MicrostockGroup
Agency Based Discussion => Pixmac => Topic started by: THP Creative on March 05, 2012, 18:54
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Let's get an update here: Is it worth uploading to Pixmac?
My images are there anyway through Yay's API program, but of course a direct upload would make images rank higher in searches and more royalties etc.
Is anyone actually seeing sales from direct uploads to Pixmac? Is it worth it?
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To be fair to Pixmac, I only uploaded a few hundred of my images there, but I don't think it's worth it. I don't contribute to any of the sites that they partner with, so the only images I have there are those I uploaded. The trickle of sales is so small - and the 25 cent subscription sales so cheap - that I have no incentive to upload more.
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Thank you for the question. Some info to consider:
- overall sales of direct contributors continuously grow
- many contributors reach payout every month (thousands of pics in portfolio)
- we're selling majority of files via credits and single purchases where the royalty is higher
- we are one of the agencies supporting: http://fairstockphotoagency.com/ (http://fairstockphotoagency.com/)
- the relevancy and quality of the search results is improved and localized every day
- we have 12 local versions managed by local people
- currently we sell over 1.3 million images from direct contributors including:
http://www.pixmac.com/author/yuriarcurs (http://www.pixmac.com/author/yuriarcurs)
http://www.pixmac.com/author/MonkeyBusiness (http://www.pixmac.com/author/MonkeyBusiness)
http://www.pixmac.com/author/candyboximages (http://www.pixmac.com/author/candyboximages)
http://www.pixmac.com/author/dash (http://www.pixmac.com/author/dash) (uploaded files recently)
http://www.pixmac.com/author/Wavebreak+Media (http://www.pixmac.com/author/Wavebreak+Media)
http://www.pixmac.com/author/paha (http://www.pixmac.com/author/paha)
http://www.pixmac.com/author/dolgachov (http://www.pixmac.com/author/dolgachov)
http://www.pixmac.com/author/NixoR (http://www.pixmac.com/author/NixoR)
We help contributors with the initial upload. So if you have at least 500 files and can supply us with IPTC data or an Excel Sheet with the metadata, we can help you out with the rest (via FTP or by sending us DVD). In that case, please contact us at [email protected].
If some of you, for some reason, don't want to be at Pixmac, please uncheck 'partner sales' at FP, YAY, DP.
Cheers
Vita, CEO
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Thanks to you both.
Keen to hear some more thoughts from others too, but really appreciate your input zager.
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1 - 2 downloads a month.
I believe that Yuri or MonkeyBusiness reach payout every month. I have no idea about their monthly overall income but I estimate that my earnings can be 1-2% compared to theirs - it means I'm close to zero at Pixmac. :)
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Let's get an update here: Is it worth uploading to Pixmac?
My images are there anyway through Yay's API program, but of course a direct upload would make images rank higher in searches and more royalties etc.
Is anyone actually seeing sales from direct uploads to Pixmac? Is it worth it?
And have You checked? None of my 760 files on YAY appear to be on Pixmac ( have opt-in since begin ) ... And as I see, they will not be there before 2020. It's true that I've changed some emails with pixmac/yaymicro CR and they said that would be a question of weeks ( last year )....
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And have You checked? None of my 760 files on YAY appear to be on Pixmac ( have opt-in since begin ) ... And as I see, they will not be there before 2020. It's true that I've changed some emails with pixmac/yaymicro CR and they said that would be a question of weeks ( last year )....
Yep I checked before posting this thread. Not ALL my images are there, but about 3/4.
Thinking I'll give them a go.
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My sales at PM are not where I would ultimately like them to be, but I'm hopeful they will improve. Payouts, when reached, are made quickly, and overall it's a good site. I'm not sorry I uploaded there.
My one real complaint is that as far as I can tell, there is no way to total your monthly stats. You only get the whole page of sales, and have to add the $ amounts one by one. Sales are low enough that it isn't a huge inconvenience yet, but it really should be totaled like it is on every other site.
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wow, really Lisa? That seems like a very easy thing for Pixmac to fix. I hope they take your suggestion on board. Although they're not alone - I find CanStocks monthly reporting terrible too, way too vague.
But glad for the feedback guys, thanks a lot
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Vita
I have 1564 images on Pixmac as a result of uploads to DepositPhoto and I have had 9 sales in the past year. Is there an advantage to directly uploading my images to your site, and how do I tell which of my 3000+ images you don't have online?
