MicrostockGroup
Agency Based Discussion => iStockPhoto.com => Topic started by: Mr. Stock on September 11, 2010, 18:37
-
Lots of rants, lots of "we need to" and "we should" but there doesn't seem to be a consensus or a plan. A "D" day that we all agree to, and sign a petition that we submit to IS threatening to, disable or delete our ports if IS doesn't rescind this commission cut. I feel like it's not just IS but the whole micro industry is watching. If we do nothing the other micros will eventually follow suit. We need to draw a line in the sand here and now or there will be no end to the cuts in commissions in the future.
-
Mr. Stock eheh I have created a petition yesterday I guess, 11 signatures :P
http://www.petitiononline.com/istock11/petition.html (http://www.petitiononline.com/istock11/petition.html)
I guess if it was created by Yuri, Andres, Monkeybusiness it would have 111 at minimium!
-
Mr. Stock eheh I have created a petition yesterday I guess, 11 signatures :P
[url]http://www.petitiononline.com/istock11/petition.html[/url] ([url]http://www.petitiononline.com/istock11/petition.html[/url])
I guess if it was created by Yuri, Andres, Monkeybusiness it would have 111 at minimium!
Hey I saw that but honestly, it doesn't really say anything or threaten to do anything, it has no teeth. We need an ultimatum. We certainly should wait a while and see if all the complaining does any good but eventually if it doesn't, we need to be willing to take action or we'll just get walked on the next time around as well.
-
I also think if we accept things as they are, we are doomed. All big agencies will do the same.
-
Mr. Stock eheh I have created a petition yesterday I guess, 11 signatures :P
[url]http://www.petitiononline.com/istock11/petition.html[/url] ([url]http://www.petitiononline.com/istock11/petition.html[/url])
I guess if it was created by Yuri, Andres, Monkeybusiness it would have 111 at minimium!
Hey I saw that but honestly, it doesn't really say anything or threaten to do anything, it has no teeth. We need an ultimatum. We certainly should wait a while and see if all the complaining does any good but eventually if it doesn't, we need to be willing to take action or we'll just get walked on the next time around as well.
do it, I will support it :)
-
I also think if we accept things as they are, we are doomed. All big agencies will do the same.
you are 100% right! but the truth is that in a few days, weeks things will be "forgotten" and everyone will start again the upload.. the real problem is the other agencies looking on what contributors are doing.. raises will never happen in microstock!.. or when we get there they will take it from us..
I really hope that other agencies don't follow IS policy
-
Most already have done something similar to what Istock just pulled off at a smaller scale perhaps, but it´s the future i guess if Istock can get away with it every agency can.
-
I'm still in shock.
I can't believe it's happening.
I'm in.
Let's organize ourselves. We need a leader, we need a group, we need clear instructions.
I'll do everything I possibly can to help.
If we accept IStock's 15% now we create a precedent.
I'm not even sure their changes are legal (lock-in canister agreement), we need professional advice.
Is there nothing we can do to stop this from happening?
-
Blammo,
I don't want to hear that. Other agencies, in the past ... water under the bridge.
I don't want to hear about that anymore.
This is about now.
This is about 15% commission.
If we do nothing but moan, we deserve to be treated this way. It's our fault.
-
I'm in.
Let's organize ourselves. We need a leader, we need a group, we need clear instructions.
I'll do everything I possibly can to help.
If we accept IStock's 15% now we create a precedent.
A leader is exactly what we need. Honestly I'm not the leader type (not a follower either more like a lone wolf but that's between me and my therapist) and i'm one of those micro stockers who always kind of rolled with the punches, never paid too much attention to what the micros did, but i think IS has gone too far this time and as stated it sets a precedent for the other agencies and for the future for more cuts from istock. I think a D day is a good idea and a very well written petition with our demands and a set D day is in order. This needs to be established on its own web page, blog, with a unique URL so the site and petition can be easily forwarded to contributers, art buyers and admins at istock. All who agree can sign it and commit to the d day. I think this would be powerful, especially if all signatures were also links to the contributors portfolios at IS and of course we had hundreds if not thousands of signatures. This is an opportunity that we shouldn't let pass us by, to show these companies that this is a two way street and that they are nothing without us artists. The tipping point has been reached.
IS wants to start this at the first of the year, perhaps Jan 1st of 2011 should be the D day if iStock doesn't back down. that gives us plenty of time to get the web site / blog up, email other contributers, buyers, and get plenty of signatures. What do you think? Suggestions?
-
I agree. I've had enough.
15 % commission is an insult, (to us and to the other sites). And so is their 1.400.000 credits target.
But enough about that already.
Let's move.
First thing first.
We need to keep this thread alive and focused.
There are too many idle threads already, it's confusing.
Louis, please bump this thread from time to time.
We need to contact other contributors. Send them here. For now, this thread - meeting place.
We need to know who is willing to participate.
We need ideas.
We need a leader.
We need organization.
I'm in, just tell me what to do and when to do it.
We may well fail. But at least we TRIED.
-
No one will lead because most (not all) will tuck the tail and give in like they always have. Words are one thing, actions are another.
You can easily search the threads of the previous issues and find the near future outcome here. One or two standing by what they say will not do anything.
iStock started paying a nickle a download, soon we will be back there again.
-
No one will lead because most (not all) will tuck the tail and give in like they always have. Words are one thing, actions are another.
You can easily search the threads of the previous issues and find the near future outcome here. One or two standing by what they say will not do anything.
iStock started paying a nickle a download, soon we will be back there again.
Yeah but they weren't charging $30 and paying out a nickle
-
True. But if you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.
-
True. But if you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.
FYI - On your website, it looks like you are still recommending IStock
-
Thanks, I missed that one. While I was searching my sites, I found a few links I needed to delete. I still had one on Microstock Photography Topsites (http://microstockphotography.topsiteworld.com/) also that I had forgotten about. That site surprisingly gets a lot of traffic and good page-rank for a single page site.
I thought I had all their links gone a while back when I was dropping all the FT links.
Thanks.
-
Have someone contacted SAA? They should have enough leadership incentive because they are the ones who fight against similar things in the industry...
-
we need to be willing to take action or we'll just get walked on the next time around as well.
Whilst the idea of making a stand against perceived injustice is great, there is now way on earth such an idea will have any effect here. Even in the IS forums there's a "We the undersigned" petition stating a lack of confidence in IS management, it's been running for some days now and with all the furore you'd think it would be hundreds of pages long, it's got 300 signatories. I'm not sure how many IS contributors there are, 75,000? 300 signing shows how little enthusiasm there is for any sort of action. I'm not going to do anything either, my income will be affected but it's my main source of income now so I'm not going to endanger that. I came to stock because my previous freelance income was being damaged by constant downward pressure on fees, over a period of years-sound familiar? Fees in publishing and design are probably less than they were 10 years ago and anyone who works in any industry will say the same, I still earn more than I can freelancing, a drop in income will push me into working harder and even if I dropped out or went on strike or whatever idea you may have to protest you can bet the vast majority won't support you. I was reading a report from a major economist yesterday basically saying the world economy is f---ed and it aint going to get any better, we're all clinging to the wreckage, trying to do the best for our families, and promoting strikes or upload slowdowns or attempting to turn away buyers isn't going to make one iota of difference until the whole dirty mess hits the fan finally some point in the near future.
-
we need to be willing to take action or we'll just get walked on the next time around as well.
Whilst the idea of making a stand against perceived injustice is great, there is now way on earth such an idea will have any effect here. Even in the IS forums there's a "We the undersigned" petition stating a lack of confidence in IS management, it's been running for some days now and with all the furore you'd think it would be hundreds of pages long, it's got 300 signatories. I'm not sure how many IS contributors there are, 75,000? 300 signing shows how little enthusiasm there is for any sort of action. I'm not going to do anything either, my income will be affected but it's my main source of income now so I'm not going to endanger that. I came to stock because my previous freelance income was being damaged by constant downward pressure on fees, over a period of years-sound familiar? Fees in publishing and design are probably less than they were 10 years ago and anyone who works in any industry will say the same, I still earn more than I can freelancing, a drop in income will push me into working harder and even if I dropped out or went on strike or whatever idea you may have to protest you can bet the vast majority won't support you. I was reading a report from a major economist yesterday basically saying the world economy is f---ed and it aint going to get any better, we're all clinging to the wreckage, trying to do the best for our families, and promoting strikes or upload slowdowns or attempting to turn away buyers isn't going to make one iota of difference until the whole dirty mess hits the fan finally some point in the near future.
LOL! You think they will stop on this? You are wrong!
-
LOL! You think they will stop on this? You are wrong!
You may be right, but currently any drop in my income is within the bounds of acceptable. I feel I can make it up with a bit of effort. The alternative would be what though?
If you can suggest something I can do that will have minimal effect on my income I'm all ears. If you're going to suggest giving up exclusivity and uploading to multiple sites, don't bother. I know 2 people who have done this and they're both back as exclusives, poorer but wiser. I'm still earning within the top 10% of incomes in my European country, even with a 10% drop I'm still there and I feel I can make up an income drop by working harder and being more focussed. What suggestion can you offer?
-
Well if you are an Indie and do nothing you will loose even more because if the other micro's see IS get away with this they will be tempted to follow suit so your entire earnings could drop not just at Istockphoto and if you are an Exclusive there it would appear that the general opinion is that the majority loose or at best have to work harder to stand still! so your choice!
I very much doubt the response to all of this will just be sit back accept and do nothing on this occasion. Think Istock have gone to far this time! I will most certainly not be giving them my support or Imagery in the future if my forecast for my future earnings based on the reduced % are correct!
-
LOL! You think they will stop on this? You are wrong!
