Author Topic: Crap doesn't sell at IS (Read 13534 times)

Poncke · « **Reply #25 on:** July 15, 2012, 02:22 »

I think a number of stock contributors have lost touch with the real world by always producing unreal looking photos, over saturated, popping, extremely perfect looking scenes, photos that resemble utopia. When Alamy has a collection of photos that reflect reality, every day life, showing a look of real life. Those are not bad photos, those are realistic photos. People are mixing up the editorial and commercial parts of Alamy.

They have 31 million photos for a reason.

wut · « **Reply #26 on:** July 15, 2012, 03:37 »

Some of you are mixing crap with candid, real images. That being said both can be good or crap. Alamy is like a junkyard. 31 mil, yes, that's why no one here (that I've heard of) makes no real money there, it's always just a few % of total earnings, on average I mean, I've never seen someone earn 20% of total earnings there, while most of top 4 sites reach that easily, while IS and way more often SS, reach or even exceed 50% quite often. And even if someone earned over 20% on Alamy (on average, not on a lucky month with a couple of huge sells) he'd have to have a lot more photos over there, than on the micros. Ppl always say you have to have a huge port to succeed there.

sharpshot · « **Reply #27 on:** July 15, 2012, 03:59 »

Quote from: wut on July 15, 2012, 03:37

...that's why no one here (that I've heard of) makes no real money there, it's always just a few % of total earnings...

It's a different site to the micros. People uploading only their microstock portfolios wont make a huge amount there. I do know some do very well there and looking at the alamy monthly earnings threads, there's people earning as much as some of the top microstock contributors. They do have huge portfolios but it's easier to do that with alamy, as they accept almost everything.

wut · « **Reply #28 on:** July 15, 2012, 04:16 »

Quote from: sharpshot on July 15, 2012, 03:59

Quote from: wut on July 15, 2012, 03:37
...that's why no one here (that I've heard of) makes no real money there, it's always just a few % of total earnings...
It's a different site to the micros. People uploading only their microstock portfolios wont make a huge amount there. I do know some do very well there and looking at the alamy monthly earnings threads, there's people earning as much as some of the top microstock contributors. They do have huge portfolios but it's easier to do that with alamy, as they accept almost everything.

This is great for some, but it's not for everyone. I can shoot things that don't interest me, but I think they could sell, but I'm always trying to do as best as I can. Even though some shoots are boring, I make a challenge out of it for myself and make it interesting, at least to some degree. If I didn't do that, I'd already quit, I couldn't just shoot quantity and no quality (nicer words for crap). You're just like a conveyor belt worker, a robot then...I'm always for quality over quantity as it can be seen in this thread and the one I started a few months ago. Some are the other way around (usually because they can't do quality) and that's just fine, everybody needs to find an agent (or more), that best represent their works. If not anything else, I find Alamy's UL process repulsive, it's 10 times worse and more time consuming that at IS that is already the worst in the MS industry

sharpshot · « **Reply #29 on:** July 15, 2012, 04:32 »

I like producing a large quantity of crap and some quality. Doing the type of photos that sell with microstock was becoming tedious. After hitting the earnings wall and seeing the sites starting to cut commissions, it was time to diversify.

If you really want to concentrate on a small top quality portfolio, perhaps you should apply to Getty?

Eireann · « **Reply #30 on:** July 15, 2012, 10:54 »

Hi Wut,
I'm (very) sick and can't be much active on this forum, but over the time I have read your posts and I've learned a bit about your port, the country you're coming from and your opinions.
You like telling it like (you feel) it is.
I'm going to play by that rule and hope you also accept it when other people do the same.
You like to use, and over-use, the word 'pathetic'.
Dreamstime is pathetic, Fotolia is pathetic, 123RF is pathetic too, BigStock, Deposit Photos, Veer and so on, are all pathetic. So is Alamy.
Hidden behind your anonymity you like to criticise the agencies and the work of other photographers, but you can never muster the guts to come out in the open and give your criticism a real face.
That policy is almost acceptable when it comes to agencies, but not so when you start crapping the ports of other people.
As a general rule, try not to talk about other people's work if you're too scared to show yours.
Your opinion becomes null.

