Author Topic: January 2031 Brutally Honest Earnings Report – Special "Exciting News" Edition (Read 4994 times)

Brasilnut · « **on:** January 18, 2021, 06:17 »

With another year / decade gone by I’m happy to share with you my first monthly report for 2031 – Special Edition, straight from idyllically-tropical island of Fernando de Noronha, 350km off the coast of Northeastern Brazil, where I’ve been living for the past two years!

I’ve decided to stay as far away from civilization as possible with no regrets. Things started to get increasingly chaotic and dystopic especially with the new Covid strains, civil uprisings, nuclear strikes, etc.

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2021/01/18/january-2031-brutally-honest-earnings-report-special-nuclear-edition/

Happy reading and stay safe!

Alex

SpaceStockFootage · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2021, 06:36 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on January 18, 2021, 06:17

...Fernando de Noronha, 350km off the coast of Northeastern Brazil, where I’ve been living for the past two years!

Google says 354km back in 2021... so I'm impressed with your attention to detail when it comes to projected rising sea levels.

Roscoe · « **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2021, 06:57 »

Nice read. You missed the updated brand name of Getty after the acquisition by Google.

It's now called GoLetty (pics for nothing and clicks for free)

They changed it in december 2030 on Christmas Eve stating that they were very excited to finally being able to drop the hassle of sending out royalty statements and payout schedules.
Something less to wade through and worry about. You can still listen to an automated dictation of your royalty statement at their headquarters in Masqueurabraskovania, new settlement on Antarctica. Rumour has it that there's barely any queuing. Payouts are now handled once a decade for contributors who reach the 5 GCoin threshold. You have to call their bot with ICQ and dictate your wallet hash in Khoisan click language.

Ukko · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2021, 07:43 »

Can't wait to upload my stuff to TrumpStock. It's gonna be a huuuge success (and the Mexicans gonna pay for it).

Elijah · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2021, 10:12 »

I knew Dreamstime gonna win it all! lol

"0$ but loads of “Fun” exposure"

But seriously, screw unsplash!

Good read Alex, as usual.

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2021, 10:33 »

SS "the revised schedule consisted of weekly resets (every Sunday at midnight)."

So the AI people head shots are going to be licensed as commercial some day, and we won't need to pay models anymore? Maybe CGI everything will replace photographers?

emjaysmith · « **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2021, 11:37 »

Quote from: Uncle Pete on January 18, 2021, 10:33

SS "the revised schedule consisted of weekly resets (every Sunday at midnight)."

So the AI people head shots are going to be licensed as commercial some day, and we won't need to pay models anymore? Maybe CGI everything will replace photographers?

Probably would but who could afford the tech at microstock prices

SuperPhoto · « **Reply #7 on:** January 18, 2021, 13:42 »

You know... with the convid and everything else that is going on... I wouldn't be surprised if you really did travel to the future and actually wrote that article from the perspective of 2031...

Brasilnut · « **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2021, 07:04 »

Quote from: SuperPhoto on January 18, 2021, 13:42

You know... with the convid and everything else that is going on... I wouldn't be surprised if you really did travel to the future and actually wrote that article from the perspective of 2031...

10 years ago if I made a post on my January 2021 earnings stating that on SS I would be earning an average of 23cents/download on 164 downloads with a port of 10,700 photos as I am, I would probably get a few laughs!

On Alamy, so far this month I'm at $3 net on 12,499 images.

Pacesetter · « **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2021, 13:13 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on January 19, 2021, 07:04

Quote from: SuperPhoto on January 18, 2021, 13:42
You know... with the convid and everything else that is going on... I wouldn't be surprised if you really did travel to the future and actually wrote that article from the perspective of 2031...

10 years ago if I made a post on my January 2021 earnings stating that on SS I would be earning an average of 23cents/download on 164 downloads with a port of 10,700 photos as I am, I would probably get a few laughs!

On Alamy, so far this month I'm at $3 net on 12,499 images.

Had any video sales this month on SS?

