer is lots of touchy-feely bits of advice.

sharpshot · « **Reply #11 on:** March 03, 2010, 12:40 »

I like it and I presume this means they are keeping BS open. They should be able to let us just upload to SS and put the accepted images on BS, that would save us all time.

disorderly · « **Reply #12 on:** March 03, 2010, 12:42 »

Hoping this is a work in progress. If not, there seem to be some significant flaws. Like the lack of buttons to request payment. And the fact I have to check off all their agreement statements before it'll show me the status of my images. Used to be that I only had to do to upload.

mwp1969 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 03, 2010, 12:47 »

Quote from: BaldricksTrousers on March 03, 2010, 12:39

So they redesigned the site. It completely threw me at first, I thought they had been hacked with a redirect, since even the name has changed (dropping "photo").

Why, whenever there is a problem with sales, do managements think that the magic solution is a redesign? All that actually matters is creating awareness of the product with customers and persuading them to use it, but what the shake-up seems to offer is lots of touchy-feely bits of advice.

I did a double-take myself thinking it was some sort of scam with the domain change ... saw 4 million images + so I thought it might be them but wasn't sure. I read the "about BigStock" to confirm:

http://www.bigstock.com/aboutus.html

It looks legit.

-Mark

madelaide · « **Reply #14 on:** March 03, 2010, 12:51 »

Quote from: gostwyck on March 03, 2010, 11:44

It's not even 'BigStock' anymore either __ just 'BIGSTOCK'.

So it's now ... BS?

Scary, 123RF showed new design today also.

WarrenPrice · « **Reply #15 on:** March 03, 2010, 13:06 »

Quote from: disorderly on March 03, 2010, 12:42

Hoping this is a work in progress. If not, there seem to be some significant flaws. Like the lack of buttons to request payment. And the fact I have to check off all their agreement statements before it'll show me the status of my images. Used to be that I only had to do to upload.

Lack of request button could mean they are going to the monthly payouts vis a vis Shutter Stock. Hmmm... do you suppose?

disorderly · « **Reply #16 on:** March 03, 2010, 13:13 »

Quote from: WarrenPrice on March 03, 2010, 13:06

Lack of request button could mean they are going to the monthly payouts vis a vis Shutter Stock. Hmmm... do you suppose?

Possible. But they still have text that says the buttons should appear if you have more than the minimum in your account. Which I do. So I suspect it's a programming error rather than a change in policy.

lisafx · « **Reply #17 on:** March 03, 2010, 13:18 »

The new design looks okay to me, but has anyone tried submitting images yet?

I just submitted 20 images and it took me almost a half an hour! As far as I can tell they seem to have messed up the batch functionality and I had to go through each image individually. For example you have to manually approve all data for each image. When I tried to do two images at once it erased the IPTC and I had to re-enter it for each of them separately. Also you have to manually check off on each of the "guesstimated" categories or the image shows "data incomplete" and you can't submit it.

Unless I am missing something this is a MAJOR step backward in streamlining the submission process.

ap · « **Reply #18 on:** March 03, 2010, 13:28 »

Quote from: lisafx on March 03, 2010, 13:18

The new design looks okay to me, but has anyone tried submitting images yet?

I just submitted 20 images and it took me almost a half an hour!

hi lisa! since you're 'planning' on going exclusive elsewhere, won't submitting to BigStock hold your new images hostage for another three months? did the rules change or have you?

plrang · « **Reply #19 on:** March 03, 2010, 13:29 »

Coool, trying to find my way through the new layout

WarrenPrice · « **Reply #20 on:** March 03, 2010, 13:29 »

I looked at my commissions report and found something interesting ... May be new?
For each image sold, it has a "Days online" column. None of my sales have been online less than six months. Maybe it is a matter of patience?

lisafx · « **Reply #21 on:** March 03, 2010, 13:39 »

Quote from: ap on March 03, 2010, 13:28

Quote from: lisafx on March 03, 2010, 13:18
The new design looks okay to me, but has anyone tried submitting images yet?

