Or should we call it - Getting better control of one's work.

As stock agencies have evolved there have been all different types of resellers, API, partners and suchlike - who resell content uploaded by a contributor to an agency.

This impacts a contributor in at least two ways:

Firstly, loss of control of the works. It is amazing how far and wide I have found my content.  At times in hands of shabby looking 'little' websites, which may or may not be a suitable representation of one's hard, professional work.

Secondly, the compensation per sales usually drops big time. There is suddenly yet another agency between the contributor and the first stock agency - who are also taking a nice and hefty portion of the cut.

And - thirdly, I am not sure how good is the sanctity (including the terms and conditions under which the sub agency resells the works), and whether it is even broadly at par with the contributors first stock agency.

So where does all this leave a contributor?

Except of course at loose ends with control of work, and a lesser share of revenue.

Over time and in some recent months I have therefore opted out from all partner/ reseller/ API sites wherever such option is possible.  There is few stock agencies that do not allow that!  In such case I have stopped uploads to some of them.  There is still one or two out there where the income generation did not warrant a fast decision. 

But in pretty much all cases I am now either opted out or in close monitoring.  My awakening in this regard came from the DP- Shotshop mess of course!! 

I know that most longstanding contributors are already well aware of this issue and make their decisions as they think best.  But I feel that many contributors (like me) are not aware enough or care enough about this issue - except till a time when some shotshop type 'deal' comes around to jolt them.

Maybe its time for all contributors to reawaken to this issue and and to raise better awareness about it!   


 

Months ago, after DP action I opted out everywhere I could. Then I closed many micro accounts where I had doubts.
Now if I want to joy any new agency I make sure I have control over my work, they must be not less than 50% com., and I'm not interested in $1 for DL. No partner programs again!

Did I see any changes in income? Yes, for better. It was worth to leave some low % payers to get more somewhere else... I wrote about it in other thread.

Did you notice any change in your sales volumes or income, either good or bad, after opting out?

I would say not significantly, except at one agency.  In another case my RPD has gone up but volume has declined leaving more or less similar revenue. 

Thank you for answers on income.  I am surprised there was mostly no difference or slight improvement.   Seems like being choosy does not destroy income.