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #10 on:** January 19, 2021, 14:32 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on January 19, 2021, 07:04

Quote from: SuperPhoto on January 18, 2021, 13:42
You know... with the convid and everything else that is going on... I wouldn't be surprised if you really did travel to the future and actually wrote that article from the perspective of 2031...

10 years ago if I made a post on my January 2021 earnings stating that on SS I would be earning an average of 23cents/download on 164 downloads with a port of 10,700 photos as I am, I would probably get a few laughs!

On Alamy, so far this month I'm at $3 net on 12,499 images.

Sure but the Trad's will come back and Microstock is dying people will say they predicted this? Actually the top agencies are just tightening up their belts and we're the ones getting the cuts. The buyers are getting images for less than ever before. Free sites thrive on Ad clicks, spreading good cheer and stolen works.

Microstock is dying as far as artists rewards are concerned.

That does make me wonder what it will really be like in 10 years. Sure nothing like it was ten years ago when there were only 10 million total images on Shutterstock.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #11 on:** January 20, 2021, 03:42 »

Quote from: Pacesetter on January 19, 2021, 13:13

Quote from: Brasilnut on January 19, 2021, 07:04
Quote from: SuperPhoto on January 18, 2021, 13:42
You know... with the convid and everything else that is going on... I wouldn't be surprised if you really did travel to the future and actually wrote that article from the perspective of 2031...

10 years ago if I made a post on my January 2021 earnings stating that on SS I would be earning an average of 23cents/download on 164 downloads with a port of 10,700 photos as I am, I would probably get a few laughs!

On Alamy, so far this month I'm at $3 net on 12,499 images.

Had any video sales this month on SS?

Yes, one for $1.92.

scribble · « **Reply #12 on:** January 20, 2021, 11:04 »

You're having a much better 2031 than I am. Here is my earning report:

"all totaled, it was a pretty good month, I only had to pay the agencies $500 for the privilege of selling my photos."

TonyD · « **Reply #13 on:** June 14, 2022, 15:31 »

I hope Dreamstime get as good as you forcast - my favourate agency

Annie · « **Reply #14 on:** June 15, 2022, 13:24 »

Old thread but good concept, Alex. I hope you don't mind but it gave me food for thought. Here is my prediction for 2031:

Only one stock agency called, ShutterGettyStock, but it has 3 divisions:

Division 1: The Free Library. Contains 70% of all the original stock assets plus fresh content. Includes photos, videos and audio. All assets can be used without restriction and downloaded for free, but both the buyer and the contributor pay a nominal annual membership to join. (why would a contributor pay a membership fee? I have no idea, but some do)

Division 2: Royalty Free Licenses. Includes photography, video and audio assets, all priced the same. No subscriptions. Standard royalty-fee licenses. All assets cost 75 cents each to download and contributor receives 15%. (this is the division that most of the remaining contributors upload to. Review standards are high, and rejected content go to the Free Library, providing the contributor pays the annual library membership fee)

Division 3. Premium Division. Highly curated assets, including photography, video and audio. Royalty Free and Rights Managed Licenses. Contributors have to apply to join. Extremely high standard reviews. Pricing ranges from $250 to thousands of dollars per download, depending on asset type, license, usage, extra seats, etc. Contributors receive 20% to 40% depending on what level they are on. (Well, the agency has to make its money somehow

)

Note: The subscription model is now completely gone. The agency decided it didn't work and caused too many problems and the downfall of all the other agencies.

Brasilnut · « **Reply #15 on:** June 16, 2022, 10:37 »

Quote from: Annie on June 15, 2022, 13:24

Old thread but good concept, Alex. I hope you don't mind but it gave me food for thought. Here is my prediction for 2031:

Only one stock agency called, ShutterGettyStock, but it has 3 divisions:

Division 1: The Free Library. Contains 70% of all the original stock assets plus fresh content. Includes photos, videos and audio. All assets can be used without restriction and downloaded for free, but both the buyer and the contributor pay a nominal annual membership to join. (why would a contributor pay a membership fee? I have no idea, but some do)