I know 2 people who have done this and they're both back as exclusives, poorer but wiser.
They either did not pick the correct Agencies or did not try hard enough ;)
-
or did not try hard enough
Trying hard is not easy if you're used to a certain level of income and that plummets when you give up exclusivity.
No offence meant but a lot of people posting this sort of comment ( not all, but quite a few) are not big earners with a lot to lose. If you're only selling a few hundred images a year the reality of moving to a non-exclusive deal is very different to being a big seller at IS. An initial drop in income of , lets say 50% to randomly pluck a figure out of the air if you abandon exclusivity at IS, is manageable if you're earning $200 a month and have a full time job and this is pocket money, if you're earning $2000 a week and paying a mortgage and supporting a family, that's a whole different ball game.
-
sorry double post
-
or did not try hard enough
Trying hard is not easy if you're used to a certain level of income and that plummets when you give up exclusivity.
No offence meant but a lot of people posting this sort of comment ( not all, but quite a few) are not big earners with a lot to lose. If you're only selling a few hundred images a year the reality of moving to a non-exclusive deal is very different to being a big seller at IS. An initial drop in income of , lets say 50% to randomly pluck a figure out of the air if you abandon exclusivity at IS, is manageable if you're earning $200 a month and have a full time job and this is pocket money, if you're earning $2000 a week and paying a mortgage and supporting a family, that's a whole different ball game.
Yes hear and sympathies with your points and lets not miss out the important "with the right choices" in your quote however there is going to be a reduction in income to all but the very few at IS anyway, so that surly has to be taken into the equation
I'm not saying it is right for everyone or easy, it is down to the individual to crunch numbers in the knowledge that the Independent route will take time and perseverance ( and yes initial drop in income ) till Portfolios are established. Appreciate it is a mammoth step but what I am saying is that with the reduced slice of the cake at IS with the right choices and determination being independent can work rather well! why do you think many do it? and not just for pocket money ;)
Lets not forget that the big earners are not just all Exclusive Contributers
-
The only way to get out of the hands of these companies is to start our own site. Its not impossible...
-
There are alot of other agencies to work with. To begin with Alamy. I make very good $$$$ on there and they give you 60% on each sale. Yes 60%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not some slave wage at 15%. And for big fees. Good people at Alamy. Can't fault them. However classic micro style wont sell too well on there. You got to submit editorial style.
The other big thing people can do which no one as suggested is group together and create an agency at Photoshelter. All the software/platform is right there, you set your own price. The only thing you have to do is market your work. The good thing is you keep 90% of sales. It could work in a big way. :)
-
Are there any lawyers in the group? Might there be a possibility of a "Class Action Lawsuit"? I say that because, although the iStock contract gives them control, officers (Kelly) of the company have posted promises in the forums that were misleading and outright lies. This could be a legal cause of action. You can't make promises and statements knowing you can't keep them and cause people financial harm.
Lawyers ?
-
I don't see where actions call for having a leader or an organization. You all are individual contributors...if you are serious about not supporting IS anymore, it's pretty simple: don't support them anymore. Don't upload pics there anymore, don't go exclusive, cancel your exclusivity, remove any links to the site, remove your portfolio and tell any friends or clients not to buy there. Do it as quickly as you can. Done. Why do you need a leader to take that action?
-
First we need to form an alliance. Call it the MSCA, Micro stock contributers alliance. I'ts not just about IS, other agencies have done similar stuff. Right now it's IS, tomorrow Fotolio, the next day who knows. There are levels of action, and these could be different for different people. Independents can set a D date and stick to it, others can sign the petition threatening to cancel exclusivity, a third tier can be just to stop uploading new images, so exclusives don't have to threaten to disable their portfolios. I really feel we need to draw a line in the sand. Getty has been doing this to photographers before micro stock came around, and yet most people stuck with Getty because in spite of the low % photographers still earned more than they did with other agencies because Getty generated the most business. But Getty has always lost money, my understanding is they have never been in the black. I forget the details but a few years ago Getty wanted to offer images at a really low price for web use, I believe, and the Stock artists alliance stood up to Getty and Getty acquiesced. Enough of us stand together and we can affect change, I believe it.
-
We need a leader because it motivates people.
It's guidance and a sense of belonging. To a group, to something bigger, stronger.
We follow precise steps and we act together, united.
On day X we sign a petition and post it on a web site.
On day Y we stop uploading.
On day Z we start deleting images. One at a time.
We contact legal help.
We list creative houses in Canada - we draft an email and send it to them.
We can do all of the above, and more, independently of course. But the impact is not the same, it's half-baked.
Unfortunately you're probably right. This is a lost battle.
Getty is bringing in their own professional photographers. What goes round, comes round. They're going to pay them 20% (proabably).
No independent will ever reach the target.
IStock is becoming something else, not a micro site anymore, but something else.
And there's nothing we can do about it. We can all leave, Getty doesn't care.
I don't even think they want us there anymore (except for the top few, of course).
We, the 'regulars', are forcing our way in and it doesn't feel right.
They don't need us, why push it?
There will be new, exciting opportunities for some. Most will feel left aside.
And since IStock is not a micro-agency anymore, maybe 15% is less of an insult?
Who knows, we'll have to wait and see.
They're changing alright.
-
Somewhat unrelated but partially motivated by these events, how do you selectively remove photos from IS? I am going to winnow down my files that have not made sales and free them up for other options if they present themselves. Thanks.
-
I agree with cclapper, although I also agree with some past proposal of doing a coordinated move on a specific day.
I was also thinking of a different kind of protest, like uploading protest images: images related with betrayal and insult (a stabbed heart, a slap on the face), etc.
-
Somewhat unrelated but partially motivated by these events, how do you selectively remove photos from IS? I am going to winnow down my files that have not made sales and free them up for other options if they present themselves. Thanks.
Bring up your portfolio display. Click on one of the image thumbnails. Toward the bottom of the page, click on Administration. Type something in the text box (I use 'To quote Popeye, "I've had all I can stands and I can't stands no more!"') and click the Deactivate File button. Repeat.
I'm deactivating five images a day, starting with the Dollar Bin. It'll take a while, but on the off chance something happens to change my mind, I won't have done too much damage to my port yet.
-
On day X we sign a petition and post it on a web site.
On day Y we stop uploading.
On day Z we start deleting images. One at a time.
We contact legal help.
We list creative houses in Canada - we draft an email and send it to them.
We can do all of the above, and more, independently of course. But the impact is not the same, it's half-baked.
Getty is bringing in their own professional photographers. What goes round, comes round. They're going to pay them 20% (proabably).
This is a good idea, have dates that we take certain actions. Getty's photographers, I'm technically a Getty photographer, I have images selling on Getty through the photographers choice collection and Flickr, and yea were getting 20%.
Lets all list demands here, decide together specifically what we want from iStock. The first obviously is, at the very least, not to take a drop in compensation. No outrageous goals that very few can meet in order to preserve our percentage. IS could halt the percentage increases and keep our percentages where they are and still save money. That way we dont lose income and they still gain because, as they stated, "... licensing will continue to grow overall ..."
Anybody else?
-
Somewhat unrelated but partially motivated by these events, how do you selectively remove photos from IS? I am going to winnow down my files that have not made sales and free them up for other options if they present themselves. Thanks.
Bring up your portfolio display. Click on one of the image thumbnails. Toward the bottom of the page, click on Administration. Type something in the text box (I use 'To quote Popeye, "I've had all I can stands and I can't stands no more!"') and click the Deactivate File button. Repeat.
I'm deactivating five images a day, starting with the Dollar Bin. It'll take a while, but on the off chance something happens to change my mind, I won't have done too much damage to my port yet.
Thanks for the instructions.
-
or did not try hard enough
Trying hard is not easy if you're used to a certain level of income and that plummets when you give up exclusivity.
No offence meant but a lot of people posting this sort of comment ( not all, but quite a few) are not big earners with a lot to lose. If you're only selling a few hundred images a year the reality of moving to a non-exclusive deal is very different to being a big seller at IS. An initial drop in income of , lets say 50% to randomly pluck a figure out of the air if you abandon exclusivity at IS, is manageable if you're earning $200 a month and have a full time job and this is pocket money, if you're earning $2000 a week and paying a mortgage and supporting a family, that's a whole different ball game.
I definitely understand that. It's a lot of money to lose for many people. That's why I'm not rushing to abandon ship, but I do wonder if the decision will be made for some. If enough of those small fries with nothing to lose leave, you start to take the crowd out of crowd sourcing. As an independent, I don't have to worry much about a dip in iStock. Someone will find my images elsewhere. If I was exclusive though, I would definitely be planning an emergency escape plan. You never know when you may have to use it. Being prepared for a disaster is a much better plan than saying it will never happen.
-
If I was exclusive though, I would definitely be planning an emergency escape plan. You never know when you may have to use it. Being prepared for a disaster is a much better plan than saying it will never happen.
Very good advice.
I can't remember if it is Alias or Sentinel, but one of them has been advocating for a couple of years that IS exclusives also save a copy of their images keyworded in the exif for other sites, and to get generic releases on all shoots, just as a precaution in case it's needed.
Seems like that would be extremely good advice, even for folks that are not currently planning to leave exclusivity. For any exclusives that listened to that advice they are in a much better position than ones that have just keyworded and gotten releases for IS all these years.
Although I do think the other sites might make an exception for IS releases right now, as a gesture to IS exclusives who want to try out other options.
This latest move proves that a good exclusive deal can be changed overnight, at Getty's discretion, with no recourse for the contributor.
-
There are alot of other agencies to work with. To begin with Alamy. I make very good $$$$ on there and they give you 60% on each sale. Yes 60%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not some slave wage at 15%. And for big fees. Good people at Alamy. Can't fault them. However classic micro style wont sell too well on there. You got to submit editorial style.
