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Author Topic: It's official, you are exclusive.  (Read 27511 times)

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georgep7

« on: March 24, 2019, 00:12 »
+1
Still a newbie, maybe doing a big mistake but guess every
opinion and decision deserves a space to be talked.

I understand that professionals here cannot take that risk.

But for the rest of us. The "small fish" as they say.

So, you did go exclusively video uploading to Pond5.

If YES would you like to share your reasons?

Mine was zero sales to other two agencies plus their (lots of) rejections.
I did it understanding that I am not an exclusive artist or something but
just accepting an exclusive uploading and distributing agreement
with the benefit to set my prices and some possible perks as an exclusive uploader.

:)


« Reply #1 on: March 24, 2019, 00:28 »
+1

just accepting an exclusive uploading and distributing agreement
with the benefit to set my prices and some possible perks as an exclusive uploader.



I thought everybody could set their prices on Pond 5, exclusive and non exclusive. Just that exclusives have more flexibility with the prices they can set.

« Reply #2 on: March 24, 2019, 06:28 »
+3
I am a long time professional and going forward all of my new material will be Exclusive to Pond5. Reasons are simple. The industry is headed to the penny market so if we don't value our work nobody else will!! buyers will look for the best they can find of the cheapest and that is why you need exclusive files! Getty is still in business because of their exclusive collection. Pricing is fair and I am thrilled that the agency is honoring my hard work! This is a long game friends but if you value your work and don't want all your sales to be $1.50 or less then this is the path you might want to consider. Having worked in this field close to 15 years I know which agencies will treat you best on Pond5 is at the top for that!

swisschocolate

« Reply #3 on: March 24, 2019, 06:52 »
+6
What will happen when in 1-3-5 years Pond5 will sell for the same $1.50? But you won't be able to get an additional income from anywhere else and lose all the positions in searches?
Exclusivity is such a short term "win".

Getty is still in business because of their exclusive collection

Exactly, this is Pond5 who needs this to market against Getty, it has nothing to do with "agency is honoring my hard work". This sounds so naive, sorry.

And the next step to "win against Getty" for them will be another "Premium access", and they will shower you with promises again, because "this is the only way to go", because the evil Getty does it...

And doing all that for just 60%... this is unbelievable :)
« Last Edit: March 24, 2019, 06:59 by swisschocolate »

« Reply #4 on: March 24, 2019, 08:28 »
+1
What will happen when in 1-3-5 years Pond5 will sell for the same $1.50? But you won't be able to get an additional income from anywhere else and lose all the positions in searches?
Exclusivity is such a short term "win".

Getty is still in business because of their exclusive collection

Exactly, this is Pond5 who needs this to market against Getty, it has nothing to do with "agency is honoring my hard work". This sounds so naive, sorry.

And the next step to "win against Getty" for them will be another "Premium access", and they will shower you with promises again, because "this is the only way to go", because the evil Getty does it...

And doing all that for just 60%... this is unbelievable :)

Unbelievable is that you call it just 60%, that's 400% better than Getty.  Nobody knows what the future holds at Pond5, but you can hazard a reasonable guess that Istock, shutterstock and most of the rest will only go one way and with it your prices on Pond5 if you stay independent..
« Last Edit: March 24, 2019, 08:35 by obj owl »

« Reply #5 on: March 24, 2019, 08:30 »
+7
As I state before I do what is best for me, doesn't bother me if no one follows! Been at this a long time and not afraid  to take this chance, I was called naive when I started this full-time 9 years ago :-)

swisschocolate

« Reply #6 on: March 24, 2019, 08:47 »
+1
Unbelievable is that you call it just 60%, that's 400% better than Getty.  Nobody knows what the future holds at Pond5, but you can hazard a reasonable guess that Istock, shutterstock and most of the rest will only go one way and with it your prices on Pond5 it you stay independent..

It is just 60% for your total dependance on one single company, which isn't even a market leader... and as you say: "Nobody knows what the future holds at Pond5".

+ you will still compete with other exclusives and non-exclusive for customers. What percentage of customers shop on Pond5 in comparison with whole stock market? (no need to answer)

It is really better for us, non-exclusive, if more people will go exclusive. So I'm not here to change anyone's mind.

It's just a friendly advice, since I'm right now, at this very moment, experincing all the consequences of my choice to go exclusive years ago.

« Reply #7 on: March 24, 2019, 10:33 »
+1
I guess I will resort to begging people to not go Exclusive! Works for me.

swisschocolate

« Reply #8 on: March 24, 2019, 10:47 »
+2
I guess I will resort to begging people to not go Exclusive! Works for me.

It seemed that you was "building a community" and I was watching your videos on YT and will continue to. But it seems there won't be any community anymore, since there will be only Pond5 left to discuss for you.
Sadly, I will miss your point of view.