Division 2: Royalty Free Licenses. Includes photography, video and audio assets, all priced the same. No subscriptions. Standard royalty-fee licenses. All assets cost 75 cents each to download and contributor receives 15%. (this is the division that most of the remaining contributors upload to. Review standards are high, and rejected content go to the Free Library, providing the contributor pays the annual library membership fee)

Division 3. Premium Division. Highly curated assets, including photography, video and audio. Royalty Free and Rights Managed Licenses. Contributors have to apply to join. Extremely high standard reviews. Pricing ranges from $250 to thousands of dollars per download, depending on asset type, license, usage, extra seats, etc. Contributors receive 20% to 40% depending on what level they are on. (Well, the agency has to make its money somehow )

Note: The subscription model is now completely gone. The agency decided it didn't work and caused too many problems and the downfall of all the other agencies.

Interesting, at least it keeps things simple. As for my my 2cents...

You mentioned we'll soon receive 15% of 75cents = 11cents

Inflation is now at 10% and if it keeps going at this rate in 9 more years 11cents = 2cents

Division 3 sounds interesting but I probably won't qualify. By then there will be no such thing as a "photographer", will just be programmers making fancy CGI and creating sim-like models in different settings.

At least my 2031 EU-certified drone will be super awesome, probably 2 hour battery life and easily shooting 16K clips. Too bad authorities will only allow me to fly a maximum of 30 metres altitude and 100 metres radius, even after passing numerous certifications and administration hoops. If I try to go above 30 metres it will alert the authorities and will be automatically penalized some DJI token funds.

The future looks bright!

Evaristo tenscadisto · « **Reply #16 on:** June 16, 2022, 11:18 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on January 18, 2021, 06:17

With another year / decade gone by I’m happy to share with you my first monthly report for 2031
Alex

In 2031 we will not be selling.....we will be paying clients to use our work and maybe selling metadata about them

Annie · « **Reply #17 on:** June 16, 2022, 13:37 »

Quote from: Brasilnut on June 16, 2022, 10:37

Quote from: Annie on June 15, 2022, 13:24
Old thread but good concept, Alex. I hope you don't mind but it gave me food for thought. Here is my prediction for 2031:

Only one stock agency called, ShutterGettyStock, but it has 3 divisions:

Division 1: The Free Library. Contains 70% of all the original stock assets plus fresh content. Includes photos, videos and audio. All assets can be used without restriction and downloaded for free, but both the buyer and the contributor pay a nominal annual membership to join. (why would a contributor pay a membership fee? I have no idea, but some do)

Division 2: Royalty Free Licenses. Includes photography, video and audio assets, all priced the same. No subscriptions. Standard royalty-fee licenses. All assets cost 75 cents each to download and contributor receives 15%. (this is the division that most of the remaining contributors upload to. Review standards are high, and rejected content go to the Free Library, providing the contributor pays the annual library membership fee)

Division 3. Premium Division. Highly curated assets, including photography, video and audio. Royalty Free and Rights Managed Licenses. Contributors have to apply to join. Extremely high standard reviews. Pricing ranges from $250 to thousands of dollars per download, depending on asset type, license, usage, extra seats, etc. Contributors receive 20% to 40% depending on what level they are on. (Well, the agency has to make its money somehow )

Note: The subscription model is now completely gone. The agency decided it didn't work and caused too many problems and the downfall of all the other agencies.

Interesting, at least it keeps things simple. As for my my 2cents...

You mentioned we'll soon receive 15% of 75cents = 11cents

Inflation is now at 10% and if it keeps going at this rate in 9 more years 11cents = 2cents

Division 3 sounds interesting but I probably won't qualify. By then there will be no such thing as a "photographer", will just be programmers making fancy CGI and creating sim-like models in different settings.

At least my 2031 EU-certified drone will be super awesome, probably 2 hour battery life and easily shooting 16K clips. Too bad authorities will only allow me to fly a maximum of 30 metres altitude and 100 metres radius, even after passing numerous certifications and administration hoops. If I try to go above 30 metres it will alert the authorities and will be automatically penalized some DJI token funds.

