MicrostockGroup

Agency Based Discussion => iStockPhoto.com => Topic started by: designalldone on May 30, 2008, 03:33

Title: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: designalldone on May 30, 2008, 03:33
I received an email from iStock last night, entitled "You deserve Exclusivity"

uploaded here:

 (http://img210.imagevenue.com/loc44/th_36177_istock_exclusive_122_44lo.jpg) (http://img210.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=36177_istock_exclusive_122_44lo.jpg)

As much as i love Shutterstock, I was quite disappointed with the raise recently, so I've actually been considering exclusivity more and more over the last few weeks.

Can't wait to see what incentive they will be offering!!!  ;D

Anyone else received an email yet, or is it just cos I'm special, LOL  ;)
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Lizard on May 30, 2008, 03:40
Thanks for posting , I got the mail but for some unknown reason I could only see the title of that one , so I first thought i applied for exclusivity on istok by mistake ;D
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: DanP68 on May 30, 2008, 03:49
Yes, and I am very curious about their offer.  But that is one of the most ridiculous microstock pictures I have ever seen...   ::)
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Bateleur on May 30, 2008, 04:15
Yes, I got one too.

I'll be interested to see what they offer, but I doubt if it will be worth it for me - given that they demand total exclusivity for all RF images. In other words, no RF from you anywhere else, even if different to what you have with IS.

I've just done a quick back-of-the-envelope calculation of all the places I sell RF for this month alone. They'd have to offer me about 7 times what they already pay for an image to make it worth my while.

Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: leaf on May 30, 2008, 04:19
I hope they introduce individual image exclusivity
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on May 30, 2008, 04:22
Yep, I got one too and am curious. IS has consistently been 60-70% of my income for most of 2008 so I'm strongly considering exclusivity. They sure know how to do tease marketing don't they?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: DanP68 on May 30, 2008, 04:27
I hope they introduce individual image exclusivity

Me too, though I get the impression from the email that they are trying to tempt photographers into complete exclusivity.

To do that, I assume they will be raising exclusive commissions?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Microbius on May 30, 2008, 04:29
hmmm got one too, I'm intrigued but they'd have to increases commissions to make me want to go for it.....
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on May 30, 2008, 04:59
I hope they introduce individual image exclusivity

Possible but I'd say unlikely. Would be too difficult for them to police images and I think it would dilute the attraction of exclusivity for both buyers and sellers. I dont' think they would want existing exclusive contributors suddenly selling stuff elsewhere.

Given that the most common response around here against IS exclusivity seems to be "I'll lose money by dropping the other sites" I'm guessing they're going to bump up the exclusive commission a bit. This would strengthen commitment with existing contributors and push quite a few new people off the fence. The more exclusive contributors they have the more of a competitive advantage they have.

Besides, the wording says "go exclusive" which to me implies it's still contributor exclusivity.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: stokfoto on May 30, 2008, 05:07
I hope they introduce individual image exclusivity

Possible but I'd say unlikely. Would be too difficult for them to police images
what about  Tin Eye and similar applications(if there is any) I think it made it very easy to petrol images on the net besides I don't think any one with common sense  wouldn't want to  risk their membership with IS for a few extra bucks.
I'd be happy  if they applied  per image exclusivity.for me it's too early to go completely exclusive .
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: RT on May 30, 2008, 05:09
I hope they introduce individual image exclusivity

That's something I've wanted for a long time, I love iStock but I'll never go totally exclusive because photography is my job, and yet I would upload exclusive images, in fact I'd probably make them the only microstock site I upload to.

Mind you I'm upset now that I've found out everyone got the email, I thought they'd done it just for me  :D
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on May 30, 2008, 05:26
Mind you I'm upset now that I've found out everyone got the email, I thought they'd done it just for me  :D

Haaa! Yeah when I saw the "You deserve Exclusivity" title, for a moment I thought I was really special.  ;D
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: DanP68 on May 30, 2008, 05:35
You are really special PaulieWalnuts, and people love you.   ;D

(http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:3GW0zbpALM8J:http://cakeordeath.wordpress.com/files/2006/02/StuartSmalley.jpg)
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on May 30, 2008, 05:46
Haaa! Great picture Dan.  ;D
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: rene on May 30, 2008, 05:54
I hope they introduce individual image exclusivity

That's something I've wanted for a long time, I love iStock but I'll never go totally exclusive because photography is my job, and yet I would upload exclusive images, in fact I'd probably make them the only microstock site I upload to.

Mind you I'm upset now that I've found out everyone got the email, I thought they'd done it just for me  :D
Exactly my feelings.
If they introduce individual image exclusivity I'll stop uploading to others RF site, especially after introduction of Fotolia's subscription program.  0.23$ / dl, even Crestock pay more!
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: travelstock on May 30, 2008, 05:55
Just some wild speculation, but the biggest ace they have up their sleeve is the link with Getty if they offered exclusives more ability to submit images there it would be a much bigger drawcard for many I suspect.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on May 30, 2008, 05:57
I must be missing something. Why does individual image exclusivity look so much more attractive?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: maunger on May 30, 2008, 06:04
you know the offer isn't so special... even i got one ;)
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: rene on May 30, 2008, 06:19
I must be missing something. Why does individual image exclusivity look so much more attractive?
- better commision per download. At IS exclusive members get much more money. IS is my best earner with 40% of all RF income. With exclusive images at IS I can hope to earn much more
- only IS propose interesting (for us) subscription program based on credits (size)
- it's faster to download to one site than to 7
- less copyright problems (like images from SS given free at russian sites)
- rejected crap can still go to DT, SS....
- if we stop uploading to other sites ... maybe they will stop insulting $0.23 subscriptions earnings
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: abimages on May 30, 2008, 06:42
I had the email yesterday too. It coincided with me going Silver so I assumed the two were linked.
Exclusivity is always on the back burner with me, I love the idea in some ways as IS is always my biggest earner. But just when I get close to doing it they mess with best match or something else and sales slump. So then I go back to uploading to DT, which rules out exclusive for a few months more!

Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: andresr on May 30, 2008, 06:44
I hope they introduce individual image exclusivity

That's something I've wanted for a long time, I love iStock but I'll never go totally exclusive because photography is my job, and yet I would upload exclusive images, in fact I'd probably make them the only microstock site I upload to.

Mind you I'm upset now that I've found out everyone got the email, I thought they'd done it just for me  :D
Exactly my feelings.

Me too, I would go for it with several if not almost all my images. That way I can sell my best RF work at Macro. I am not happy with Fotolia introducing subscriptions, I simply hate subscriptions apart from istock's model.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: hatman12 on May 30, 2008, 07:25
Well IMO it is very unlikely indeed that iStock will ever introduce image exclusivity.

And also very unlikely that they will increase commissions.