Going back on topic, 'Crap doesn't sell at IStock', I have a few things to add.
You're wrong.
IStock sells plenty of crap. Just as much crap as all the other sites.
The difference is that IStock preferantialy sells their own, exclusive crap.
The image is exclusive, it wears a pretty crown made of pixels, but it's still just plain old crap.
And by the way, the vast majority of those crappy IStock exclusive images wouldn't even be accepted by the other sites today.
That's how really crappy they are.

You're planning on going exclusive at IStock.
(and now suddenly, they don't sell crap anymore!)
Your decision is based on earnings. Money is all that matters.
You don't take into consideration any other factors.
'I want money! Today!' - is all that counts to you.
That kind of attitude is doomed to fail. In *any* business.
Looking at the broader picture, taking into account everything that makes IStock today, considering their precarious future and the ownership of ghosts companies, in my opinion, IStock Photo is *the* most pathetic agency of them all.
By far.

Now, having said that, you're right.
IStock is the perfect place for you. It will fit you like a glove.
Looking forward to seeing you wearing a crown, and best of luck,

cathyslife · « **Reply #31 on:** July 15, 2012, 11:05 »

Quote from: Eireann on July 15, 2012, 10:54

Hi Wut,
I'm (very) sick and can't be much active on this forum, but over the time I have read your posts and I've learned a bit about your port, the country you're coming from and your opinions.
You like telling it like (you feel) it is.
I'm going to play by that rule and hope you also accept it when other people do the same.
You like to use, and over-use, the word 'pathetic'.
Dreamstime is pathetic, Fotolia is pathetic, 123RF is pathetic too, BigStock, Deposit Photos, Veer and so on, are all pathetic. So is Alamy.
Hidden behind your anonymity you like to criticise the agencies and the work of other photographers, but you can never muster the guts to come out in the open and give your criticism a real face.
That policy is almost acceptable when it comes to agencies, but not so when you start crapping the ports of other people.
As a general rule, try not to talk about other people's work if you're too scared to show yours.
Your opinion becomes null.

Going back on topic, 'Crap doesn't sell at IStock', I have a few things to add.
You're wrong.
IStock sells plenty of crap. Just as much crap as all the other sites.
The difference is that IStock preferantialy sells their own, exclusive crap.
The image is exclusive, it wears a pretty crown made of pixels, but it's still just plain old crap.
And by the way, the vast majority of those crappy IStock exclusive images wouldn't even be accepted by the other sites today.
That's how really crappy they are.

You're planning on going exclusive at IStock.
(and now suddenly, they don't sell crap anymore!)
Your decision is based on earnings. Money is all that matters.
You don't take into consideration any other factors.
'I want money! Today!' - is all that counts to you.
That kind of attitude is doomed to fail. In *any* business.
Looking at the broader picture, taking into account everything that makes IStock today, considering their precarious future and the ownership of ghosts companies, in my opinion, IStock Photo is *the* most pathetic agency of them all.
By far.

Now, having said that, you're right.
IStock is the perfect place for you. It will fit you like a glove.
Looking forward to seeing you wearing a crown, and best of luck,

First of all, eireann, I am very sorry to hear you are very sick and I do hope you feel better soon!

As far as your post, +1. Every site sells crap, and I think it's safe to say that all contributors have crap in their portfolios, just by the simple fact that everyone's taste and aesthetic is different. Mine included. I have hesitated about pulling down some of the images that I think are crap, because they actually get downloads on some of the sites. So who's to say?