Can I just correct this: yes, you get 60% if you sell directly through Alamy. However, if sales are made via their distributers, the distributer fee comes off your 60%. And while fees can be big, a lot of editorial sales are to education and newspapers, who get bi-i-i-i-g discounts off the published prices, so fees can be lower than an EL at iStock would be for the same use.
That said, I've been building my port at Alamy at the expense of my iStock port for some months now.
You can't expect big money quickly (but you could get lucky!): even after you get sales it takes weeks or months for the cash to come in to Alamy so that you can get your hands on it.
So for the moment, I'll continue with the plan of supplying Alamy (editorial) primarily, and keeping a watching brief on my port at iStock and looking at alternatives as time goes on.
-
What is the minimum that iStock needs to do, or not do, in order to make everyone content?
Initially for me just keep our income where it is, no unrealistic goals just to maintain our percentage. I could live with my iStock percentage remaining where it is right now, indefinitely, with no possibility of increasing, as long as there is no possibility it will decrease.
-
I'm freezing my uploads to IS, I don't yet know if it's temporary or permanent. I can not remove my portfolio because I have invested a huge amount of time uploading and keywording and my IS income is also very important.
But I'm trying to speak up everywhere against IS/Getty to get the customers to at least think about what is fair and what is not fair (And hopefully they start purchasing their images elsewhere)
-
What is the minimum that iStock needs to do, or not do, in order to make everyone content?
I seriously doubt there is anything IS could do to ever make me trust them again.
But a good start to mollify me would be grandfathering everyone into the levels they have achieved, both exclusive and non. And nobody should be making less than 20%.
-
I agree with cclapper, although I also agree with some past proposal of doing a coordinated move on a specific day.
I was also thinking of a different kind of protest, like uploading protest images: images related with betrayal and insult (a stabbed heart, a slap on the face), etc.
As it happens, the subject for the PTOW is... Protest!
So add your pimp... see http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=254142&page=1 (http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=254142&page=1)
-
Any trust I might have in iStock is gone, rather as it is with Fotolia. But I'd continue the business relationship under the old terms: 20% as an independent. No lower; if they can't run a business on 80% (or think they need to screw with me to make exclusives feel better), I'll walk away.
-
What is the minimum that iStock needs to do, or not do, in order to make everyone content?
Promise not to lower it any more. Like really, really promise; pinky swear. ::)
-
What is the minimum that iStock needs to do, or not do, in order to make everyone content?
I think iStock has made real damage to itself, it needs years of time to redeem itself.
But I would be happy to see following:
* All non-exclusives get 20%, just like earlier
* The new idea of giving exclusives royalties according to recent performance isn't such a bad idea (the implementation is really bad.
They could:
1) set the rates so that they would penaliza only a handful of contributors, not the majority.
2) guarantee that a certain percentage
of exclusive contributors would ALWAYS fall in each category, for example:
5% of exclusives would get 45%
15% of exclusives would get 40%
20% of exclusives would get 35%
25% of exclusives would get 30%
35% of exclusives would get 25%
(there could be a level for each 1%)
THIS WOULD BE A PREDICTABLE, FAIR, TRANSPARENT AND SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM
*They would also need to fire some people.
-
What is the minimum that iStock needs to do, or not do, in order to make everyone content?
Honour their promise to keep us 'grandfathered in' to the next level would do it for me.
But I'd also like them to treat others more fairly, including independents (no rate cut for them); keeping Vetta etc at the agreed percentage.
Don't even think about bringing in 'Agency' files.
But I'm whistling down the wind.
“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you” Nietzsche
-
I can't remember if it is Alias or Sentinel, but one of them has been advocating for a couple of years that IS exclusives also save a copy of their images keyworded in the exif for other sites, and to get generic releases on all shoots, just as a precaution in case it's needed.
We are all independents whether monogamous, polygamous or célibataire.
-
So what are we all going to do?
Nothing.
And iStock knows it.
I wish I believed that there was going to be some uproar, some mass exodus to a site that pays 50% or more, and a buyer revolt and similar exodus to that same site so we could all happily earn 50%+ per sale instead of the 15-20% non-exclusives will be getting. But I have my doubts that any part of that scenario would ever be possible.
Ever the optimist, I'm trying to support and promote sites that I believe to be operating in a more ethical way, and at the same time steering anyone I talk to about stock (buyers and sellers both) away from iStock. Will it have any effect? Who knows. But short of just completely deleting my iStock portfolio, this at least feels like some sort of effort. In the meantime, I'll keep on cashing out my weekly earnings and feeling a bit like a sell-out in doing so. But until December 31st, at least I know I'm still selling images at iStock under the same crappy 20% arrangement that I've always been under. I just wonder how I'll feel about it when it drops to 17% on January 1st, and if I'll still be able to stomach the idea of working with iStock for such a disgustingly low percentage. Guess we'll see then.
-
There are alot of other agencies to work with. To begin with Alamy. I make very good $$$$ on there and they give you 60% on each sale. Yes 60%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not some slave wage at 15%. And for big fees. Good people at Alamy. Can't fault them. However classic micro style wont sell too well on there. You got to submit editorial style.
Can I just correct this: yes, you get 60% if you sell directly through Alamy. However, if sales are made via their distributers, the distributer fee comes off your 60%. And while fees can be big, a lot of editorial sales are to education and newspapers, who get bi-i-i-i-g discounts off the published prices, so fees can be lower than an EL at iStock would be for the same use.
That said, I've been building my port at Alamy at the expense of my iStock port for some months now.
You can't expect big money quickly (but you could get lucky!): even after you get sales it takes weeks or months for the cash to come in to Alamy so that you can get your hands on it.
So for the moment, I'll continue with the plan of supplying Alamy (editorial) primarily, and keeping a watching brief on my port at iStock and looking at alternatives as time goes on.
Sales directly through Alamy are the majority by a wide margin, you can option out for sales via distribution, sales via a distributor are split like this 40% for the distributor, 20% for Alamy and 40% for you still pretty fair IMHO, Novel Use sales are 50/50 split you can option out for this too.
-
So what are we all going to do?
Nothing.
And iStock knows it.
I wish I believed that there was going to be some uproar, some mass exodus to a site that pays 50% or more, and a buyer revolt and similar exodus to that same site so we could all happily earn 50%+ per sale instead of the 15-20% non-exclusives will be getting. But I have my doubts that any part of that scenario would ever be possible.
Ever the optimist, I'm trying to support and promote sites that I believe to be operating in a more ethical way, and at the same time steering anyone I talk to about stock (buyers and sellers both) away from iStock. Will it have any effect? Who knows. But short of just completely deleting my iStock portfolio, this at least feels like some sort of effort. In the meantime, I'll keep on cashing out my weekly earnings and feeling a bit like a sell-out in doing so. But until December 31st, at least I know I'm still selling images at iStock under the same crappy 20% arrangement that I've always been under. I just wonder how I'll feel about it when it drops to 17% on January 1st, and if I'll still be able to stomach the idea of working with iStock for such a disgustingly low percentage. Guess we'll see then.
If everyone does what you've been doing, letting our clients and blog readers know what's going on and what the alternatives are, I'm sure of over the long/ medium term there will be a big impact on buyer behaviour.
-
LOL! You think they will stop on this? You are wrong!
You may be right, but currently any drop in my income is within the bounds of acceptable. I feel I can make it up with a bit of effort. The alternative would be what though?
If you can suggest something I can do that will have minimal effect on my income I'm all ears. If you're going to suggest giving up exclusivity and uploading to multiple sites, don't bother. I know 2 people who have done this and they're both back as exclusives, poorer but wiser. I'm still earning within the top 10% of incomes in my European country, even with a 10% drop I'm still there and I feel I can make up an income drop by working harder and being more focussed. What suggestion can you offer?
While you ask I will tell you: Have you projected all possibilities?
First is that Getty and exclusivity is something what is must. Other connected with first is that they don't pay more than 20%. So, you will need to project your future earnings at about 20% and see if your income will satisfy you.
Current state and developments are only transitional to that 20% which all Getty authors will have in royalties.
There is what is unsustainable for Getty: All commissions higher than 20%
So, next year you will get what they promised, but after a while they will tweak that you get less in percentage again and over and over again until they hit their sustainable percentage for author royalties!
It is called PHASING-OUT and at the end you will see that you can't get more than 20% as exclusive. Next step probably will be that you pay to upload your images!
It won't happen very fast, but it will happen.
While that is happening you and others who stays with iS and Getty are giving clear signals to other agencies that you are willing to accept less than 20%
Do you think I am not right? See you in few years from now...
-
Just to clear that what I previously said:
It is pure interest and my selfishness what drives me to talk to you here.
I have plans to live from doing this and any cut of authors royalties I feel like cut to my personal earnings.
It is not anything against your logic and current position! It is about future where there is action we ALL must do now or will face consequences in the future.
Idea with attracting buyers to FAIR-TRADE sites seems like our best weapon we can use until someone come up with better one.
-
There is what is unsustainable for Getty: All commissions higher than 20%
More accurate to say "unacceptable" than "unsustainable". IStock showed that payouts much greater than 20% were sustainable, while Getty has shown that with enough mismanagement you can cause a company to fail with 20%.
Getty are just too arrogant to see that maybe IStock had it right and they have it wrong, even though that's the very reason they bought the company.
Otherwise, yep spot on, they will cut exclusives down to 20% while independents will either have to go elsewhere or accept much, much less.
-
There are alot of other agencies to work with. To begin with Alamy. I make very good $$$$ on there and they give you 60% on each sale. Yes 60%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not some slave wage at 15%. And for big fees. Good people at Alamy. Can't fault them. However classic micro style wont sell too well on there. You got to submit editorial style.