And it is strange that you won't give any reasonable explanation of why is it better to go exclusive, except: "I am a long time professional" and "I do what is best for me".
Here are many long time professionals :) and we all do what is the best for us, but it is great to have a discussion with examples and some thoughtful rationale.

« Reply #9 on: March 24, 2019, 10:59 »
+5
Please keep in mind I still have thousands of clips online and will let the community know how that is going. I also curate for several artist through BlackBox which is also non-exclusive! I will serve and help any artist no matter where they submit because good stock is good stock no matter where you submit it. My goal is to provide people with tools to shoot high end stock. Now for me this step is important because I see my work going for less and less and have no control over my pricing. I actually loved being Exclusive at Getty until they broke all their promises, I am aware that Pond5 could do the same but after talking to them a while and working with them the past few years I feel that I need more control over my work in the future and it is very motivating to me to get 60% it is a mental boost for me to keep at it. It also saves me time so I can focus more on shooting and use uploading to one site. Over the years my production has suffered because I have upload to so many different sites. I am here to support any video artist and hey if you are making a killing on SS or any other platform them stay there. Pond5 is my top earner so that is why I am focusing there for me. Thank-you for watching my youtube channel!! don't worry it will not become a Pond5 only channel the world is much to big for that! It will be focused on helping you succeed in video!

swisschocolate

« Reply #10 on: March 24, 2019, 11:06 »
+3
Please keep in mind I still have thousands of clips online and will let the community know how that is going. I also curate for several artist through BlackBox which is also non-exclusive! I will serve and help any artist no matter where they submit because good stock is good stock no matter where you submit it. My goal is to provide people with tools to shoot high end stock. Now for me this step is important because I see my work going for less and less and have no control over my pricing. I actually loved being Exclusive at Getty until they broke all their promises, I am aware that Pond5 could do the same but after talking to them a while and working with them the past few years I feel that I need more control over my work in the future and it is very motivating to me to get 60% it is a mental boost for me to keep at it. It also saves me time so I can focus more on shooting and use uploading to one site. Over the years my production has suffered because I have upload to so many different sites. I am here to support any video artist and hey if you are making a killing on SS or any other platform them stay there. Pond5 is my top earner so that is why I am focusing there for me. Thank-you for watching my youtube channel!! don't worry it will not become a Pond5 only channel the world is much to big for that! It will be focused on helping you succeed in video!

Thank you for your insights. Well, that would be great if Pond5 would somehow become an exception, indeed.

georgep7

« Reply #11 on: March 24, 2019, 12:06 »
+1
Quote
discussion with examples

@ swisschocolate it is understandable that your advise is friendly
and that you have experienced the exclusivity negatives first hand
and you want to warn people not to have a similar bad situation :)

Remember no big port, no real earnings, if withing two years I will not manage to produce a few good clips
and see some results I am out of stock eitherway. (remember, started this thread for us, new, small fish) :) 

Here are some things I noticed if this help, I dunno if they indicate anything or are just coincidences:

aside no sales as a newbie, I had frustrating rejections, I use to say for Adobe but also, I had
"subject not visible because of other object" (don't remember the exact words) on SS
it was a sliding shot of a town hall clock linearly revealed behind a tree trunk. duh!
It is one thing to misfocus or shake or frame incorrect and another to put effort that is rejected from the thumbnail.

Googling "[whatever]stock footage" in videos tab, SS dominates the results.
Ranking high or first, guess cost a lot. You know what this mean.

Adobe (plus Vimeo that rejected me) are as P5 say (I don't really know) included in our clips promotion.
Vimeo is filmmaking oriented, I thought I might have some success with some heavy graded, odd angle, etc shots.
I am not sure and no guarantee of course. It is a matter of perspective.

If Adobe, Vimeo and Pond5 have an understanding, ShutterStock is at the wall.
Not today, not tomorrow but some time later as for videos. I don't know for photos etc.

I shoot HD. Uploading in Adobe a "red rose" clip and a released clip with model (my wife actually) are priced equally.
From scratch, without any sales, I uplifted the prices in Pond5 and I felt better.
I don't care if 4K is priced higher as long as it is the content as everybody say.
Just a subjective matter of attitude.

Adobe already lost (as much as I read, perhaps I got it wrong?) all the Fotolia years earned reputation.
Plus no direct communication, the only time I "spoke" with an Adobe person was here,
in a post teasing Mat about editorial videos or something.

And of course I am not 100% sure for what I did. I wouldn't dare to advise not even a close friend to follow my path.