Good points, too, about thinking about other things besides money when considering sites. Some people just don't seem to care about ethics and character any more.

noodle · « **Reply #32 on:** July 15, 2012, 16:47 »

Quote from: Eireann on July 15, 2012, 10:54

Hi Wut,
I'm (very) sick and can't be much active on this forum, but over the time I have read your posts and I've learned a bit about your port, the country you're coming from and your opinions.
You like telling it like (you feel) it is.
I'm going to play by that rule and hope you also accept it when other people do the same.
You like to use, and over-use, the word 'pathetic'.
Dreamstime is pathetic, Fotolia is pathetic, 123RF is pathetic too, BigStock, Deposit Photos, Veer and so on, are all pathetic. So is Alamy.
Hidden behind your anonymity you like to criticise the agencies and the work of other photographers, but you can never muster the guts to come out in the open and give your criticism a real face.
That policy is almost acceptable when it comes to agencies, but not so when you start crapping the ports of other people.
As a general rule, try not to talk about other people's work if you're too scared to show yours.
Your opinion becomes null.

Going back on topic, 'Crap doesn't sell at IStock', I have a few things to add.
You're wrong.
IStock sells plenty of crap. Just as much crap as all the other sites.
The difference is that IStock preferantialy sells their own, exclusive crap.
The image is exclusive, it wears a pretty crown made of pixels, but it's still just plain old crap.
And by the way, the vast majority of those crappy IStock exclusive images wouldn't even be accepted by the other sites today.
That's how really crappy they are.

You're planning on going exclusive at IStock.
(and now suddenly, they don't sell crap anymore!)
Your decision is based on earnings. Money is all that matters.
You don't take into consideration any other factors.
'I want money! Today!' - is all that counts to you.
That kind of attitude is doomed to fail. In *any* business.
Looking at the broader picture, taking into account everything that makes IStock today, considering their precarious future and the ownership of ghosts companies, in my opinion, IStock Photo is *the* most pathetic agency of them all.
By far.

Now, having said that, you're right.
IStock is the perfect place for you. It will fit you like a glove.
Looking forward to seeing you wearing a crown, and best of luck,

All I could picture in my mind after reading this post was Ace Ventura doing the violent pump action and yelling ;"Can you feel that?! Huh? Huh?..."

JPSDK · « **Reply #33 on:** July 16, 2012, 02:40 »

Perspective, friends...

I just wanted to say that we sell digital information, zeros and ones, arranged in an orderly way so they can be recognized as pictures.
But it still IS zeros and ones.

There are many factors that determine if a customer buys or not buys such a pile of zeros and ones:
Quality is one.
Availability is another.
Relevance is yet another.
Licence is also.
Price.
Compatibility.
Trend and fashion.
Traffic streams.

I would say that quality is a minor factor, compared to availability and relevance....

malamus · « **Reply #34 on:** July 16, 2012, 03:21 »

Crap doesn't sell at IS…

IMO Crap doesn't sell at any micro stock site, as that is the definition of crap.

As micro stock is about selling as many images as possible, an image that doesn't sell is crap regardless of opportunity, composition, technical know how etc.

Please tho, that is not to say I don't have the up most respect for vetta and the like, I do wish and aim to be that good a photographer.

But I do believe, in the world of micro stock, that greatness, and crapness is measured by downloads and time period.

PS. although anonymity is a option I wouldn't like to see removed, I can't deny that linking to your portfolio adds weight to your posts, especially if its a corker.

wut · « **Reply #35 on:** July 16, 2012, 04:45 »

Quote from: malamus on July 16, 2012, 03:21

But I do believe, in the world of micro stock, that greatness, and crapness is measured by downloads and time period.

I just shared my observation that those factors coincide in my case at IS and many others as well. That was all

ShadySue · « **Reply #36 on:** July 16, 2012, 04:58 »

Quote from: malamus on July 16, 2012, 03:21

Crap doesn't sell at IS…
IMO Crap doesn't sell at any micro stock site, as that is the definition of crap.

So the title of this pretty pointless thread should be "stuff that doesn't sell, doesn't sell".

Reef · « **Reply #37 on:** July 16, 2012, 05:23 »

Quote from: ShadySue on July 16, 2012, 04:58

Quote from: malamus on July 16, 2012, 03:21
Crap doesn't sell at IS…
IMO Crap doesn't sell at any micro stock site, as that is the definition of crap.
So the title of this pretty pointless thread should be "stuff that doesn't sell, doesn't sell".

