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Author Topic: new site stocktal  (Read 49205 times)

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« on: August 26, 2014, 12:31 »
0
I saw this ad at bottom of msg site. Whats this? 78%. what?
Site looks so bad (for me)
lol  ;D
http://cloud.microstockgroup.com/images/ads/stocktal.png


Ubermansch

  • Im designed to think
« Reply #1 on: September 05, 2014, 21:13 »
0
I/ve been making a little change with them for last few weeks. (At least they pay immediately on request) Also I have emailed them two times about fixing the pricing on front page, deaf ears. I like it though, i see it as a spear head forward like stocksy, 78%? sounded sweet to me so why not throw up a few images and see where this goes.



« Last Edit: September 05, 2014, 22:01 by Ubermansch »

« Reply #2 on: September 06, 2014, 08:39 »
0
I joined them and have been accepted as contributor there. The site is still evolving, there are few issues here and there. The limit of MB per image is 10.  You can upload image of 10MB each for now. I have written to them to expand the per image limit. Some of the images of 24MP DLSR are above 10MB and that's because images are processed for multiple agencies.

The response of their team is warm and friendly. I am not sure whether they are here on MSG or not.

===========
Adding -- I noticed they have allowed now image upto 16MB for each. That's a welcome change. Appreciate that.
« Last Edit: September 06, 2014, 08:43 by 08stock08 »

« Reply #3 on: September 06, 2014, 19:32 »
+5
From their website:

"A good size is 2000 x 3000px approximately. 1 to 3 megabytes is perfect. We allow up to 10 mb but actively discourage members constantly uploading 8, 9 or 10 mb images. Its not the business niche we are targeting.

If you intend to partner with stocktal, set your camera size to output images around 2000 to 3000 no bigger than 4 or 5 mb. Existing images can easily be transformed."

That's an awful lot to ask of people.  If I have a 24MP camera, I am expected to create two file. I am certainly not going to set my camera to a lower output like you suggest, rather I am going to shoot at the max size I can, which means I would have to resize in post.  And I have probably 2500 images I'd have to go back and resize.  If you have your heart set on this your system should automatically recognize file dimensions and resize automatically. 

Sheriff

« Reply #4 on: September 06, 2014, 19:34 »
0
From their website:

"A good size is 2000 x 3000px approximately. 1 to 3 megabytes is perfect. We allow up to 10 mb but actively discourage members constantly uploading 8, 9 or 10 mb images. Its not the business niche we are targeting.

If you intend to partner with stocktal, set your camera size to output images around 2000 to 3000 no bigger than 4 or 5 mb. Existing images can easily be transformed."

That's an awful lot to ask of people.  If I have a 24MP camera, I am expected to create two file. I am certainly not going to set my camera to a lower output like you suggest, rather I am going to shoot at the max size I can, which means I would have to resize in post.  And I have probably 2500 images I'd have to go back and resize.  If you have your heart set on this your system should automatically recognize file dimensions and resize automatically.

Have to agree- this is going backwards for us...

Ubermansch

  • Im designed to think
« Reply #5 on: September 06, 2014, 20:14 »
0
Ah, you dont have a cheerleader :D

I met Abi on facebook she invited me to add my images 3 weeks ago. She is like an assistant, cheerleader, fairy godmother lol. Deal with her or one of the other ones (Talent scouts) and you get all the inside info.

Apparently she gets a cut from all the sales we make but not from our end. She actually uploaded images for me, all i had to do was send her my file. I asked about this when half my images were not accepted, she said its because they are not accepting images over 10 mb till the pre launch is over in october.

They have 4 petabyte storage ready for deployment but not until end of year.

I guess its ok to give her email, very friendly filipina chick from texas abi at stocktal.com (Im sure she would appreciate this)

« Reply #6 on: September 06, 2014, 22:32 »
+1
We appreciate the discussion here.

I would welcome any other questions, comments or complaints.

I'd like to personally welcome new contributors to stocktal and let's all make some money together.