I just submitted 20 images and it took me almost a half an hour!

hi lisa! since you're 'planning' on going exclusive elsewhere, won't submitting to BigStock hold your new images hostage for another three months? did the rules change or have you?

First off, I have a greater than 3 month commitment to DT. Secondly "plans" are always subject to change. Thirdly, this thread appears to be about the BigStock site redesign, to which IS exclusivity plans appear completely irrelevant.

ap · « **Reply #22 on:** March 03, 2010, 13:46 »

drat, i was hoping BigStock had changed their rules with their redesign.

donding · « **Reply #23 on:** March 03, 2010, 13:47 »

Quote from: lisafx on March 03, 2010, 13:18

When I tried to do two images at once it erased the IPTC and I had to re-enter it for each of them separately. Also you have to manually check off on each of the "guesstimated" categories or the image shows "data incomplete" and you can't submit it.

Lisa,
That same thing was happening to me last week when I submitted so I don't think it's an issue with new design.

cathyslife · « **Reply #24 on:** March 03, 2010, 13:54 »

I'm guessing there are going to be bugs for awhile. Don't you know, sites all go beta so the contributors can do the testing?

Pixart · « **Reply #25 on:** March 03, 2010, 14:00 »

LOL, that was a shock. And the next site I logged onto was 123. I felt like a drunk stumbling around the sites though

oboy · « **Reply #26 on:** March 03, 2010, 14:04 »

What a coincidence that they have both changed there layout on the same day.

Newsfocus1 · « **Reply #27 on:** March 03, 2010, 14:15 »

Quote from: gbcimages on March 03, 2010, 12:23

about BS upload,Uploaded a couple edited them and can't seem to find where to submit for review.

Just edited and submitted a batch myself. I had to hit "save data" first, then the "submit for approval" (upper right). There isn't the old "Save & Submit" as before (as far as I can tell so far!). That said I personally love the new look. Very clean and modern. I agree with cclapper though -I like to see my current earnings as soon as you log in (saves time if just doing a quick sales check). Regards, David.

www.shootingstock.blogspot.com

donding · « **Reply #28 on:** March 03, 2010, 15:10 »

IMHO the main page is rather blaa looking. But that's just me.

cathyslife · « **Reply #29 on:** March 03, 2010, 15:36 »

On second look, the images may be too large. I have a 22" monitor and I still have to scroll to see stuff under the big image. IMHO more of the other stuff should show.

Everybody's a critic, eh?

lagereek · « **Reply #30 on:** March 03, 2010, 16:14 »

The search engine seems to be redesigned as well and for the worse Im afraid. Starts to show series of images.

borg · « **Reply #31 on:** March 03, 2010, 16:19 »

Look like new 123RF...

donding · « **Reply #32 on:** March 03, 2010, 16:21 »

It almost makes me wonder if they were purchased by Shutterstock too....I am only joking here so don't think I know something you don't

luissantos84 · « **Reply #33 on:** March 03, 2010, 16:22 »

I don't know if it looks more futuristic or more old fashion, looks too basic no?..

mwp1969 · « **Reply #34 on:** March 03, 2010, 16:38 »

They've stated they've made modifications to the search engine as well ...

-Mark

lisafx · « **Reply #35 on:** March 03, 2010, 16:51 »

Well, if anything they have done starts bringing in sales I am all for it, but it would be good if they work the kinks out of the upload system...

epantha · « **Reply #36 on:** March 03, 2010, 17:14 »

Not thrilled with the redesign. Looks plain, not aesthetically pleasing. Maybe they could have done something with the logo type to make it more interesting? Minimally better than previous design.

donding · « **Reply #37 on:** March 03, 2010, 17:21 »

It seems to me the sites that do better and look better are the ones that change their main page pictures regularly. I agree some redesign needed to be done, but why didn't they try to change the first pictures that pop up everytime you visit the site. I don't care for the new design. iStock does pretty good with it, it shows variety and doesn't look like you are looking at the same ol same ol.

mwp1969 · « **Reply #38 on:** March 03, 2010, 17:30 »

I think the domain name change will be an improvement ...