Well crap did sell and still sells but the proceeds are now spread out more. Therefore, better quality crap is required. Which is where Sir Wut from Crapalot comes in!

Wim · « **Reply #38 on:** July 16, 2012, 05:36 »

It is indeed a bit pointless Wut

There a better things for us to do then starting threads we know will just end up flaming eachother.

The last useful thread I've read here was about the Veer/alamy issue. Now that was something to admire, contributors getting together trying to change things for the better.

Anyway, do as you please mate, whetever makes you happy

malamus · « **Reply #39 on:** July 16, 2012, 06:00 »

Quote from: ShadySue on July 16, 2012, 04:58

Quote from: malamus on July 16, 2012, 03:21
Crap doesn't sell at IS…
IMO Crap doesn't sell at any micro stock site, as that is the definition of crap.
So the title of this pretty pointless thread should be "stuff that doesn't sell, doesn't sell".

No, Shady, just trying to explain my idea of crap in micro stock is not anothers idea of crap. Wut, I believe was using crap as a term for low quality images, and I wanted to share my view that if a "low quality image made a lot of money, that made it successful, and not "crap". A usefull point for any new comers trying to make money and not exceptional Art.

Id like to add to this point that may be of interest to some, my best seller (easily found) was an early shot taken on cardboard, with my first DSLR using the ceiling striplight in my spare room that wasn't big enough to swing a cat. I have recently reshot this with my new camera, new software, new mac and new lights and new photography table, and if this retake is half as successful as its predecessor it will be my second best seller.

wut · « **Reply #40 on:** July 16, 2012, 07:22 »

Quote from: Wim on July 16, 2012, 05:36

It is indeed a bit pointless Wut
There a better things for us to do then starting threads we know will just end up flaming eachother.

The last useful thread I've read here was about the Veer/alamy issue. Now that was something to admire, contributors getting together trying to change things for the better.

Anyway, do as you please mate, whetever makes you happy

I can't be bothered by that anymore Wim. I'm used to that. It seems there's just so many frustrated ppl, that either can't get their sales rolling and there's also a bunch of has beens, Gold/Diamonds that now struggle to get their DLs into 4 numbers. On a yearly basis of course

. Or they're just so uptight they can't get a joke or their lives are so f-ed up or meaningless. I don't know and I don't really care. It's just a shame no one can stick to a topic. Luckily there are still some diamonds in the rough to be found, so it's worthwhile staying here. And some cool, funny and insightful ppl that aren't fake, politically correct and overly sensitive. Seems nowadays less and less ppl have the balls (or "the balls" in case of women)

Wim · « **Reply #41 on:** July 16, 2012, 07:35 »

Alright mate, like i've said, whatever gets you trough the day

wut · « **Reply #42 on:** July 22, 2012, 19:22 »

But we can all agree, that it's easier to push crap on sub sites, can't we

? I mean if you have a high daily quota (of free images, in a way you) will DL some extra shots you might need, a couple more images from the same series etc. When it comes to credits sales, buyers really think about what they need before they buy it. But if you pay 250$ or so for 750 images, you don't care that much, you just shove stuff in your shopping cart.

So now we can finally conclude that IS sells less crap then the rest. Case closed

qwerty · « **Reply #43 on:** July 23, 2012, 06:51 »

May aswell contribute to this ground breaking thread.

