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Author Topic: Sept at LO  (Read 9331 times)

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« on: September 27, 2007, 20:53 »
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I had no sales in LO this month.  How about you?

Regards,
Adelaide


dbvirago

« Reply #1 on: September 27, 2007, 20:56 »
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Fourth Place for me. 90% of revenue from ELs

PaulieWalnuts

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« Reply #2 on: September 27, 2007, 21:08 »
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Nope, nada for me.

« Reply #3 on: September 27, 2007, 21:13 »
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Two downloads with a combined value of $0.60 for me, with a portfolio of 480. I must be doing something wrong. It's the absolute rock bottom agency for me. Even with the very easy upload procedure, I wonder if it's worth it.

« Reply #4 on: September 27, 2007, 22:37 »
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No sales this month either ???!!
Only one since I joined.
It has to be the site, with the same images I have had more sales at
Istock.
Jorge

« Reply #5 on: September 28, 2007, 00:37 »
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no sales for me with month as well...

« Reply #6 on: September 28, 2007, 00:58 »
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My beste month there ever. Two EL sales and a number of normal downloads.  I few more and I will reach my 3rd payment.

« Reply #7 on: September 28, 2007, 02:35 »
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1 extended license, 5 side show sales, 6 regular sales = 12 sales (2500+ images)

nothing I could live off of, but making progress. 

grp_photo

« Reply #8 on: September 28, 2007, 02:41 »
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My best month also thanks to two big sales.
I have nearly daily sales there (working days not weekend) with a portfolio of a few thousand pics.
To be exact 21 sales so far this month including two ELs and three side show sales.

« Reply #9 on: September 28, 2007, 03:03 »
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5 sales so far this month.  My best month was 16 sales, so this is a big fall.  I was hoping to use the sideshow soon but it looks like I still have a long wait.

« Reply #10 on: September 28, 2007, 06:13 »
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Much better month for me at FT, almost back to it's best. 30% higher than IS and just pipping SS for #1 spot this month.

« Reply #11 on: September 28, 2007, 06:47 »
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none so far (but the month isn't over yet  ;D)  - I've been limping along with a couple a month until now.

« Reply #12 on: September 28, 2007, 06:54 »
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It's my first month there and I have 8 regular sales (with a porfolio of 168)

BTW, hello to everybody, it's my first post here, but I've been reading a lot since last August.

I finally decided to give a more serious effort into selling Stock, before I was only on DT with a small porfolio of 44 and had one payout. Since the end of August I did register to more than 12 microsites and I upload about 5 to 10 pictures almost every day.

Alain

« Reply #13 on: September 28, 2007, 07:30 »
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3 this month.... portfolio of 343.... have 27 in the wings waiting...
been on LO since august of 2006 ... only  40 total sales ever...

same pix elsewhere giving me numerous payouts...  guess LO clients just don't have a need for my stuff...

at this rate i will never reach even a payout let alone be eligible for a side show.... and i'm starting to think if you don't have side show material.... you're going to be left behind at LO.   6 months ago I was at least getting numerous hits.... now...  my new stuff sits at zero or one.  It's never viewed.        Pretty depressing.

what is payout on LO...  i forget....

« Reply #14 on: September 28, 2007, 08:27 »
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The payout is $100.  It does take a long time to get there and a lot of people will probably give up.

« Reply #15 on: September 28, 2007, 08:53 »
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I just signed up and thinking of uploading soon ,it looks like everyone has different experience so I think I will give it a go to see it in the first hand.


« Reply #16 on: September 28, 2007, 09:09 »
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 6 months ago I was at least getting numerous hits.... now...  my new stuff sits at zero or one.  It's never viewed.        Pretty depressing.

Their whole search system is just horrible.  New photos don't even exist, so I'm beginning to ask myself - why bother contributing new photos?  This whole chatter thing making photos rise to the top of the search is just riddiculous.   

