MicrostockGroup
Agency Based Discussion => GLStock => Topic started by: marish on July 29, 2009, 12:29
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I have found this new site about a month ago: graphicleftovers.com
(http://"http://graphicleftovers.com/ref=marish/")
The concept of the site - selling your "leftovers", such as logos, backgrounds, illustrations etc.
I have uploaded some of my microstock works and the were quite successfull there...
One of the most pleasant features - you can set the price yourself and they pay you 52% of the sales
The details can be found here... (http://"http://graphicleftovers.com/selling/ref=marish/")
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Oops. Your referral link is broken.
try this one. (http://graphicleftovers.com/selling/)
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Oh boy! You are gonna lose a lot of customers if people sign up for this one. It appears to be quite low on either alexa or compete.com rankings and for %5 bonus you might lose the small sales you have there!
Enjoy! I don't get why people are so keen to recruit others to make money from the same pool they are in! They haven't currently got enough customers for everybody reading this forum.
Maybe they have a few customers for you. But soon they won't have enough buyers if you keep referring at this speed! :D
You are only helping the site, and not helping yourself at all.
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I had a good look at the site and I found some ridiculous things.
I am sure someone from graphicleftovers is reading this post and they may have an explanation for this ridicule!
What they say here: http://graphicleftovers.com/selling/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/selling/)
and what they say here: http://graphicleftovers.com/contributor_agreement/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/contributor_agreement/)
ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT things!
My intention is not to bash you guys, but as you are aware of istock and vectorstock, you are definitely aware of this forum as well. You need to make sure your terms and conditions say the same thing as your promotion page for sellers!
So, we are supposed to set the price? Your contributor agreement does not say so!
What's even worse is your terms and conditions are almost identical to that Australian site that I don't need to mention here as they are not our main subject right now! You changed the commissions bit and a few other things in a good way but didn't change the rest!
If you are going to copy and paste someone elses terms and conditions, then make sure you read them properly. And You don't have marketplaces like they have! At least not yet. Am I mistaken? Different categories does not mean marketplaces.
I know your model, and you seem to be an improved one so congrats on that! I like %52 commission, I also like that we can (supposedly) set our own price! But I definitely don't like the amateur mistakes.
Your first sentence in the agreement says "an contributor"?! It is not a forum post guys, you can't make that mistake. You have a few more mistakes below.
That's definitely not going to get you any contributors, at least not the ones who knows how to read!
Finally, I wish you success, because I like what you say in your offer page! Good luck, but you need corrections!
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@ cidepix
Your comments about the legal agreements are appreciated. These are good things for us to hear since we are newer and we are going to fix the problem as soon as possible.
As far as the referral program goes, I would have to disagree with you about only helping the site and not yourself. We all know that istock and vectorstock have been around for a long time now, but the approval process, submission process and customer service are lacking. They aren't very focused on making contributors happy; they are focused on making as much money as possible. This is evident by the low commission rates they pay as well as the strict submission process and gradually rising rates for buyers. We added a referral program to help contributors make more money than they already can just selling artwork, and that consequently increases traffic to our site. We have been around for about a year and a half now, so we have a lot more traffic than just one person can bring in using referral links, and I will also say that the compete numbers are grossly understated.
Again, we are no istock or vectorstock. They have been around for years while we just celebrated our year anniversary with a new site launch in March. We want to focus on showcasing great artwork and letting contributors stand out on a different site, being a "big fish in a small pond." Istock gets more than 50,000 submissions a week I'm sure, so how are contributors benefitting from submitting graphics there when they will get lost in the shuffle in a few weeks or a month?
Thanks for the constructive criticism, it helps us build a better website.
And, by the way, marish's referral link: http://graphicleftovers.com/selling/ref=marish/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/selling/ref=marish/)
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You are welcome!
As I said my intention wasn't to bash your website. I later realized you have a feedback button on the left handside. Probably I could have used that as well but I was somehow sure you were around.
I generally like it, I wish you all the success. Your ideas sound better than most. A few corrections and you should be fine.
There is nothing wrong with your referral program, it is actually a great way to drive traffic to your website. Good referral commission, good contributor commission, and the best is: there is no time limit with the referral commissions. If you actually think about it, I didn't criticize this in the first post. It was the opening post who tries to refer contributors before buyers ;) I would rather try to refer some buyer's first! That was what I meant.
But you are on the right path in my opinion! That's exactly what I would do with the referrals If I started a site. It is time commissions go up. I usually get %80 to %90 commission when I get real illustration projects, I don't see why stock is any different. Just because someone started a bad trend, it doesn't mean it has to continue..