:)
 

« Reply #12 on: March 27, 2019, 00:10 »
+5
Best of luck to you, George. I've decided to go the middle way, and created a second account with Pond5 so I can market some work there as exclusive, and some as non-exclusive. For those who asked for rationale, this is mine:

First, as far as I can tell, Pond5 is not Getty. Their culture, their management team, everything. They aren't a bunch of bankers up to their eyebrows in debt working to exploit 'assets'. Quoting here from last week's letter from Pond5's CEO: "Pond5 was founded on the principle of providing artists with control over the pricing of their content and equitably sharing royalties earned from licensing that content. We are proud to say that we will never waver from these founding principles, even as we adapt to evolving market conditions." I think they're the real deal. I was burned by Getty in recent years and didn't think I'd ever go exclusive again, but if there's any chance of reversing the race to the bottom and shutting out Getty's PA scheme, I'm all in.

Secondly, some of us might be making more in total today from P5 + SS, etc. than from P5 exclusive, but as prices fall for non-exclusive content - which they surely will - this could change.

Finally, there's all the time saved not having to upload to 3-4 outlets. I'd much rather spend my time shooting, and I'm pretty sure I could easily produce 30% more if I only had to upload to one place.

There are many things I like about this offer:

* 60% royalty from Pond5: Wow, that is like the 'good old days'!! Isn't that what The Image Bank paid once upon a time?
* Pond5's resolve to hold the line on pricing
* Distribution to Adobe, Vimeo and others without any additional work required on my part
* Assurance that distributors won't undercut P5 price
* Easier release/legal requirements. There's no witness signature for some of the clips I had with Getty, which means I can't upload them to SS and maybe not even to Adobe directly. (It seems Adobe's requirements are changing as they transition from Fotolia.) Pond5 is OK with no witness as long as you can attach an image of the subject.
* Rational editing and good support: working with people who really seem to understand the market and their contributors.
* Refusing to let Getty undervalue my content and lead the entire industry to the bottom (improves my sleep). As the saying goes, we've seen this movie before, and I don't want to watch it again.

I have about 20 clips on iStock and others that are also on P5. Since I can't delete them from iS (another reason not to submit!), but still want to market them, I decided to leave that content 'as is' and set up a second account for exclusive content with Pond5 today. I'm waiting for approval of my ID, but in the meantime have already uploaded my first set of Pond5 exclusive files. This is good quality, but specialized, work that would never sell dozens of times for $10. If I can make a few sales per clip at $79, that works for me.

I understand that we all have unique circumstances, and what's right for one might not be the best for another. Regardless, it will be interesting to see how this plays out and I am especially curious to see how Getty responds.

« Reply #13 on: March 27, 2019, 01:15 »
+1
I will open a second account for exclusive content on pond5. Then I will try to find a theme for it, although initially I will probably upload a mix of files.

However, I will not give up on Blackbox, I treat them as an additional exclusive partner, nor will I give up uploading to Shutterstock and other places non exclusive content.

I do understand how John feels, I certainly miss the old istock exclusive times. And good luck George, I hope it all works out for you.

But as an artist I feel that my life will be safer if we continue to have a multipolar world with several agencies, instead of just one dominant site.

So that is why I believe it is important to continue to support several marketplaces, especially including Adobe, which is still new to video and growing, to keep having these choices.

Everyone has to make their own decisions. Freedom is the reason I took this job.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 04:56 by cobalt »

swisschocolate

« Reply #14 on: March 27, 2019, 02:19 »
+4
Regardless, it will be interesting to see how this plays out and I am especially curious to see how Getty responds.

Responds to what? That a handful of artists went exclusive on Pond5? :)

How did SS respond when there was a real wave of going exclusive on IS? When top of the top like Arcurs, Andres and others left?

No one noticed and now they don't even remember they were there.

First, as far as I can tell, Pond5 is not Getty. Their culture, their management team, everything. They aren't a bunch of bankers up to their eyebrows in debt working to exploit 'assets'.

For sure they are not! They've just cutted our % from 50 to 40 :D But it feels so different! Right?

I'm fascinated how Pond5 was able to brainwash with their: We care about artists. We are not bad guys. And now, give us your money, please. We can even call you on the phone and talk to you, but you will pay for it :D
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 06:23 by swisschocolate »

« Reply #15 on: March 27, 2019, 07:29 »
+4
I do not understand why so many people think Pond5 is so good.
They just grabbed 20% of our revenue.

swisschocolate

« Reply #16 on: March 27, 2019, 07:34 »
+2
I do not understand why so many people think Pond5 is so good.
They just grabbed 20% of our revenue.