I've had two 30 cent sales this month.  When I received the most sales was back when the group of us was doing the comments thing.  Maybe we should give that another try?  (I was getting a magnificent 5 or 7 sales a month then.)   But do an experiment and do it just on non-popular files.  BUT on the other hand, LO was at a lot of tradeshows handing out free tokens when we tried that last comments experiment.  Who knows?

« Reply #17 on: September 28, 2007, 11:10 »
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I do wonder if the free tokens have run out.  My views are way down this month.

ikostudio

  • IKOstudio
« Reply #18 on: September 28, 2007, 11:11 »
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Hi people

I really like LO, but he need to give time to the time.

I already have a Payment, but I need to wait 8 months from December to August 2007.
In August I had 2 Extend licenses, maybe lucky because the great publicity of having a photo of the month.

I wish lucky to the Lucky Oliver Company.

« Reply #19 on: September 28, 2007, 16:29 »
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Wow, the difference in experiences is really amazing!  Of course I can't compare myself with those with thousands of images - I have almost 300 - but nevertheless I'm impressed with what some of you are achieving there.  I must be in the same boat as a.k.a.-tom.

Regards,
Adelaide

« Reply #20 on: September 28, 2007, 17:06 »
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I've had two 30 cent sales this month.  When I received the most sales was back when the group of us was doing the comments thing.  Maybe we should give that another try?  (I was getting a magnificent 5 or 7 sales a month then.)   But do an experiment and do it just on non-popular files.  BUT on the other hand, LO was at a lot of tradeshows handing out free tokens when we tried that last comments experiment.  Who knows?

Hey, I'm up for anything  if it'll move some pictures.  The comments and Leaf's collections seem to work well at IS,  maybe it'll do something here?  I'll swap comment for comment with anyone if they think it will make a difference.     8)-tom

« Reply #21 on: September 28, 2007, 17:22 »
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Hey guys, here are a few more data points.

1. Images in the database are building up three times faster than the first half of the year. Some dilution is occurring because our buyer growth hasn't quite kept up with the image growth (though we've had 12 consecutive months of online revenue growth).  We're working on it!

2. We're still putting free tokens in the hands of users, but those probably account for a very small percentage of downloads. It's more of a warm-up.

3. The next year is going to be focused on building our buyer community. We have to improve our architecture to scale.  Right now this is preventing growth.  We're in the process of doubling our capacity to handle traffic.

4. New images might take some time to get exposure based on our search engine.  As our traffic increases this will minimize, but short term it might have an impact on views.  We also have a couple new features which will increase visibility of images.

5. So far results are a little varied from artist to artist, but we have people that are making monthly payouts.  We seem to be getting a lot more extended license and sideshow sales which can make up for the volume.  General trend?  Those with lots of downloads get more downloads.

Hope this helps.

« Reply #22 on: September 28, 2007, 17:48 »
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13 for sept so far

« Reply #23 on: September 28, 2007, 18:39 »
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I have 148 images there and without referrals I'd be just reaching first payout.

I've had 3 EL sales in my 6 months with LO, consistent with Bryan's comments about high EL sales.

I have complete faith in LO for these reasons:

1. Bryan listens and responds, as you can see above. How many other CEOs do you see doing that? (Yes Bryan, we all know you're really "CEO"! ;) )

2. They're already cashflow positive, so their model is sustainable the they can focus 100% of growth and innovation.

3. They're honest and open, which is refreshing. Bryan has just said they're working on technical infrastructure preparing for growth. Given two of the Big 6 have had growth-caused outages this month, this seems a prudent strategy.

4. They're chasing long-tail business. They're not trying to get rich quick, they're actually focusing on the long haul.

5. They're innovating. Whether they get it right or not isn't as important as the fact they're thinking and acting.

6. You have to believe Bryan on this one (and I do for reason #3), but 12 consecutive months of revenue growth is promising.

I'd be happier if I could say the same about more agencies.

« Reply #24 on: September 28, 2007, 20:52 »
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Let me make it clear that I am not complaing about LO.  I was just trying to know if others were having the same negative results I had there this month.