You have been added to my bookmarks, I will be following it closely to see how the site improves. Good luck again!
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Neat site! I bookmarked it too. After reading the licensing agreement, it is definitely a lot looser than most micros. The pricing scheme seems good and on par with other sites, but not having extended licensing for resale items (and some other extended licensing) is definitely a lot lower than the micros. Just my 2 cents. Good luck! I'll keep my eye on your site.
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Thanks for the compliments, cidepix. I hope you enjoy the site!
Our next big additions to the site are going to be an FTP uploader to accommodate artists who have hundreds or thousands of graphics to upload, and fixing the legal agreements :)
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Thanks for the compliments, cidepix. I hope you enjoy the site!
Our next big additions to the site are going to be an FTP uploader to accommodate artists who have hundreds or thousands of graphics to upload, and fixing the legal agreements :)
Sounds good!
I might give it a shot as soon as I see your agreements confirm what you offer on other pages. Especially paragraphs about setting our own prices. I am used to take a copy of the agreement before I join any site.
I guess I would probably use your 3 - 5 - 10 range anyway because it makes more business sense to me.
I really like your approach! Everytime I see a newsite offering ridiculously low commissions I am getting closer to the idea of starting my own site just to get what I deserve.
I hope it goes well for you!
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Digging the new site design, but my sales there have tanked lately. Guess everyone got on board with this one.
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Sales are down a little, but it's probably just December syndrome. Things will be back to normal come January, I'm sure.
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Although more artists have been signing up since our new site launch, overall traffic to the site is lower than normal so we suspect the holidays have something to do with it! Our new site is better optimized for SEO and is at least 70% faster, provides more emphasis on our amazing artists and their portfolios, and it's more user friendly which would normally lead to more traffic/sales. So hopefully your sales will start to come back after the holiday "recession." I don't believe your lower sales are a result of new artists adding their portfolios.
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Thanks, Dan. Guess we'll just have to wait and see how January goes. Hoping for more sales. :)
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Is anybody else having problems uploading stuff to Graphic Leftovers? It's been 3 days now but I get an 2308 error when I try to upload anything. Mailed support. No reply yet.
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i have upload problems too, i upload and sometimes photos disappears
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My apologies Klauts. I thought I had replied to you but apparently I hadn't. I am trying to find out what error #2308 means. Does it happen every time you upload? Could you possibly send a screen shot to me at daniel [at] graphicleftovers.com? It would help me find the bug more quickly.
Mile: I haven't seen images disappear yet with our new uploader. If it happens again, could you email us and let us know which files did not show up for you? Or you can just send us a list of the files that disappeared for you. It would help us out a lot.
I'm really sorry about the problems you are experiencing with our uploader. With the launch of our new site, we added a new uploader and we are still working out a few minor glitches, so if you find any problems, please let us know so we can fix them. Thanks!
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I upload now with FTP and it's OK. Danoph thanks for fast support. Maybe my browser have problems with flash uploaders, i also have problem when upload in MostPhotos with flash uploader.
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I found out the problem is actually from the flash uploader. Error #2038 is a "generic" flash error that doesn't provide very many details with it. It seems like artists who are having trouble either have outdated versions of flash or are using a version of windows that has problems with flash uploaders. If anyone else has problems uploading using our flash uploader, don't hesitate to ask us for an FTP account!
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I joined a month ago and very satisfied: easy upload and surprised about the sales!
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just took a quick look at the site. Seems to me like its pretty easy to just trace images you get off the web and say its yours like this guy who has tons of sports images... apparently all taken by him/her
http://graphicleftovers.com/designer/leonido/page/1/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/designer/leonido/page/1/)
What kind of approval process is there on this site?
Am i wrong to call out people like this?
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Nice site,very fast reviewing and I have sales already!
http://graphicleftovers.com/ref=ivelin/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/ref=ivelin/)
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just took a quick look at the site. Seems to me like its pretty easy to just trace images you get off the web and say its yours like this guy who has tons of sports images... apparently all taken by him/her
[url]http://graphicleftovers.com/designer/leonido/page/1/[/url] ([url]http://graphicleftovers.com/designer/leonido/page/1/[/url])
What kind of approval process is there on this site?
Am i wrong to call out people like this?
I think you are right to bring this up, have you reported it to the site? Sometimes the reviewers are a bit inexperienced and make mistakes, I have seen it happen with some of the other sites. They need to be told if there is a copyright problem.
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The reason i bring it up is because i was interested in the possibility of signing up with them too. :-[
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Hi VB,
I understand your concern. We police the site as much as possible to make sure artists aren't stealing or copying and uploading others' images. The same images you pointed out are approved and being sold on other stock sites such as dreamstime and shutterstock, so I don't know if our approval process is the thing in question.
