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Author Topic: Anyone heard of 3D Studio  (Read 20626 times)

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« on: July 19, 2009, 19:20 »
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I came across this site and was wondering if anyone heard anything about them.

http://www.the3dstudio.com/


WarrenPrice

« Reply #1 on: July 19, 2009, 19:54 »
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Yeah.  I just got an email from them....a solicitation.

Hello,

I found you online and am sending a quick email to invite you to sell your stock photos/images on The3dStudio.com website.

At The3dStudio.com we are changing the way stock photos and images are bought and sold: We dont use a goofy credit based payment system; we dont require a minimum purchase from our customers; and we dont sell your photos for pennies.

We are a well-established businessover 13 years. We pay an excellent royalty rate60% of every sale goes to you (80% with our affiliate program). We provide real-time reports 24/7 and royalties are paid each month. Our file upload system and product creation form is fast and easy to useit takes just a few seconds to add each photo/image.

There are no set-up, membership, hosting, monthly, or other fees of any kind for photographers or authorswe only make money if you make money.

Please visit http://www.the3dstudio.com for an overview of who we are and what we do. For more information about the benefits we offer, see Selling Products at: http://www.the3dstudio.com/help.aspx

This is not a mass email and you have not been added to a mailing listI just want to make you aware of our web site.

If you have any questions, let me know.

Thank you,
Lisa Anderson
[email protected]

« Reply #2 on: July 19, 2009, 19:55 »
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Fun you are talking about them, I just received an Email from them asking me if I wanted to be a contributor there. Very polite and well written. I'll tale a look when I have a bit more time.

« Reply #3 on: July 19, 2009, 21:05 »
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LisaAnderson from 3dstudio has been posting in the 'if I had to start a new microstock' thread.

http://www.microstockgroup.com/general-stock-discussion/if-i-had-to-start-up-a-new-microstock-site/msg108377/?topicseen#new

ironically she complained that everyone is hiding their email addresses :):):)

« Reply #4 on: July 19, 2009, 21:27 »
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60%, set your own price, most "textures" (which includes architecture images) $5-$10. (I couldnt comment on 3d models).

in my five minute look over lunch, looks ok but I didnt find a terms and agreement (which I have learnt is a good thing to actually read :):))

but
doesnt appear to have ftp :(
has categories and other 'info' to put in :(
has the US withholding tax thing :(:(

not necessarily deal killers, but not as much fun :)

« Reply #5 on: July 19, 2009, 23:00 »
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I am Matt @ The3dStudio.com and figured I would drop in to maybe address any questions anyone has and just clarify a few things.

1. You do get a 60% royalty rate. Most pictures/images sell for $12 with our smallest size having a $4 minimum but you can set your prices higher if you prefer. Join our affiliate program and those sales pay you 80%.

2. We don't work like the other sites and we very much believe in changing the way stock is bought and sold so you aren't doing a lot of hard work for a few pennies per sale. As you can see on our site, we already have some BIG names in the biz signing up to sell with us.

3. We do NOT offer FTP, but do have a very high end multiple file image upload system that's even better (and far more secure than FTP). We also run and own our own data center and have fast upload speeds. Our product creation form (where you enter keywords, etc) is designed to make your job fast and easy. Adding a photo literally takes seconds.

4. We do have categories (it's more important than you might think) but it's VERY easy to pick one and you only have to pick one. Beyond that it's just name and keywords that you enter (model release is optional).

5. We do have US withholding for those outside the US. Keep in mind you ONLY pay withholding tax on orders placed by customers in the USA. At the same time it is possible to reduce or eliminate this tax for most countries.

Questions? Just email me at [email protected] or reply back to Lisa.

-Matt

« Reply #6 on: July 20, 2009, 02:10 »
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thanks Matt :)

« Reply #7 on: July 20, 2009, 06:51 »
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Where can we read the contributors agreement? That's part of why I posted here. It sounds good but the devil is in the details.

« Reply #8 on: July 20, 2009, 07:19 »
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"Goofy credit based system" ?  That system was essentially what created the microstock market.   It also creates a slight psychological disconnect for buyers between their wallet and their purchase.

Aside from just charging higher prices, how are you "changing" the market?