How do you want to measure it ? Who is the biggest seller of crap ?

total sales, total dollars, total royalities to contributors, % of sales that are crap

wut · « **Reply #44 on:** July 23, 2012, 08:15 »

I'm flattered

As far I'm concerned, SS. If you search by age, there are huge series of extensive bad photos. Every single one is bad and they multiply it by 10, so there are series of 50+ photos that do nothing (they certainly don't sell) but push the good content down the pages. Buyers get frustrated, good images don't get enough DLs (I'm mean not always, but usually they do rise to the top) to get a good placement in the popular (default search setting) etc. So it's really triple damage we're talking about. That's the reason SS stopped the new image push a year ago, because there was just to much crap mixed in that all the good stuff would get enough attention. They should accompany that with stricter reviews. They did just that, but since ms inspectors are mostly a joke when it comes to photography knowledge they just blindly rejected stuff and cut down on new content that way. But it's not only SS of course, the problem there is only most obvious because they have the biggest library and because most of us earn most there and it hurts us most to loose sales there. At the end of the day they're still the best from the agencies that we can contribute to.

I don't really get your last paragraph

ShadySue · « **Reply #45 on:** July 23, 2012, 08:23 »

Quote from: wut on July 23, 2012, 08:15

I don't really get your last paragraph

He's looking for hard figures to back up your sweeping statements.

wut · « **Reply #46 on:** July 23, 2012, 08:56 »

Quote from: ShadySue on July 23, 2012, 08:23

Quote from: wut on July 23, 2012, 08:15
I don't really get your last paragraph
He's looking for hard figures to back up your sweeping statements.

Who do you think I am, a company that does stats. As I said (a thousand times by now), this are my experiences, my numbers and observations of other togs. You can see ppl complaining about bad sales at IS constantly, right? That it's only their #5, #7 earner, but when you check their ports you see why. They sell crap. Most of the times. They can manage to get a sale here and there on other sites, but at IS (perhaps mostly because they don't really have subs) they just can't. Some of them have huge ports, ports of 3,4,5k or even more. Yet they only earn 1k a month or so. And have only 2 digit earnings at IS. Take your time and have a look for yourselves (meaning y'all doubters), click . out of those port links

luissantos84 · « **Reply #47 on:** July 23, 2012, 09:11 »

Quote from: wut on July 23, 2012, 08:56

Quote from: ShadySue on July 23, 2012, 08:23
Quote from: wut on July 23, 2012, 08:15
I don't really get your last paragraph
He's looking for hard figures to back up your sweeping statements.

Who do you think I am, a company that does stats. As I said (a thousand times by now), this are my experiences, my numbers and observations of other togs. You can see ppl complaining about bad sales at IS constantly, right? That it's only their #5, #7 earner, but when you check their ports you see why. They sell crap. Most of the times. They can manage to get a sale here and there on other sites, but at IS (perhaps mostly because they don't really have subs) they just can't. Some of them have huge ports, ports of 3,4,5k or even more. Yet they only earn 1k a month or so. And have only 2 digit earnings at IS. Take your time and have a look for yourselves (meaning y'all doubters), click . out of those port links

you have this discussion back and forward with yourself (in here) everyday, don´t understand why you are so worried about others income, just to let you know I do close to 200$/month at IS (after 5 months of no uploading there, they are my 2nd best earner every single month), Steve Heap does also over 200$.. so it would be nice to know what folks you are talking about

wut · « **Reply #48 on:** July 23, 2012, 09:24 »

Earth doesn't revolve around you Luis and your accusations are just ridiculous

. Do you think I remember the names of bad togs? I forget most of the names of the best

(I just had a discussion about it via pm yesterday and couldn't name more than a few;)

heywoody · « **Reply #49 on:** July 23, 2012, 09:25 »

I would be absolutely astonished if I saw anyone with a similar sized port across a number of sites where IS isn't #1 or #2. Sure, they could be a low numbers if someone only has a fraction of their port there but would have to be a tiny fraction to be lower than #5. This has to do with buyer volumes not quality or we wouldn't see certain folks dropping the crown and not being able to get substantial numbers of images on to SS.

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Author Topic: Crap doesn't sell at IS (Read 13534 times)

Poncke

wut

sharpshot

wut

sharpshot

Eireann

cathyslife

noodle

JPSDK

malamus

wut

ShadySue

Reef

Wim

malamus

wut

Wim

wut

qwerty

wut

ShadySue

wut

luissantos84

wut

heywoody

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