Jack Reynolds
Co founder Stocktal
Melbourne Australia
« Last Edit: September 07, 2014, 01:18 by Jack-Stocktal »

« Reply #7 on: September 07, 2014, 00:27 »
+1
Hi Jack,

why is there no imprint on your website. Where I am from thats actually a legal requirement for any commercial website! And its certainly doesnt create any trust if contributors and buyers dont know who they are dealing with. A simple contact phone number and a blank email form is not enough.

You are advertising here in the MicrostockGroup. Are you advertising anywhere else as well? How are you going to attract buyers?

« Reply #8 on: September 07, 2014, 01:52 »
+4
At first I thought it's another cheap site where pricing starts with less than $2. (Can I set up my own pricing here?)
But I can see it's for the 100px file. What on the earth are that sizes for?  :o
Large and HD are almost the same here! HD in 1024px?

Mini Web Thumb       89 x 100 px     $1.95    
Small Web              179 x 200 px    $2.95    
Big Web                 804 x 900 px     $9.95    
Large                    894 x 1000 px     $12.95    
High Definition       915 x 1024 px     $29.95


How will you compete with other micros? You are cutting away from clients who want large formats. Less clients for you.

And one more question:
"Download 500 Free Images Now- Full size, full licence no cost - start here"

All uploaded images are part of this party? Or free images section somewhere there? What is that?


Some first technical questions.
Do you offer FTP fast upload?
Do you read IPTC?
Do I have to click on categories, countries, camera model ect? (wasting time)
Can I upload oryginal size files?


Valo

« Reply #9 on: September 07, 2014, 02:17 »
+6
Why bother with another start up? Don't we have enough proof and experience by now that these new agencies bring nothing new to the table? Buyers wont switch to new start ups with fair pricing for us, when they can get their images for a dollar or less with better customer service elsewhere? And for this agency you need to jump through hoops to get some images online. The whole project comes across as amateurish, forgive my bluntness.

« Reply #10 on: September 07, 2014, 02:48 »
+1
Mantis, Sheriff and Ariene,

You bring up valid points, resizing on the fly is something we can technically do. We dont want to become another Alamy, we have our own focus but give me some time to reassess this.

amabu,

You are absolutely correct. Of course we have nothing to hide and our Australia office address is firmly planted on every communication response to a contact form, but obviously not enough. Give room.

Collin Miller handles our marketing arm and is dang good at what he does. We are lucky to have him on board. There is no problem selling on Stocktal.

Ariene,

The sample you found is not typical, but afraid there are some people submitting small images. The buyer pays for original size and whatever that is, shows on the system. Good HD size is 2000 to 4000 px dimensions or higher.

Yes, you can employ your own prices. Just edit the suggested prices in the submission form and they will be your prices for that image. We do not judge nor interfere with your pricing choices, although we encourage feisty pricing.

"How will you compete with other micros? You are cutting away from clients who want large formats. Less clients for you"

We are not going for the "out door advertising" market. Neither are other micros. Our core audience want epic looking images roughly the size of a large laptop screen. (But see above, we may overturn this notion soon)

And one more question:
"Download 500 Free Images Now- Full size, full licence no cost - start here"

Good question, it confuses many people. It is simply a way to retain buyers of images by helping them open their account. A buyer with an account comes back. All images used are inhouse stuff, but some photographers choose to throw in an image or two. Its optional. Just tick the "free" option in the submission form of any individual image. This will allow user to download your image free full size when they open an account. It's an Easter egg hunt for the buyer, they might find some they may not but there's over 700 so far that are free with account.

Some first technical questions.
Do you offer FTP fast upload? Yes
Do you read IPTC? Yes
Do I have to click on categories, countries, camera model ect? (wasting time) No, but being found in categories requires you to be in at least one relevant category. No need.
Can I upload oryginal size files? Yes




« Reply #11 on: September 07, 2014, 03:29 »
-1
Why bother with another start up? Don't we have enough proof and experience by now that these new agencies bring nothing new to the table? Buyers wont switch to new start ups with fair pricing for us, when they can get their images for a dollar or less with better customer service elsewhere? And for this agency you need to jump through hoops to get some images online. The whole project comes across as amateurish, forgive my bluntness.