They are the leading agency.  Why on earth would they need to pay more or offer more flexibility?  Don't you think there are enough photographers already queuing up to go exclusive there?

And that queue will get even longer if Fotolia do indeed introduce subscriptions paying 23c.

Nah.  The risk, if anything, is that so many people decide to go exclusive at iStock that the advantages of being exclusive are diluted.  They HAVE to make it more difficult to be exclusive there, otherwise the word 'exclusive' loses its value.

Perhaps this 'special offer' email is an opportunity to go exclusive before they change the rules.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: anonymous on May 30, 2008, 07:35
Did anybody NOT receive the email?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: lumina on May 30, 2008, 07:39
Well IMO it is very unlikely indeed that iStock will ever introduce image exclusivity.

And also very unlikely that they will increase commissions.

They are the leading agency.  Why on earth would they need to pay more or offer more flexibility?  Don't you think there are enough photographers already queuing up to go exclusive there?

And that queue will get even longer if Fotolia do indeed introduce subscriptions paying 23c.

I agree, but I think istockphoto is interested in "best selling photographers" exclusivity because they can create a professional microstock market, apart from amateur microstock market based in subscriptions and low prices.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: ludesal on May 30, 2008, 07:48
Did anybody NOT receive the email?
I did not  ;)
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: pixelbrat on May 30, 2008, 08:03
I got it and I must admit, it intrigued me quite a bit.  Since 60% of my income comes from IS, along with me being a gold canister, their new teaser could push me over the edge if they do it right.  Especially after reading about Fotolia's insluting subscription plan.  I'll be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: khwi on May 30, 2008, 08:09
Did anybody NOT receive the email?
I did not  ;)

neither did i  :o
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: leaf on May 30, 2008, 08:14
me neither... sniff sniff
but do you have to be gold to be exclusive??  because i am only silver still.

I have no intentions of going exclusive though.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Gregor909 on May 30, 2008, 08:58
I'm silver but I got the mail.
Bad timing though, I made the top 50 on SS this week. Not exactly the right time to go exclusive to IS!
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: fotografer on May 30, 2008, 09:08
I didn't get one  :(
I'm gold canister a few months away from being diamond so it's not because I'm a newbie.

Did anybody NOT receive the email?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: maco0708 on May 30, 2008, 09:11
me neither... sniff sniff
but do you have to be gold to be exclusive??  because i am only silver still.

I have no intentions of going exclusive though.

Leaf, I got the e-mail and I am only bronze.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: fotografer on May 30, 2008, 09:12
You only need to 250 sales to be exclusive if you have a good acceptance rate and 500 if your acceptance rate isn't so good.  I think it is 50% acceptance rate needed with 250 sales)

me neither... sniff sniff
but do you have to be gold to be exclusive??  because i am only silver still.

I have no intentions of going exclusive though.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: RT on May 30, 2008, 09:34
Don't you think there are enough photographers already queuing up to go exclusive there?

Ummm no actually, that's why they've sent the email out.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: designalldone on May 30, 2008, 09:40
But that is one of the most ridiculous microstock pictures I have ever seen...   ::)

To be honest, at first I wondered if it was even a genuine email... considering how slick iStock emails usually are, this one was down right nasty. Why would they choose a vector crown as bad as that?  ???
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: scrappinstacy on May 30, 2008, 09:50
I got that email also.  I'll be watching my email to see what their offer is.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: nativelight on May 30, 2008, 09:58
Where did they hide acceptance rate?  I thought it used to be in the "Portfolio" box right under Files, Downloads and Rating, but it's not there any longer.  I didn't get the email and I'm bronze so I'm guessing my acceptance rate is under 50%.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: designalldone on May 30, 2008, 10:04
Where did they hide acceptance rate?  I thought it used to be in the "Portfolio" box right under Files, Downloads and Rating, but it's not there any longer.  I didn't get the email and I'm bronze so I'm guessing my acceptance rate is under 50%.

I had a problem finding it the other day - turns out it was starring me right in the face. Just click the "Upload" button (in the lefthand navigation), then at the centre-top of the page are a load of "Misc stats"  including your acceptance rate.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: helix7 on May 30, 2008, 10:44

My earnings at IS have increased recently, and while I haven't run this months numbers yet I expect IS to represent about 40% of my total for May. Still far from what would lead me to exclusivity, but still showing potential.

Honestly, whatever they offer as an added incentive will likely fall short of expectations, unless it's a commission raise (which is highly unlikely). The fact of the matter for most people is that going exclusive means taking a pay cut. Look at the monthly earnings breakdowns here and see how many people get 50% or more of their microstock income from istock. Not many, so even if those people were Diamond level, going exclusive would still mean a reduction in overall pay. So short of offering higher percentages for exclusives, I don't see much being announced that will persuade the masses to queue up for exclusivity.


Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: nativelight on May 30, 2008, 10:53
Where did they hide acceptance rate?  I thought it used to be in the "Portfolio" box right under Files, Downloads and Rating, but it's not there any longer.  I didn't get the email and I'm bronze so I'm guessing my acceptance rate is under 50%.

I had a problem finding it the other day - turns out it was starring me right in the face. Just click the "Upload" button (in the lefthand navigation), then at the centre-top of the page are a load of "Misc stats"  including your acceptance rate.

Ah...that's where I went wrong.  I haven't uploaded in a few weeks so I didn't see it!  Thanks!
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: illu on May 30, 2008, 11:13
I got the email, yet I only have 34 images up and only 40 sales?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on May 30, 2008, 12:21
Hatmann, you're usually dead on but I'm going to disagree with most of your points.

Well IMO it is very unlikely indeed that iStock will ever introduce image exclusivity.

And also very unlikely that they will increase commissions.

They are the leading agency.  Why on earth would they need to pay more or offer more flexibility? 

They don't need to pay more or offer more flexibility. Unlike most other sites, with the 80% they keep and sales volume they have, they can afford to.

Don't you think there are enough photographers already queuing up to go exclusive there?


No I don't think there are enough exclusive photographers there. You yourself have said they have the advantage with exclusive content. Ideally, they would want all good photographers to be exclusive. The more good exclusive content they have, the more they can increase prices, and the more crap images are left for the other sites which will drive down their profibility and eventually drive them out of business. At that point they would own the microstock market.

And that queue will get even longer if Fotolia do indeed introduce subscriptions paying 23c.

Nah.  The risk, if anything, is that so many people decide to go exclusive at iStock that the advantages of being exclusive are diluted.  They HAVE to make it more difficult to be exclusive there, otherwise the word 'exclusive' loses its value.

They need to make it easier and more attractive for good photographers, or even so-so photographers that have saleable images, to become exclusive.  That way they have more good exclusive content while less saleable so-so images are left for the other sites to fight over.

Perhaps this 'special offer' email is an opportunity to go exclusive before they change the rules.