And instead of losing trust and treat P5 like they treat us (as a business, nothing else).
They are giving them those 20% and in addition go to work for them full time now :D (Because they called us on the phone! Yay!) Unbelievable.
It looks like a classic Stockholm syndrome.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_syndrome

Stockholm syndrome is a condition which causes hostages to develop a psychological alliance with their captors as a survival strategy during captivity.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 07:41 by swisschocolate »

« Reply #17 on: March 27, 2019, 08:25 »
+3
Markets don't lie so time will tell if Pond5 made the right move!

swisschocolate

« Reply #18 on: March 27, 2019, 08:32 »
+1
It's about us, who can't stand for our money. P5 just copied Alamy in reducing % and offering exclusivity at the same moment.
So not only they get more of our money + they get full time workers with no salary as a bonus!

That's why they are CEOs and we are "poor artists" who are falling for every "we will save you from the evil Getty/market or whatever" promise.
Sadly :'(
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 08:37 by swisschocolate »

« Reply #19 on: March 27, 2019, 08:58 »
+3
Markets don't lie so time will tell if Pond5 made the right move!

Markets can be built on lies and deception.

georgep7

« Reply #20 on: March 27, 2019, 09:23 »
0
Quote
I do not understand why so many people think Pond5 is so good.

No good. Nobody cares for (although a newbie allow me to say--->) us.
Like every person or brand customer that wants from you and me more for less.

It is just a "career" decision with many asterisks,
this was and the reason of the thread:
for people who decided fully or partially to do it,
to give some reasons why :)

« Reply #21 on: March 27, 2019, 09:37 »
+3
Regardless, it will be interesting to see how this plays out and I am especially curious to see how Getty responds.

Responds to what? That a handful of artists went exclusive on Pond5? :)


You might want to wait and check the list of Pond5 exclusives before you make assumptions about the impact this could potentially have. Hotelfoxtrot is more than a handful all by themselves, likely representing more clips at a higher quality than everyone posting on forums about this subject combined. The biggest players don't waste a lot of their time chatting nonsense with know-it-alls in forums, so we are not getting the full picture yet.

Artist exclusive is a no-go because we all know what could happen (thanks again, iStock and the people that STILL actually contribute to them). Pond5 has had some missteps in the past year or so, that's true. But a lot of people, and the competitors, might be surprised once this gets rolling. There's a lot of people being nudged over the edge to opening a second X account.

Losing Shutterstock income is the only thing making this a tough call for the average contributor. The $300 sales are nice, when they happen. But they are out of their * minds if they thing I'm gonna continue putting up with the increasingly frequent $1.50 sales. Bailing on Shutterstock completely though, would be a tough call. Maybe a gradual stepping away is best in most circumstances. Storyblocks is all but dead. Pond5 Exclusives still get access to Adobe distribution through the GPP program.

60%, premium prices? No ridiculous hipster popularity contest for entry like Stocksy? Might be the last best chance at as good a deal as we'll ever get. If this goes like they hope, they're going to need that 20% clawback of royalties.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 09:43 by Daryl Ray »

swisschocolate

« Reply #22 on: March 27, 2019, 09:48 »
+1
A "career" decision that is proved to be toxic for everyone.

We don't want our earnings to be reduced, so what we do?
We go exclusive with the company that has just reduced our earnings to fight against reduced earnings! :D Bravo!

You might want to wait and check the list of Pond5 exclusives before you make assumptions about the impact this could potentially have. Hotelfoxtrot is more than a handful all by themselves, likely representing more clips at a higher quality than everyone posting on forums about this subject combined. The biggest players don't waste a lot of their time chatting nonsense with know-it-alls in forums, so we are not getting the full picture yet.

I was here, when Arcurs and Andres went exclusive. And not with Pond5, but with a real market leader at that time. Where are they now and how did it affect the market?
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 09:53 by swisschocolate »

« Reply #23 on: March 27, 2019, 09:53 »
+1
A "career" decision that is proved to be toxic for everyone.

We don't want our earnings to be reduced, so what we do?
We go exclusive with the company that has just reduced our earnings to fight against reduced earnings! :D Bravo!

A matter of perspective. If you are on the inside, you just got a 20% increase and better price protection.

swisschocolate

« Reply #24 on: March 27, 2019, 09:58 »
+2
A matter of perspective. If you are on the inside, you just got a 20% increase and better price protection.

With the risk of losing it all in 5 years. Even 1,50 sales. Because P5 will follow the market. With or without exclusive collection. Isn't it?

It is really maybe the last chance to make "quick" money. But better save them all then. Because after it all fades, you won't come back that easily.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 10:03 by swisschocolate »

« Reply #25 on: March 27, 2019, 10:05 »
+2
A matter of perspective. If you are on the inside, you just got a 20% increase and better price protection.

With the risk of losing it all in 5 years. Even 1,50 sales. Because P5 will follow the market. With or without exclusive collection. Isn't it?