Your concern does bring up another question of whether to ask vector illustrators for proof of original photos (if they appear to be traced) to determine if they had in fact traced their own photo or someone else's. I think this would be extremely cumbersome for us during the approval process as well as for our artists uploading, and there is a fine line between what could be considered their own and someone else's work. Another question: if you take a photo of an athlete at an event while someone standing right next to you is taking the same exact picture at the same time, it would be difficult to prove which photo had been traced! Right now, there wouldn't be an easy solution for all of these problems. We would gladly appreciate input on the topic if you have advice.
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I think istock and GraphicRiver have good policies when it comes to source material. You need to provide a link or attach an image showing your source files for anything that was obviously derived from a source of some sort (silhouettes, paint splatters, sketches, etc). It's an extra step in the upload process, but I think it's worthwhile. From the perspective of the agency, all you would need to do is allow an attachment to be included with the main files during upload.
It's not fool-proof, but it's a deterrent.
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I joined GL today through a referral link on another thread. My apologies to the OP for not getting the referral.
Since I have quite a few raster illustrations and continue to develop my vector skills ... I am looking forward to exploring and contributing to this site :)
Best of Luck !
-Mark
http://markwpayne.wordpress.com (http://markwpayne.wordpress.com)
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I am about to sign up to GLO and will take the first referral link posted after my message ;)
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ok, ldambies :)
http://graphicleftovers.com/selling/ref=skvoor/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/selling/ref=skvoor/)
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ok skvoor I used your link:)
If some people want to sign-up here is mine:)
http://graphicleftovers.com/ref=ldambies/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/ref=ldambies/)
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Thank you ldambies, you are my very first referral ;)
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For my first month there I have 4 sales for $2,60(my cut) each with small portfolio - 120 photos.
http://graphicleftovers.com/ref=ivelin/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/ref=ivelin/)
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I started uploading about 3 days ago.
Good looking site and the thumbnails/image previews look drop dead gorgeous, love them!
But I wonder, how do you edit your files?
Once uploaded I can't find them anymore. Give it a few more hours and they're all in my port without any additional input from me. No editing, no categories, no setting prices. What do you do ? Do you go back and edit them? Or just leave them like that?
And how do you price them? What's the best policy?
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Once they're approved you can edit their prices. They have 5$ as default.
I like Graphic Leftovers, but I feel they should have sticked to illustrations. Adding photos to the mix doesn't make sense for me on how the site is made.
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Had my first sale there today for a $2.60 Commission ;D
If you haven't already joined you might want to check it out. Lots of views ...
http://graphicleftovers.com/ref=mwp1969/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/ref=mwp1969/)
-Mark
http://markwpayne.wordpress.com (http://markwpayne.wordpress.com)
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you get a lot of views like 3d studio but not many sales.
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you get a lot of views like 3d studio but not many sales.
As of right now, vectors sell better than photos on our site, and certain styles of vectors sell better than others...for example, complex vectors usually outsell simple ones. I would assume on 3d studio that 3d objects would sell better than vectors or photos as well...
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you get a lot of views like 3d studio but not many sales.
As of right now, vectors sell better than photos on our site, and certain styles of vectors sell better than others...for example, complex vectors usually outsell simple ones. I would assume on 3d studio that 3d objects would sell better than vectors or photos as well...
Do the vectors on your site sell better with the generic text within the vector or without the text? I debating on joining
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I don't know the exact stats, but I feel like the vectors with generic text in them sell better, mostly because people can see how they are supposed to use the image
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I don't know the exact stats, but I feel like the vectors with generic text in them sell better, mostly because people can see how they are supposed to use the image
Thanks for taking the time to answer. That's what I was looking for and kinda figured it was that way.
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Hi Donding,
(almost didn't recognize you, change of appearance here :) ), don't wait any longer, start uploading to them!
They're great and this is why :
- commission 52 % - makes me feel valued
- super easy registration - your email is all they want
- many contributors already have sales - not me, but I only started
- good looking site with beautiful, beautiful thumbnails and image previews
- upload process - this one is different. Not very visual (no thumbs) and can't figure out how to upload multiple files at the same time, but once your files are uploaded, that's it, you're done. They do all the rest for you!
Give it a couple of hours (it's really fast) and all your files come up for sale, complete with titles, descriptions, prices and all. It's a kind of magic :)
You can always delete / edit your images as you see fit.
It's a site created by designers for designers, it's beautiful and straightforward. They're easy to deal with and give us a great commission.