Can I just correct this: yes, you get 60% if you sell directly through Alamy. However, if sales are made via their distributers, the distributer fee comes off your 60%. And while fees can be big, a lot of editorial sales are to education and newspapers, who get bi-i-i-i-g discounts off the published prices, so fees can be lower than an EL at iStock would be for the same use.
That said, I've been building my port at Alamy at the expense of my iStock port for some months now.
You can't expect big money quickly (but you could get lucky!): even after you get sales it takes weeks or months for the cash to come in to Alamy so that you can get your hands on it.
So for the moment, I'll continue with the plan of supplying Alamy (editorial) primarily, and keeping a watching brief on my port at iStock and looking at alternatives as time goes on.
Sales directly through Alamy are the majority by a wide margin, you can option out for sales via distribution, sales via a distributor are split like this 40% for the distributor, 20% for Alamy and 40% for you still pretty fair IMHO, Novel Use sales are 50/50 split you can option out for this too.
My sales there are still small so statistically insignificant, but over half of them so far are distributor sales, I'm out of 'novel use' (because it was so vague in definition, iStock exclusives aren't supposed to opt in to it). Because of distributor sales and educational discounts, three of my few sales netted me less than the appropriate EL at iStock would have got.
As I said, I'm building my portfolio up at Alamy; in it for the long game.
But now I don't even think 'eggs in two baskets' is all that smart.
-
There is what is unsustainable for Getty: All commissions higher than 20%
More accurate to say "unacceptable" than "unsustainable". IStock showed that payouts much greater than 20% were sustainable, while Getty has shown that with enough mismanagement you can cause a company to fail with 20%.
Getty are just too arrogant to see that maybe IStock had it right and they have it wrong, even though that's the very reason they bought the company.
Otherwise, yep spot on, they will cut exclusives down to 20% while independents will either have to go elsewhere or accept much, much less.
It is a money in matter!
They are greedy and they will do all it takes to get our 20% from sales!
They don't care even if there aren't any buyers at istock due to that they can make as many new sites as they want.
Problem is to break the will of authors to comply to 20%
If authors will accept it (and it looks that they will) then we will remember this current time and years where we had great income from selling stock!
-
We can talk but reaction have to be on individual level... If 85% was too big part for their "Agency brokerage" to me, I ll' search for alternatives...
So, if someone is satisfied that his/her hard work and effort feed someone with lobsters and caviar, then ok, he/she will get crumbs from their table and continue to live on prayers...
For me reaction will be a process, not a cut in a single day...
-
Just to clear that what I previously said:
It is pure interest and my selfishness what drives me to talk to you here.
I have plans to live from doing this and any cut of authors royalties I feel like cut to my personal earnings.
It is not anything against your logic and current position! It is about future where there is action we ALL must do now or will face consequences in the future.
Idea with attracting buyers to FAIR-TRADE sites seems like our best weapon we can use until someone come up with better one.
What are the fair trade sites?
-
Stockfresh Alamy Graphicleftovers
-
Stockfresh Alamy Graphicleftovers
Zoonar Yaymicro Featurepics
none of all these is a big seller unfortunately.
-
How about being his own boss with a PhotoDeck (http://www.photodeck.com) website, and start working on getting clients via Photographers Direct, mailing lists, etc... ?
-
For me reaction will be a process, not a cut in a single day...
I think that's a good way to look at it. Reactions shouldn't be single events. It's more of an approach over time to change the way we do business and think about who we work with and what our involvement in those companies will be. Along with thinking about which companies we really support, which ones we'll recommend to buyers, and which ones really deserve to be the most recommended.
-
I'm seriously considering taking the bull by the horns here. We need the micro stock equivalent of the SAA. Look at the SAA's mission statement, http://www.stockartistsalliance.org/info/about/mission (http://www.stockartistsalliance.org/info/about/mission) This wouldn't be an organization with dues, just a loosely formed association where contributors can align themselves and agree to certain actions in order to keep these companies in check. We need a site where contributors can post a link to their portfolio at iStock and sign a petition / agreement to actions against the company in order to force their hand. I like the idea of increased actions over a period of time. I'm looking into a url now, we'll see.
-
Put me on your list to contact if you get one going. I have felt we needed something like SAA (or to persuade SAA to start a Micro division) for a long time. I would even pay dues to help support the agency and the people willing to run it. :)
-
I'm seriously considering taking the bull by the horns here. We need the micro stock equivalent of the SAA. Look at the SAA's mission statement, [url]http://www.stockartistsalliance.org/info/about/mission[/url] ([url]http://www.stockartistsalliance.org/info/about/mission[/url]) This wouldn't be an organization with dues, just a loosely formed association where contributors can align themselves and agree to certain actions in order to keep these companies in check. We need a site where contributors can post a link to their portfolio at iStock and sign a petition / agreement to actions against the company in order to force their hand. I like the idea of increased actions over a period of time. I'm looking into a url now, we'll see.
Put me on the list as well... Would be willing to donate $50-$100 for a start (no, I'm not rich :))
-
Me too!
Write my name down please, I want to help.
-
What to do? I for one am not affected by this change. I'm not on istock, but this guaranteed I will not be submitting. I do, however, have lots of designer friends all over the country from my years in design. I am emailing and/or calling everyone of them to let them know the situation. The ones I have talked to have agreed to stop purchasing from iStock and go elsewhere. They have also agreed to have a meeting with the staff (as is the case with 2 management friends at large companies) to explain to them. The others that are independent, will be calling and forwarding my email to their designer friends and collegues. This wouldn't work if there wasn't so many agencies to chose from.
Remember that saying, a good thing happens and you might tell one person, a bad thing happens and you will tell 10? I have definitely filled my quota of 10 and am still going.
I may be a teeny tiny fish, but this minnow has lots of friends in the business of buying.
-
Well done Blufish! BTW, if any of the buyers are okay with you posting their reactions (anonymously or not), feel free to add them to the Buyers Bail thread :)
-
All we have to do is stop uploading. all of us. Just for a week perhaps, like a strike! continue downloading, fine. It will stop Gettys business in its tracks. yet not adversely affect us or take any effort.
We Just need to pick a date and inform everyone. How? Anyone?
-
BlueFish,
thank you for doing your best to help us, and the industry :)
I've already sent emails, called my friends, everyone I know, printers and designers.
That's done. I'll be sure to do it again in a week or so.
I'm working on a list of all creative agencies in Ireland.
Can someone draft a well-thought, standard email for us to send / post on web sites? Can I have a look pleaese? (PM).
-
I think this article by Helix synopsizes things pretty well. You could link to that:
http://www.emberstudio.com/blog/?p=193 (http://www.emberstudio.com/blog/?p=193)
-
All we have to do is stop uploading. all of us. Just for a week perhaps, like a strike! continue downloading, fine. It will stop Gettys business in its tracks. yet not adversely affect us or take any effort.
We Just need to pick a date and inform everyone. How? Anyone?
stopping uploads will only reduce the size of the queue, I don't think it will really do much. If exclusives became independent then it would start making a dent in their pocket - money may not matter to us artists (as Kelly, iStock COO wrote), but it sure as hell matters to them. You don't even need to remove your portfolio, just dropping exclusiveness will drop the prices of your files and will result in less money for iStock. yes, they take a higher percentage, but it's a higher precentage of less money and thus, less money. They make more money off exclusive files than they do off of indendents.
I"m also curious - and this may be purely anecdotal - but did any of you independents see an increase in downloads at iStock when the price of exclusive files went up? I'm wondering if buyers are actively searching for files "without the crown" in order to find the cheapest price. I know I've done that when looking for files some non-profit work I was doing. I wanted the cheapest file so when I had a choice, I selected a non-exclusive file. Yes, I felt a little like I was letting down my fellow iStockers, but in the end, it really is about the money.
-
All we have to do is stop uploading. all of us. Just for a week perhaps, like a strike! continue downloading, fine. It will stop Gettys business in its tracks. yet not adversely affect us or take any effort.
We Just need to pick a date and inform everyone. How? Anyone?
That's what I've started with is to stop uploading. I figured I'd evaluate in December whether I wanted to take the big plunge of pulling my files. I'm still hoping for a reprieve, but I'm definitely not holding my breath for one.
-
All we have to do is stop uploading. all of us. Just for a week perhaps, like a strike! continue downloading, fine. It will stop Gettys business in its tracks. yet not adversely affect us or take any effort.
We Just need to pick a date and inform everyone. How? Anyone?
I stopped uploading to istock the day they announced their insatiable greed. So should you. For as long as it takes until our 20% non-exclusive commission is restored. You've got to have some self-respect and draw a line in the sand. If that line is not at 20% then where else would you draw it? If it doesn't change then I will simply concentrate on the other sites and attempt to increase my earnings on those until I can afford to lose Istock. We might as well get used to that idea because Istock commissions will probably reduce even further anyway in forthcoming years.
-
I"m also curious - and this may be purely anecdotal - but did any of you independents see an increase in downloads at iStock when the price of exclusive files went up? I'm wondering if buyers are actively searching for files "without the crown" in order to find the cheapest price.
I haven't gotten any corresponding bump in sales since the exclusive prices went up. If anything they have softened even more. Whether that is due to IS dropping non-exclusive files still further back in the best match search (which they did) or to more buyers exiting after yetanother price rise, I don't know.
-
Mr. Stock eheh I have created a petition yesterday I guess, 11 signatures :P
[url]http://www.petitiononline.com/istock11/petition.html[/url] ([url]http://www.petitiononline.com/istock11/petition.html[/url])
I guess if it was created by Yuri, Andres, Monkeybusiness it would have 111 at minimium!