« Reply #9 on: July 20, 2009, 09:36 »
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Quote
where you enter keywords, etc

Does this mean that our IPTC data is not populated automatically?

Thanks!

« Reply #10 on: July 20, 2009, 11:19 »
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Sorry, forgot the agreement link...

http://www.the3dstudio.com/legal.aspx

...it's also posted at the bottom of every page on our site, our login page, and checkout page.

IPTC keyword data IS automatically populated if you have it in your JPGs...speeding up the process that much more for you.

Yes, GOOFY credit based system. As a consumer I shouldn't have to do a bunch of math to figure out how much one image will cost me. At the same time, I shouldn't have to buy XX credits when I only need X. Imagine walking into a Wal-Mart and all of a sudden they decide to work in credits...no consumer on earth would stand for that, so why should they when buying online for stock? We also don't do subscription systems which are a killer when it comes to your profit on a sale (or whatever pennies they call your profit).

I think I listed how we are changing the market, but the key items to note are the hiher royalties we pay (up to 80%), the higher prices we have on images we have, the super fast upload and create system, and the lack of a GOOFY credit system.

Give us a try, it's a great time to get in on our site and get started with us.

-Matt

« Reply #11 on: July 20, 2009, 11:24 »
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PS - Forgot to mention another major way we are changing the way this industry works:  We are a family owned and operated site, we update our site based on our member feedback. Unlike some of those stock sites where you have no voice at all, here at The3dStudio.com we give you a voice and listen to what you have to say and make changes based on your feedback. We are a user driven community and I think that's another huge advantage that we have.

I've read countless posts (not just here) about all of the problems that photogs have with the current run of stock sites. I've seen some that list out what they'd do differently, etc, and we've actually listened to that sort of feedback and made changes based on it. One of our newest members, LumaxArt, who is now starting an adding frenzy...

http://www.the3dstudio.com/product_search.aspx?id_author=30509

...is one of these key members who has given us a lot of input on how our system should work to be easy and fast.
-Matt

« Reply #12 on: July 20, 2009, 13:00 »
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"Give you a voice"... until you find it advantageous or useful not to.  Unless you're assigning voting shares to members.  Otherwise, it's just a business that takes suggestions like any other.  "Family run" doesn't mean anything either - it isn't my family.

WarrenPrice

« Reply #13 on: July 20, 2009, 13:45 »
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"Give you a voice"... until you find it advantageous or useful not to.  Unless you're assigning voting shares to members.  Otherwise, it's just a business that takes suggestions like any other.  "Family run" doesn't mean anything either - it isn't my family.

Not much sense in arguing ... just a simple yes, no, or maybe. 

To me, it sounds a lot like CutCaster.  A great idea for contributors but what will be the attraction for buyers?

« Reply #14 on: July 20, 2009, 13:54 »
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Why would we ever find it advantageous to mute your voice? I guess by having that very thought in your head you must have had a negative experience with some other stock site.

I look at it like this, we are running a business and while I can try to assure you that we are good people (and all family) with good intentions to do the right thing whenever possible the bottom line is that we are a for profit business, right? So lets just concentrate on that one pointmaking money.

How do we, as a business make money? First we need photogs to add their photos and then we need people to buy them. That means we really have twice the work of a more typical business as we need two sets of people to make this happen.

The photogs are customers and the buyers are customers, thats how we see it. We also believe that, while the customer may not always be right, the customer should always be treated with respect and have their voice heard. We should always do our best to help the customer in any way we can and resolve any situations that come up with the customer.

Many times the customer has a valid point, idea, suggestion, request, etc and we would want to listen and honor that when possible. Without the customers we wouldnt have a business. So, with the logic that you are the customer and we need you to make money then why on earth would we not listen to our customers and give them what they want?

Thats just how we work. Family run may not mean much to you, but it means a lot to us and it means we have a lot more to lose than somebody collecting a paycheck for a typical faceless corporation. We put our names behind everything we do. You always know who we are and can always contact us for help, questions, suggestions, etc.

While I understand that there people out there who make think thats all BS and sweet talk, that just isnt the case. I know there will be some jaded folks out there that just dont buy what I am saying, but I guess it will be theyre loss in the end.