That's an assumption. You don't know how significant the X collection will be, how many "Arcurs and Andres" types will be involved. Add to that all the clip exclusives that Getty didn't have and the fact that Pond5 IS NOT iStock/Getty. That's important to understand. They are optimists with a plan, others are clearly a pessimists counting the days to the end.

swisschocolate

« Reply #26 on: March 27, 2019, 10:09 »
0
Sorry, I'm too pesimistic, but the fact that P5 is not iStock/Getty makes things even worse in my opinion.

And I think P5 are business people first of all. And they are optimistic with a plan about their own revenue which has nothing to do with every individual exclusive account on their website.

Btw, you don't know the deals which potentially have been made with "big players", their % and their positioning. It can be very different from an average exclusive.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 10:19 by swisschocolate »

« Reply #27 on: March 27, 2019, 10:25 »
0
A matter of perspective. If you are on the inside, you just got a 20% increase and better price protection.

With the risk of losing it all in 5 years. Even 1,50 sales. Because P5 will follow the market. With or without exclusive collection. Isn't it?

It is really maybe the last chance to make "quick" money. But better save them all then. Because after it all fades, you won't come back that easily.
Your argument is that P5 will follow the market which will reduce sales to near zero therefore you should stay with the market and get to zero faster?  And if the market goes to zero what is there to come back to?  Your argument at best seems to support taking the "quick" money because it's all going collapse anyway. 

swisschocolate

« Reply #28 on: March 27, 2019, 10:31 »
+1
Your argument is that P5 will follow the market which will reduce sales to near zero therefore you should stay with the market and get to zero faster?  And if the market goes to zero what is there to come back to?  Your argument at best seems to support taking the "quick" money because it's all going collapse anyway.

To stay in the market and adapt and don't lose your positions on the largest marketplaces.

I was exclusive on IS for many years and I see how they still sell my images from 2010 today. Now it all crashed, but images still sell. Only on IS :D and nowhere else, because I didn't want "to sell my masterpieces for cheap! bla bla bla"

And now I'm here starting it all from zero.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 10:34 by swisschocolate »

« Reply #29 on: March 27, 2019, 10:36 »
0
Your argument is that P5 will follow the market which will reduce sales to near zero therefore you should stay with the market and get to zero faster?  And if the market goes to zero what is there to come back to?  Your argument at best seems to support taking the "quick" money because it's all going collapse anyway.

To stay in the market and adapt and don't lose your positions on the largest marketplaces.

I was exclusive on IS for many years and I see how they still sell my images from 2010 today. Now it all crashed, but images still sell. Only on IS :D and nowhere else, because I didn't want "to sell my masterpieces for cheap! bla bla bla"

And now I'm here starting it all from zero.
So is your argument P5 will probably screw everyone over in the future so lets stay with the sites screwing us over now?  At least that way you don't lose search position.

swisschocolate

« Reply #30 on: March 27, 2019, 10:41 »
+2
So is your argument P5 will probably screw everyone over in the future so lets stay with the sites screwing us over now?  At least that way you don't lose search position.

No, go with a marketplace that will screw you over exclusively :D

Search positions mean sales. No search positions = no sales.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 10:47 by swisschocolate »

« Reply #31 on: March 27, 2019, 10:55 »
0
So is your argument P5 will probably screw everyone over in the future so lets stay with the sites screwing us over now?  At least that way you don't lose search position.

No, go with a marketplace that will screw you over exclusively :D

Search positions mean sales. No search positions = no sales.
So then is the argument there is no race to the bottom the only risk for contributors is going exclusive?  Or is it there is a race to the bottom and there is nothing we can do about it, going exclusive will just lose you sales while changing nothing?
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 10:59 by tickstock »

swisschocolate

« Reply #32 on: March 27, 2019, 11:08 »
+1
So then is the argument there is no race to the bottom the only risk for contributors is going exclusive?

Time that took me to create 1 image in 2008, is the same as 100 images I create in 2019. My strategies completely changed in every aspect. And I see the results.
 
I'm sorry, even my mom, whom I showed microstock last year and who submits flower shots from her garden, has sales :D I can't imagine how it would be possible if here would be a total apocalypse.

I'm sure now that exclusivity is a massive scam in the long run, but when you diversify and work with many it works.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 11:20 by swisschocolate »

swisschocolate

« Reply #33 on: March 27, 2019, 11:30 »
0
Or is it there is a race to the bottom and there is nothing we can do about it, going exclusive will just lose you sales while changing nothing?
Yes, even in the worst case scenario you will "win". At least some sales, at least for something.

Exclusivity will lead you to the same state as the market is. But only on 1 website. And if it goes out of business you will lose everything.
That's why I say that P5 is even worse than Getty. Getty won't dissapear completely, P5 can.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 11:34 by swisschocolate »

« Reply #34 on: March 27, 2019, 11:35 »
0
Or is it there is a race to the bottom and there is nothing we can do about it, going exclusive will just lose you sales while changing nothing?
Yes, even in the worst case scenario you will "win". At least some sales, at least for something.