Hey I saw that but honestly, it doesn't really say anything or threaten to do anything, it has no teeth. We need an ultimatum. We certainly should wait a while and see if all the complaining does any good but eventually if it doesn't, we need to be willing to take action or we'll just get walked on the next time around as well.
Nice idea! you just need to state the date we all boycott uploading and publicise to as many people as possible. Then we have the union in place for next time as and when needed. just like most other occupations have a Union! This Will Work if enough people get wind of it!
-
All we have to do is stop uploading. all of us. Just for a week perhaps, like a strike! continue downloading, fine. It will stop Gettys business in its tracks. yet not adversely affect us or take any effort.
We Just need to pick a date and inform everyone. How? Anyone?
That's what I've started with is to stop uploading. I figured I'd evaluate in December whether I wanted to take the big plunge of pulling my files. I'm still hoping for a reprieve, but I'm definitely not holding my breath for one.
I hope you get your reprieve! we just gotta stick together otherwise its a downward spiral for us as the business gets streamlined for the shareholders......
-
Well, I was taking a break during the summer slump. Now I see what all is going on.. so no more uploads there for me. If they would pay me the monies in my account, I would even pull my port just to save me and them some time. I am done with Istock but I do want what I am owed.
-
Well, I was taking a break during the summer slump. Now I see what all is going on.. so no more uploads there for me. If they would pay me the monies in my account, I would even pull my port just to save me and them some time. I am done with Istock but I do want what I am owed.
Tehy will. Just contact support - I just did it.
-
Well, I was taking a break during the summer slump. Now I see what all is going on.. so no more uploads there for me. If they would pay me the monies in my account, I would even pull my port just to save me and them some time. I am done with Istock but I do want what I am owed.
Tehy will. Just contact support - I just did it.
If you get your money.. Please let me know. I dont want to pull for nothing.
-
Well, I was taking a break during the summer slump. Now I see what all is going on.. so no more uploads there for me. If they would pay me the monies in my account, I would even pull my port just to save me and them some time. I am done with Istock but I do want what I am owed.
Tehy will. Just contact support - I just did it.
If you get your money.. Please let me know. I dont want to pull for nothing.
they have already openly stated that if you have money in there and it's not up to the $100 payout minimum, you will still get your money. They will give you the money you have earned they aren't going to punish you for closing your account.
-
I agree with cclapper, although I also agree with some past proposal of doing a coordinated move on a specific day.
I was also thinking of a different kind of protest, like uploading protest images: images related with betrayal and insult (a stabbed heart, a slap on the face), etc.
Or to be even more direct: http://www.dreamstime.com/dog-fouling-poster-hastings-thumb16018139.jpg (http://www.dreamstime.com/dog-fouling-poster-hastings-thumb16018139.jpg)
Regards, David
-
Well, I was taking a break during the summer slump. Now I see what all is going on.. so no more uploads there for me. If they would pay me the monies in my account, I would even pull my port just to save me and them some time. I am done with Istock but I do want what I am owed.
Tehy will. Just contact support - I just did it.
If you get your money.. Please let me know. I dont want to pull for nothing.
they have already openly stated that if you have money in there and it's not up to the $100 payout minimum, you will still get your money. They will give you the money you have earned they aren't going to punish you for closing your account.
Ok, then I guess I will be writing support too. Thanks. Still trying to get caught up on info from the last couple of months.
-
Seldom a good idea to make sudden decisions is it ? And it would not change anything.
-
Regards, David.
[url=http://www.pimping.blog.com]www.pimping.blog.com[/url] ([url]http://www.pimping.blog.com[/url])
Why are you pimping your bloggie in each and every unrelated message in the message body itself? Imagine if everybody would do that. ::)
Can't you just put the link in your profile like everybody else? :'(
-
That's what I've started with is to stop uploading. I figured I'd evaluate in December whether I wanted to take the big plunge of pulling my files. I'm still hoping for a reprieve, but I'm definitely not holding my breath for one.
My last batch was not uploaded to IS and that was before the big announcement. I am not holding my breath for a reprieve, though. I think they are on the exact path they wanted to be on.
-
I would go on a strike in front of IS HQ if it weren't across the globe. Thats a negative side of doing global/online business.
-
Seldom a good idea to make sudden decisions is it ? And it would not change anything.
Yes it changes something. It changes which companies I feel like dealing with. So I wont deal with Istock. I dont really care if Istock cares or not. I care about what I am willing to deal with.
-
I will stop upload from the 28th sep for two month or longer. I will become non-Exclusive. Istock break my trust and who knows what they may do year after that.
-
Seldom a good idea to make sudden decisions is it ? And it would not change anything.
Yes it changes something. It changes which companies I feel like dealing with. So I wont deal with Istock. I dont really care if Istock cares or not. I care about what I am willing to deal with.
Exactly, well put. Istock isn't going to give a rat's a*s if I leave, but it will make a big difference to me...I will know that I have stood up for something I believe in (or don't believe in, in this case), and hopefully help others who feel the same way. It changes the way I feel about myself.
-
I stopped uploading on September 7th. A day that will live in infamy.
-
Stopped uploading last week and deleted all dollar bin images. Began deleting non sellers and will continue deleting all images as time goes on after the new system goes in place. I can't in good conscience continue to support a company that treats its suppliers with no respect or common decency.
-
Stopped uploading last week and deleted all dollar bin images.
How is it you, as an independent, had dollar bin images? Just curious; did they used to let everybody participate in that?
-
Not sure exactly how it worked but I had over 100 in there.
-
and port is now deactivated.. just waiting on support to pay up and shut down my account.
-
Stopped uploading last week and deleted all dollar bin images.
How is it you, as an independent, had dollar bin images? Just curious; did they used to let everybody participate in that?
Let us? This is iStock. They forced us!
(They really did. Back in the mists of time, they'd take images that hadn't sold after a couple of years and dump them into the dollar bin. If they didn't sell there after a relatively short while, they'd be deactivated. As I recall, they stopped the deactivation later on, but not the demotion to the dollar bin. I have a couple of hundred images in the bin, but fewer every day.)
-
Oh. Thanks for that bit of history; I'm glad they stopped that practice before I joined. Too bad it only got worse from there ....
-
I've stopped all uploads to iStock - it's unlikely they will get anything more from me as long as they are paying such low royalties.
-
Regards, David.
[url=http://www.pimping.blog.com]www.pimping.blog.com[/url] ([url]http://www.pimping.blog.com[/url])
Why are you pimping your bloggie in each and every unrelated message in the message body itself? Imagine if everybody would do that. ::)
Can't you just put the link in your profile like everybody else? :'(
Ouch! That told me. Apologies to anyone I might have annoyed by that. I plead technical stupidity though -been trying to put it in as a discreet little signature at the bottom for ages but couldn't get the thing to save properly. Think I got it now. Thanks, Hugo, for prompting me to give it another go ;D Regards, David.
-
and port is now deactivated.. just waiting on support to pay up and shut down my account.
Good move - same thing here!
-
I've stopped all uploads to iStock - it's unlikely they will get anything more from me as long as they are paying such low royalties.
Same here.
-
As I mentioned elsewhere:
No uploads until end of the year.
If my future commission will be below 20%*, I'll start deleting my portfolio in January.
* This means if Istock does not reverse the changes. The chances that I will reach 20% via redeemed credits are zero (the chances that I reach 16% are close to zero) - but if Istock would somehow manage to produce that amount of sales I would certainly fall to my knees and apologize a thousand times ;D
-
I cannot bring myself to upload to a site that pays 15% commission.
I gave it a lot of thought, but it's impossible.
I just can't do it, something inside me breaks.
I will not sell a single image for anything lower than 20%.
Stopped uploading.
Delete port before the change takes place.
Do my best to let designers know what's happening and divert them away from IStock. Today, tomorrow, long term.
Buying from IStock is not cool anymore.
-
What to do?
Simple: I stopped uploading new images to istcockphoto.
-
I've stopped all uploads to iStock - it's unlikely they will get anything more from me as long as they are paying such low royalties.
Same here.
Same here
-
Stopped uploading last week and deleted all dollar bin images.
How is it you, as an independent, had dollar bin images? Just curious; did they used to let everybody participate in that?
Let us? This is iStock. They forced us!
(They really did. Back in the mists of time, they'd take images that hadn't sold after a couple of years and dump them into the dollar bin. If they didn't sell there after a relatively short while, they'd be deactivated. As I recall, they stopped the deactivation later on, but not the demotion to the dollar bin. I have a couple of hundred images in the bin, but fewer every day.)
And before they went to the dollar bin, I used to get an email telling me they were headed there and asking if I wanted them there or deactivated. I always chose to deactivate, did not want my images there. I sell the same images at other places for more than a dollar, it was not good for me to do that. But then the emails stopped, unannounced of course. A couple of weeks ago after F5, I happened to be looking around the site, trying to find things, and decided to check there, just in case. Guess what, a whole bunch of my old unsold images were there. I promptly deactivated them all. Now you have to check to make sure none are there, if you don't want to participate. Because they automatically go there after a period of time with no sales.
-
Because they automatically go there after a period of time with no sales.
Anybody knows what that period of time is exactly?
-
Because they automatically go there after a period of time with no sales.
Anybody knows what that period of time is exactly?
No they don't, not any more.
There was a period when only exclusives (I think) got to nominate up to 10 at a time of files that hadn't sold for a year, but it was a manual process.
Then when the partner program started, they automatically pushed all dollar bin images to the PP if you opted in. People asked about deactivated Dollar Bin files, and they re-activated ALL of them and sent them to the PP as well.
So non-exclusive files from a long time ago may have been reactivated there.