Thank you for your frankness.

The weight on Stocktal shoulders is 10 million screaming, angry, creative artists with a rage to sell. The remaining 15 can upload to the redundant agencies.

Valo

« Reply #12 on: September 07, 2014, 03:36 »
0
I am sorry, but your reply is as amateurish as your site. The best way to get contributors on board is to mock them, surely. If you want to make it in this business, thick skin is a must, as critique and criticism are undoubtedly part of it.

Valo

« Reply #13 on: September 07, 2014, 03:39 »
+3
I doubt it that any of your buyers will ever need more than 500 images in the next 10 years.

Ubermansch

  • Im designed to think
« Reply #14 on: September 07, 2014, 04:24 »
-1
Thanks Jack, love your work, keep up the morality.

Confidence and bravado is not thin skinned. He actually thanked you for your frankness. This agency needs support from every photographer.

Lame website or not, that 78% is justice, heart and vision.


« Reply #15 on: September 07, 2014, 05:08 »
+1
Don't see any problem with the site. Colorful comments above but its ok.

I joined yesterday with 25 uploads, didnt have any problems. Good easy upload workflow. I have 6 approved so far. Still waiting to upload more.

They have some nice images there, they have some good photographers from what I can see.

« Reply #16 on: September 07, 2014, 05:48 »
0
Hi Jack,

I was with Stocktal from the beginning, and I'm not sure about something. Is this 78 EPO account permanent? What happens later? I have already upladed 3000 PLUS images and its got me worried, since last payment, what stops you changing the percentage?

I want to upload more images and this is worrying me so far. Im the bird guy.

thanks

Valo

« Reply #17 on: September 07, 2014, 05:49 »
+2
Once MSG starts buzzing with positive sales reports, I will take notice. Stockbo was the last start up I remember, with support from lots of people on MSG, and it is not generating enough sales either. Graphic Leftovers has been around much longer with fair royalties and an easy uploading system, and they struggle as well. Just sharing my thoughts, you all are free to submit to any agency you like.

Tror

« Reply #18 on: September 07, 2014, 08:21 »
+1
Once MSG starts buzzing with positive sales reports, I will take notice. Stockbo was the last start up I remember, with support from lots of people on MSG, and it is not generating enough sales either. Graphic Leftovers has been around much longer with fair royalties and an easy uploading system, and they struggle as well. Just sharing my thoughts, you all are free to submit to any agency you like.

If we do not support fair newcomers we are creating a monopoly of the abusive, partially existing companies.
If anything to criticize than only that we do not support the newcomers enough and do boycott the abusive sites too little.

In the end, the individual has all the power. Stocksy was partially too successful because of its social gravitiy - people supported them. If we all would pull one string and just ignore the naysayers, sheeps and low self esteem people we could achieve much more than only pushing a new and fair company to a good sales level.

I remind myself on this everytime I switch as a buyer to a new site ;-)

Tror

« Reply #19 on: September 07, 2014, 08:21 »
0
Once MSG starts buzzing with positive sales reports, I will take notice. Stockbo was the last start up I remember, with support from lots of people on MSG, and it is not generating enough sales either. Graphic Leftovers has been around much longer with fair royalties and an easy uploading system, and they struggle as well. Just sharing my thoughts, you all are free to submit to any agency you like.

If we do not support fair newcomers we are creating a monopoly of the abusive, partially existing companies.
If anything to criticize than only that we do not support the newcomers enough and do boycott the abusive sites too little.

In the end, the individual has all the power. Stocksy was partially (amongst many other factors) successful because of its social gravitiy - people supported them. If we all would pull one string and just ignore the naysayers, sheeps and low self esteem people we could achieve much more than only pushing a new and fair company to a good sales level.