Let's support them and let's hope designers will too :)
Text in vectors - yes, I agree, put it in there. It helps designers better understand how to get the most of your illustration.
But don't forget! Always outline your text, convert it to plain shapes before you save your EPS file.
Best of luck and see you there :)
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Hi Donding,
(almost didn't recognize you, change of appearance here :) ), don't wait any longer, start uploading to them!
They're great and this is why :
- commission 52 % - makes me feel valued
- super easy registration - your email is all they want
- many contributors already have sales - not me, but I only started
- good looking site with beautiful, beautiful thumbnails and image previews
- upload process - this one is different. Not very visual (no thumbs) and can't figure out how to upload multiple files at the same time, but once your files are uploaded, that's it, you're done. They do all the rest for you!
Give it a couple of hours (it's really fast) and all your files come up for sale, complete with titles, descriptions, prices and all. It's a kind of magic :)
You can always delete / edit your images as you see fit.
It's a site created by designers for designers, it's beautiful and straightforward. They're easy to deal with and give us a great commission.
Let's support them and let's hope designers will too :)
Text in vectors - yes, I agree, put it in there. It helps designers better understand how to get the most of your illustration.
But don't forget! Always outline your text, convert it to plain shapes before you save your EPS file.
Best of luck and see you there :)
Still working on the "Technique".....I'm slowly but surely learning. I plan on doing it, but need to get plenty done before I do it. Quick question..maybe this isn't where to ask..but will anyway. Do graduants rasterize or is it just the effects that you apply that do it?
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I have been uploading to the recently, and it is a joy to do! This is what uploading should be, just send the images to them and they do the rest.
I had a couple of minor queries, and they answered my emails promptly and dealt with my queries very efficiently.
I really hope this site is a winner.
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It is a breeze to upload with Isyndica as they are fully integrated you don't even need to push the pictures!
I sent my most graphic images and got 2dl's the first week. Here is my link:
http://graphicleftovers.com/ref=ldambies/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/ref=ldambies/)
L
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Thanks for the great compliments, Eireann.
Have you guys seen our blog articles we've been writing recently? We are trying to promote our illustrators and photographers by showing examples of how the awesome images on our site can be used...Here are a few of our latest articles if you haven't seen them already...
http://graphicleftovers.com/blog/design-inspiration-10-innovative-office-interiors-using-vector-artwork/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/blog/design-inspiration-10-innovative-office-interiors-using-vector-artwork/)
http://graphicleftovers.com/blog/design-inspiration-earth-day-themed-eco-water-bottles/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/blog/design-inspiration-earth-day-themed-eco-water-bottles/)
http://graphicleftovers.com/blog/trick-out-your-pad-5-free-apple-themed-ipad-backgrounds/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/blog/trick-out-your-pad-5-free-apple-themed-ipad-backgrounds/)
http://graphicleftovers.com/blog/design-inspiration-10-great-design-ideas-for-a-plain-tote-bag/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/blog/design-inspiration-10-great-design-ideas-for-a-plain-tote-bag/)
http://graphicleftovers.com/blog/design-inspiration-innovative-business-card-designs/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/blog/design-inspiration-innovative-business-card-designs/)
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@Danoph,
I did nothing but tell the truth and so did all the others. The site is great and the praise is well deserved.
Thank you for your efforts, much appreciated. We're wishing you all the best!
PS You're right, those blogs are great! I was just looking over the Valentine Card Ideas today - inspiring and beautiful work. I'm going to do my best to spread the word. Fingers crossed, in time, we'll get there!
@Donding
Illustrator techinque - see your PM.
And by the way, you could start uploading your isolation images, nature, wild life, architecture. They're beautiful images, great subjects and all very useful.
For the time being just avoid 'People' images. This policy might change in time to allow photographers to fully participate, but until then, your dollars, peacocks and guns and post cards are just great.
Give it a try when you have a moment!
Best,
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Just joined and uploaded a dozen of mix vectors and photos. They are approved within 48 hours and some of them already appeared in the GL Collection.
I have to agree that the site looks good, straight forward, and the most importantly, easy uploading. The 52% commission is UNBEATABLE!!!
I think it is a smart idea (business wise) for GraphicLeftovers to accept photos instead of just illustrations, many buyers are moving away from that other site that raise prices and lower commissions. I'm included. Wishing you the best!!!
http://graphicleftovers.com/ref=photosoup/ (http://graphicleftovers.com/ref=photosoup/)
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Another positive about GL is that they let you set your own price for each image.
I think a lot of contributors don't realize that. You can change your images' prices any time, one at a time, or send GL an email to change the price of all your images at once.