-Mark

donding · « **Reply #39 on:** March 03, 2010, 17:35 »

The web address is still the same....maybe they are changing it over...at the bottom it says Bigstock and Bigstockphotos is owned by Shutterstock.

KB · « **Reply #40 on:** March 03, 2010, 18:21 »

Quote from: donding on March 03, 2010, 17:35

The web address is still the same....maybe they are changing it over...at the bottom it says Bigstock and Bigstockphotos is owned by Shutterstock.

Actually, bigstockphotos.com is now redirected to bigstock.com, so the web address has changed. Though I suspect they will keep the redirect "forever".

cathyslife · « **Reply #41 on:** March 03, 2010, 18:34 »

I just uploaded 6 photos and I must say I like it! I did have problems with categories (surprised?), it didn't seem to want to accept them and wouldn't mark the photos complete. I just changed them to something else, then changed them back and it worked.

Lee Torrens · « **Reply #42 on:** March 03, 2010, 19:02 »

Quote from: KB on March 03, 2010, 18:21

Quote from: donding on March 03, 2010, 17:35
The web address is still the same....maybe they are changing it over...at the bottom it says Bigstock and Bigstockphotos is owned by Shutterstock.
Actually, bigstockphotos.com is now redirected to bigstock.com, so the web address has changed. Though I suspect they will keep the redirect "forever".

Actually, looks like they're having some problems with the redirection, or have backed out the update. Earlier in the day I was redirected from bigstockphoto.com to bigstock.com, but now the redirection is going the opposite direction. When I type in bigstock.com I get redirected to bigstockphoto.com!

The problem here is that submitting the form on the Contact page tells me I'm accessing the script from an unauthorized domain. As the correct domain redirects me to the old one, I'm unable to submit the form.

KB · « **Reply #43 on:** March 03, 2010, 19:17 »

Oops. sorry, Lee, you're quite right.

When I tried it this morning, as you wrote, it was re-directing bigstockphoto.com to bigstock.com. No wonder donding posted that the web address is the same. Confusion reigns!

FD · « **Reply #44 on:** March 03, 2010, 19:24 »

It looks like a B&W obituary to me. Maybe that was the intent. And I hate that login popup screen, just like IS. That's a few clicks too many. If it ain't broken, don't fix it.

donding · « **Reply #45 on:** March 03, 2010, 20:08 »

Quote from: KB on March 03, 2010, 18:21

Quote from: donding on March 03, 2010, 17:35
The web address is still the same....maybe they are changing it over...at the bottom it says Bigstock and Bigstockphotos is owned by Shutterstock.

Actually, bigstockphotos.com is now redirected to bigstock.com, so the web address has changed. Though I suspect they will keep the redirect "forever".

Mine doesn't redirect it...it still goes to www.bigstockphotos.com, if it was redirecting wouldn't it be going to www.bigstock.com? . Am I misunderstanding something??

Edit: I posted before I read the rest...seems to be explained...Just disregard.

KB · « **Reply #46 on:** March 03, 2010, 20:13 »

Quote from: donding on March 03, 2010, 20:08

Quote from: KB on March 03, 2010, 18:21
Quote from: donding on March 03, 2010, 17:35
The web address is still the same....maybe they are changing it over...at the bottom it says Bigstock and Bigstockphotos is owned by Shutterstock.

Actually, bigstockphotos.com is now redirected to bigstock.com, so the web address has changed. Though I suspect they will keep the redirect "forever".

Mine doesn't redirect it...it still goes to www.bigstockphotos.com, if it was redirecting wouldn't it be going to www.bigstock.com? . Am I misunderstanding something??

No! Just read the replies a few down from that one.

