In my research writing the book "The Beginners Guide to Microstock photography" My Guess is 92% that submit Do fade away and or never receive or even ask for there money.
www.rindersmithphotography.com

I have yet to make a payout.

I was accepted at IS in May 07 but then I didn't upload anything for 11 months.

When I did begin uploading it was at a slowish pace (well under < 15/week) and my current acceptance rate runs at ~55%. I don't see a payout in sight for a long long time and my portfolio has only 37 images (with some that simply aren't all that salable). BUT, I have become a much better stock photographer along the way. I spend about 8 hours a week working on this and it's costing money like crazy. I've also read that a full time (traditional) photographer should not expect to be in a profit position for five years (two years longer that most other small business startups).

I have a day job that I spend 50+ hours a week at. When I factor in the money and time and effort (and thickening skin I'm developing) there's nothing I'd rather be doing with that spare time and money. I do have a plan (a five year plan) and it's working slow and steady despite the first year set back. I sell about one image a week and that's just fine for me now. I've wanted to be a stock photographer for 15 years and as far as I'm concerned, this counts, I'm a photographer; solving the same problems and looking at the same details.

I love every minute behind the camera or in front of Lightroom & Photoshop. I suspect I'm not unique. BTW MSG has some great contributors, really inspiring - Thanks to all of you.

It took me a year to earn my first $100 and one month to earn my next.  Just keep uploading "stock" photos.  Earnings really changed once I was accepted at SS.  And Istock is worth every tear of frustration, you can earn more than $100 in a month from just one good photo there, they tend to "catch on fire" (if they don't start on page 15 of most recent).  IS is my 2nd earner and they less than 20% of my photos.