MicrostockGroup Sponsors


Author Topic: Check Out PicturEngine  (Read 57974 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

« Reply #175 on: October 22, 2012, 12:28 »
0
Well? dont know really, from 8 this morning up to now, I ve made, 420 bucks. Can picture engine beat that, if I leave all agencies?  doubt it. SS alone stands for 35%.

Maybe not today... But ask yourself how much would you have made if you got 100% of the sales!!!
Then you'd be even happier. Yes, I know it's hard... But really 10 years ago, it wasn't possible for us to have our own websites combined on a search engine. We relied on the Stock Agencies to do that. But now it is possible. So 10 years from now ask yourself this question..Where do you think Stock photography will be? I think we will all be in control of our images making more money than we have before. Call me a dreamer...I call myself a visionary!


« Reply #176 on: October 22, 2012, 12:36 »
0
PicturEngine - we first heard about it in April, and at that time it was supposed to launch in 30 - 90 days. It's now 6 months - regular updates from Justin would help keep people interested, I for one am beginning to think it will never happen.

« Reply #177 on: October 22, 2012, 12:40 »
0
NOW is the time to JOIN, and LEAVE your AGENCY!!!

I've already left several agencies, so I'm definitely not against leaving places if I think I'm not getting the best deal or best representation at. That said, I have a few sites that I'm really happy with, so I don't mind paying them for the hard work they do. It's hard to find equitable partners in this business, so I have no desire to cast off the ones that do their job well.

« Reply #178 on: October 22, 2012, 12:41 »
0
oops

« Reply #179 on: October 22, 2012, 12:48 »
0
After doing a little research on Picture Engine, my first impression is...This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for in regards for ALL of us to leave our Agencies and list our own images, and take back control of our images.

Now migrating all your images to Picture Engine is easy. You set up your own Web site, which is great, because you know all of us our picky and want total control of everything...LOL
So you can be creative and make your own, or like I chose to use PhotoShelter from me. You can use KTools or whom ever you'd like. Price your images your own way, and make 100% of the money owed to you!!!

NOW is the time to JOIN, and LEAVE your AGENCY!!!

OK I know most of you need money, and are scared! I am too, but WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER if we want to have maximum impact on the market.

Here's my idea!
Set up your website... List it with PictureEngine...If your exclusive with anyone, make sure you change your Agreement with them. Get everything ready to leave your Agency...When Picture Engine has all of the bugs worked out and is ready to launch... Everyone at the same time puts in their 30 day notice to the Agencies all at once...A MASSIVE exit all at the same time.... Now the Agencies have to remove your images from their Library or be liable to be sued! Picture Engine will now be the ONE source for Art Buyers world wide to find images...OUR images that we have 100% control over..

Look we've got to do something... Stock Agencies are treating us worse and worse every year! Their taking more and more of our share of our sales. Enough is enough!!! Let's show them who the BOSS is and fight back and tell them where to stick it!!!

I encourage you to look at your industry, and ask yourself has it gotten better or worse? Are you making more money or less? Are you happy with your Stock Agency?

I think you know the answers, and our only option is to STAND UP AND FIGHT BACK...TAKE CONTROL YOUR IMAGES AND WIN THIS FIGHT!!!
I still don't see why I should be paying Picture Engine when there's no way of telling if it will work or not.  We take all the risk and they make money if the site works or not.  If it's really such a great idea, they should be taking all the risk, knowing they're going to make billions by cornering the stock images market.

If they ever do sort out all the problems and launch the site properly, I'll try uploading to a site with relatively low sales like GLStockImages first.  That wont cost me anything and will be listed free in Picture Engine.  If there's a big boost to my GLStockImages earnings, I'll know Picture Engine is working and can either get my own site, or it might be more sensible for a bunch of us to run one together.  I'm not tempted to leave the other sites, as I know from previous experience that very few others will.  I might as well learn from expensive previous mistakes, instead of doing them again.

RacePhoto

« Reply #180 on: October 22, 2012, 13:10 »
0
oops

Don't slip on the fish guts.  ;)

But there really is a question. If the picture engine puts only one image first and hypothetically (so it won't get answered?) someone has images on 25 different agencies, and they all have subscriptions to the service, which one gets listed? If I was agency X and everything from agency A came up, why would I pay for being included?