Regards,
Adelaide

« Reply #25 on: September 28, 2007, 21:04 »
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Only 1 sale this month. Nothing out of the ordinary though. Going to try posting comments in hopes of the submitter returning the favor and commenting on one of mine. (Most recent commented on images appear on the front page)  ;)

« Reply #26 on: September 28, 2007, 21:05 »
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Just to clear the air...   

if i was ready to give up on LO  ..... I wouldn't have pix waiting for review or dozens in the que waiting for me to keyword them.... and a list of pix to upload.

..... I put the same pix on LO  I have put  everwhere else.  They sell at IS, SS, DT, BigStock, StockXpert .... and sell well.   I'm still hoping they will sell at LO...........  eventually.    I find it hard to believe I'm not getting views because my images suck. They don't suck elsewhere, they sell.  Does LO have a client base that is completely different than all those other sites?  Not likely.    There must be a reason.  Now Bryan just said a reason might be...  might be....

4. New images might take some time to get exposure based on our search engine.  As our traffic increases this will minimize, but short term it might have an impact on views.  We also have a couple new features which will increase visibility of images.

Fine. Okay.  We'll see.  Based on other sites,  if my pix get viewed, they seem to sell.  They aren't getting viewed now at LO.  Does the side show help?  According to what I've read here in MSG,  yes!   But. if one is in a  no view loop and spiraling downward,  then sales never come. The sales don't come,  neither does the side show (or payout)...   it's a no win,  lose/lose situation.

............. I've been with LO for over a year,  one of the first to upload at LO...   I'm still here,  and I'm still uploading.   I'm trying to keep the faith.

Patiently waiting..   8)-tom




« Reply #27 on: September 28, 2007, 21:49 »
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General trend?  Those with lots of downloads get more downloads.


This is what worries me. I get a feeling that if I haven't had success at LO so far, I can as well forget them. Somebody here mentioned downward spiral. That's my feeling right now too.

I'm happy for those who sell well at LO, but when I sell ten times as much at agencies like Scanstock, Crestock and Canstock, none of them front-runners in this business, it makes me wonder.

I'm also skeptical to the fact that elements like comments and sideshow have a saying in the performance (or rather, non-performance) of my portfolio. If I were a customer, and I am at a couple of other agencies, the only thing that matters for me, except price, is the quality of the images and if they are suitable for my needs. I couldn't care less if some random individual commented favorably on an image, if he's not me, and he isn't.

The basic concept of LO has always looked good, and it shouldn't be too hard to sell it. Please see to that it's done properly.

PS. Sorry for the rant. It's early Saturday morning here, and I haven't had my tea yet  ;)

« Reply #28 on: September 29, 2007, 03:19 »
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5 sales in September wit portfolio over 1000 images. September was better than august (1 more sale).  So I need 61 downloads to get to spend over 500 tokens I get from uploads from last year... So no sideshow feature for me until year 2009 at this sale&view speed.

Is anybody traded their gift tokens with other members (e.g. I buy 100 of your images and you buy 100 of mine.. both have payout, both have sideshow enabled)? (or is this restricted by user agreements or something) Or should there be a option to enable the sideshow directly with e.g. 100 tokens or something.



 

« Reply #29 on: September 29, 2007, 05:01 »
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I think they wouldn't like it if people swapped 100 tokens just to get to the 100 necessary for the sideshow.  I remember reading somewhere that someone was told off for swapping tokens but if it is just a few, it should be OK.

I have just 12 tokens left and was going to use them for the sideshow but I think it is still free if you have over 100 downloads.  I am 21 downloads away from 100, so if a few of you have lots of spare tokens and are feeling generous, heres my link :)

http://www.luckyoliver.com/portfolio/K10436

« Reply #30 on: September 29, 2007, 05:04 »
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Token swap is not a good idea, really not guys, SY

« Reply #31 on: September 29, 2007, 08:56 »
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Shutterstock is my wife. LuckyOliver is my mistress. LO is a great looking site, with very helpful reviewers, based on newspeak (sticky words, carnies, odditorium - keywords, reviewers, forum) and a warm feeling. For me, it doesn't make any money, but it's fun.