What do you recommend for photographers who have a partial collection on your site through another agency?
Steve
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Thank you Lisa for the comment. I've discussed that right now with our developers. It's a pain for more contributors so we'd launch some pretty simple but working solution so you would have month + downloads + earnings on one page.
As for the import of the images, THP and CoisaX, it's not super-fast and even that I'm pushing it here as much as I can, there are some technical issues or speed limitations from time to time. We're now importing and checking on duplicates all the files that came in and unfortunately it takes a lot of computing power and time. I can only say that we would have all the files on our site one day. It's my target to have/market/sell as much files as possible, so we're on the same boat.
Thank you steheap for the question. There are advantages for sure:
- higher royalties (in majority of cases)
- better ranking in search
- zoom capability in picture detail (as we have hi-res only when the contributor is direct)
- more metadata (title+desc+keywords+exif)
- usually sharper and better looking thumbs
- subscription sales
- distribution sales (you can opt-out)
- individual help with import
- setting bonus ranking to your hand picked bestsellers (5-10% of portfolio)
- me ready to help you, to make us both happy...
etc.
The downside is more maintenance work for you, so it's good to check similar content and how it works at Pixmac, so you can estimate if we have the customers for the content you offer.
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As for the import of the images, THP and CoisaX, it's not super-fast and even that I'm pushing it here as much as I can, there are some technical issues or speed limitations from time to time. We're now importing and checking on duplicates all the files that came in and unfortunately it takes a lot of computing power and time. I can only say that we would have all the files on our site one day. It's my target to have/market/sell as much files as possible, so we're on the same boat.
I would be happy if had at least some files. Currently, excluding editorials, I have +600@YAYmicro and +400@DP and none on Pixmac.
But Ok. One day it could happen.
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Thank you Lisa for the comment. I've discussed that right now with our developers. It's a pain for more contributors so we'd launch some pretty simple but working solution so you would have month + downloads + earnings on one page.
Thank you, thank you, Zager! Really appreciate your fast response to this issue. It will make things much easier for your contributors. Especially as your success - and our sales - are growing :D
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Stats are there:
http://www.pixmac.com/myaccount/finance/earnings (http://www.pixmac.com/myaccount/finance/earnings)
It's just taken out of the oven, so I'll verify if there are also refunds included and you can check if the numbers are ok for you.
Vita
Edit: Refunds are calculated there from now on.
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Wonderful Vita! This will be so helpful!! A real time saver. Thank you! :D
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I really don't understand the expiration of the referral earnings! Because of this policy and the issues with Dreamstime I deleted my portfolio long time ago.
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I really don't understand the expiration of the referral earnings! Because of this policy and the issues with Dreamstime I deleted my portfolio long time ago.
Hi Ivelin.
What you mean by issues with dreamstime???
Please explain, because im applicating there and i dont want any trouble with dreamstime. I have good sales there.
Thanks.
David.
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http://www.microstockgroup.com/pixmac/dreamstime-and-pixmac-investigation/ (http://www.microstockgroup.com/pixmac/dreamstime-and-pixmac-investigation/)
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[url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/pixmac/dreamstime-and-pixmac-investigation/[/url] ([url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/pixmac/dreamstime-and-pixmac-investigation/[/url])
For me personally, I would never upload to Pixmac purely because of what they were exposed doing...keeping contributor commissions. When Zager says "mistakes happen" is when I call the BS card. It took agencies to find repeatability in their error and I am sure there wasn't a rush to judgement by DT to sever their relationship upon the first discovery of a "mistake". DT ultimately pulled the plug because they concluded that Pixmac wasn't on the up and up and subsequently severed their relationship with Pixmac. So, for me personally, forget it.
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Thumb up for pixmac, is a new site for me but already better than stockfresh, glo.
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[url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/pixmac/dreamstime-and-pixmac-investigation/[/url] ([url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/pixmac/dreamstime-and-pixmac-investigation/[/url])
For me personally, I would never upload to Pixmac purely because of what they were exposed doing...keeping contributor commissions. When Zager says "mistakes happen" is when I call the BS card. It took agencies to find repeatability in their error and I am sure there wasn't a rush to judgement by DT to sever their relationship upon the first discovery of a "mistake". DT ultimately pulled the plug because they concluded that Pixmac wasn't on the up and up and subsequently severed their relationship with Pixmac. So, for me personally, forget it.
