OK, to answer several questions about "why would I refer buyers to iStock", that is a fair question.  Even if you are unhappy with them. If you are exclusive with iStock, and you have your own website with your photos, then someone looking at a photo on your site can be linked through to the detail page of the same picture on iStock, where they can make a purchase. I know iStock should be finding the customers. I know their  best match should not hide your work.   I know their search should be effective. Failing that, if I go out and find somebody, they find a shot they like on my website, I send them to iStock, then I should get a referral bonus for that sale.  That is my only interest in referrals.  I would not place a "LOOK AT ISTOCK" on my site.  It is MY site. I am not interested in advertising iStock.     

If somone found a photo on my website, why would I consider giving iStock one penny of commission?

Because you're exclusive and have no option to sell RF outside of Istock?

But we can sell RM.
(I don't use my website to sell, it's purely personal ATM at least; but if people ask I sell RM.)

Q: "If somone found a photo on my website, why would I consider giving iStock one penny of commission?"

A: I have one set of photos, all RF. I am exclusive with iStock. My website shows these photos. I cannot sell them directly but can refer the viewer to iStock to fulfill the sale. But iStock should receive less share for fulfillment rather than their usual transaction.

Quote from: lisafx on October 12, 2011, 08:44

Because you're exclusive and have no option to sell RF outside of Istock?

But we can sell RM.
(I don't use my website to sell, it's purely personal ATM at least; but if people ask I sell RM.)

That raises a curious question of semantics, because iStock is actually an RM site, since it limits the usage of the images sold under the normal license (that's why there are EL licenses, on a true RF site it would be impossible to have ELs). So where is the line drawn between RF and RM? In theory, an iStock exclusive could also sell on SS, because the terms of an SS sale are "managed" to some extent.

The whole "iS sells RF, exclusives can sell RM" concept is based on a very vague and inexact use of terminology which might by hard to enforce in law.

I'm sure Sean Locke will understand that, even if not many others do.

Here's the relevant info from the email. I just left out the part where they talk about generously doubling the pay from $10 to $20.


What to Expect
On or around October 24, we are planning to release the next (and best) phase of our newly revamped Referral Program. It will include:
A brand new underlying technology that is one of the best in the industry at referral tracking
Detailed reporting through a new referral dashboard with more granular stats that allow you to track the performance of your referral marketing
More ways to refer and earn, including new bonuses without minimum purchase requirements, stylish referral emails and something no one in the business does � bonuses for referrals who come in through social sharing

How this Affects Your Referral Links
Because we are utilizing an entirely new technology to power our referral program, you will be required to update all of your referral links. On or around October 24, we will be launching this program, so on that day, you will want to log in, accept the new terms for the program, and generate new referral links to ensure you don�t miss out on the opportunity to make money with iStock.


What About Referrals Made Between Now and Then?
Don�t worry, all successful referrals you make between now and the next release will continue to generate your bonus payout. So keep your eye on the site for iStock�s new Referral Program coming the week of October 24. In the meantime, happy referring!

somebody wake me when they give details.  this little game they play with just snippets of info to get people shouting "f5! f5!" in the forums is getting really old. 

Somebody wake me when they give me 30%+ commissions for non-exclusive images. Until then they can squat. Even if we got them some customers they'd only screw them around.

Quote from: jamirae on October 12, 2011, 09:15

somebody wake me when they give details.  this little game they play with just snippets of info to get people shouting "f5! f5!" in the forums is getting really old. 

alt F4  is the new F5 at Istock

hahaha!  I think you got that right.