As for private inclusion, sounds like a good plan. Hope it works. This would be a way to be weaned off the smaller agencies and drop some that don't pay fair rates or that have been somewhat abusive towards contributors.

All the site needs is people to use it! It turns out to be in simple terms, a unified, simple, search. If I was a buyer, I'd want that.

I might actually start a KTools site just because of this, and I can put all the "CrapStock" up for sale. (agency rejects in other words)

« Reply #181 on: October 22, 2012, 13:49 »
0
As far as I understand it, if you don't have your own site PictureEngine directs to the site that had the image first. Based on this information I have been staggering my uploading with priority going to the sites that pay the best rpd. Sites with sub sales get my images last (even though that may only be 30 days later).  If PictureEngine really does take off they will be directing my images to the best paying sites (for me). If it doesn't take off, at least these sites have a bit of a head start on SEO. Either way it doesn't do me much harm (and possibly has a large benefit) to upload to my preferred sites first.

« Reply #182 on: October 22, 2012, 14:10 »
0
As far as I understand it, if you don't have your own site PictureEngine directs to the site that had the image first. Based on this information I have been staggering my uploading with priority going to the sites that pay the best rpd. Sites with sub sales get my images last (even though that may only be 30 days later).  If PictureEngine really does take off they will be directing my images to the best paying sites (for me). If it doesn't take off, at least these sites have a bit of a head start on SEO. Either way it doesn't do me much harm (and possibly has a large benefit) to upload to my preferred sites first.

I got the impression you could still pay and promote your portfolio on a particular agency, but it's been a while since I looked it over. I kind of lost interest when they said they weren't launching (when or if they launch) with illustrations.

« Reply #183 on: October 22, 2012, 15:13 »
0
I missed the 'no illustrations part". However, eventually if they ever amount to anything significant, illustrations are very likely to be added. If they do actually make this work, setting up a K-tools site would easily be worth the expense. Not sure about the $40 per month to start, however. Either way it feels like this is a step in the right direction.

Just thinking out loud... I wonder how much impact would it have if everyone with a K-tools account was somehow able to join together in a single search engine?

lisafx

« Reply #184 on: October 22, 2012, 18:32 »
0
I missed the 'no illustrations part". However, eventually if they ever amount to anything significant, illustrations are very likely to be added. If they do actually make this work, setting up a K-tools site would easily be worth the expense. Not sure about the $40 per month to start, however. Either way it feels like this is a step in the right direction.

Just thinking out loud... I wonder how much impact would it have if everyone with a K-tools account was somehow able to join together in a single search engine?

Have I missed something?  Last I heard PictureEngine doesn't work with the Ktools platform.  If that changes then I would consider signing up. 

« Reply #185 on: October 22, 2012, 18:44 »
0
Sorry. That was an assumption on my part. Seemed like accepting k-tools sites would be obvious. I don't have my own site yet so I didn't pay as much attention as  I should have. I didn't mean to send out false information. My apologies

RacePhoto

« Reply #186 on: October 23, 2012, 11:33 »
0
Sorry. That was an assumption on my part. Seemed like accepting k-tools sites would be obvious. I don't have my own site yet so I didn't pay as much attention as  I should have. I didn't mean to send out false information. My apologies

Me too and I just followed the obvious idea that they would support the most popular self-marketing software, since they are trying to appeal to individuals with the 100% proposition.

« Reply #187 on: October 24, 2012, 11:43 »
+1
Hi MSG,
PicturEngine is in public beta, meaning that we, along with beta participants, are working out the bugs before we fully launch the platform and start an advertising campaign.  The photographer sales and delivery platform is fully operational.  We are implementing new features weekly.  I am not content with building a partial solution that can't keep up with our evolving marketplace, so instead, we are building a base platform to be built upon by future generations of photographers. Parts of the platform are taking longer to develop than anticipated, and we are working through the issues, solving the problems as they arise, and getting it done one bite at a time. 

I encourage each of you to find out for yourself what PicturEngine is all about before drawing premature conclusions or judgement on what others have speculated to be accurate.  Visit support.picturengine.com and do your own research and ask questions as any arise.

To clear the air on a few topics:

Will PicturEngine work with your distribution platform? 
The short answer is YES.  We are implementing Advertising Only platforms NOW on a demand basis, and some take longer than others.  If we have to take extra costly steps to implement your platform, you may need to pay a little more.  For this reason, not all platforms are currently listed on the registration page.
Also note that our Advertising Only registration is fully operational and you are NOT billed until we go live with the full search.

