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Author Topic: Microstock, what does it mean?  (Read 6351 times)

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« on: July 05, 2007, 19:46 »
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I'm curious- I talk to people everyday about photography and design.  There are ebbs and flows to every industry, but as a group we seem to have gotten over the hump of people giving 'microstock' respect.  The heated debates between macro and micro still happen, but the conversation seems to have drifted to the two living in harmony. I don't really care.

Lately I've noticed more companies embracing the term 'microstock' to define their service or product.  My question is, what does 'microstock' mean now? Are there specific characteristics?  Community? Price point?


« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2007, 19:30 »
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I would say it only has to do with price point.

if a company started with only 1 photographer, or a select group, or even an elite group like some macro companies, and that 'elite group' companys old their images for under a price like $10.00 for a royalty free use, i would still call it microstock.

« Reply #2 on: July 08, 2007, 06:02 »
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This is a very curious question coming from someone that owns a stock site.

I would also agree that it has to do with price point.

« Reply #3 on: July 22, 2007, 09:25 »
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Inspired by the Wikipedia entry for microstock, I define microstock as having three required characteristics:

1. Images are sourced from the public. Macrostock is exclusive, only the cream of the crop get to participate. Microstock is inclusive, anyone can contribute. The 'microstock revolution' wouldn't have happened without this element. Throw in the crowdsourcing and Web2.0 buzzwords too.

2. Images are sold at micropayment prices. This means that the prices are so low they justify grouped payments. Macrostock prices (assumed to be $500 upwards) justify a single transaction, but buyers aren't going to put in their credit card details to buy a $1 image, and the transaction costs are too high for the agencies. This is why all the microstock agencies have 'credits' systems (or 'tokens', right Bryan?) with a minimum purchase at around $10.

3. Images are sourced via the Internet. This means posting in DVDs is not the only method of contribution. Most microstock agencies accept DVDs in addition to Internet uploads.

By 'required', I mean any agency that doesn't have all three of these conditions is not a microstock agency, in my opinion.

« Reply #4 on: July 23, 2007, 19:11 »
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I'm curious- I talk to people everyday about photography and design.  There are ebbs and flows to every industry, but as a group we seem to have gotten over the hump of people giving 'microstock' respect.  The heated debates between macro and micro still happen, but the conversation seems to have drifted to the two living in harmony. I don't really care.

Lately I've noticed more companies embracing the term 'microstock' to define their service or product.  My question is, what does 'microstock' mean now? Are there specific characteristics?  Community? Price point?



My first replay on forum but I don't know if I do it all right.
lets begin
I'm working in company on DTP and DTR for licenced Elle, Elle Decor, few times for National Geographic, Croatian issue, and I must to tell you that these 90% of photographers cannot pass basic microstock test, I mean IS, SS and SExp.
They are on pay list and they don't WANT to know anything about any Noise, artifacting or so on (for them its cool).
Also they don't want to know nothing about microStock because they thing that every of they picture cost xxx USD or XXXXXXX USD.
If you want more let me know to tell other details to remove mask from HIGH photographers and HIGH companies.


 

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