Exclusivity will lead you to the same state as the market is. But only on 1 website. And if it goes out of business you will lose everything.
I'd like to think my work is worth more than "at least something".   I can't imagine doing another job where they said at least we'll pay you something sometimes.

georgep7

« Reply #35 on: March 27, 2019, 11:40 »
0
Quote
Btw, you don't know the deals which potentially have been made with "big players", their % and their positioning. It can be very different from an average exclusive.

if we consider that Youtube the master video platform is a big player and wants ad making partners with content for their ads,
perhaps, yes, there is a possibility to have success before the "exclusive" videos pool is over flooded or clips criteria meet the Youtube Ad standards.
(Just a thought, no evidence or knowledge of whatever deal of any agency or YT).

Here are some links for reference, hope it is ok to put direct links:
https://www.youtube.com/yt/advertise/making-a-video-ad/

from the page above:

Promo.com provides access to over 14 million premium-quality video clips and photos, pre-edited licensed music, and a user-friendly editor.
(Access a high-quality video and photo library with over 14M HD visuals from Getty, Shutterstock, and more top providers.)
https://promo.com/?utm_source=partnership&utm_campaign=youtube

Low prices from bulk sales perhaps can be stalled if the content is presented as exclusive, no need to check around for lower prices.
If you remember in the stream of P5 although they sounded tv and film oriented they said that bulk buyers look around and find clips on lower prices?

Just a thought :)

swisschocolate

« Reply #36 on: March 27, 2019, 11:40 »
+1
I'd like to think my work is worth more than "at least something".   I can't imagine doing another job where they said at least we'll pay you something sometimes.

Stock photography/videography is not "the job". If you think you will have a "salary" being exclusive, you won't.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 11:46 by swisschocolate »

swisschocolate

« Reply #37 on: March 27, 2019, 11:45 »
+2
if we consider that Youtube the master video platform is a big player and wants ad making partners with content for their ads,
perhaps, yes, there is a possibility to have success before the "exclusive" videos pool is over flooded or clips criteria meet the Youtube Ad standards.

I 100% agree that it will work for a few months or maybe even a couple of years. Then better save all those money. Because it will become over flooded or any other event occur and the question will be: What's then? :)

« Reply #38 on: March 27, 2019, 11:49 »
0
I'd like to think my work is worth more than "at least something".   I can't imagine doing another job where they said at least we'll pay you something sometimes.

Stock photography/videography is not "the job". If you think you will have a "salary" being exclusive, you won't.
I honestly don't understand what point you are trying to make here, it sounds like you think we shouldn't be getting paid at all.

swisschocolate

« Reply #39 on: March 27, 2019, 11:53 »
+1
I honestly don't understand what point you are trying to make here, it sounds like you think we shouldn't be getting paid at all.

No :) But it's better not to treat your works as "unique masterpieces" and start treat it all as a business.

In 2008 there were print magazines which were paying hundreds for an image and it was fair. Now they need images to post on twitter for a second, they aren't stupid to pay hundreds for it. But they need 100 images a day now instead of 1.

My point is to adapt and think how to make money in volume with penny sales, because there will be more of them with AR and VR and the growing internet. And if we're lucky, we will stay at 0,38 on SS :)

But selling them for the same high prices will become impossible, because those venues where those high-priced images were used no longer exist!

And video clients will also need a constant stream of video 24/7 online! If they will be buying 300 dollar/5 sec clips they will go out of business before us :D
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 12:08 by swisschocolate »

georgep7

« Reply #40 on: March 27, 2019, 12:14 »
+1
Quote
how to make money in volume with penny sales

Not a chance!
If videos go pennies I prefer to kill all my online library.
I do ordinary mediocre stuff, but not under a certain point of price.

Else, I would be at Pixabay begging for a Paypaled "cup of coffee".


swisschocolate

« Reply #41 on: March 27, 2019, 12:21 »
+2
Quote
how to make money in volume with penny sales

Not a chance!
If videos go pennies I prefer to kill all my online library.
I do ordinary mediocre stuff, but not under a certain point of price.