The future looks bright!

lol

I guess what my predictions mean is that the whole market will come full-circle. A return to RM as the only real way for photographers, and agencies, to make decent money from stock, and no more subscriptions.

As Shutterstock was the agency who first introduced the subscription model, then it would most fitting if they were the ones to admit they were wrong.

ETA.

As for getting accepted to Div 3, I was reminded of when I finished my photography course back in 2012, and we had a class on what avenues to pursue in professional photography. The teacher also told us about 'stock libraries' as he called them back then - as a place to sell your surplus photos from photoshoots. I applied to Corbis, and I remember their application being very extensive, and one question asking how many YEARS had you been a professional photographer. I think they were looking at a minimum 5 years or something. I didn't get in. lol

tätarätä · « **Reply #18 on:** June 19, 2022, 08:57 »

Quote from: Annie

I guess what my predictions mean is that the whole market will come full-circle. A return to RM as the only real way for photographers, and agencies, to make decent money from stock, and no more subscriptions.

There is an oversupply of images in stock photography and GettyImages is one of the large player in both - micros stock and macro stock. There is nor more RM at GettyImages. If you are uploading to an macro stock agency a lot of sales will be partner sales at Getty Images. So if Getty sells an image, you uploaded to macro stock agency X, for about $400. The macro stock agency gets about 20% = $80. You get about 50% from your macro stock agency = $40. For an $400 sale. Forget it. Stock photography will be paid worse every year.
The future is in assignment photography.

Annie · « **Reply #19 on:** June 19, 2022, 15:24 »

Quote from: tätarätä on June 19, 2022, 08:57

Quote from: Annie

I guess what my predictions mean is that the whole market will come full-circle. A return to RM as the only real way for photographers, and agencies, to make decent money from stock, and no more subscriptions.

There is an oversupply of images in stock photography and GettyImages is one of the large player in both - micros stock and macro stock. There is nor more RM at GettyImages. If you are uploading to an macro stock agency a lot of sales will be partner sales at Getty Images. So if Getty sells an image, you uploaded to macro stock agency X, for about $400. The macro stock agency gets about 20% = $80. You get about 50% from your macro stock agency = $40. For an $400 sale. Forget it. Stock photography will be paid worse every year.
The future is in assignment photography.

My scenario was just a joke. Tongue in cheek, so to speak. The punchline is directed at SS for introducing the subscription model in the first place. See my first post:

Quote

Old thread but good concept, Alex. I hope you don't mind but it gave me food for thought. Here is my prediction for 2031:

Only one stock agency called, ShutterGettyStock, but it has 3 divisions:

Division 1: The Free Library. Contains 70% of all the original stock assets plus fresh content. Includes photos, videos and audio. All assets can be used without restriction and downloaded for free, but both the buyer and the contributor pay a nominal annual membership to join. (why would a contributor pay a membership fee? I have no idea, but some do)

Division 2: Royalty Free Licenses. Includes photography, video and audio assets, all priced the same. No subscriptions. Standard royalty-fee licenses. All assets cost 75 cents each to download and contributor receives 15%. (this is the division that most of the remaining contributors upload to. Review standards are high, and rejected content go to the Free Library, providing the contributor pays the annual library membership fee)

Division 3. Premium Division. Highly curated assets, including photography, video and audio. Royalty Free and Rights Managed Licenses. Contributors have to apply to join. Extremely high standard reviews. Pricing ranges from $250 to thousands of dollars per download, depending on asset type, license, usage, extra seats, etc. Contributors receive 20% to 40% depending on what level they are on. (Well, the agency has to make its money somehow )

Note: The subscription model is now completely gone. The agency decided it didn't work and caused too many problems and the downfall of all the other agencies.

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Author Topic: January 2031 Brutally Honest Earnings Report – Special "Exciting News" Edition (Read 4994 times)

Brasilnut

SpaceStockFootage

Roscoe

Ukko

Elijah

Uncle Pete

emjaysmith

SuperPhoto

Brasilnut

Pacesetter

Uncle Pete

Brasilnut

scribble

TonyD

Annie

Brasilnut

Evaristo tenscadisto

Annie

tätarätä

Annie

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