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Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Stock Discussion => Topic started by: CommuniCat on June 14, 2020, 08:58

Title: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: CommuniCat on June 14, 2020, 08:58
June 14, 2020 – The newly-formed Stock Coalition, an industry body representing global photographers, illustrators, animators, videographers and other artists who contribute their work to agencies for distribution, has joined the call for a global shutdown of Shutterstock portfolios from 15 - 21 June, after the New York-based agency cut contributor compensation to as low as $0.10 per download.

More here: https://stockcoalition.org/resources/stockcoalitionpr.html
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: Shelma1 on June 14, 2020, 10:14
Excellent! How will it be distributed?
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 14, 2020, 11:00
The "stock coalition" would be better served by fleshing out their website, listing goals, members, etc.  Because it comes across as "some guy made bought a domain and is pretending to speak for everyone".  That it has "joined the call"  comes off as somewhat meaningless.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: Shelma1 on June 14, 2020, 11:23
It’s possible for one volunteer to build a website while another writes a press release. People are working hard for no money...I wish we could all just lend them our support and thank them.

And btw, I’d like to say Jo Ann Snover is a force of nature, a one-woman tweet machine. Huge props to her and everyone else in the background helping out.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: CommuniCat on June 14, 2020, 11:27
Excellent! How will it be distributed?

We have full bulk distribution up and running on the site already. We have also asked for those in the community to share titles and email addresses of media that we can distribute to.

I ask the same here. We are looking for photography, design and marketing-related titles.

We are looking for volunteers to scour the net for appropriate titles and journalists that may cover this kind of news worldwide. Please supply the title and email address if you can.

This is what our team has accomplished in five days:

- Purchased and set up a domain for community
- Installed the necessary CMS and themes
- Procured images from the community for use on the site
- Built the first pages and look and feel (first drat to organisation steering committee ETA close of business tomorrow)
- Installed a fully-functional forum system. (Testing now, ETA for review by the team also tomorrow).
- We ETA the first site launch by close of business on Wednesday (just one week after we took this on)
- Drafted, approved and published the organisation's first press release
- It would be very helpful if those that can assist could help us with finding journalists and titles as above
- The next time we sent out a press release, the distribution should be fully automated

Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: Shelma1 on June 14, 2020, 11:37
The ad industry in the U.S. buys a lot of stock. The major publications reaching them are Adweek and Ad Age.

Reporters who’ve written about stock at Adweek:

Minda Smiley @Minda_Smiley [email protected]
Ian Zelaya [email protected]
Ryan Barwick @RyanBarwick [email protected]

At Ad Age:
iLyse Liffreing @ilyseliffreing
Ann-Christine Diaz @annzo
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: CommuniCat on June 14, 2020, 11:44
Thanks so much. I'm adding them and sending now.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: Newsfocus1 on June 14, 2020, 12:38
UK based Photo Archive News (PAN) website reports on stock agencies/libraries. They already ran a piece about Shutterstock changing their payment structure.

News items to: [email protected]
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: Mason Surley on June 14, 2020, 13:00
Jack Conte, co-founder of Patreon, site that was established as reaction to unfair YouTube roaylties.

e-mail: [email protected]
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: CommuniCat on June 14, 2020, 13:03
The "stock coalition" would be better served by fleshing out their website, listing goals, members, etc.  Because it comes across as "some guy made bought a domain and is pretending to speak for everyone".  That it has "joined the call"  comes off as somewhat meaningless.

Some of your comments have now been addressed with some minor changes. Although to be fair, the call to boycott SS was a community action before the group officially endorsed it. So while we could make ourselves look better by saying it was our idea all along, it would not be factually accurate. Better-positioned or not, I don't think that's the way to act for the community.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: Jo Ann Snover on June 14, 2020, 13:08
It’s possible for one volunteer to build a website while another writes a press release. People are working hard for no money...I wish we could all just lend them our support and thank them.

And btw, I’d like to say Jo Ann Snover is a force of nature, a one-woman tweet machine. Huge props to her and everyone else in the background helping out.

Thanks :)

But when you have something to celebrate, you tweet! I'm @joannsnover if you want to help by retweeting to your followers

https://twitter.com/joannsnover/status/1272228426326224897

We are seeing some more big drops today, I think because all the June 15 1-week boycott folks are deactivating.