Maybe, but unlikely assuming you mean the rules will change to our disadvantage. I don't think they would send a "you're gonna like this" email and then announce "as of July 1st exclusivity now requires minimum 16MP images, minimum Silver canister , and you can no longer sell RM elsewhere. Ready to go exclusive?".





Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: lisafx on May 30, 2008, 12:28
You are really special PaulieWalnuts, and people love you.   ;D

([url]http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:3GW0zbpALM8J:http://cakeordeath.wordpress.com/files/2006/02/StuartSmalley.jpg[/url])


LOL!  Dan I knew we were kindred spirits!  I LOVE Stuart Smalley :D
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: vphoto on May 30, 2008, 13:01
I did not get email. 410 sales and approval 65%
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on May 30, 2008, 13:17
Maybe it's referring to the new pricing structure?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: DiscreetDuck on May 30, 2008, 13:41
Seems to be I don't desserve exclusivity on Istock...   :P
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: bittersweet on May 30, 2008, 13:59
Seems to be I don't desserve exclusivity on Istock...   :P

Are your preferences set to receive marketing info via email? Check your control panel. It may just be that you are not opted in to their newsletter.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: jsolie on May 30, 2008, 14:12
Did anybody NOT receive the email?

Affirmative--no email received.  I clicked on the "exclusivity guestimator" once.  Did you know that websites can laugh?  ::)
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: DiscreetDuck on May 30, 2008, 14:32
Are your preferences set to receive marketing info via email? Check your control panel. It may just be that you are not opted in to their newsletter.
Thank you ! You are right, I oupted out for that marketing and newsletter stuff.
Btw, I like Istock very much, but I like to feel free as I am...
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: hatman12 on May 30, 2008, 14:34
Thanks PW.  I've had a run of 'being right' over the past year; that's probably something to do with old age.

All your observations make sense.  But I stick with my thought that the only way to make exclusive 'exclusive' is to up the barrier.  Customers need to know that exclusive means 'the best' and at the moment anyone with a few holiday snaps who is lucky enough to get 250 downloads can be an 'iStock exclusive photographer'.  That isn't the right way to build a quality brand.

I'll bet that the announcement next week is very tempting but will also include notice that the barrier will be raised perhaps at the end of the year; that will give people six months to make up their mind.

By barrier I mean not just qualification level but also much tougher image inspection.

Anyway, my thoughts are based partly on this sentence included by iStock's CEO in a different announcement a few weeks ago:

"In the future, inspections and the relationships we have with our artists need to exceed the quality that iStock was built on."

Earlier this week a thread was started by an exclusive who'd had 25 out of 30 submissions rejected for 'not stock', 'lighting' etc.  He was clearly shocked.  That tells me the quality requirement is already being raised (rightly so).

Just to be clear:  if becoming exclusive at iStock is made more difficult and the quality requirement raised, that would make it MORE APPEALING for me to be exclusive there, and IMO would also cause many more customers to buy exclusive only.

My main concern about iStock exclusivity is that it is too easy and allows the world to be awash with iStock exclusives.  That needs to change.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: w7lwi on May 30, 2008, 16:04
Just to be clear:  if becoming exclusive at iStock is made more difficult and the quality requirement raised, that would make it MORE APPEALING for me to be exclusive there, and IMO would also cause many more customers to buy exclusive only.

Are you saying the quality requirements would be higher for exclusives than for non-exclusives?  If not and if the quality requirements were raised across the board, for both exclusive and non-exclusive alike, why would the customers want to buy exclusive only when they could get the same quality level from a non-exclusive?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Bateleur on May 30, 2008, 16:11

My main concern about iStock exclusivity is that it is too easy and allows the world to be awash with iStock exclusives.  That needs to change.


Yes. I think they may have a problem with their exclusivity deal. I have a feeling that it may not be working in quite the way they want.

As it stands, the only requirement for becoming an exclusive is to have 250+ downloads and an approval rating of 50%. Neither of those are particularly difficult to achieve. Any moderately competent photographer can do it with his/her eyes closed.

On the other hand, if you do become an exclusive you close off all other sources of revenue from your RF images ... if you abide by their rules (and I have a suspicion that some don't).

I guess that what they're trying to do is to 'corner the market' in submissions. Squeeze out the other agencies by taking over all the photogs.

In fact, what is probably happening is that they are tending to get the moderately competent hobbyists who are doing this for 'pin money' and don't want the hassle of uploading to a load of different places.

I would guess that a lot of people who are in this seriously have no desire to close off all other avenues for RF sales. Apart from anything else, they'd probably take a hit in the pocket. IS will have to significantly up the rates they pay exclusives to get many of these people interested.

(P.S. I don't mean this to be derogatory of people who are exclusives. I'm talking about tendencies here)
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: DanP68 on May 30, 2008, 16:12
Don't you think there are enough photographers already queuing up to go exclusive there?

Ummm no actually, that's why they've sent the email out.


LOL, exactly.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PeterChigmaroff on May 30, 2008, 16:24

My main concern about iStock exclusivity is that it is too easy and allows the world to be awash with iStock exclusives.  That needs to change.



In fact, what is probably happening is that they are tending to get the moderately competent hobbyists who are doing this for 'pin money' and don't want the hassle of uploading to a load of different places.

I would guess that a lot of people who are in this seriously have no desire to close off all other avenues for RF sales. Apart from anything else, they'd probably take a hit in the pocket. IS will have to significantly up the rates they pay exclusives to get many of these people interested.

(P.S. I don't mean this to be derogatory of people who are exclusives. I'm talking about tendencies here)

For myself, I have been involved with the traditional end for a long time. Even if I wanted to become exclusive to iStock I can't because it is impossible to remove other RF images out of the market. Traditional RF involves CD distribution and as such usually carries  with it really long (often 20 year) distribution agreements for those images. I'm no big time shooter but those that are are excluded from going exclusive. Although the exclusives with iStock are great photographers, it seems a short sighted arrangement to not try and woo over  other big players if you could.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: bittersweet on May 30, 2008, 16:26
My guess is that it will be connected to upload limits, in that there will be none for a certain amount of time. This will enable mass exodus of entire portfolios in one fell swoop (with the exception of those who are locked in with we-all-know-who). ;)

It would be nice if it was a perk for existing exclusives, but it doesn't really come across as if that is the case. They've raised credit prices again effective July 1, but that is a perk for everyone.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: leaf on May 30, 2008, 16:51
well considering the amount of images that istock has, as well as their customer base i think they can afford to raise the bar, and that suggestion seems quite popular.  I think this would make them even more attractive to the buyers, and the photographers for the prestige of getting pictures acepted.

that exclusive agreement though... ALL RF images everywhere... that is just one bullet i am not willing to bite, not to mention the risk of putting all eggs in one basket.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: anonymous on May 30, 2008, 17:08
that exclusive agreement though... ALL RF images everywhere... that is just one bullet i am not willing to bite, not to mention the risk of putting all eggs in one basket.
ditto
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: sharpshot on May 30, 2008, 17:17
It must be strange looking at sales on just one site.  They would have to offer something very special to tempt me.  I have images tied up with DT and albumo, so I probably couldn't go exclusive even if I wanted to.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Susan S. on May 30, 2008, 19:14

My main concern about iStock exclusivity is that it is too easy and allows the world to be awash with iStock exclusives.  That needs to change.