Then go to P5 and sell for 300 dollars :D

Have anyone heard success stories from Stocksy with the super unique quality high-priced stuff and how it sells? Could you share, please?
I'm very curious because I didn't hear a single one, I definitely missed something.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 12:26 by swisschocolate »

« Reply #42 on: March 27, 2019, 12:31 »
+3
My point is to adapt and think how to make money in volume with penny sales, because there will be more of them with AR and VR and the growing internet. And if we're lucky, we will stay at 0,38 on SS :)
I see have completely embraced the race to the bottom.  We should be thankful for penny sales and grateful for whatever the agencies give us.  We have no control over the situation it's just lucky they still pay us.   I hope you really don't think that is a recipe for a successful business or will in any way be sustainable.

swisschocolate

« Reply #43 on: March 27, 2019, 12:55 »
+2
Exactly :) I will better finish my part at this point if it sounds like this.

I just have some experince in online business besides stock. And I have no idea how are you going to make high-price sales when an ad campaign lasts for 24h nowadays and the next day you should run a new one, with new visuals and new message.

The whole marketing structure and pace have changed.

georgep7

« Reply #44 on: March 27, 2019, 13:01 »
0
@Swisschocolate I am confused.
Are you talking ads using video in them?

swisschocolate

« Reply #45 on: March 27, 2019, 13:09 »
+3
I'm talking ads I was creating, yes. But my example is more about photos, because video isn't available for small-medium online business. It's beyond expensive to create regular (not just once in a while, but every single day as it required for online business) video content using stock, makes more sense to create custom then. (I'm talking here only from a stand point of small-mid online business owner).
« Last Edit: March 27, 2019, 13:12 by swisschocolate »

swisschocolate

« Reply #46 on: March 27, 2019, 13:16 »
0
.

« Reply #47 on: March 27, 2019, 13:52 »
+4
As a freelancer, being tied to P5 somewhat contradicts that. My income comes from multiple outlets including Shutterstock and AdobeStock. Never say never, but for now I think I will watch how thing develop.

« Reply #48 on: March 27, 2019, 15:38 »
0
As a freelancer, being tied to P5 somewhat contradicts that. My income comes from multiple outlets including Shutterstock and AdobeStock. Never say never, but for now I think I will watch how thing develop.
As an exclusive artist you could still call yourself a freelancer if that's important to you.  My understanding is that you can put some files on P5 exclusively and others nonexclusively.  Maybe you can be even more of freelancer by adding that option.

« Reply #49 on: March 27, 2019, 16:18 »
+2
There is one good reason to add additional exclusive content on pond5: the video market is at a very different stage than photos.

There is only around 10 million or so stock video files right now.

If enough high quality producers support exclusive content on pond5 and with a 60% royalty...then this might help to offstage a race to the bottom for quite a long time.

There are quite a few small agencies with exclusive content that are like private, walled off gardens, not open plattforms. However, they are too small to influence the overall industry, even if they can give their own member group a higher revenue.

But pond5 gives every producer the choice to add exclusive content.

Gettyimages has a lot of exclusive content from their house artists, in addition to the content from over 200 non exclusive partners. It does give them an advantage, at least in the photo market.

I do think if it is done right, this might be a real bonus for pond5.

But like I said, I believe it is also important to support several agencies to keep our options open.


« Reply #50 on: March 27, 2019, 17:10 »
+3
I agree, I am willing to give it a shot hoping pond5 can have an impact on the market. They are the best agency for video at the moment so I hope this will succeed. I have a system set in place where if this does not go well in 1-2 years I can get my clips up to other sites in a couple of months.

« Reply #51 on: March 27, 2019, 17:23 »
+3
But you have to make sure you keep full control of prices.

No hijacking of your content for unannounced experiments....

If they make these little games voluntary opt in only...it will be a different thing.

But the artist portfolio should be truly their private kingdom and castle.

« Reply #52 on: March 28, 2019, 00:38 »
0
Just a quick question to those that already created a separate exclusive account, while retaining your current portfolio as non-exclusive. How did you go about doing that?  In the e-mail they send I only see the option of going fully exclusive. Do you have to e-mail them requesting a separate account or do you have register as if you are a new contributor? Another question - will payments of the two accounts be totally separate or will earnings be combined between the two?

Thank you

« Reply #53 on: March 28, 2019, 01:35 »
0
Just a quick question to those that already created a separate exclusive account, while retaining your current portfolio as non-exclusive. How did you go about doing that?  In the e-mail they send I only see the option of going fully exclusive. Do you have to e-mail them requesting a separate account or do you have register as if you are a new contributor? Another question - will payments of the two accounts be totally separate or will earnings be combined between the two?

Thank you

I also don't understand. Can you use the same email address by using a different username and password? Or do you need another email address? and if so what do you do about paypal time when you only have one email as paypal payment?

« Reply #54 on: March 28, 2019, 01:38 »
+2
But you have to make sure you keep full control of prices.

No hijacking of your content for unannounced experiments....

If they make these little games voluntary opt in only...it will be a different thing.

