I've seen a lot of posts here and elsewhere with people saying they are both buyers and contributors. Just curious how pervasive this is since when stock sites make contributor changes it can affect their sales revenue.

Not a buyer as such but often choose and suggest images for clients to buy themselves - typically additional content which fits in with what I have shot for them - ie when doing annual reports and sometimes brochures. Especially if short of time.

I do a lot of product illustrations for Ad agencies. There are times when it is impossible for me to shoot an image. For instance, there might be a flower or food that is out of season. This is when I turn to microstock for help. Since the budget for these projects is usually large, I'm more interested in choices rather than price. Needless to say that Dreamstime would be the last place to look since they limit their choices because they don't want too many "similars".

Also, working with Ad agencies gives me great feedback as to what is currently in demand, and what subject choices might be lacking in Microstock. When I see a hole, I start shooting and submit that subject to my portfolio.

I said both, but I don't buy very often. I'm mostly just a contributor, and even that is waning at most sites. Is there a neither option? 

I do both. Contribute for the extra revenue per month and buy as part of the graphic design, web design, videos or print services I offer.

Mostly buy the Photos and Illustrations for clients. Saves them money, and saves me time, helps with creativity also when you have tight deadlines! Also love buying After Effect compositions to create stunning video presentations without spending days to make them.

I'm a on-and-off SS subscriber. It varies depending on my workload. If I'm particularly busy with client work that requires enough stock images, I keep the subscription going.

I'm mainly a contributor, but I do occasionally buy. 

Good Poll.  The results should be quite interesting.
Thanks

Contributor Only

Contributor only. I've only bought two files and don't expect to have any need for any in the future, but never say never.

Both. Buying about 100 - 200 images a month.

Both. Buying about 10 - 20 images a month (on 123rf because their credit packages suit my needs best)
I buy them because I hate discussions with clients ("...it's great but could you reshoot it with this little useless thing moved two centimeters to the left?"). It's easier to show to client five photos and let them choose. Well - they usually don't want to spend money for shooting anyway.

both

both. contributor for side money for myself, which saved my a$$ while unemployed, and buyer for freelance projects and employers.

Quote from: jm on October 25, 2012, 19:15
Both. Buying about 10 - 20 images a month (on 123rf because their credit packages suit my needs best)
I buy them because I hate discussions with clients ("...it's great but could you reshoot it with this little useless thing moved two centimeters to the left?"). It's easier to show to client five photos and let them choose. Well - they usually don't want to spend money for shooting anyway.

Haha +1, can totally relate to this!

Both.

Contributor.... Very rarely i buy images. I voted contributor only.

You left off none of the above? 

Well it's possible that someone comes here and doesn't do anything but read? Highly unlikely.

Quote from: EmberMike on October 25, 2012, 15:56
I'm a on-and-off SS subscriber. It varies depending on my workload. If I'm particularly busy with client work that requires enough stock images, I keep the subscription going.

This is me exactly - I would say I maintain my SS sub around half the time or maybe a little more. I used to buy at DT up until last year but their price changes became confusing and then they have less choice so tried SS and boy, they are great. 

Quote from: Morphart on October 25, 2012, 15:51
I do both. Contribute for the extra revenue per month and buy as part of the graphic design, web design, videos or print services I offer.

Mostly buy the Photos and Illustrations for clients. Saves them money, and saves me time, helps with creativity also when you have tight deadlines! Also love buying After Effect compositions to create stunning video presentations without spending days to make them.

+1

Contributor Only   

I am mostly contributor, but now and then I also buy stock images.

Quote from: hoi ha on October 27, 2012, 04:17

Quote from: EmberMike on October 25, 2012, 15:56
I'm a on-and-off SS subscriber. It varies depending on my workload. If I'm particularly busy with client work that requires enough stock images, I keep the subscription going.

This is me exactly - I would say I maintain my SS sub around half the time or maybe a little more. I used to buy at DT up until last year but their price changes became confusing and then they have less choice so tried SS and boy, they are great.

Interesting. If I were a buyer I would definitely be a customer of SS both for price consistency and relevance of search results.

Out of interest, when you subscribe to SS, about how much of your 25-images-a-day entitlement do you actually use?