...

In fact, what is probably happening is that they are tending to get the moderately competent hobbyists who are doing this for 'pin money' and don't want the hassle of uploading to a load of different places.

....

I resemble that remark!

(Istock exclusives do seem to include a lot of people like me!)
I do find it hard to imagine why they would raise the bar back up on exclusivity though. A lot of the  amateurs do find it hard to get noticed and get the downloads. When I joined istock a couple of years ago, it was very easy to get a couple of hundred images up in the space of a month or so (upload limits were 10 a day, i think when I joined) and once you had more than a hundred images online downloads pretty much automatically flowed. It isn't that simple now with the vastly huger image collection - which is why istock dropped the limits on exclusivity when they did, on the "catch them before they get too addicted to other sites income" principal (or so I assume). making it harder would just weed out pretty much all new potential exclusives, good or bad, as the upload limit fr non-exclusives makes it so hard to build up a decent size portfolio at reasonable speed.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: madelaide on May 30, 2008, 19:26
I hope they introduce individual image exclusivity

Me too, though I get the impression from the email that they are trying to tempt photographers into complete exclusivity.

To do that, I assume they will be raising exclusive commissions?

I also would like exclusivity on an image-per-image basis, but I also think they will offer a higher commission or some other benefit to make their current model more appealing.

edited to add: To those who have not received the email, doesn't one need 500 dlds to be able to become exclusive? Maybe you are below this?

Regards,
Adelaide
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Graffoto on May 30, 2008, 21:01
I also would like exclusivity on an image-per-image basis, but I also think they will offer a higher commission or some other benefit to make their current model more appealing.

edited to add: To those who have not received the email, doesn't one need 500 dlds to be able to become exclusive? Maybe you are below this?

Regards,
Adelaide



Nope, I received the 'invitation' as well and I only have a little over 300 downloads.
I think the lower limit is 250 with at least a 50% acceptance rating or thereabouts.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on May 30, 2008, 22:16
Maybe it's referring to the new pricing structure?

So are you saying they're not going to change anything but just tell us we'll make even more money being exclusive just because of the recent price increase and subscriptions? Or is there another new pricing structure I missed?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: littlerobin71 on May 30, 2008, 22:46
Just commenting on previous post
...is the inspection /quality requirement raised for exclusives ???
 I think is the opposite...


Just to be clear:  if becoming exclusive at iStock is made more difficult and the quality requirement raised, that would make it MORE APPEALING for me to be exclusive there, and IMO would also cause many more customers to buy exclusive only.

Are you saying the quality requirements would be higher for exclusives than for non-exclusives?  If not and if the quality requirements were raised across the board, for both exclusive and non-exclusive alike, why would the customers want to buy exclusive only when they could get the same quality level from a non-exclusive?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on May 30, 2008, 22:54
I don't think there's any reasoning behind why some people got the email and some didn't. Some exclusives got it so maybe there's a glitch with their email marketing system.

Orrrrr, maybe they're using some sort of contributor performance measurement to determine who gets one.  ;)

EDIT: Man, what's up with my grammar and spelling today...
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: chellyar on May 30, 2008, 23:40
Just commenting on previous post
...is the inspection /quality requirement raised for exclusives ???
 I think is the opposite...

Ay, some of the stuff in 'latest exclusive images' on the home page I wouldn't even upload...

Although, having said that, IS seems to accept some stuff of mine that is a little marginal as well, so I should probably shut my trap! :-).
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: bittersweet on May 31, 2008, 00:05
Just commenting on previous post
...is the inspection /quality requirement raised for exclusives ???
 I think is the opposite...

Ay, some of the stuff in 'latest exclusive images' on the home page I wouldn't even upload...

If some of you seriously believe that, you should take a look at the NON-exclusive vectors coming through. Some of them are just downright embarrassing and I can't figure out what the inspector(s) must have been thinking. Surely it is a case of someone who thinks owning a copy of Illustrator suddenly makes them capable of drawing. It reflects badly on the whole collection, and yet people still whine and harp about how unfair it is and that all the crap coming through the queue is all from exclusives and how all their wonderful and perfect best sellers on all the other sites are all rejected because the inspectors are jealous or something.

puh. leeze.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: fotografer on May 31, 2008, 01:48
I agree completely with this post. Although I think that IS have the toughest inspectors I also think that they are completely fair.   Even though most other sites have taken my IS rejections it doesn't mean theat they aren't right but just that they are pickier about small details. With a bit of playing about I can usually get a rejected image approved on the second attempt.

Just commenting on previous post
...is the inspection /quality requirement raised for exclusives ???
 I think is the opposite...

Ay, some of the stuff in 'latest exclusive images' on the home page I wouldn't even upload...

If some of you seriously believe that, you should take a look at the NON-exclusive vectors coming through. Some of them are just downright embarrassing and I can't figure out what the inspector(s) must have been thinking. Surely it is a case of someone who thinks owning a copy of Illustrator suddenly makes them capable of drawing. It reflects badly on the whole collection, and yet people still whine and harp about how unfair it is and that all the crap coming through the queue is all from exclusives and how all their wonderful and perfect best sellers on all the other sites are all rejected because the inspectors are jealous or something.

puh. leeze.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: littlerobin71 on June 01, 2008, 08:37
Ok...

so I think it boils down to who is reviewing images.....
what one inspector would reject maybe
 other would accept..


Just commenting on previous post
...is the inspection /quality requirement raised for exclusives ???
 I think is the opposite...

Ay, some of the stuff in 'latest exclusive images' on the home page I wouldn't even upload...

Although, having said that, IS seems to accept some stuff of mine that is a little marginal as well, so I should probably shut my trap! :-).
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: fullvalue on June 01, 2008, 10:03
-If they were planning to raise the commissions for exclusives, I would imagine they would have announced that to everyone.  I'm sure there would be much jumping for joy from those that are already exclusive.

-As for the acceptance standards, I don't really think that your exclusive status effects your chances of approval.

-I got the e-mail and I do have the get newsletters marketing materials option selected so probably the only criteria for getting it was to not be exclusive and have the option checked.

-My guess would be some counter to the waiting period mandated by other sites or situations such as required by a 20 year committment.  I notice a lot of peope say I would go exclusive but....   
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: le_cyclope on June 01, 2008, 10:39
May be that they will «officialize» the placement in searches that favour exclusive contributors...