I am putting my money where my mouth is right here in writing, and I will continue to do so. If we ever come to a point where you think I am not honoring what I have written then feel free to call me on it and throw this back in my face. Of course, that day wont come as I (and we) just dont work like that. We will be the first company that truly takes your best interests into account for everything we do.

PS I also understand the beast that is the forum and that some folks just like to stir the pot. So, while I dont be drug into that, I am more than happy to answer any questions or comments anyone has.

-Matt

« Reply #15 on: July 20, 2009, 14:00 »
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To me, it sounds a lot like CutCaster.  A great idea for contributors but what will be the attraction for buyers?
[/quote]

CutCaster doesn't seem to be a big site and they still use credits, such and odd system to me. The attraction to our buyers will be your photos, no goofy credit systems, support by major photogs in the industry, and our top notch customer service.

That last one is important as we actually help our customers faster than anybody else. When a customer emails us or opens a support ticket we usually respond within a few minutes to help them out. Customer service just doesn't exist much in this world these days and even less so online but that's a huge area where we stand above the crowd. Providing excellent customer service is my passion...as corny as that sounds, it is the truth.

-Matt

« Reply #16 on: July 20, 2009, 14:19 »
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Sorry, and no, I haven't had any particularly bad experience.  But as istock moved from designers little secret to what it is today, there have been changes.  And I don't expect to agree with all of them.  And if you are ever successful enough to be mentionable things will change to.  Like less royalties because you need to expand or whatever.

And again, I don't see a family business as any benefit.  Acclaim had big problems once because of family conflicts.  Instead of a benefit, it becomes a problem.  And where does that leave contributors?

« Reply #17 on: July 20, 2009, 14:21 »
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We are a user driven community and I think that's another huge advantage that we have.
You are a business not a community, desicions are made to benefit the business, the word users covers both customers and contributors with a different agenda, you have listened to what contributors would change and how they would run a stocksite, how do the customers want you to change and run the website?  

I've read countless posts (not just here) about all of the problems that photogs have with the current run of stock sites. I've seen some that list out what they'd do differently, etc, and we've actually listened to that sort of feedback and made changes based on it.
>...
<...
...is one of these key members who has given us a lot of input on how our system should work to be easy and fast.
-Matt

Take all the artists that post comments in blogs, forums and give feedback, these like me are just a very very tiny minority of artists but the most outspoken, the silent majority just gets on with things and do not visit or even know about the forums, some of the posts you will read are often just 'sour grape' knee jerk reactions to policy changes that leave a bad taste, look around the different microstock websites and a lot of the contributors think they belong to a club or community, and they feel betrayed when the 'friendly stocksite owners' that have many thousands or even millions at stake has to change direction and makes a commercial choice to change policy, to save the business or attract new capital.

If you have artists already some of them would be contributing to the microstock websites, why is there a need to seek input from contributors in an open forum, you have the means to take feedback from your existing artists, you will find that many asset artists never learn or do any research on a new offering, and they are willing to try every new website, not as a thought through business chioce but because they can.

From a customers perspective, I do not care how much you pay your artists or who runs the business, you are a new website to microstock imaging, who are the customers going to be, as I cannot see 'the unique selling point' that will change my habits, a few of us are microstock customers, I purchase small microstock images or graphics for my articles and blogs, at 1 credit for a small ($1.20) but yours are $4, and if I brought a small, medium and large graphic, why would I pay $24 for what will be the same assets I can find on the micros for $15?

If you are recruiting artists from microstock then you will be getting the same images, many artists have collections of macrostock images that the sell as RM and not RF on different sites.

Looking at the stockimages section viewing the section people there is no information to say if the image with real people has a model release, looking at 'The London Eye' images there is nothing to say  No property release' or they are editorial only and cannot be used for commercial use, a buyer would need to filter by these flags in a commercial search, I think you may have a way to go before entering the imaging market.

B.T.W. Stock Photos / Images > People brings up 20 pages of mainly illustrations

If I am right and there are people or body parts in an image with no model release, you should not sell it as RF.

David  ::)  
« Last Edit: July 20, 2009, 14:33 by Adeptris »

« Reply #18 on: July 20, 2009, 14:40 »
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Weve already figured out our royalty structure over our 13+ years in doing this, we have no intention to change that and even if we did wed simply grandfather in the current members. But, again, we have no need to make any changes there and wont have any.