That was the last update to the dollar bin as I recall, though there was a request a little while ago for suggestions as to what to do with it, so it could be there are plans for it.
Just went away and tracked it down... here it is:
http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=231581&page=1 (http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=231581&page=1)
-
If anybody is interested: I have created a page at facebook that's called "Stock contributors against proposed royalty changes" (you cant use the word istock in the name...). I don't know yet what exactly to do with it, but i'm open to suggestions. I figured if the protest would only be visible in the istock forums, then we wouldn't be heard.
-
^^ Very good idea. BTW, welcome to the group :)
-
Thanks. Until now, there was no need to go outside the istock forums. Unfortunately, that has changed.
-
Going to do?? well why dont we build a fire, sing a couple of songs, drink a few beers, you know.
-
Going to do?? well why dont we build a fire, sing a couple of songs, drink a few beers, you know.
I hear the string quartet continued to play as the Titanic sank. Maybe some of the musicians here could do the same for Istock :'(
-
I've got a couple boxes of business cards I need to get rid of, might make good kindling.
-
StockFresh commented on the situation (http://stockfresh.com/blog/post/10/the-industry-bomb) on their blog.
-
StockFresh commented on the situation ([url]http://stockfresh.com/blog/post/10/the-industry-bomb[/url]) on their blog.
Very nice. This certainly comes at a perfect time for SF. Just as so many buyers and former exclusives will be looking for a site that offers good commissions. Great way to get started in the business!
-
StockFresh commented on the situation ([url]http://stockfresh.com/blog/post/10/the-industry-bomb[/url]) on their blog.
Very nice. This certainly comes at a perfect time for SF. Just as so many buyers and former exclusives will be looking for a site that offers good commissions. Great way to get started in the business!
Still waiting on an approval or rejection though. Those former exclusives might have to wait a bit.
-
I'm mildly surprised more sites havent done stuff. DT has their paid upload, and FT is doing cannister matching? But I see it would be a good opportunity for someone like crestock. Revamp royalty structure to something like SS for subs and a scaled 20-35% for ppd and you'd be the site (and new owner) that was increasing commissions some pretty serious goodwill.
-
I'm mildly surprised more sites havent done stuff. DT has their paid upload, and FT is doing cannister matching? But I see it would be a good opportunity for someone like crestock. Revamp royalty structure to something like SS for subs and a scaled 20-35% for ppd and you'd be the site (and new owner) that was increasing commissions some pretty serious goodwill.
Whats the FT canister matching? Havn't heard about that.
-
I'm mildly surprised more sites havent done stuff. DT has their paid upload, and FT is doing cannister matching? But I see it would be a good opportunity for someone like crestock. Revamp royalty structure to something like SS for subs and a scaled 20-35% for ppd and you'd be the site (and new owner) that was increasing commissions some pretty serious goodwill.
Whats the FT canister matching? Havn't heard about that.
they match cannister levels with istock. Basically if you're gold excl on istock and give up the crown they will make you an instant gold non exclusive on FT. Like DT you have to ask specifically and show them your level on istock (I pretty sure they are still doing it, perhaps someone can confirm).
-
I've posted in my blog that I will be removing my portfolio from IS if the 20% minimum royalty is not restored. It's not financially workable for me to make less on an image than I would make with SS.
I've also stopped uploading, removed myself from all programs that I can opt out of, and started to delete images. Most are dollar bin images that weren't getting sales anyway. I don't want to be to rash so I'm giving them amble time to correct their mistake. If the mistake is not corrected by my next payout then I will call for a payout and to close my account.
-
Whats the FT canister matching? Havn't heard about that.
they match cannister levels with istock. Basically if you're gold excl on istock and give up the crown they will make you an instant gold non exclusive on FT. Like DT you have to ask specifically and show them your level on istock (I pretty sure they are still doing it, perhaps someone can confirm).
Unfortunately the across-the-board canister matching program expired.
OTOH, FT is eager to get gold and diamond istock exclusives, so maybe there is room for negotiation if you are a top seller on Istock? Who knows? The time to ask would be now, IMO.
-
Whats the FT canister matching? Havn't heard about that.
they match cannister levels with istock. Basically if you're gold excl on istock and give up the crown they will make you an instant gold non exclusive on FT. Like DT you have to ask specifically and show them your level on istock (I pretty sure they are still doing it, perhaps someone can confirm).
Unfortunately the across-the-board canister matching program expired.
OTOH, FT is eager to get gold and diamond istock exclusives, so maybe there is room for negotiation if you are a top seller on Istock? Who knows? The time to ask would be now, IMO.
I sent a message, we'll see.
-
I've stopped all uploads to iStock - it's unlikely they will get anything more from me as long as they are paying such low royalties.
Same here.
Same here
Same here
-
Whats the FT canister matching? Havn't heard about that.
they match cannister levels with istock. Basically if you're gold excl on istock and give up the crown they will make you an instant gold non exclusive on FT. Like DT you have to ask specifically and show them your level on istock (I pretty sure they are still doing it, perhaps someone can confirm).
Unfortunately the across-the-board canister matching program expired.
OTOH, FT is eager to get gold and diamond istock exclusives, so maybe there is room for negotiation if you are a top seller on Istock? Who knows? The time to ask would be now, IMO.
Thanks Lisa.
I'm only silver, so probably of no interest to them. But I've asked them anyway ::)
-
I've posted in my blog that I will be removing my portfolio from IS if the 20% minimum royalty is not restored. It's not financially workable for me to make less on an image than I would make with SS.
I've also stopped uploading, removed myself from all programs that I can opt out of, and started to delete images. Most are dollar bin images that weren't getting sales anyway. I don't want to be to rash so I'm giving them amble time to correct their mistake. If the mistake is not corrected by my next payout then I will call for a payout and to close my account.
"their mistake" -- I don't think it's a mistake. they were serious about that. I really don't see them backtracking on this one.
-
"their mistake" -- I don't think it's a mistake. they were serious about that. I really don't see them backtracking on this one.
I don't see them backtracking either but it was a 'mistake'. They just don't realise it __ yet.
-
How is it you, as an independent, had dollar bin images? Just curious; did they used to let everybody participate in that?
Apparently. I had about 40 in there too. I deleted all of them plus those with less than 2 sales after 3 years. Not a big loss since those images were mostly utter crap, or similars of which the "better" version sold.
-
If anybody is interested: I have created a page at facebook that's called "Stock contributors against proposed royalty changes" (you cant use the word istock in the name...). I don't know yet what exactly to do with it, but i'm open to suggestions. I figured if the protest would only be visible in the istock forums, then we wouldn't be heard.
Sort of ironic that to join the page you have to click on "LIKE" which is the opposite of what we're actually feeling here.
This is the page I'm assuming: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stock-contributors-against-proposed-royalty-changes/118614061526639 (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stock-contributors-against-proposed-royalty-changes/118614061526639)
Welcome to MSG by the way...
-
yes, it is. people don't seem to be that interested in it, though...
-
"their mistake" -- I don't think it's a mistake. they were serious about that. I really don't see them backtracking on this one.
I don't see them backtracking either but it was a 'mistake'. They just don't realise it __ yet.
good point. :)
-
How is it you, as an independent, had dollar bin images? Just curious; did they used to let everybody participate in that?
Apparently. I had about 40 in there too. I deleted all of them plus those with less than 2 sales after 3 years. Not a big loss since those images were mostly utter crap, or similars of which the "better" version sold.
There was a time when exclusives were invited to nominate ten of their files to the DB.
However, before and after that, there have been movements whereby pics that hadn't sold in a certain timescale were removed to the DB. IIRC, we were informed when it happened so that we could deactivate our files if we didn't want them in the DB.
-
• I've stopped uploading
• I've looked into self-hosting stock photos on my site. K-tools PhotoStore looks pretty slick.
• I have been researching whether my exclusive contract is legally valid. With the new agency files being sold all over the place (and as Exclusive content) imStuck has possibly breached the exclusive contract.
• I am considering opting out of Extended Licenses. Is there any reason to stay Opted In?
• On Dec. 31 I'll decide whether it's worth it for me to keep my crown and files or move them elsewhere. By then I'm sure things will be more clear and there will be new opportunities. I'm quite confident that contributors will find some new, creative solutions to make money on stock images. Be that on imStuck or elsewhere :)
-
I decided to start removing some images now. Will get my portfolio much smaller by January 1st, so it will be quicker to remove after the commission cut.
-
^ Surely, if you intend to remove it anyway, you can just tell iStock to cancel your account.
Why do all the work of deactivating files individually?
-
My friend from my creative network just sent me a message that he is canceling his account. It's Ralf from Germany. He is not exclusive and he has over 1200 files.
-
I will quit uploading there and delete some of my best selling files....
It takes more time to upload at Istock than on other agencies and they do not accept files that were accepted by the other big companies. Their partnerprogram sucks with a $ .25 for subscription commission.
Only if they raise the commission to a normal level I will consider uploading @ Istock again.
-
^ Surely, if you intend to remove it anyway, you can just tell iStock to cancel your account.
Why do all the work of deactivating files individually?
I can't afford to lose all my istock income in one go or I would of gone before now. Will have to take a slow exit, building up my earnings on other sites.
-
^ Surely, if you intend to remove it anyway, you can just tell iStock to cancel your account.
Why do all the work of deactivating files individually?
I can't afford to lose all my istock income in one go or I would of gone before now. Will have to take a slow exit, building up my earnings on other sites.
Of course!
Every of us need to try to redirect customers to sites where we can get more money for our work... That will be slow process but useful...
-
^ I can see you'd need to build up the income elsewhere, yes.
But in that case, why not just leave your portfolio on iStock until you're ready to go? Deactivating bit by bit just seems like unnecessary work, as you have to do it one at a time. Surely you'd do better to spend the time uploading elsewhere?