More and more exclusives are showing in the first 2 or 3 pages, something like 9 out of 10...  which does not reflects excl./non-excl. ratio.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not exclusive but I understand that IS makes moves to grab exclusivity.  It's their business and so far, it represents 45% of my microstock revenues.  So I recognize that they know how to handle it...

They should be honest and tell us the truth... So may be that's what they will announce (or some sort of).

And personally, it will be another step to exclusivity...
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: chumley on June 01, 2008, 12:23
.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: maco0708 on June 01, 2008, 13:18
Hi all,

 I think one thing to remember is that if you are exclusive with Istock you are unable to venture into the Macro RF business unless affiliated with Getty. Now Getty is 50% of the RF business out there in the Macro world but it does leave you with your hands tied in the RF market place. However, a great deal of you feel that the RF market is finished anyway so this may not seem relevant.

 The positive side of this (as I see it) for Micro shooters is as revenues continue to go up in Micro all the Pros out there that have been producing in the RF market cannot go exclusive with IS without pulling all their work from the Macro RF market. Many of these markets have 5 - 7 year rights to the images that already exist there so Macro shooters do not have the opportunity to go Exclusive at IS.

 That coupled with the minimal upload limits should keep heavy producers from the Macro community from coming in and hitting the Micro market at IS hard with tons of images. I see this as a good thing for the micro community.

 Chumley

 All comments offered are strictly my opinion.

In Summary
The Contract requires full exclusivity:

    * Full artist exclusivity means no images may be sold on other Royalty-Free sites or businesses with the exception of Getty Images. Individual image exclusivity is not enough.


The Contract does not require exclusivity for:

    * Rights-Managed images with other organizations

    * Personal portfolio sites
    * Work for hire/editorial work contracts
    * Prints for sale
    * Prints, t-shirts and the like produced on art-only sites such as cafepress.com


The Contract specifically does allow:

    * Exclusivity to artists if images previously licensed to any other RF agency have been sold outright.
    * iStockphoto to use images in promotional and advertising materials.
    * Cancellation with 30 days notice.
    * Restart after cancellation with 90 days notice.


The Contract specifically does not allow:

    * Images for sale on artist's own site (including collections, CD-ROMs, etc).
    * Artist to give away images for free, either from their own, or any other site.
    * Rejected images to be sold elsewhere
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: a.k.a.-tom on June 01, 2008, 14:57

The Contract specifically does not allow:

    * Images for sale on artist's own site (including collections, CD-ROMs, etc).
    * Artist to give away images for free, either from their own, or any other site.
    * Rejected images to be sold elsewhere


This is the killer for me.   I broker my own images to magazine/book publishers.  I also  donate prints to charity auctions such as RMCC and others.    That's the real kicker.  I can't even  give away a print that I own.  That's just wrong.   8)=tom
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: maco0708 on June 01, 2008, 15:42

The Contract specifically does not allow:

    * Images for sale on artist's own site (including collections, CD-ROMs, etc).
    * Artist to give away images for free, either from their own, or any other site.
    * Rejected images to be sold elsewhere


This is the killer for me.   I broker my own images to magazine/book publishers.  I also  donate prints to charity auctions such as RMCC and others.    That's the real kicker.  I can't even  give away a print that I own.  That's just wrong.   8)=tom

You can sell your prints. So for the charity, just sell them for 1c each:)
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: maco0708 on June 01, 2008, 15:48

The Contract specifically does not allow:

    * Images for sale on artist's own site (including collections, CD-ROMs, etc).
    * Artist to give away images for free, either from their own, or any other site.
    * Rejected images to be sold elsewhere


This is the killer for me.   I broker my own images to magazine/book publishers.  I also  donate prints to charity auctions such as RMCC and others.    That's the real kicker.  I can't even  give away a print that I own.  That's just wrong.   8)=tom


Do you sell your images through your web-site as Royalt free???
If you sell them as rights managed, I think it would be allowed.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: bittersweet on June 01, 2008, 17:32

The Contract specifically does not allow:

    * Images for sale on artist's own site (including collections, CD-ROMs, etc).
    * Artist to give away images for free, either from their own, or any other site.
    * Rejected images to be sold elsewhere


This is the killer for me.   I broker my own images to magazine/book publishers.  I also  donate prints to charity auctions such as RMCC and others.    That's the real kicker.  I can't even  give away a print that I own.  That's just wrong.   8)=tom

You can give away PRINTS. The term "image" in the context of this agreement is the digital file. You are not allowed to have "freebie" downloads of your images on your website. You can do whatever you want with your prints, including selling them or giving them away. This rule has nothing to do with prints. Any brokering you do to magazine/book publishers should be a rights-managed or work for hire arrangement anyway. I'd be surprised if you are doing single image royalty free arrangements.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 01, 2008, 19:14
I also  donate prints to charity auctions such as RMCC and others.    That's the real kicker.  I can't even  give away a print that I own.  That's just wrong.   8)=tom

The exclusive contract has nothing to do with prints.  You can give away prints to the entire print loving USA, and that's fine.

The exclusive contract says you cannot sell imagery royalty free anywhere else.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: louoates on June 01, 2008, 19:22
I imagine those who choose exclusivity have their reasons.

I just won't have anybody restricting my work in any way. Period.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: maco0708 on June 01, 2008, 19:54
I imagine those who choose exclusivity have their reasons.

I just won't have anybody restricting my work in any way. Period.

Totally fair. Everybody needs to do their little math and decide for themselves. For example: I will be silver soon but I would still take ~20% royalty cut if I went exclusive now. But since it is only a hobby for me, the saved time and easiness of uploading to just one site may be worth it (I am still doing my little math).
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: a.k.a.-tom on June 01, 2008, 21:48
thanks to all for the clarification...     On my own direct with publishers I work RM or for hire.  I still maintain all the rights to the images even at for hire. All is done on a 'one shot' deal.  One article, set price.  If they want to use the pix again, they pay again.  Only exception, if a picture is the topic of a future letter to the editor and they want to use it, I'm not going to be a jerk about that.
      Every time I begin to think about exclusive, threads like this come up and remind me of all the mundane things I forgot about.

Now... this may sound ignorant and if it does, please excuse me. I am still relatively new to this game.  But... say a pic I took way back in the day when I snapped my first pic out of a 35mm in the early 60's.... I want to sell it now .... if I was exclusive,  .... I couldn't.  Correct?
  In effect, once you sign exclusive with anyone,  everything you ever shot in your life comes under that agreement? True or no?

