Author Topic: The Perfect Microstock Site (Read 7095 times)

Mantis · « **on:** January 19, 2013, 08:18 »

I was thinking about the movie, "What Women Want" while reading some posts about Istock and had a hankering for writing down some thoughts for the perfect Microstock site. Let's play something called, "What Buyers & Contributors Want". Perhaps these criteria will be picked up by one of the smaller players to someday fill the shoes of defecting Istock buyers and contributors.....the start of the "PERFECT LIST" for an Istock replacement...the recipe if you will.

WHAT BUYERS WANT
1. Content: This is broadly defined but they want a wide breadth of selection
2. Quality: Not just in terms of technical perfection, but quality in terms of alignment to their needs
3. Pricing: Consistent, fair and no surprises
4. Good licensing options
5. Search accuracy
6. Site Up-time & speed
7. UI simplicity
8. Good communication on CTQ (critical to quality) topics such as planned downtime, special promotions, price change notification with good lead-times

WHAT CONTRIBUTORS WANT

1. Fair commissions
2. Consistent, fair content placement (this is probably a smoking gun)
3. Good communication from admins, especially participation in forum discussions to address issues
4. Easy, flexible payout methods
5. Continued focus on new & growing forms of revenue
6. Licensing that protect photographer
7. Aggressive copyright protection
8. Opt in for any deals outside of the normal course of daily business (another loose definition...but...just saying)
9. Consistent marketing
10. Easy upload (no categories, easy model release attachment [if at all], speed, FTP & web up loader)

Some of these may overlap somewhat, but those are my initial thoughts. If anyone cares to elaborate please feel free.

nicku · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2013, 09:20 »

You are talking about SS ( if they rise the commissions to the contributors at 45-50%)

rimglow · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2013, 09:28 »

WHAT CONTRIBUTORS WANT

Traffic!

Mantis · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2013, 09:45 »

Quote from: nicku on January 19, 2013, 09:20

You are talking about SS ( if they rise the commissions to the contributors at 45-50%)

So #1 then. Thanks.

Mantis · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2013, 09:47 »

Quote from: rimglow on January 19, 2013, 09:28

WHAT CONTRIBUTORS WANT

Traffic!

I've modified #9

WHAT BUYERS WANT
1. Content: This is broadly defined but they want a wide breadth of selection
2. Quality: Not just in terms of technical perfection, but quality in terms of alignment to their needs
3. Pricing: Consistent, fair and no surprises
4. Good licensing options
5. Search accuracy
6. Site Up-time & speed
7. UI simplicity
8. Good communication on CTQ (critical to quality) topics such as planned downtime, special promotions, price change notification with good lead-times

WHAT CONTRIBUTORS WANT

1. Fair commissions
2. Consistent, fair content placement (this is probably a smoking gun)
3. Good communication from admins, especially participation in forum discussions to address issues
4. Easy, flexible payout methods
5. Continued focus on new & growing forms of revenue
6. Licensing that protect photographer
7. Aggressive copyright protection
8. Opt in for any deals outside of the normal course of daily business (another loose definition...but...just saying)
9. Consistent marketing focused on sustainability and growth.
10. Easy upload (no categories, easy model release attachment [if at all], speed, FTP & web up loader)

Some of these may overlap somewhat, but those are my initial thoughts. If anyone cares to elaborate please feel free.

Microbius · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2013, 09:50 »

That's a good list +1 heart for you

Mantis · « **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2013, 09:59 »

Quote from: Microbius on January 19, 2013, 09:50

That's a good list +1 heart for you

Thank you Microbius!!

OLJensa · « **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2013, 13:55 »

I like it. I'd like to start a site. How hard can it be???

Mantis · « **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2013, 14:00 »

Quote from: OLJensa on January 19, 2013, 13:55

I like it. I'd like to start a site. How hard can it be???

Give me $5 million bucks and I will start one

RacePhoto · « **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2013, 14:03 »

Quote from: Microbius on January 19, 2013, 09:50

That's a good list +1 heart for you

Me Too, but I will comment on this.

5. Search accuracy can only be achieved when contributors stop spamming the keywords with related terms, obscure close words, tiny elements way in the background that aren't the main subject, subjective emotions, adjectives and flat out irrelevant terms.

It's as much the problem of the contributors to make the search work as it is to demand this from an agency software solution.

You can't have one without the other.

♥

stockastic · « **Reply #10 on:** January 19, 2013, 14:09 »

Competent and consistent inspections, clear and sensible acceptance criteria.

