I was reading Wikipedia about the topic of Microstock photography and found interesting that stockxpert was closed by Getty Images so that iStock can run freely. I wasn't aware about it. Some contributors said that stockxpert was very nice in compared to earning and royalties.

And current status about iStock and Getty seems that they really do not like their contributors and are only doing business(fraud) to contributors....... contributors which are backbone of them. Its so sad!

The acquisition of iStockphoto by Getty Images in 2006 was followed by acquisition of StockXpert by Jupiterimages during 2006. Consequently Jupiterimages was bought by Getty Images in 2009 which resulted closure of StockXpert in 2010 because of being non-strategic for Getty compared to iStockphoto.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microstock_photography

I was so angry when they closed StockXpert.  I'm sure they did it because they had a 50% commission and that was more than double the istock non exclusive 20%.

They didn't care that StockXpert was a good profitable site with lots of buyers and contributors that had spent lots of time uploading their portfolios.  So when I see istock struggling now, I don't really feel sorry for them.

I remember them! They were actually a good earner since I micromanaged my port on that site. Anyone remember Lucky Oliver?

Quote from: Pixart on February 14, 2013, 13:42

Oh, I forgot... I was a little angry at the time deleted my StockXpert account!

Can't imagine why you would be angry, you're getting a whopping 25c now for each and every picture and use on TS now, surely that's better than the confusing variety of sales and licences on StockXpert. Number of sales, divided by four, equals turnover in dollars - blissful simplicity, isn't it ? 

Actually I am proud to report that I am (patiently?) waiting till about the 27th and I as long as they hold up their end of the 30 day deal I will no longer be supporting Thinkstock Photos.com or Getty in any way that I am currently aware of.

Like  true hypocrite I do sell a few subs at Canstock for 25 cents, but I sold a sub for $22 there recently too (yes I said sub, as it was recorded as a "distributor subscription).