I just don't understand, when all is said and done, how this is beneficial to a photog unless they did 100% of their work thru that single agency.  What about all you folks that shoot weddings and such? Or do 'for hire' work.   How's an exclusive deal allow for that, or... it doesn't... ???   Told you it was an ignorant question....   sorry.      8)=tom
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 01, 2008, 22:15
iStock exclusivity is only about selling images royalty free.  It has nothing to do with shooting weddings or selling RM.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PeterChigmaroff on June 01, 2008, 22:28
iStock exclusivity is only about selling images royalty free.  It has nothing to do with shooting weddings or selling RM.

It's true that some protection is afforded you by way of selling RM and WFH contracts but it is still a very restrictive agreement. On the other hand it does seem straight forward enough to dump the agreement if you wish. Someone can correct me on this but I imagine you can go ahead and submit to other micros all the images that reside on iStock that got there during a exclusive agreement once the agreement is terminated. A shifty photographer can take advantage of the higher upload limits for a while, boost his/her portfolio and then go non exclusive. If you can run full tilt at bronze or silver for a year, it would allow a decent size portfolio, then off to non-exclusive land. Hmmm.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: sharpshot on June 02, 2008, 02:49
I wonder how many photographers wives have an account with istock?  That seems like the sensible option.  Pass over the copyright and have an exclusive account with istock while having accounts in your own name or a business name with the other sites.  I am not married and have just one account with them but if I was it would be tempting to do this.  Surely this goes on and is legal.

I can't see a good reason why we are not allowed to have exclusive images, like lots of other sites do.  Until that happens, istock will not be able to dominate the market and I see that as being a good thing.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: RT on June 02, 2008, 03:53
I am not married and have just one account with them but if I was it would be tempting to do this.  Surely this goes on and is legal.

I wouldn't suggest using this idea in any future proposals you may want to make, women are quite fussy about these moments and I'm not sure that "I want to marry you so I can have two accounts at iStock" would go down to well!  :D
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 02, 2008, 06:33
I can't see a good reason why we are not allowed to have exclusive images, like lots of other sites do.  Until that happens, istock will not be able to dominate the market and I see that as being a good thing.

Because you'd shoot one image, and then another vertical for another site, and say "Well, that first image is only on iStock, the second one is different".

As for the wife thing, they're not stupid.  That's just avoiding the spirit of the rule, and iStock isn't the police.  If they figured out your game, they'd probably cut you off.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: leaf on June 02, 2008, 06:49


Because you'd shoot one image, and then another vertical for another site, and say "Well, that first image is only on iStock, the second one is different".


Well i agree it could create problems like this, but the same problem currently exists in that you could upload the horizontal as RF to istock and the vertical as RM to alamy.. so having total RF exclusivity doesn't solve this problem.

The only way to solve this problem is to say that such things are not allowed and that is what sites do that require image exclusivity.  Many macro sites require image exclusivity which includes similars to the uploaded image.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: sharpshot on June 02, 2008, 07:50
I can't see a good reason why we are not allowed to have exclusive images, like lots of other sites do.  Until that happens, istock will not be able to dominate the market and I see that as being a good thing.

Because you'd shoot one image, and then another vertical for another site, and say "Well, that first image is only on iStock, the second one is different".

As for the wife thing, they're not stupid.  That's just avoiding the spirit of the rule, and iStock isn't the police.  If they figured out your game, they'd probably cut you off.

I don't get it.  If they can stop people bending the exclusivity rules they should be able to stop them bending image exclusivity rules.  How can it work for one but not the other?  Why can DT and FT have individual exclusive images but istock can't?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: timburton on June 02, 2008, 08:44
Wouldnt image exclusivity rather kill the agreement for those that are already exclusive? If I could have image exclusivity over straight forward exclusivity then Id choose the former, and do slightly different versions (different enough to abide by whatever rules they have) of my most successful images. Itd be more sensible for me to do that- I wouldnt have all my eggs in one basket. Id probably dedicate a fair amount of my time to other sites. This would lower the istock brand. The only reason the other sites offer image exclusivity is because no one would go exclusive with them. Yup, I have a feeling istock knows better.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: maco0708 on June 02, 2008, 09:00
Wouldnt image exclusivity rather kill the agreement for those that are already exclusive? If I could have image exclusivity over straight forward exclusivity then Id choose the former, and do slightly different versions (different enough to abide by whatever rules they have) of my most successful images. Itd be more sensible for me to do that- I wouldnt have all my eggs in one basket. Id probably dedicate a fair amount of my time to other sites. This would lower the istock brand. The only reason the other sites offer image exclusivity is because no one would go exclusive with them. Yup, I have a feeling istock knows better.


They could offer less % for image exclusivity only (compared to full exclusivity). But I agree with you on the other points and I don't think image-only exclusivity will happen at iStock.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PeterChigmaroff on June 02, 2008, 10:43


Because you'd shoot one image, and then another vertical for another site, and say "Well, that first image is only on iStock, the second one is different".


Well i agree it could create problems like this, but the same problem currently exists in that you could upload the horizontal as RF to istock and the vertical as RM to alamy.. so having total RF exclusivity doesn't solve this problem.

The only way to solve this problem is to say that such things are not allowed and that is what sites do that require image exclusivity.  Many macro sites require image exclusivity which includes similars to the uploaded image.

The thing is traditional agencies allow image only exclusivity. It's not really an excuse; it does mean that photographers need to be educated as to what image can or cannot be used elsewhere if it is similar to one already on exclusive file. Getty, who as you know, owns iStock and does this very successfully. Unless you think micro photographers can't handle making such distinctions.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on June 02, 2008, 10:49
Do traditional agencies have 40,000 contributors, many of which may not care to follow the letter of the law since it is just a hobby?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: helix7 on June 02, 2008, 10:52
...As for the wife thing, they're not stupid.  That's just avoiding the spirit of the rule, and iStock isn't the police.  If they figured out your game, they'd probably cut you off.

I don't know why anyone would even try this. Too risky. If they really value their microstock income, why would they gamble it on a quick-buck scheme like this? Seems like an awful lot to throw away in an effort to get a few extra downloads each day.


Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PeterChigmaroff on June 02, 2008, 11:07
...As for the wife thing, they're not stupid.  That's just avoiding the spirit of the rule, and iStock isn't the police.  If they figured out your game, they'd probably cut you off.

I don't know why anyone would even try this. Too risky. If they really value their microstock income, why would they gamble it on a quick-buck scheme like this? Seems like an awful lot to throw away in an effort to get a few extra downloads each day.




Technically, it is legal to re-assign a copyright to another individual or entity. Anyone who has done a work-for-hire job has done just that. sjlocke answered my question on the previous post in that most amateurs don't know how to handle image exclusivity issues and I doubt most amateurs would know how to handle multiple account issues as well. Most would expose themselves.

Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: sharpshot on June 02, 2008, 11:09
It isn't something I would do but I don't see how it would break the rules, as we are uploading our own copyrighted material and we can transfer that if we want.  When I upload they ask "Are you the principal copyright holder of this image? ", not did I create the image.  Is it bending the rules any more than all the nasa photos that are being sold?  How can they be exclusive?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: bittersweet on June 02, 2008, 11:19
It isn't something I would do but I don't see how it would break the rules, as we are uploading our own copyrighted material and we can transfer that if we want.  When I upload they ask "Are you the principal copyright holder of this image? ", not did I create the image.  Is it bending the rules any more than all the nasa photos that are being sold?  How can they be exclusive?

I can't count the number of times I've seen it suggested that "all you have to do is transfer the copyright of your images to xxx" in order to get around the lock-ins at certain agencies.

The NASA photos are no longer accepted unless there have been significant modifications in order to create a new derivative work. If you see existing images that look the same as they did on the NASA website, you should point them out to support, because they are definitely no longer allowed.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: helix7 on June 02, 2008, 12:34
Technically, it is legal to re-assign a copyright to another individual or entity. Anyone who has done a work-for-hire job has done just that. sjlocke answered my question on the previous post in that most amateurs don't know how to handle image exclusivity issues and I doubt most amateurs would know how to handle multiple account issues as well. Most would expose themselves.

But we're talking about selling images at multiple sites, using two different names. Same last name, but different people, so how can both people hold the copyright on one image, and both upload it at different sites?


Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PeterChigmaroff on June 02, 2008, 13:52
Technically, it is legal to re-assign a copyright to another individual or entity. Anyone who has done a work-for-hire job has done just that. sjlocke answered my question on the previous post in that most amateurs don't know how to handle image exclusivity issues and I doubt most amateurs would know how to handle multiple account issues as well. Most would expose themselves.

But we're talking about selling images at multiple sites, using two different names. Same last name, but different people, so how can both people hold the copyright on one image, and both upload it at different sites?




What you say above should not occur and plainly would be stupid if it did. I see no real reason to have two accounts at one site. My only reason for such a thing is if you clearly shot something that is obviously not Istock-centric but still felt it best to be marketed in the RF segment then you would re-assign the images to be placed elsewhere on a non exclusive basis. Never ever the same images or even images from the same shoot. Also there are some images that would be better suited for traditional RF than micro i.e. they would make you more money, then it would be nice to be able to choose. It's not straight forward the concept of exclusive representation.


Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Read_My_Rights on June 02, 2008, 14:04
... would be better suited for traditional RF than micro ...



Even traditional/macro RF is not allowed under IS exclusivity deal only RM.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PeterChigmaroff on June 02, 2008, 14:12
... would be better suited for traditional RF than micro ...



Even traditional/macro RF is not allowed under IS exclusivity deal only RM.

Exactly, hence the need to re-assign the images to another entity. I'm not condoning this; I'm merely trying to work through the legalities of such an endeavor.  Transferring a copyright is perfectly legal; if a micro says you can't take a picture, transfer the copyright to someone else and then have it sell as RF then it's against the contract.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: lisafx on June 02, 2008, 16:16
I would think an istock exclusive would be crazy to play games to try and get around the exclusivity agreement and sell images elsewhere.  You risk being booted from the most lucrative microstock site in the industry and forfeiting earnings. 

Bottom line is nobody holds a gun to anyone's head to force exclusivity on them.  But if you choose istock's "artist exclusivity" you need to be prepared to honor it, rather than thinking of ways to cheat the system.

BTW, my comments are directed at the proposed hypothetical, not at any members commenting in the thread :)
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: stokfoto on June 02, 2008, 16:22
I would think an istock exclusive would be crazy to play games to try and get around the exclusivity agreement and sell images elsewhere.  You risk being booted from the most lucrative microstock site in the industry and forfeiting earnings. 

Bottom line is nobody holds a gun to anyone's head to force exclusivity on them.  But if you choose istock's "artist exclusivity" you need to be prepared to honor it, rather than thinking of ways to cheat the system.

BTW, my comments are directed at the proposed hypothetical, not at any members commenting in the thread :)
Well said I totally  agree.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PeterChigmaroff on June 02, 2008, 16:58
One last comment from me and I'll shut up - promise.

Here is the basics off iStock,

Does that cover all of my files?
Exclusivity only covers your royalty-free stock files. iStock does not require Exclusivity for:
Rights-managed files with other organizations
Personal portfolio sites
Work for hire/editorial work contracts
Prints for sale
Prints, t-shirts and the like produced on art-only sites such as cafepress.com


I have done work for hire contracts for RF agencies and I transfered ownership to those companies. I shoot, they  then purchase the shoot from me on a per images basis. They then sell the images as RF and I never see another penny.  Now, am I doing work for hire or am I doing RF? If I am doing work for hire, why can't I sell my images to a spouse. She gets the income and you can bet I'll never see another penny again.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: lisafx on June 02, 2008, 17:24
Zeus, are you volunteering to be a test case?  Good luck with that.  Let us know how it works out for you ;)
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on June 05, 2008, 18:21
Well, it has been a week but not quite 'or so' yet. Where's the update with magical exclusivity stuff you teases?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on June 05, 2008, 18:26
Holy crap. Five minutes after the last post and I get an email from them. Doesn't look like actual detail but just another tease.
------------------------------->

3 weeks of Exclusive prestige


Going Exclusive at iStock is getting sweeter over the next 3 weeks. Maybe you just became eligible, or just can't bring yourself to commit. Now's the time to take the plunge. We'll be announcing increased benefits for all of our Exclusive members throughout June (no, it's not a raise, but it's really good). First though, we're going to have a contest for all of you still on the fence.

Week one: Fly away with iStock

Take the Exclusive plunge before August 8th and you'll be automatically entered in a draw for one of 2 all-expenses-paid trips to an upcoming iStockalypse. Choose to visit your fellow iStockers in Germany this fall, or sneak into the Diamondlypse in Seattle in August. See all the details here.

We'll be announcing new perks for all of Exclusive contributors over the next few weeks. Go Exclusive now and be there to get the benefits. You may even win a vacation
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Gregor909 on June 05, 2008, 18:45
Yep, got he email too!
Now click on the link on the bottom for more details........(click)......... "You do not have permissions to view this page." 
They're trying to seduce us with dirty tricks. What . is there? A secret exclusive forum or something?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: fotografer on June 05, 2008, 19:02
There is an exclusive only forum and although it isn't talked about much it isn't supposed to be kept a secret.

Yep, got he email too!
Now click on the link on the bottom for more details........(click)......... "You do not have permissions to view this page." 
They're trying to seduce us with dirty tricks. What . is there? A secret exclusive forum or something?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on June 05, 2008, 19:06
So they send us a tease email, that is then followed up by a tease announcement, that is linked to a tease page that only exclusives have access to. I hate stuff like this because it does interest me more.