While the week has the collection numbers way down, we want to make the most of the impact of those declines (and no need to worry about them going back up the week after; we'll find something else to squawk about then).
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: CommuniCat on June 14, 2020, 13:19
Thanks for your suggestions for media. Please keep them coming.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: kornilov on June 14, 2020, 13:50
June 14, 2020 – The newly-formed Stock Coalition, an industry body representing global photographers, illustrators, animators, videographers and other artists who contribute their work to agencies for distribution, has joined the call for a global shutdown of Shutterstock portfolios from 15 - 21 June, after the New York-based agency cut contributor compensation to as low as $0.10 per download.

More here: https://stockcoalition.org/resources/stockcoalitionpr.html
Can you attach this image to your first post? Thank you.  ;)
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: Mason Surley on June 14, 2020, 15:17
Analysts who were present on the latest Shutterstock 2020 Q1 earning call:

Youssef Squali - SunTrust
Alex Giaimo - Jefferies
Gregory Vlahakis - Deutsche Bank
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 14, 2020, 17:15
Some of your comments have now been addressed with some minor changes. Although to be fair, the call to boycott SS was a community action before the group officially endorsed it. So while we could make ourselves look better by saying it was our idea all along, it would not be factually accurate. Better-positioned or not, I don't think that's the way to act for the community.

I don't know how they've "been addressed".  I just looked again - https://stockcoalition.org/ - and it looks the same.  Like something from the mid-90s.  No information or anything.  It doesn't look like a professional organization.  Sorry if that's brutally honest, but someone may want to address it.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: cathyslife on June 14, 2020, 17:30
Some of your comments have now been addressed with some minor changes. Although to be fair, the call to boycott SS was a community action before the group officially endorsed it. So while we could make ourselves look better by saying it was our idea all along, it would not be factually accurate. Better-positioned or not, I don't think that's the way to act for the community.

I don't know how they've "been addressed".  I just looked again - https://stockcoalition.org/ (https://stockcoalition.org/) - and it looks the same.  Like something from the mid-90s.  No information or anything.  It doesn't look like a professional organization.  Sorry if that's brutally honest, but someone may want to address it.


That might just be a temporary page. I’m pretty sure someone volunteered to redesign the logo. And images from contributors were being gathered to place on pages.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: SuperPhoto on June 14, 2020, 17:44
I signed up to join the facebook group, but still waiting approval?
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: Shelma1 on June 14, 2020, 17:59
Some of your comments have now been addressed with some minor changes. Although to be fair, the call to boycott SS was a community action before the group officially endorsed it. So while we could make ourselves look better by saying it was our idea all along, it would not be factually accurate. Better-positioned or not, I don't think that's the way to act for the community.

I don't know how they've "been addressed".  I just looked again - https://stockcoalition.org/ (https://stockcoalition.org/) - and it looks the same.  Like something from the mid-90s.  No information or anything.  It doesn't look like a professional organization.  Sorry if that's brutally honest, but someone may want to address it.


That might just be a temporary page. I’m pretty sure someone volunteered to redesign the logo. And images from contributors were being gathered to place on pages.

Yes, it’s a temporary placeholder page while they continue building the site. They’re asleep now; they’re in South Africa, I believe.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: CommuniCat on June 15, 2020, 02:48
Yes, that is right. Our server is at Xneelo in Germany, but the build is being done in South Africa.

What you are looking at is a holding page. It even reads "Website" in bold followed by "Our community website is currently under construction."

As I mentioned to someone else, we can make a much prettier holding page - but that would take resources away from the actual task of a rapid-build website for the community.

The subtle changes were made to the live press release, not the holding page.

The Stock Coalition has now grown to 3418 group members on Facebook and has new members joining all the time.

Thanks for your participation and contribution to the effort so far.

In the meantime, join the conversation here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/261369748434285/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/261369748434285/)
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: CommuniCat on June 15, 2020, 02:50
UK based Photo Archive News (PAN) website reports on stock agencies/libraries. They already ran a piece about Shutterstock changing their payment structure.

News items to: [email protected]

Thanks, we have made contact with Will.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: whtvr on June 15, 2020, 03:08
I would really like to help the cause although i am a pessimist.
Consider this constructive critisism.
You launched a campaign online without a frontpage.
No images. No logo. No, that is not a logo, sorry. Don't ask for image donations.
Contact some contributors with well known and used imagery.
Clients must find somethign familiar to identify with.
Even if it is "common" isolated or "fake" smiles. This is stock after all.
Ask for hosted posts from known or large contributors.
What was the person that deleted 150000 images? Interview him.
Catch my eye, give me a reading. Tease me.
Make a card other than red no 10 cent sign.
Yes we now strike but we are creatives, a beautiful image a catchy slogan whatever.
Have you ever thought that the shareholder gets 7cents more per item than you this month?
There you go.
Future forums bells and whistles mean nothing without visitors.
It is a site for microstockers but as everything must first be client oriented.
Best of luck CommuniCat. Hope to join someday.