Mantis · « **Reply #11 on:** January 19, 2013, 14:48 »

Quote from: RacePhoto on January 19, 2013, 14:03

Quote from: Microbius on January 19, 2013, 09:50
That's a good list +1 heart for you

Me Too, but I will comment on this.

5. Search accuracy can only be achieved when contributors stop spamming the keywords with related terms, obscure close words, tiny elements way in the background that aren't the main subject, subjective emotions, adjectives and flat out irrelevant terms.

It's as much the problem of the contributors to make the search work as it is to demand this from an agency software solution.

You can't have one without the other.

♥

Totally agree. Some aspects of an agency are the direct consequence of its contributors. So I have amended the list.

WHAT BUYERS WANT
1. Content: This is broadly defined but they want a wide breadth of selection
2. Quality: Not just in terms of technical perfection, but quality in terms of alignment to their needs
3. Pricing: Consistent, fair and no surprises
4. Good licensing options
5. Search accuracy
6. Site Up-time & speed
7. UI simplicity
8. Good communication on CTQ (critical to quality) topics such as planned downtime, special promotions, price change notification with good lead-times

WHAT CONTRIBUTORS WANT

1. Fair commissions
2. Consistent, fair content placement (this is probably a smoking gun)
3. Good communication from admins, especially participation in forum discussions to address issues
4. Easy, flexible payout methods
5. Continued focus on new & growing forms of revenue
6. Licensing that protect photographer
7. Aggressive copyright protection
8. Opt in for any deals outside of the normal course of daily business (another loose definition...but...just saying)
9. Consistent marketing focused on sustainability and growth.
10. Easy upload (no categories, easy model release attachment [if at all], speed, FTP & web up loader)
11. Inspection consistency with clear and sensible acceptance criteria

WHAT CONTRIBUTORS MUST DO TO SUPPORT THE SITE

1. Use proper keywords that address the main subject or message of the image (No keyword spamming)

Mantis · « **Reply #12 on:** January 19, 2013, 14:49 »

Quote from: stockastic on January 19, 2013, 14:09

Competent and consistent inspections, clear and sensible acceptance criteria.

I added your input as well...good feedback.

Mantis · « **Reply #13 on:** January 19, 2013, 14:52 »

I had an initial thought that once we have a good, comprehensive list (well vetted) Leaf could do a survey that would allow us to vote rank rach criteria against existing stock sites....providing us a snapshot of where we as a community think they are strong and where they may have weaknesses. It's a different way of evaluating sites other than using revenue.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 19, 2013, 14:57 »

Quote from: Mantis on January 19, 2013, 14:00

Quote from: OLJensa on January 19, 2013, 13:55
I like it. I'd like to start a site. How hard can it be???

Give me $5 million bucks and I will start one

Yuri "spent" 3.4M

Mantis · « **Reply #15 on:** January 19, 2013, 15:10 »

Quote from: luissantos84 on January 19, 2013, 14:57

Quote from: Mantis on January 19, 2013, 14:00
Quote from: OLJensa on January 19, 2013, 13:55
I like it. I'd like to start a site. How hard can it be???

Give me $5 million bucks and I will start one

Yuri "spent" 3.4M

Good. That leave me 1.6 million for me!!

luissantos84 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 19, 2013, 15:14 »

Quote from: Mantis on January 19, 2013, 15:10

Quote from: luissantos84 on January 19, 2013, 14:57
Quote from: Mantis on January 19, 2013, 14:00
Quote from: OLJensa on January 19, 2013, 13:55
I like it. I'd like to start a site. How hard can it be???

Give me $5 million bucks and I will start one

Yuri "spent" 3.4M

Good. That leave me 1.6 million for me!!

don't forget the community here

it would be interesting to know the real numbers, wish someone enters the discussion maybe a 5M person but like Cory said the other day, why share it with us? $:-\$

stocker2011 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 19, 2013, 15:30 »

How about refunds, would contributors want that? I'm pretty sure buyers would.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 19, 2013, 15:35 »

Quote from: stocker2011 on January 19, 2013, 15:30

How about refunds, would contributors want that? I'm pretty sure buyers would.

that's an interesting one, I would say agency should keep that "expense" but I think buyers should be followed too and perhaps automatic warnings to the agency if the same buyer keeps on asking for refunds

Mantis · « **Reply #19 on:** January 19, 2013, 15:42 »

WHAT BUYERS WANT
1. Content: This is broadly defined but they want a wide breadth of selection
2. Quality: Not just in terms of technical perfection, but quality in terms of alignment to their needs
3. Pricing: Consistent, fair and no surprises
4. Good licensing options
5. Search accuracy
6. Site Up-time & speed
7. UI simplicity
8. Good communication on CTQ (critical to quality) topics such as planned downtime, special promotions, price change notification with good lead-times
9. Ability to receive refunds in a timely fashion

