MicrostockGroup

Agency Based Discussion => iStockPhoto.com => Topic started by: gclk on July 17, 2011, 14:21

Title: Any use for iStock's 'Friends' functionality
Post by: gclk on July 17, 2011, 14:21
Just wondering if there's some rich functionality I'm missing out on... apart from maybe the occasional mass site-mail, has anybody found a use for 'Friends' (ex Creative Network).

Before the site refresh, it was good to be able to have a look through new uploads from people I know, but now that functionality is gone, is there any useful functionality there at all?

Can't say I spend much time hanging around in the 'Contributor Lounge' either.
Title: Re: Any use for iStock's 'Friends' functionality
Post by: Sean Locke Photography on July 17, 2011, 14:26
I've almost never touched it.  It might have been more useful if the other person didn't have to 'accept', but IS never acted on that sugg.
Title: Re: Any use for iStock's 'Friends' functionality
Post by: Shank_ali on July 17, 2011, 14:38
Just wondering if there's some rich functionality I'm missing out on... apart from maybe the occasional mass site-mail, has anybody found a use for 'Friends' (ex Creative Network).

Before the site refresh, it was good to be able to have a look through new uploads from people I know, but now that functionality is gone, is there any useful functionality there at all?

Can't say I spend much time hanging around in the 'Contributor Lounge' either.
Just use it as it was intended.A network of friends, you chose, to communicate with when visiting the site.A  member answered a question i asked via site mail recently and signed off...don't be a stranger.That's was just her being her very pleasant self !
Title: Re: Any use for iStock's 'Friends' functionality
Post by: cobalt on July 17, 2011, 14:54
A simple "Follow this artist" button without the need to accept seems like a nobrainer to me.

I also hope they bring back  the possibility to look at the latest uploads of the artists you like. Again, I donīt know why they removed that feature.
Title: Re: Any use for iStock's 'Friends' functionality
Post by: Sadstock on July 18, 2011, 21:40
 I still do get the odd friend request from people with 20 files and 1,000+ friends.  Not sure what the motivation is in collecting friends like that.
Title: Re: Any use for iStock's 'Friends' functionality
Post by: rubyroo on July 19, 2011, 09:18
I still do get the odd friend request from people with 20 files and 1,000+ friends.  Not sure what the motivation is in collecting friends like that.

 :D

Same here.  That puzzles me too.  Unless it has something to do with reciprocal ratings.  Perhaps they're trying to get their images on the highest-rated list (or whatever it's called.  I haven't explored the iStock site for ages, other than to check my own numbers).
Title: Re: Any use for iStock's 'Friends' functionality
Post by: jamirae on July 19, 2011, 11:35
it was helpful to me when I was working with minilypse planning and then occasionally to get in quick contact with some of the (real life) friends I have there at iStock.  Although yesterday I got a mass spam email from someone with 1000+ people in their network trying to pimp their portfolio.  I simply deleted the email then removed the person from my "creative network" (CN - as it used to be called) or "Friends" list . 
Title: Re: Any use for iStock's 'Friends' functionality
Post by: madelaide on July 19, 2011, 16:09
I think network was a more appopriate name than friends. I didn't notice this had changed though.  ::)

Since we're here, do you use the blog? I post every 100th sale there. It's been taking longer to post...
Title: Re: Any use for iStock's 'Friends' functionality
Post by: cobalt on July 19, 2011, 18:25
I also prefer "network" to friends. And I hope everyone in my network is a buyer...

Most of them actually are part of my creative network. We meet up, shoot together or exchange tips and chitchat.
Title: Re: Any use for iStock's 'Friends' functionality
Post by: Slovenian on July 19, 2011, 18:33
Back when ratings were part of the best match formula, having lots of "friends" was helpful. 

At least one good thing about the new best match. Ratings really shouldn't have nothing to do with search placements, since it has nothing to do with the saleability of a file.

 
Title: Re: Any use for iStock's 'Friends' functionality
Post by: rubyroo on July 19, 2011, 20:00
I also prefer "network" to friends.

Agreed.  The idea of calling these connections 'Friends' makes me feel like a 12 year old on MySpace.