A note on Ktools and demand... I asked that if your platform is NOT on our current development list when you register, that you send us an email to show your support for your platform and get it a place in line. So far we have received only four emails for Ktools implementation while others already on the list have hundreds.  Feel free to email us at
[email protected] with the subject Ktools (or your platform if it is not listed).  Please do not email any other correspondence to this email address, as it is only for keeping lists.

A note for those who expressed a plan to upload Crapstock (defined as agency rejects in other words) to PicturEngine... you are going to be disappointed.  Agencies usually have a reason for rejecting an image if it is indeed Crapstock.  HOWEVER, sometimes agencies just have too many of one subject.  These are OK to send to PicturEngine, as we have the capability to properly rank, rate, sort and display these images that others simply cant.  While there is no formal edit process on PicturEngine, your images are rated, ranked, and sorted by those searching on the platform, utilizing sophisticated metrics never before used in our industry (in other words, the Crapstock sinks). 

Great photographers, great images, and great keywords are, as always, what sells and makes the most money in our industry.  That reality does not change on our platform, and its just the nature of our business. 
If you are using the PicturEngine sales and delivery platform (RM or RM/RF), you not only keep 100% of your license fees, you also get to see in depth image, keyword, search and sales analytics that could very well improve the way you shoot, submit, keyword, price, and ultimately license your images.  Many of you have mentioned our $40/month plan for RM/RF.  With this plan you get access to our full platform and have no need for a secondary sales and distribution platform. 

If you already have a sales and distribution platform, the Advertising Only plan is very affordable at only $10/month for up to 10,000 images.  We import your data and we send the buyer directly to your site when a buyer clicks on your image within our results.  This is a basic account without access to things like help with pricing or keywording or site analytics, etc., although access to these features will be added later at an additional a la carte cost.  We take your data and import it into our engine, sending you traffic.  With Advertising Only, you will need to optimize your own images, whereas if you are on our platform, we give you the tools to do that.

We are building the platform for our future and appreciate your support.

Stay ahead of the curve.
JB

lisafx

« Reply #188 on: October 24, 2012, 13:14 »
0

If we have to take extra costly steps to implement your platform, you may need to pay a little more.  For this reason, not all platforms are currently listed on the registration page.
Also note that our Advertising Only registration is fully operational and you are NOT billed until we go live with the full search.

A note on Ktools and demand... I asked that if your platform is NOT on our current development list when you register, that you send us an email to show your support for your platform and get it a place in line. So far we have received only four emails for Ktools implementation while others already on the list have hundreds.  Feel free to email us at [email protected] with the subject Ktools (or your platform if it is not listed).  Please do not email any other correspondence to this email address, as it is only for keeping lists.


Justin, I already wrote about Ktools.  Do I need to write again, or will my first e-mail suffice?

« Reply #189 on: October 24, 2012, 13:50 »
0
Justin, I already wrote about Ktools.  Do I need to write again, or will my first e-mail suffice?

I'm not sure if I'm one of those four either. I wrote them an email asking about Ktools, but learned they weren't supporting illustrations in their initial launch.

« Reply #190 on: October 24, 2012, 14:00 »
+1
...A note on Ktools and demand... I asked that if your platform is NOT on our current development list when you register, that you send us an email to show your support for your platform and get it a place in line. So far we have received only four emails for Ktools implementation while others already on the list have hundreds.

So what are the platforms that have hundreds of requests? If there's some platform out there better than kTools, can you share what that is?

« Reply #191 on: October 24, 2012, 14:03 »
0
Justin, I also asked for compatibility with Ktool for two sites; shall I write again?
Jean


sc

« Reply #192 on: October 24, 2012, 14:14 »
0
So far the only platforms I see supported are:
PhotoShelter
LicenseStream
StockPipeline
RightsPro
PhotoDeck

« Reply #193 on: October 24, 2012, 16:08 »
+1
We have on the list for Ktools:  Lisa, Jean, Tyler, and Cory

If anyone else wants Ktools on the PicturEngine platform, please send an email with the subject AO List Ktools to
[email protected]  Please do not email any other correspondence to this email address, as it is only for keeping lists.