-
^ I can see you'd need to build up the income elsewhere, yes.
But in that case, why not just leave your portfolio on iStock until you're ready to go? Deactivating bit by bit just seems like unnecessary work, as you have to do it one at a time. Surely you'd do better to spend the time uploading elsewhere?
I think the most convenient plan would be to leave images on IS while some other source of income replaces it completely, and only then delete everything from IS. This way we could "bridge" the gap in earnings.
-
I think the most convenient plan would be to leave images on IS while some other source of income replaces it completely, and only then delete everything from IS. This way we could "bridge" the gap in earnings.
Agree. This is the smart way to go for people who rely heavily on their Istock income. For people who don't, there is no great loss in removing images now.
-
Complacency. If you do nothing at all now, you will slowly adjust to the idea, and decide that maybe it isn't all that bad after all. That is human nature and what istock is counting on.
-
If you delete some of your port now, it will stick in your head better that there was a significant enough problem that it demanded action.
Why not take the opportunity to cull slow/non sellers and subpar images?
-
@Gannet,
are you somewhat worried independents are not leaving fast enough?
Giving us a helping hand on our way out?
I would think twice before offering such advice.
Your agency has made me 4 dollars this month. Compared to the last few months, that's actually a solid improvement. Gotta give credit to Istock, they're getting better!
Don't worry about ways to faster delete ports. We know them all right.
-
If you delete some of your port now, it will stick in your head better that there was a significant enough problem that it demanded action.
Why not take the opportunity to cull slow/non sellers and subpar images?
Yep. That's just what I'm doing. Deleting a few every day, starting with the Dollar Bin. I'll be done with those and on to the main collection by the time the royalty cut goes into effect. If enough of us do it, maybe someone will notice. If not, I'll feel better about not taking this outrage lying down. That's something too.
-
If you delete some of your port now, it will stick in your head better that there was a significant enough problem that it demanded action.
Why not take the opportunity to cull slow/non sellers and subpar images?
Unfortunately, that won't set iStock worrying.
-
Complacency. If you do nothing at all now, you will slowly adjust to the idea, and decide that maybe it isn't all that bad after all. That is human nature and what istock is counting on.
I can't agree with this fully. First because I already deleted 119 files that were bringing me most money, and second because I don't forget so easily when someone screws me. I would rather upload to all sites that were poor sellers from the beginning, because I know what to expect, than to sites who clearly showed me that I am a sucker.
-
Sue, it may not set them worrying, but are you really concerned with their worrying at this point? It sounds like you are still expecting them to about-face on this. They are too deeply invested in their new strategy, and they wouldn't have started in on it so drastically if they weren't flat out required to do so.
Anyone who is hoping that anything they do is going to change iStock's mind is missing the point. This isn't about changing minds anymore, this is about who you feel comfortable doing business with.
Don't be the battered spouse who stays.
-
Sue, it may not set them worrying, but are you really concerned with their worrying at this point? It sounds like you are still expecting them to about-face on this. They are too deeply invested in their new strategy, and they wouldn't have started in on it so drastically if they weren't flat out required to do so.
Anyone who is hoping that anything they do is going to change iStock's mind is missing the point. This isn't about changing minds anymore, this is about who you feel comfortable doing business with.
Don't be the battered spouse who stays.
This is exactly how I feel. I am not concerned about istock any more. I will do what's best for me. I, too, think the strategy of removing subpar and non-movers now and over the next couple of months is a good exit strategy. Those same images I am deleting may actually be making money somewhere else, so I don't see any great loss in deleting them. Doing a few a day seems less painful than waiting until Jan. 1 and then being stressed about taking 800 images down.
-
Sue, it may not set them worrying, but are you really concerned with their worrying at this point? It sounds like you are still expecting them to about-face on this. They are too deeply invested in their new strategy, and they wouldn't have started in on it so drastically if they weren't flat out required to do so.
Anyone who is hoping that anything they do is going to change iStock's mind is missing the point. This isn't about changing minds anymore, this is about who you feel comfortable doing business with.
Don't be the battered spouse who stays.
I am absolutely not expecting an about-face. They wouldn't have had the coders make the 'redeemed credits' visible if it weren't already a 'done deal'.
I got a very surprising email from Support a few weeks ago in reply to a question I asked, and it confirmed my plan moving on, which is to focus on Editorial/RM at Alamy for the moment, improve my skills, then look for specialist libraries. That is the path I intend to follow until/unless I can see a benefit in doing something else.
I already handed in my notice at the day job because I couldn't stand my boss's BS. Of course, I was never going to be a 'full-time iStocker' without models etc, but I'm still banking on that income stream as a big help while I figure out what to do next.
I'm not hearing such fantastic things about the other micros from people who were/are independent as to think my personal grass would be greener on the other micros. YMMV - I realise that you have recent experience of being independent, but our genres are vastly different, which is fine.
-
^ I can see you'd need to build up the income elsewhere, yes.
But in that case, why not just leave your portfolio on iStock until you're ready to go? Deactivating bit by bit just seems like unnecessary work, as you have to do it one at a time. Surely you'd do better to spend the time uploading elsewhere?
I'm not going to spend much time, I just want to do more now. I will probably leave a tiny portfolio there in the end, with a link in my profile to my website with the sites that have my portfolio.
-
^ Fair enough, I was just interested.
I think if I come to the same point then after cancelling exclusivity I would just leave my portfolio on iStock and concentrate on the other agencies, but everyone to their own. I'd only deactivate if I wanted to set image exclusivity elsewhere.
@dgilder: It's not complacency. I don't get this "battered spouse" analogy. It's business. They pay me money. If it's enough, I stay. If I feel I can get more elsewhere, I do that.
Up to now, I've always felt it suited me to be with iStock as an exclusive, but I've always known that could change.
-
They are too deeply invested in their new strategy, and they wouldn't have started in on it so drastically if they weren't flat out required to do so.
Anyone who is hoping that anything they do is going to change iStock's mind is missing the point.
This isn't about changing minds anymore, this is about who you feel comfortable doing business with.
Don't be the battered spouse who stays.
I completely agree, expecting someone to not punch you in the face, when they have already punched you time after time is nothing more than a form of denial.
You need to be able to see reality clearly if you wish to make wise choices in the future. We can expect more of the same from istock/getty. Take a look at getty's history, they are just repeating that history again with istock. Then add in the acquisition equation and it gets even uglier.
-
^ Fair enough, I was just interested.
@dgilder: It's not complacency. I don't get this "battered spouse" analogy. It's business. They pay me money. If it's enough, I stay. If I feel I can get more elsewhere, I do that.
So you are just an other employe in the whorehouse ? How much to..... ?
Sorry for the slezy analogy, but I really can't se the difference. They abused their contributers badly, and just just let them continue to do so for money?
Have you contemplated applying for at position at the IS management - I belive you got the right kind of attitude....
-
I don't get this "battered spouse" analogy.
Don't worry, it will sink in, probably in January, then I predict at least once sometime mid-year, and again the following January when all the hard work you put in to stand till on iStock turns out to be for nothing when the targets are raised to keep X number of contributors at their proper royalty percentage.
Each time you will probably say 'Wow, I wasn't expecting that, it came out of nowhere', but it will still be easier to stick with them, too difficult or life changing to move on. That is called Learned Helplessnes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learned_helplessness).
If the slashing of independents' and your own royalties isn't enough of a jolt to induce you to change, then you are already helpless.
-
No. I've never had any problem moving on.
iStock just host my images, sell them, and give me a royalty. That's all. Don't make it out to be anything more.
And they haven't slashed my royalty. Yet. I keep an eye on it every month, and as you say, from January onwards I'll certainly be doing so...
-
I just canceled my exclusive contract with iStock. I'm now in the 30 day waiting period. I opted to not wait until January because:
+ I don't see myself hitting the "diamond" level by then, and even if I do, it would be a short lived 40% royalty before I drop to 25% on both my photos and vectors (split portfolio is a killer under the new rules)
+ I wanted to get a start on building my portfolios on other sites before the change takes effect and, as an independent, the royalty goes even lower - I dont have much holiday images and November/December always are down for me at iStock
+ with the new Agency Collection going online soon, and only 5 "Vetta" images I feel that even as an exclusive my photos will be buried deeper in search results soon
those are my personal reasons, aside from the fact that I've lost all respect and trust in iStock - and it started with the proposed canister changes and has gone downhill since, even with their "grandfather clause" on that fiasco (and now canisters don't really mean anything - nor does the 'crown' if you read the latest monster thread at iStock).
-
^ Fair enough, I was just interested.
@dgilder: It's not complacency. I don't get this "battered spouse" analogy. It's business. They pay me money. If it's enough, I stay. If I feel I can get more elsewhere, I do that.
So you are just an other employe in the whorehouse ? How much to..... ?
Sorry for the slezy analogy, but I really can't se the difference. They abused their contributers badly, and just just let them continue to do so for money?
Have you contemplated applying for at position at the IS management - I belive you got the right kind of attitude....
Absolutely. I've always felt it better to work in one whorehouse than 10. How about you?
-
Hi Jamirae, :)
I think I know how you must be feeling.
A bit lost, perhaps disappointed and worried.
Don't worry, you've got nothing to fear!
Forget about all the things you've been told at IStock - the other sites are crap, their collections are crap, their sales are subscriptions only, inspectors on the other sites know nothing about microstock photography, they treat you like dirt and they're basically whorehouses (see post above me).
That is absolutely not true!
I'm not saying they're perfect (no agency truly is) but they're reliable, solid and fair.
A lot more so than IStock is today.
Do not, under no circumstances, avoid Shutterstock just because of the things you've been told, or because of the fear of the 0.25 cent downloads.