+1
They are dubious - IMHO
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[url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/pixmac/dreamstime-and-pixmac-investigation/[/url] ([url]http://www.microstockgroup.com/pixmac/dreamstime-and-pixmac-investigation/[/url])
For me personally, I would never upload to Pixmac purely because of what they were exposed doing...keeping contributor commissions. When Zager says "mistakes happen" is when I call the BS card. It took agencies to find repeatability in their error and I am sure there wasn't a rush to judgement by DT to sever their relationship upon the first discovery of a "mistake". DT ultimately pulled the plug because they concluded that Pixmac wasn't on the up and up and subsequently severed their relationship with Pixmac. So, for me personally, forget it.
+1
They are dubious - IMHO
+2
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Every time I reply to your questions or suggestions, I try to put myself into your shoes. In case my words sounds like BS, please let me know or ask further questions. I'll try to explain my point of view and tell you guys anything that's not under NDA.
Thank you for understanding.
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Hi Zager,
Thanks for showing up in the forums, it's really appreciated. Some of these concerns are things of the past for me personally, thus I was happy to give you a go. but then other 'errors' like the one I had nearly a month ago now in my account is still not rectified properly, despite multiple emails to support saying they will get around to it soon.
Can you please take a look (THPStock) and get a fix or update to me (i don't want to go into too much detail here but the error is clearly explained in my emails to Lucy).
These sorts of errors that involve finances don't engender faith, unless they are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Thanks, and again, thanks for being vocal in the forums.
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Honestly, big thank you THP for your words.
If your tech issue is related to vector sales showing as ELs, that issue is solved on testing server right now and should be published on Thursday this week. I'm sorry for the delays in any case. There's always so much to do.
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There's always so much to do.
Yeah,
We are all waiting here for wonderfull things to happen.
Like customers...
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Well, I think Pixmac is OK! I used to have my images sent there from DepositPhotos and presumably got a few sales less their commission. I moved to a direct contributor in late March, got great support to get my images online, and now see a dribble of sales coming through ($9 so far...). Not great, but for a very low maintenance site it is better than I was getting before. All I have to do is get the images there via Lightburner, visit to add a model release where necessary and sit back. I haven't had a payment yet, but we are slowly getting there.
Steve
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Yeah,
We are all waiting here for wonderfull things to happen.
Like customers...
I can wait for customers, because i'm still waiting ( October 2011 ) that some images from Yaymicro, DP somehow appear on pixmac ::)
With some luck I'll have they online, when some customer visit pixmac :D
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Hey Zager, yeah that was the issue. Look forward to the fix.
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Uploaded 8 on july 30th (wanted to start small) 3 were accepted on aug 2nd. (1 other had a copyight issue which i didn't notice at first) Not the best of starts but have more uploads for next week.
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here i go again uploading a small batch (5). hile i ait to see if the rainy eather lets up.
Make that 7. More to come.
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i have 14 approved (small amount i know)
7 rejected (bound to happen)
6 waiting for review.
3 waiting to upload
and i got a sale today - must be doing something right.
thanks Zager for a great site
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Dan, let us know again when you hit the 250 approved mark, we will get the bubbly out ;)
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It's definately worth it if a small port like mine has a sale. My port is growing.
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It's definately worth it if a small port like mine has a sale. My port is growing.
And if you are willing to accept their business practices. These guys are not too ethical. In my opinion, foolish move.
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And if you are willing to accept their business practices. These guys are not too ethical. In my opinion, foolish move.
Hi Mantis, I'm ready to discuss any issues were not resolved. As well as any actual proofs that we do "not too ethical" business. Thank you. Vita CEO at Pixmac
Btw. have you seen this for example? It's my personal initiative.
http://fairstockphotoagency.com/ (http://fairstockphotoagency.com/)
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FWIW, I have been uploading to Pixmac for nearly two years and they have always been perfectly ethical with me. Payouts come fairly regularly and are paid within a day or two.
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Zager, I just sent you a PM if you could take a look please. Thanks
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And if you are willing to accept their business practices. These guys are not too ethical. In my opinion, foolish move.
Hi Mantis, I'm ready to discuss any issues were not resolved. As well as any actual proofs that we do "not too ethical" business. Thank you. Vita CEO at Pixmac
Btw. have you seen this for example? It's my personal initiative.