SS is fun too, and it makes money. I will have a 3-digit earning on SS in September. On LO, I will have a projected payout in 2016. That's the bottomline.

IMHO, the worst mistake Bryan makes is wanting to make a second Flickr from LO, and let comments play into the search results. I'm not on a pro microstock site to get hugs and comments, but to get $$. For the social things, there is Flickr. And it works quite well for that, combined with LinkedIn.

« Reply #32 on: September 30, 2007, 11:45 »
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Hi

I like the way Hugo puts this with SS being the wife and LO the mistress - I have been on LO about six weeks with 200 on line and have 16 downloads in September.

True - this is much less than elsewhere, but I do believe Bryan is on the right path.

« Reply #33 on: September 30, 2007, 19:01 »
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IMHO, the worst mistake Bryan makes is wanting to make a second Flickr from LO, and let comments play into the search results. I'm not on a pro microstock site to get hugs and comments, but to get $$.

I agree 100% on this. It takes attention away from what's really important: the quality of the photos. And, more importantly, there will always be people trying to help each other with comments, like we are doing on these boards, making the whole system a joke, and really a waste of time. Or does anybody think that we are the only ones commenting  on each other's photos?

« Reply #34 on: September 30, 2007, 20:52 »
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I have been on LO about six weeks with 200 on line and have 16 downloads in September. True - this is much less than elsewhere, but I do believe Bryan is on the right path.

Well I had 1 download in the last 3 months with a portfolio of 300+.
My last batch of 30 was accepted totally, so quality shouldn't be an issue.
September gave me something just below 100$ on SS alone, so sellability in general shouldn't be an issue.
I started on LO and Featurepics (both 1 year old) at the same time begin this year: on my way to 2nd payout on FP, payout on LO in 2016?

Why do some sell at LO, and others don't?

As always, I think it's the search algorithm. You might have a better concept but if you turn up on page 20, you're out. Since I really don't have time to play the silly comment game on LO, I guess I'm banned to page 30 or so. My issue with LO is that the commenting plays a role in priority - not only the quality or best match.


« Reply #35 on: October 03, 2007, 01:22 »
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This chart 30 day average chart shows how my sales have fallen lately.  I have removed 2 EL's, as they distorts the chart.  My sales are increasing on most of the other sites.


« Reply #36 on: October 03, 2007, 02:06 »
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Here's an interesting observation:
Last week, I uploaded and had approved a close-up of the eye of an Asian woman.  When searching for the words Asian, woman, close-up, and eye (sort by best), I get 33 images up. Mine is the only one that is actually a close-up of an eye, while the others are mostly portraits. Still, it's only number 26 in the search.

I did similar searches with other images/parameters and got similar results.

In this case, all the images came up in the first page, but in many cases, recently uploaded images ended up at page one million or further back. This looks strange to me, and makes me think that either there's a lot of keyword spamming at LO, and/or there's something fundamentally wrong with the search engine.

« Reply #37 on: October 03, 2007, 06:04 »
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1 year, 600 photos portfolio and 29 downloads! LO is not for me. I stopped to upload this month. I give them 6 months, if nothing change I' ll delete all my images.



msv

« Reply #38 on: October 03, 2007, 09:52 »
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I'm at LO since july, 650+ photos online and 15 downloads. With tags in the exif and their great upload system it's worth the effort anyway, I like the site as anyone else and as anyone else I want to believe things will pick up speed eventually.
Well done Bryan.

« Reply #39 on: October 03, 2007, 10:23 »
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September was slower that usual...at least up until the last few days. Then Sideshow sales all of a sudden kicked in, including one large photo with a $6 commission. Four out of my 10 sales were from the Sideshow, so my earnings ended up as my 2nd highest BME without an EL. I love getting $1.50 instead of 30 cents for a blog size, and $6 for a large size instead of $1.20. Makes a big difference. I do wonder though if part of my drop in sales is due to increasing the prices on about 20% of my portfolio starting in August.

September 10 sales
August 12 sales
July 26 sales
June 14 sales
May 12 sales
April 10 sales


 

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