The 0,25 cent level doesn't last long (you'll be on a higher and higher level in NO time at all) and there's a lot more to SS than just subscription sales. Don't forget about ODs and ELs. They're all yours for the taken. Sales at Shutterstock never stop, just keep on coming, on and on, old and new alike.
SS forums are buzzing with activity, vivacious and friendly, upload system is a breeze, inspections are consistent and fast, payouts are automated. No need for crappy tickets requests a la IStock.
I checked your port a moment ago (forgive me for being nosy), and it's beautiful, congratulations!
You'll have absolutely no problem getting accepted at SS, (or at any other site for the matter).
Start with Shutterstock, Fotolia and Dreamstime and go down the list whenever you feel like giving them a chance too. Some are definitely worth your while.
It is possible that your earnings will head down initially, but don't worry, this won't last!
Not at all!
With a port like yours you'll make more money than ever, in a very short time, with a lot less stress, no drama and, most importantly, you'll be free !
Priceless :)
Enjoy !
-
Hi Jamirae, :)
I think I know how you must be feeling.
A bit lost, perhaps disappointed and worried.
Don't worry, you've got nothing to fear!
Forget about all the things you've been told at IStock - the other sites are crap, their collections are crap, their sales are subscriptions only, inspectors on the other sites know nothing about microstock photography, they treat you like dirt and they're basically whorehouses (see post above me).
That is absolutely not true!
I'm not saying they're perfect (no agency truly is) but they're reliable, solid and fair.
A lot more so than IStock is today.
Do not, under no circumstances, avoid Shutterstock just because of the things you've been told, or because of the fear of the 0.25 cent downloads.
The 0,25 cent level doesn't last long (you'll be on a higher and higher level in NO time at all) and there's a lot more to SS than just subscription sales. Don't forget about ODs and ELs. They're all yours for the taken. Sales at Shutterstock never stop, just keep on coming, on and on, old and new alike.
SS forums are buzzing with activity, vivacious and friendly, upload system is a breeze, inspections are consistent and fast, payouts are automated. No need for crappy tickets requests a la IStock.
I checked your port a moment ago (forgive me for being nosy), and it's beautiful, congratulations!
You'll have absolutely no problem getting accepted at SS, (or at any other site for the matter).
Start with Shutterstock, Fotolia and Dreamstime and go down the list whenever you feel like giving them a chance too. Some are definitely worth your while.
It is possible that your earnings will head down initially, but don't worry, this won't last!
Not at all!
With a port like yours you'll make more money than ever, in a very short time, with a lot less stress, no drama and, most importantly, you'll be free !
Priceless :)
Enjoy !
thanks, Eireann. I'm not worried and I don't think the other sites have crap or bad inspectors. Just because I've been exclusive at istock doesnt mean I talk smack or believe that stuff about other stock sites. :) I appreciate the advice, though.
I've already applied at shutterstock, dreamstime, fotolia and stockfresh. I just need to wait on the 30 days before I can actually get images online for sale, but I'm actually excited to start this new adventure. I appreciate your kind words about my work. I know there are a lot of talented folks out there, so I just hope to compliment them so we can all bring sales for our work.
-
Good luck Jamirae. I think you will enjoy the independence, and I will be joining you shortly. By all means contribute to Dreamstime. Solid agency, good people. I was a big fan of Shutterstock too back in my indie days.
-
^ Surely, if you intend to remove it anyway, you can just tell iStock to cancel your account.
Why do all the work of deactivating files individually?
I can't afford to lose all my istock income in one go or I would of gone before now. Will have to take a slow exit, building up my earnings on other sites.
Of course!
Every of us need to try to redirect customers to sites where we can get more money for our work... That will be slow process but useful...
Right. IS has gradually made it clear that they do not want me as a submitter, and I am departing gradually. I have removed the links to IS from my website (from which I have gotten 34 paid referrals to IS)
I have deactivated a few images, and I intend to remove more gradually. It's too late for me to stop submitting altogether, because I already did that a few months ago.
-
microstock is fueled by hobby shooters .. there will be no leaders .. no unions .. no petitions .. everybody will take what they get and just complain about it .. but take it none the less. Those who want to stand up against iStock and the potential threat of continuing to lower the value of the photographic artform .. delete your account .. one less place to upload. Words dont mean a pile a S&%T .. put forth action or get back in line like a good little cow.
-
^^^The fact remains that a lot of us need our income from istock to do important things like buy food and pay the bills. I would love to leave now but that's not an option, hopefully by the time the commission cut is implemented in January, that will be possible but it could take me longer than that. If they hadn't closed StockXpert, it would be much easier, that has already reduced my earnings this year. All I can do at the moment is stop uploading, start deleting and work harder with the other sites.
-
An old Volcanic (Star trek) proverb says : If you do not know what to do ,you can always do one thing ! Do nothing....
Time will make prevail...
So my plan is not a cut, we have 3 months more to see what will be... I will trying to send more and more customers on sites where I am satisfied with my piece of cake...
-
Quit!
I'll keep taking the dollars off IS till they stop coming - hungry mouth's to feed and bills to pay. Micro has been delaying the inevitable for me. After 15 years, through increased competition with digitial cameras, agency deals with newspapers and slashed commissions across the board, it's time to go.
Many factors are part of it, basically banging a grey head against a brick wall for too long. My macro and micro income will be a bonus to a regular pay check. Overheads are down to the bone, production is up, but children are getting older and prices rising to fast to keep my head above water. I had an induction at a factory today, where I may be the the only man with a degree lifting boxes for 72 hours a week. Actually, I probably won't be the only one.
All I ever wanted was a simple life, but I'm hurting at the moment. I'll keep dropping in here for some sagely comments or two, but my enthusian for the industry has waned. Get what you can from the Micro's while they are here, nothing lasts forever.
Rgds - a beaten and humbled Oldhand
-
An old Volcanic (Star trek) proverb says : If you do not know what to do ,you can always do one thing ! Do nothing....
Time will make prevail...
So my plan is not a cut, we have 3 months more to see what will be... I will trying to send more and more customers on sites where I am satisfied with my piece of cake...
I like The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few
In this case, we are the many contributors, if istock don't look after us, we should send in the Klingons :)
-
This whole thing with IS is so disappointing and depressing :-[ I'll hang in there with them until the end of the year and also start transitioning away. They have always been my top earner so it will be sad to see them go.
Since my full time job shut down 7 months ago I've resisted going back to a 9-5 job, plus I'm one of those unemployable, over-experienced people now. So far I've been able to find enough freelance and part time work along with unemployment and microstock income to keep going. I guess I'll look at these IS changes as creating new opportunities elsewhere instead of closing doors.
-
I'll keep taking the dollars off IS till they stop coming - hungry mouth's to feed and bills to pay. Micro has been delaying the inevitable for me. After 15 years, through increased competition with digitial cameras, agency deals with newspapers and slashed commissions across the board, it's time to go.
Many factors are part of it, basically banging a grey head against a brick wall for too long. My macro and micro income will be a bonus to a regular pay check. Overheads are down to the bone, production is up, but children are getting older and prices rising to fast to keep my head above water. I had an induction at a factory today, where I may be the the only man with a degree lifting boxes for 72 hours a week. Actually, I probably won't be the only one.
All I ever wanted was a simple life, but I'm hurting at the moment. I'll keep dropping in here for some sagely comments or two, but my enthusian for the industry has waned. Get what you can from the Micro's while they are here, nothing lasts forever.
Rgds - a beaten and humbled Oldhand
A post like this deserves one big fat heart. The iStock debacle is a forebode of what is still to come. Technical requirements went up too much in microstock, too much fuzz with paperwork and upload procedures. Props and equipment became too expensive in comparison with yield. Let's not forget that DT went back from 50% tot 30% less than a year ago.
I stopped uploading at iStock months ago after they removed some of my best-sellers that had cars and cellphones, and after I mixed up releases of different days. I'm not going to lose time on wrting and tracking releases for every model on every shooting day any more. Make one mistake and you can lose half an extra day, make calls, pay taxis to find the model back and fill it in again. Not worth it for iStock alone, not for 15%. A catch-all release should do.
Quit? No way. If they ever change it will be very difficult to get back in again. By the oddities of the best match, my best sellers are totally different from those of other sites, so they don't compete. They also don't compete on the price level since although they earn less at iStock, the buyer has to pay more.
After January, I will keep around 100 of my best sellers on iStock in as far as they don't sell at other sites, and just cash in a few times per year from iStock. I won't promote them (their referral scheme always sucked anyways) and I stopped uploading (too cumbersome, especially for models). I don't hate them and I don't love them. I just moved on. I also won't waste time any more on these useless iStock threads when it's clear their decision was final even when they announced it.
-
I'm thinking of trying RM on Alamy. I'm currently exclusive on istock and will probably stay that way for a while, while looking into other options. I work full time in a different industry so can take my time to look around.
-
This whole thing with IS is so disappointing and depressing :-[ I'll hang in there with them until the end of the year and also start transitioning away. They have always been my top earner so it will be sad to see them go.
Since my full time job shut down 7 months ago I've resisted going back to a 9-5 job, plus I'm one of those unemployable, over-experienced people now. So far I've been able to find enough freelance and part time work along with unemployment and microstock income to keep going. I guess I'll look at these IS changes as creating new opportunities elsewhere instead of closing doors.
Ditto. I'm back in college...not that a degree is going to get me a job, but at least I have motivation to get out of bed, get dressed, go somewhere and do something useful. Plus I have a couple of freelance clients, and what's left of my rapidly diminishing microstock income.
I guess I'll look at these IS changes as creating new opportunities elsewhere instead of closing doors.
Ditto.