[url]http://fairstockphotoagency.com/[/url] ([url]http://fairstockphotoagency.com/[/url])
The proof is in Dreamstime's actions. As a contributor, that's typically enough for me...since I typically don't have access to the books and data DT used to draw their conclusion. However, notwithstanding a convincing explanation, I am always open to listening. I seem to recall you claimed it was a "technical issue" (you or someone from Picmax) as cause, but if that were the case wouldn't DT have listened and understood? Wouldn't they have got it, asked you to correct it and pilot test your remedies to ensure a future robust partnership? I personally believe that Dreamstime wouldn't have pulled the plug if it were an innocent, explainable and correctable issue. As you probably know, MS is a bitch to make a living, contributors fighting every day for fair play, better commissions, and frankly, being respected mechanisms of the industry. In many proven instances the opposite is in fact true. So, for me personally, the last thing I want is to have to deal with yet another dishonest agency.
But do tell. Convince me to take a chance and upload my 3000 images.
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@Mantis
Just a few statements to think about.
Our partners were bigger competitors at the same time, looking at our growth as potential risk in future.
Any individual company itself can do a pile of gray stuff and not being seen. We stepped into the wild waters and tried to do a partnership with direct competitors, believing we can reach to more customers. And yes, we were under magnifying glass. My mistake was, that I was so idealistic, that I thought they would respect us and as you said, they would listen and understand with a vision of a better future.
The reality is that we all fight for life on this planet. And at that time, we were a small unknown against a big wellknown. And in such cases the winner is easy to guess. So everything that happened is easy to understand for me. And yes, it was the biggest lesson of my life so far.
And as for your 3k images? I'd be happy to host and sell them. I bet you put a lot of work into creating them and I understand how careful you are about putting them somewhere. The reality is that you never know. In any company: technical error can happen, somebody's mistake can occur, and in the end there's always somebody with a stolen creditcard putting your stuff onto strange websites.
At least I tried to talk about things that other companies just hide or do not comment.
But you know what? Microstock has one powerful feature that nobody uses. You can do a test purchase anytime and see if the whole chain works as it should. And ask questions. Still, the reality is that many people prefer to construct strange theories rather than spending a few dollars to find out the truth with a single click.
Sorry if I'm too open. And honestly, enjoy your life with or without Pixmac.
Vita
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@Mantis
Just a few statements to think about.
Our partners were bigger competitors at the same time, looking at our growth as potential risk in future.
Any individual company itself can do a pile of gray stuff and not being seen. We stepped into the wild waters and tried to do a partnership with direct competitors, believing we can reach to more customers. And yes, we were under magnifying glass. My mistake was, that I was so idealistic, that I thought they would respect us and as you said, they would listen and understand with a vision of a better future.
The reality is that we all fight for life on this planet. And at that time, we were a small unknown against a big wellknown. And in such cases the winner is easy to guess. So everything that happened is easy to understand for me. And yes, it was the biggest lesson of my life so far.
And as for your 3k images? I'd be happy to host and sell them. I bet you put a lot of work into creating them and I understand how careful you are about putting them somewhere. The reality is that you never know. In any company: technical error can happen, somebody's mistake can occur, and in the end there's always somebody with a stolen creditcard putting your stuff onto strange websites.
At least I tried to talk about things that other companies just hide or do not comment.
But you know what? Microstock has one powerful feature that nobody uses. You can do a test purchase anytime and see if the whole chain works as it should. And ask questions. Still, the reality is that many people prefer to construct strange theories rather than spending a few dollars to find out the truth with a single click.
Sorry if I'm too open. And honestly, enjoy your life with or without Pixmac.
Vita
Thanks! I have been enjoying it perfectly fine without.
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FWIW, I have been uploading to Pixmac for nearly two years and they have always been perfectly ethical with me. Payouts come fairly regularly and are paid within a day or two.
+1, never had a problem with them either, and if I have a question they respond promptly.
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I added several more to review. By next Friday (or so) my port should double.
Even with a small port i had a SALE. So yeah they're worth a shot.
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I added several more to review. By next Friday (or so) my port should double.
Even with a small port i had a SALE. So yeah they're worth a shot.
For you. I never did get a reasonable response from Zager so in my mind same ol same ol. Lisa, you may be satisfied that you are getting a payout every month, but have you ever asked yourself how much you aren't getting? Of all the forum posts about these guys (here, SS, DT, etc) I just think they are a lousy option, personally.
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I added several more to review. By next Friday (or so) my port should double.
Even with a small port i had a SALE. So yeah they're worth a shot.
You actually convinced me they are not worth it