Oh and please, don't treat us as friends. Friends ask for favours.
Define clearly what will our relationship be and how we take part in desicions.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: NeonRobot on June 15, 2020, 03:15
https://www.microstockgroup.com/shutterstock-com/stop-uploading-to-ss-join-the-action (https://www.microstockgroup.com/shutterstock-com/stop-uploading-to-ss-join-the-action)
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: whtvr on June 15, 2020, 03:28
....
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: NeonRobot on June 15, 2020, 03:31
Here is screen.

I'm trying to organize people. Is that bad?
I don't think so.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: whtvr on June 15, 2020, 03:34
Never mind. Good luck mate.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: CommuniCat on June 15, 2020, 03:37
I would really like to help the cause although i am a pessimist.
Consider this constructive critisism.
You launched a campaign online without a frontpage.
No images. No logo. No, that is not a logo, sorry. Don't ask for image donations.
Contact some contributors with well known and used imagery.
Clients must find somethign familiar to identify with.
Even if it is "common" isolated or "fake" smiles. This is stock after all.
Ask for hosted posts from known or large contributors.
What was the person that deleted 150000 images? Interview him.
Catch my eye, give me a reading. Tease me.
Make a card other than red no 10 cent sign.
Yes we now strike but we are creatives, a beautiful image a catchy slogan whatever.
Have you ever thought that the shareholder gets 7cents more per item than you this month?
There you go.
Future forums bells and whistles mean nothing without visitors.
It is a site for microstockers but as everything must first be client oriented.
Best of luck CommuniCat. Hope to join someday.

Oh and please, don't treat us as friends. Friends ask for favours.
Define clearly what will our relationship be and how we take part in desicions.

You have some very good ideas. I hope you join someday too.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: NeonRobot on June 15, 2020, 04:10
Never mind. Good luck mate.

2 ports: ~ 15000 + 10000. If you curios about quantity.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: Stonefirewon on June 15, 2020, 16:53
OK I am a top earner and I want to be in. Can someone tell how to actually turn off my images and videos at SS?
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: Stonefirewon on June 15, 2020, 16:57
Never mind. That was easy. Done! Over 26000 images.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: tpack on June 15, 2020, 18:22
The "stock coalition" would be better served by fleshing out their website, listing goals, members, etc.  Because it comes across as "some guy made bought a domain and is pretending to speak for everyone".  That it has "joined the call"  comes off as somewhat meaningless.

+1
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: Jo Ann Snover on June 15, 2020, 18:36
Never mind. That was easy. Done! Over 26000 images.

Have you joined the Facebook group?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/261369748434285/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/261369748434285/)

Are you OK with going public and letting me tweet about you joining #BoycottShutterstock? You can PM me here (and no is a fine answer; some people don't want to be public about it) or find me in the Facebook group
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: cathyslife on June 16, 2020, 08:16
Yes, that is right. Our server is at Xneelo in Germany, but the build is being done in South Africa.

What you are looking at is a holding page. It even reads "Website" in bold followed by "Our community website is currently under construction."

As I mentioned to someone else, we can make a much prettier holding page - but that would take resources away from the actual task of a rapid-build website for the community.

The subtle changes were made to the live press release, not the holding page.

The Stock Coalition has now grown to 3418 group members on Facebook and has new members joining all the time.

Thanks for your participation and contribution to the effort so far.

In the meantime, join the conversation here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/261369748434285/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/261369748434285/)


You guys are doing a great job. Looking forward to the new site!


#boycottShutterstock
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: jjneff on June 16, 2020, 08:37
Great job, doing my best to help with my Youtube Channel!
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: CommuniCat on June 16, 2020, 11:16
Great job, doing my best to help with my Youtube Channel!
Thanks. Is that you with that little Canon 4k cam? If so, I've been watching. Thinking of adding a video section to the site and linking your channel and others that give good stock advice in the blog section.

Let's just get it launched first though.

We are very close to a site beta launch and I'm working to an internal deadline for tomorrow. We got some feedback on the site so far and are working on some changes. Holding thumbs that the community will approve of our efforts.
Title: Re: Press Release - Stock Coalition calls for Shutterstock shutdown
Post by: jjneff on June 16, 2020, 11:22
I have a little Canon 4k :-) Thanks for the kind words and I hope you have great success on the site we need it!