We must use our time wisely to keep ahead.  We are working through all of the platforms in the order of demand.

Best,
JB

lisafx

« Reply #194 on: October 24, 2012, 16:58 »
0
We have on the list for Ktools:  Lisa, Jean, Tyler, and Cory

Thanks for confirming you got our requests.  Hope others who are interested will write in. 

« Reply #195 on: October 24, 2012, 17:51 »
0
 support coming for smugmug?

« Reply #196 on: November 01, 2012, 16:50 »
0
So what are the platforms that have hundreds of requests? If there's some platform out there better than kTools, can you share what that is?

Hi Jo Ann,

The external Advertising Only platform that we have the most requests and registrations for is by far PhotoShelter.

If youre not currently using a platform and want my opinion on the best platform to use with PicturEngine, it is the one I built for photographers: the RM or RM/RF PicturEngine platform.  I couldnt find a platform to perform all of the functions that photographers need, so I built one and included it as an option for those without a current sales and distribution platform.  If you currently have a platform, great, use what you already have with our Advertising Only plan.  Sign up NOW, its free until we launch, and only $10/mo for up to 10,000 images if you register during our beta.  Theres really nothing for you to do for our Advertising Only other than to point us to your content, and we do the rest.

The PicturEngine RM or RM/RF sales and delivery platform is a monthly subscription with advertising included. We keep it affordable and within reach for those who have an established library.  Our platform service includes all of the features photographers have been asking for and none of the fluff.  Were building a solution that can keep up with our ever changing industry.

The platform is progressing and getting closer to launch every day.  I invite you take a look at what weve built and send us your feedback. 

Best,
JB

« Reply #197 on: November 01, 2012, 17:17 »
0
Put me down as another request for Smugmug.

lisafx

« Reply #198 on: November 02, 2012, 09:24 »
+1
If you currently have a platform, great, use what you already have with our Advertising Only plan.  Sign up NOW, its free until we launch, and only $10/mo for up to 10,000 images if you register during our beta.  Theres really nothing for you to do for our Advertising Only other than to point us to your content, and we do the rest.


But this still isn't possible with Ktools, right?  I think there should be some sort of grandfathering.  Several of us with Ktools sites are waiting to sign up and would be happy to sign up during BETA if you carried our platform.  If you get the Ktools functionality working but it is after the initial period and the price goes way up, that would hardly be fair. 

« Reply #199 on: November 03, 2012, 05:39 »
0
Justin,

Hmmmm, I'm interested enough to be asking a few questions but these will be deal makers or breakers for me:

1: Functionality is coming soon for illustrations and vectors - will this be in the beta period or will I have to part with my $480 and hope it turns up soon?

2: If I take the risk and part with $480, I will be doing so because I don't currently have my own website but would like to sell directly, and not pay as much as 85% to some stock sites selling my work. As I don't have my own website, I don't have any personal EULA in place and, as I am not legally trained, I'm not sure I am qualified to write one. You say that we have the freedom to set our own prices but I can't find anything with regard to licensing agreements so can you enlighten me please?

3: You mention a cost of $40 per month, (which is a little misleading if you have to pay it all upfront and can't actually pay it monthly without being charged extra), and there are additional cloud storage charges on top of this. Will I have separate access to this storage and be able to effectively use this as a cloud back-up for my own files?

4: As I am looking into the possibilities of having my own website in the not-too-distant future, I may wish to drop from the $40 plan to the $10 plan. Will that be possible, or will I be locked into the $40 plan for a full year?

5: If I proceed, and you host portfolio so that I can benefit from %100 of the sale price, who collects the money? You mention PayPal fitting with your system, so are you collecting money on my behalf or will I be paid directly by the customer?

Thanks,

very KuriousKat


 

Related Topics

  Subject / Started by Replies Last post
55 Replies
18431 Views
Last post November 27, 2012, 13:53
by Poncke
122 Replies
25907 Views
Last post October 27, 2013, 13:34
by Ron
4 Replies
2743 Views
Last post December 06, 2012, 12:51
by Poncke
5 Replies
4309 Views
Last post December 14, 2013, 22:55
by simi
16 Replies
7471 Views
Last post September 27, 2016, 17:26
by PicturEngine-JustinB

Sponsors

Mega Bundle of 5,900+ Professional Lightroom Presets

Microstock Poll Results

Sponsors