I remind myself on this everytime I switch as a buyer to a new site ;-)

Valo

« Reply #20 on: September 07, 2014, 09:01 »
+3
I hear you, any new site showing potential, like Canva, gets my support. I just will not spend time on a site which offers nothing new, with no potential and no returns. It is common sense. 78% of naught is naught.

« Reply #21 on: September 07, 2014, 09:11 »
0
Hi Jack,

I noticed you support Rights Managed images. I assume the image is determined to be Rights Managed or Royalty Free by us when we upload? Are the prices for Rights Managed images adjustable by the submitter?

« Reply #22 on: September 07, 2014, 10:15 »
0
Mantis, Sheriff and Ariene,

You bring up valid points, resizing on the fly is something we can technically do. We dont want to become another Alamy, we have our own focus but give me some time to reassess this.

amabu,

You are absolutely correct. Of course we have nothing to hide and our Australia office address is firmly planted on every communication response to a contact form, but obviously not enough. Give room.

Collin Miller handles our marketing arm and is dang good at what he does. We are lucky to have him on board. There is no problem selling on Stocktal.

Ariene,

The sample you found is not typical, but afraid there are some people submitting small images. The buyer pays for original size and whatever that is, shows on the system. Good HD size is 2000 to 4000 px dimensions or higher.

Yes, you can employ your own prices. Just edit the suggested prices in the submission form and they will be your prices for that image. We do not judge nor interfere with your pricing choices, although we encourage feisty pricing.

"How will you compete with other micros? You are cutting away from clients who want large formats. Less clients for you"

We are not going for the "out door advertising" market. Neither are other micros. Our core audience want epic looking images roughly the size of a large laptop screen. (But see above, we may overturn this notion soon)

And one more question:
"Download 500 Free Images Now- Full size, full licence no cost - start here"

Good question, it confuses many people. It is simply a way to retain buyers of images by helping them open their account. A buyer with an account comes back. All images used are inhouse stuff, but some photographers choose to throw in an image or two. Its optional. Just tick the "free" option in the submission form of any individual image. This will allow user to download your image free full size when they open an account. It's an Easter egg hunt for the buyer, they might find some they may not but there's over 700 so far that are free with account.

Some first technical questions.
Do you offer FTP fast upload? Yes
Do you read IPTC? Yes
Do I have to click on categories, countries, camera model ect? (wasting time) No, but being found in categories requires you to be in at least one relevant category. No need.
Can I upload oryginal size files? Yes

Thanks, Jack. I will be one of the first to say that I am ACTIVELY looking to downsize my agency list to "the critical few" and blend those with the "critical few newcomers" in support of fair trade.  Several here have asked questions that are important.......how are you going to compete with all these other micros? Most are non performers and how to you avoid becoming one of these? You will certainly need a core differentiator, that's for certain.  Looking forward to more dialog.

« Reply #23 on: September 07, 2014, 11:56 »
+3
Starling,

Your account is for life, nothing can change the percentage. It's 78% flat forever.

fivedmarkthree,

yes rights managed is completely flexible and totally up to the talent how when and where and at what price the item will be sold. You can designate world distro or just USA or Europe. Up to you. It's your work, its your choice, we are privileged to be the one to help you sell it.

Mantis,

thanks for your upfront perspectives. I have been in discussion all afternoon regarding this issue of resizing bitmaps. Its coming to a conclusion. will let you know.

Regarding our USP, we have several, but the main one is that buyers and sellers can talk to each other. Unheard of in the industry. Often buyers are in awe of the talent, and the talent is tremendously curious about the buyer. Stocktal lets you talk to each other. (You have to add them as friend first etc, you can figure the system out on the site)

Also we spend a bomb on advertising. Its not rocket science.

Delighted to continue this dialogue and answer any other questions.

Regards
Jack

Valo

« Reply #24 on: September 07, 2014, 12:05 »
-1
Buyers and Contributors talk to each other on Photodune (Envato) as well.


 

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