Sorry!

donding · « **Reply #47 on:** March 03, 2010, 20:15 »

My fault not yours...

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #48 on:** March 03, 2010, 21:06 »

I had a look around out of curiosity (I still have an account there) and noticed that the contributor bios are all messed up - lots of tags and meta characters showing in the description paragraph (at least in Firefox on the Mac).

RacePhoto · « **Reply #49 on:** March 03, 2010, 22:50 »

Strange because my link goes to none of the above, but sends me to http://www.bigstockphoto.com/ (note no "S")

Easier to read than the old site, same data, for some reason I can find my own account easier now.

Keep in mind the source where I think websites shouldn't have flash or music or streaming pictures, and should tell you within 15 seconds where you are, what the site is about and how to get to exactly what you want. Function over form and keep it clean.

Search engine improved to include Boolean logic. That could be helpful?

Suljo · « **Reply #50 on:** March 03, 2010, 23:47 »

I think that I will take vacation for few days until they fix it up.

lagereek · « **Reply #51 on:** March 04, 2010, 02:26 »

Quote from: lisafx on March 03, 2010, 16:51

Well, if anything they have done starts bringing in sales I am all for it, but it would be good if they work the kinks out of the upload system...

Hi Lisa!

Yep, I go along with that, anything as long as it brings in the dosh! but Im still worried about their new search, showing series of files, almost identical. Thats no good at all.

gostwyck · « **Reply #52 on:** March 04, 2010, 05:20 »

What I would like is the means to disable individual images, without having to write to Support and ask them to do it for us. It's a real pain and waste of everyones' time.

Hopefully this re-design is the first phase of a major marketing campaign.

jsolie · « **Reply #53 on:** March 04, 2010, 13:58 »

Maybe I'm just being dense, but I can't find the link there to convert earnings to credits anymore

melastmohican · « **Reply #54 on:** March 04, 2010, 14:00 »

Does it mean they are not going to shutdown after all?

mwp1969 · « **Reply #55 on:** March 04, 2010, 17:10 »

Quote from: gostwyck on March 04, 2010, 05:20

What I would like is the means to disable individual images, without having to write to Support and ask them to do it for us. It's a real pain and waste of everyones' time.

Hopefully this re-design is the first phase of a major marketing campaign.

It would make sense to ramp up their marketing efforts after the rebranding of the site if the rebranding was indeed planned at the time of the acquisition. We've been patiently waiting for some major changes for the better since the buyout. Hopefully this is the start of something good ...

-Mark

lisafx · « **Reply #56 on:** March 04, 2010, 18:44 »

Quote from: melastmohican on March 04, 2010, 14:00

Does it mean they are not going to shutdown after all?

I would take it that way.

As far as I remember StockXpert did not do a site redesign after bought by Getty.

PowerDroid · « **Reply #57 on:** March 04, 2010, 18:45 »

A few observations after the first two days under the redesign...

1. Uploads... at first I hated it, but ended up after a batch of six images thinking it wasn't so bad. The auto advance feature is a nice touch to keep things moving. But if you don't have a speedy connection, I can see how the new process could be a SLLLOOOOOOW one for you.

2. Sales... sales for the past two days (Wed and Thurs) have been more than double those of the previous two, pre-overhaul days (Mon and Tues). Maybe the new design makes for a better experience for the buyer and is already boosting sales? Knocking wood....

Suljo · « **Reply #58 on:** March 04, 2010, 22:33 »

Quote from: melastmohican on March 04, 2010, 14:00

Does it mean they are not going to shutdown after all?

I dono but sales from this first 4-5 days are about double on BigStock and 123rf too...
It seams that with redesign marketing campaign goes too...

stokfoto · « **Reply #59 on:** March 06, 2010, 07:12 »

I like the new design I think it looks much better than the old one with all those ugly colors . Now I hope they will also change their bast match too as I can hardly sell my new files ,which is so frustrating. also getting rid of the 3month thing would be also nice and of course this goes for DT's 6month commitment as well.