Adeptris, we are a community first and foremost. We started as a community without any plans to make money, but over the past few years it developed into a profitable business based SOLEY on what our contributors and customers wanted. We exist today because of our members (which are contributors and buyers) and are very much a community.

I think you might have misunderstood what I was writing; I am not looking for input via this forum or any at this point. We DO currently take all of our feedback from our members and we do it via direct communication, and not in an open forum like you suggest we are doing. In fact, open forum is usually the worst place for good feedback because it is just the outspoken few who post which may not represent the overall thoughts of the majority.

Our current site is the way it is because of our member feedback, thats how we know we are doing things the right way. Our new uploader and product creation form for stock images is designed the way it is because of suggestions from a few key photogs.

As for buyers, you are rightthey likely dont care about how much goes in your pocket (though some do!). Thats why we dont advertise that sort of thing to customers all that much. For a customer, we offer a fast and easy purchase without dumb credits. We offer fast and easy downloads as well as very fast customer service replies. We are very much a customer service focused company.

Another advantage we will have is that many photogs wont sell on micro-stock sites now because of the low payouts and forced price systems. With our system they have more freedom on pricing and thus we will end up with a lot of unique content that customers wont be able to get anywhere else.

To clear up the pricing you used, our $4 image will be 800 pixelsmany of those 1 credit small images are much smaller, so not exactly apples to apples. As for the $24 price you quote, our large images are usually $12 (but some photogs will set their images higher).

Check our site again, we do show release information. Each author can upload a model or property release as required. If no release is added we show that as well so the customer knows that know release is on file and thus it may be restricted in use. We cant say how restricted that license is though, what you call editorial can actually be used in other situations (educational, etc). So, instead of telling the customer how it can be used in their part of the world, we instead tell them what we have or dont have on the photo and then they can make up their own mind.

« Reply #19 on: July 20, 2009, 14:41 »
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Hi Phil,

I am not clear why you say it's "ironic" and that I was "complaining" about people hiding their email addresses. That implies that mine is not available, but yet it's been in my profile since the day I registered with this forum/web site. Now I am not a forum pro, so maybe I am the only one that can see it???

Also, I wasn't complaining about people hiding their email addresses, just saying that I don't understand it. Not just here but in any forum, blog, people's web sites, etc. where they have a product or service they are trying to sell. So many people either want to be invisible, or they make it very hard to get in touch with them by keeping their email secret or using contact forms.

My point was not to criticize or complain--it's each person's choice--but merely to express how mystified I am that someone wanting my business would make it difficult for me to find them.

I have gotten a lot of great info from this site and appreciate it a lot!

Lisa Anderson
[email protected] (in case I am the only one that can see it listed in my profile)

« Reply #20 on: July 20, 2009, 14:59 »
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I was still wondering why people on this forum think I am hiding so I had 2 friends check my profile and they just got back to me and said they see "hidden" for my email address and our URL. I went back to the profile and I see everything. So I assume I see it because I am logged in and I am the profile owner.

If someone can tell me how to un-hide my info, I would be very grateful. I don't do a lot of forum stuff and now you can see why!  :)

Lisa Anderson
[email protected]

« Reply #21 on: July 20, 2009, 15:03 »
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About the email adress Lisa, most people hied it from forum posts and website because there are some software scanning the web for email adresses to then made them available for spam and con artists. That's the reason that on my website, I have a contact form instead of displaying my email address.

WarrenPrice

« Reply #22 on: July 20, 2009, 15:05 »
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Don't worrry about the small stuff, Lisa.   This group is notoriously hostile toward any startup.  Concentrate on marketing your site to buyers.  

I appreciate the email but will be a "wait and see" contributor until I see a lot more than just words.

Good Luck


« Reply #23 on: July 20, 2009, 15:09 »
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Warren, I think you mispelled 'honest' as 'hostile' ;)

« Reply #24 on: July 20, 2009, 15:20 »
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Sorry to hear you say that Warren, wait and see doesn't usually get anybody all that far :) Hope you will change your mind and get in early with us!


 

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