Whatever. It's not a raise so I can't imagine what it could be that's earthshaking. I was planning on going exclusive in the next month anyway. Oh well.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: gualberto107 on June 05, 2008, 19:19
Holy crap. Five minutes after the last post and I get an email from them. Doesn't look like actual detail but just another tease.
------------------------------->

3 weeks of Exclusive prestige


Going Exclusive at iStock is getting sweeter over the next 3 weeks. Maybe you just became eligible, or just can't bring yourself to commit. Now's the time to take the plunge. We'll be announcing increased benefits for all of our Exclusive members throughout June (no, it's not a raise, but it's really good). First though, we're going to have a contest for all of you still on the fence.

Week one: Fly away with iStock

Take the Exclusive plunge before August 8th and you'll be automatically entered in a draw for one of 2 all-expenses-paid trips to an upcoming iStockalypse. Choose to visit your fellow iStockers in Germany this fall, or sneak into the Diamondlypse in Seattle in August. See all the details here.

We'll be announcing new perks for all of Exclusive contributors over the next few weeks. Go Exclusive now and be there to get the benefits. You may even win a vacation



Got the same mail, sales at IS for me have decline severly since they went to the subscription deal. I really don't think exclusivity is for me at this time.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: lathspell on June 05, 2008, 20:29
That's something I don't like on istock. All this "keep F5ing, watch out, certain things will happen sometime bla bla" - IMO it's just childish. I'd so like them to announce things when they are ready and worth to be announced. It's been a pretty long time since somebody told me the truth about Christmas and Santa Claus ...
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on June 05, 2008, 20:45
Truth about Santa Claus? He in trouble or something?
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: maco0708 on June 05, 2008, 20:47
I really can't figure out what can they do other than a raise to lure more people into exclusivity.

Any ideas?

The non-exclusive upload limits are fine for me.
I don't care that I have to wait 10 days for review of an image.
And I don't think business cards will change my mind either.

I am still thinking of going exclusive just to simplify my life.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: lathspell on June 05, 2008, 21:59
He in trouble or something?

No, he just guy from the neighbourhood mostly bringing unwanted stuff your parents supposed you to like.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: PaulieWalnuts on June 05, 2008, 22:11
I really can't figure out what can they do other than a raise to lure more people into exclusivity.

Any ideas?

The non-exclusive upload limits are fine for me.
I don't care that I have to wait 10 days for review of an image.
And I don't think business cards will change my mind either.

I am still thinking of going exclusive just to simplify my life.

You probably should care that it takes longer. From what I understand, supposedly, the best match gives preference to images that have higher downloads in a given timeframe. That timeframe starts at the point of upload. If that's all true, that means exclusives automatically get a headstart in the search and potential for downloads, which leads to higher positioning in the best match.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: helix7 on June 05, 2008, 22:41
So no raise, according to the email, and just some more mostly worthless perks. Sure a vacation is nice, if you're the person to win it. Otherwise this is first of the three new exclusive "benefits" means nothing.

I really wish istock would cut some of these frivilous perks and redirect all that wasted money into a proper raise. I think everyone could do without the business cards, the contest, and the rest of the garbage and would be happier with a better exclusive commission. That would really lure more people into exclusivity than this other junk.

Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: yingyang0 on June 05, 2008, 22:48
There is an exclusive only forum and although it isn't talked about much it isn't supposed to be kept a secret.
Its nothing really worth talking about. There has been some discussion on the new business cards that are supposedly coming (Moo cards).

It's weird, but I'm not getting any of these emails trying to entice me into being exclusive.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: timburton on June 05, 2008, 23:31
Can someone post the link? Id love to see it...
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: sharpshot on June 06, 2008, 02:07
Just had an email.There first incentive to go exclusive is "fly away with istock".  "Take the Exclusive plunge before August 8th and you'll be automatically entered in a draw for one of 2 all-expenses-paid trips to an upcoming iStockalypse."

No thanks.  A draw to go to one of their meet ups?  They will have to do better than that.  I am still uploading to DT, so unfortunately I have to pass on this amazing opportunity :)
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Microbius on June 06, 2008, 02:20
Oh dear, more useless gimmicks from IStock.
I can understand how these lure in the hobbyists etc. but this really isn't going to have any impact on those that do this for a living.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: designalldone on June 06, 2008, 03:53
Can someone post the link? Id love to see it...


Here's the email for anyone that hasn't seen it yet.  :)

 (http://img210.imagevenue.com/loc478/th_41982_istock_122_478lo.jpeg) (http://img210.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=41982_istock_122_478lo.jpeg)
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: timburton on June 06, 2008, 08:01
Thanks designalldone. Sounds like there's more to come! :)
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: grp_photo on June 06, 2008, 08:05
He in trouble or something?

No, he just guy from the neighbourhood mostly bringing unwanted stuff your parents supposed you to like.
lol :D
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Gregor909 on June 06, 2008, 09:10

You probably should care that it takes longer. From what I understand, supposedly, the best match gives preference to images that have higher downloads in a given timeframe. That timeframe starts at the point of upload. If that's all true, that means exclusives automatically get a headstart in the search and potential for downloads, which leads to higher positioning in the best match.

I can remember Steve from StockXpert saying that this timeframe starts at the point of approval on StockXpert, not the point of upload. So I assume it's works on IS the same way! Not sure though.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Microbius on June 06, 2008, 13:18
I think it might not work like that, could explain the low downloads per month on images downloaded on day of review???
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: fotografer on June 06, 2008, 13:48
No, on IS it's definately from date of upload which is how the exclusives get their main advantage in the best match


You probably should care that it takes longer. From what I understand, supposedly, the best match gives preference to images that have higher downloads in a given timeframe. That timeframe starts at the point of upload. If that's all true, that means exclusives automatically get a headstart in the search and potential for downloads, which leads to higher positioning in the best match.

I can remember Steve from StockXpert saying that this timeframe starts at the point of approval on StockXpert, not the point of upload. So I assume it's works on IS the same way! Not sure though.
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: a.k.a.-tom on June 06, 2008, 22:52
....... even I got one...   I would imagine that this was just some generic  bulk mail.  I can't see IS  actively seeking my exclusitivity....  really...
 8)=tom
Title: Re: "You Deserve Exclusivity" email - anyone else got one?
Post by: Microbius on June 07, 2008, 02:48
No, on IS it's definately from date of upload which is how the exclusives get their main advantage in the best match


You probably should care that it takes longer. From what I understand, supposedly, the best match gives preference to images that have higher downloads in a given timeframe. That timeframe starts at the point of upload. If that's all true, that means exclusives automatically get a headstart in the search and potential for downloads, which leads to higher positioning in the best match.

I can remember Steve from StockXpert saying that this timeframe starts at the point of approval on StockXpert, not the point of upload. So I assume it's works on IS the same way! Not sure though.
That does explain a lot! Quite a clever way of doing it really, though a pain in the butt for non exclusives like me!