WHAT CONTRIBUTORS WANT
1. Fair commissions
2. Consistent, fair content placement (this is probably a smoking gun)
3. Good communication from admins, especially participation in forum discussions to address issues
4. Easy, flexible payout methods
5. Continued focus on new & growing forms of revenue
6. Licensing that protect photographer
7. Aggressive copyright protection
8. Opt in for any deals outside of the normal course of daily business (another loose definition...but...just saying)
9. Consistent marketing focused on sustainability and growth.
10. Easy upload (no categories, easy model release attachment [if at all], speed, FTP & web up loader)
11. Inspection consistency with clear and sensible acceptance criteria
12. Agency to absorb refunds, or most refunds depending on the circumstances.

WHAT CONTRIBUTORS MUST DO TO SUPPORT THE SITE
1. Use proper keywords that address the main subject or message of the image (No keyword spamming)
2. Upload compliant images

mtkang · « **Reply #20 on:** January 19, 2013, 22:39 »

i hope agencies start to set up in places out of american... because of the 30% tax on my income.. it is a huge amount..

Mantis · « **Reply #21 on:** January 20, 2013, 15:43 »

Quote from: mtkang on January 19, 2013, 22:39

i hope agencies start to set up in places out of american... because of the 30% tax on my income.. it is a huge amount..

That's a bit tricky. Tax laws are so wild across the globe.

WHAT BUYERS WANT
1. Content: This is broadly defined but they want a wide breadth of selection
2. Quality: Not just in terms of technical perfection, but quality in terms of alignment to their needs
3. Pricing: Consistent, fair and no surprises
4. Good licensing options
5. Search accuracy
6. Site Up-time & speed
7. UI simplicity
8. Good communication on CTQ (critical to quality) topics such as planned downtime, special promotions, price change notification with good lead-times
9. Ability to receive refunds in a timely fashion

WHAT CONTRIBUTORS WANT
1. Fair commissions
2. Consistent, fair content placement (this is probably a smoking gun)
3. Good communication from admins, especially participation in forum discussions to address issues
4. Easy, flexible payout methods
5. Continued focus on new & growing forms of revenue
6. Licensing that protect photographer
7. Aggressive copyright protection
8. Opt in for any deals outside of the normal course of daily business (another loose definition...but...just saying)
9. Consistent marketing focused on sustainability and growth.
10. Easy upload (no categories, easy model release attachment [if at all], speed, FTP & web up loader)
11. Inspection consistency with clear and sensible acceptance criteria
12. Agency to absorb refunds, or most refunds depending on the circumstances.
13. Tax friendly MS home base

WHAT CONTRIBUTORS MUST DO TO SUPPORT THE SITE
1. Use proper keywords that address the main subject or message of the image (No keyword spamming)
2. Upload compliant images

pancaketom · « **Reply #22 on:** January 20, 2013, 22:26 »

Maybe something about a fair way to deal with different currencies around the globe - fair for buyers and sellers without lots of games.

nicku · « **Reply #23 on:** January 21, 2013, 05:03 »

Quote from: luissantos84 on January 19, 2013, 14:57

Quote from: Mantis on January 19, 2013, 14:00
Quote from: OLJensa on January 19, 2013, 13:55
I like it. I'd like to start a site. How hard can it be???

Give me $5 million bucks and I will start one

Yuri "spent" 3.4M

3.4 millions Danish krone this is translate in 600.000 US dollars.

ShadySue · « **Reply #24 on:** January 21, 2013, 06:10 »

Quote from: nicku on January 21, 2013, 05:03

Quote from: luissantos84 on January 19, 2013, 14:57
Quote from: Mantis on January 19, 2013, 14:00
Quote from: OLJensa on January 19, 2013, 13:55
I like it. I'd like to start a site. How hard can it be???

Give me $5 million bucks and I will start one

Yuri "spent" 3.4M

3.4 millions Danish krone this is translate in 600.000 US dollars.

Nah, Yuri's international: he was quoting US$.

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Author Topic: The Perfect Microstock Site (Read 7095 times)

Mantis

nicku

rimglow

Mantis

Mantis

Microbius

Mantis

OLJensa

Mantis

RacePhoto

stockastic

Mantis

Mantis

Mantis

luissantos84

Mantis

luissantos84

stocker2011

luissantos84

Mantis

mtkang

Mantis

pancaketom

nicku

ShadySue

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