But the artist portfolio should be truly their private kingdom and castle.
I'd actually like them to have a reasonable minimum price.  If they are serious about stopping a race to the bottom then they should set a reasonable minimum.

georgep7

« Reply #55 on: March 28, 2019, 02:22 »
0
Quote
I have a system set in place where if this does not go well in 1-2 years I can get my clips up to other sites in a couple of months.

@jjneff, that sounds interesting. No need to share details, but may I ask in general

you are talking for a first person contact with another agency(ies) if P5 exclusivity proved a bad choice

or just for automated uploading and submission?

?


« Reply #56 on: March 28, 2019, 02:48 »
+2
I'm talking ads I was creating, yes. But my example is more about photos, because video isn't available for small-medium online business. It's beyond expensive to create regular (not just once in a while, but every single day as it required for online business) video content using stock, makes more sense to create custom then. (I'm talking here only from a stand point of small-mid online business owner).

I read some of your post and sorry to say but you are well beyond reality in many of your assessments. You obviously have never worked on a "custom" production unless when you mean custom (is is me picking my iphone and shooting video) because I can guarantee you that a single well done production buy you a video subscription to all the existing footage libraries for 1 year.

On other statements you made...the race to the bottom in prices is very real as proved again and again. And there is a turning point where nobody (exceptions are amateurs) makes a profit anymore. Pro stock photographers are disappearing at a lighting fast pace and many agencies are on life support (Getty, Dreamstime 123Rf etc.....) other large ones have already vanished (corbis,Masterfile,Veer,etc) and many have large investments on their back that have to be returned Pond5 among them.

Adapting to the market is not giving away your product. It is ok to sell for 1 dollar if you are going to sell it dozens or better hundreds of times but this is no longer the case in stock photography and certainly not in video. I don't care what my clients do to make their business sustainable I take care of what makes my business profitable. Don't be fooled with some cheap book marketing talk. If a restaurant that serves caviar and filet mignon would cut prices in half the demand might double or even triple but you cannot cut under your costs or you will lose double or triple.

Market is quite efficient and will sort all this problems out. We are in a period of transition were only the very adapted will survive. But whatever you do don't throw your work at any price because the world is going under and you think you can't do nothing about it but to go with the flow. Unless as I said you are an amateur and don't live from stock in which case it doesn't matter you can sell for pennies or give away your work at Unsplash and the likes for a thank you or not even that.



swisschocolate

« Reply #57 on: March 28, 2019, 03:03 »
+1
I read some of your post and sorry to say but you are well beyond reality in many of your assessments. You obviously have never worked on a "custom" production unless when you mean custom (is is me picking my iphone and shooting video) because I can guarantee you that a single well done production buy you a video subscription to all the existing footage libraries for 1 year.

No need to sorry, because it's only my opinion, I can be wrong. But I repeated several times that I'm talking from a stand point of a small online business owner (which is a growing trend globally). Custom I meant to hire a videographer.

No one buys me a subscription, and SS prices are 25 HD clips - 200 seconds - for 1,199 - it is nothing in terms of content.

So it means that this segment of customers (future millions of them) is forever excluded from buying video on stock sites.

« Reply #58 on: March 28, 2019, 03:22 »
+2
On other statements you made...the race to the bottom in prices is very real as proved again and again...

What is your average $ earnings per clip, per month? That is all that matters.

georgep7

« Reply #59 on: March 28, 2019, 03:33 »
0
@Swisschocolate

Paying a videographer and his team is an investment. Video, audio, lighting, editing. It is tricky where and to who you will invest your budget and what they will deliver. Will the adv pay back? Will it drive the targeted group of customers to your storefront? Hard questions especially when money fly out of your pocket. I understand what you say.

But still is a business investment.

The best product in the world will not sell if there is no good push /promo/ call it whatever you like.

I know nothing on Stock but trust me on that :)

Here are some free info if you wish to research,
Facebook Blueprint and Youtube Academy.
« Last Edit: March 28, 2019, 03:37 by georgep7 »

« Reply #60 on: March 28, 2019, 03:37 »
+2
I read some of your post and sorry to say but you are well beyond reality in many of your assessments. You obviously have never worked on a "custom" production unless when you mean custom (is is me picking my iphone and shooting video) because I can guarantee you that a single well done production buy you a video subscription to all the existing footage libraries for 1 year.

No need to sorry, because it's only my opinion, I can be wrong. But I repeated several times that I'm talking from a stand point of a small online business owner (which is a growing trend globally). Custom I meant to hire a videographer.

No one buys me a subscription, and SS prices are 25 HD clips - 200 seconds - for 1,199 - it is nothing in terms of content.

So it means that this segment of customers (future millions of them) is forever excluded from buying video on stock sites.

It doesn't matter if millions of customer are outpriced of the market. It happens everyday. There are millions that would love to buy an Iphone X and can't so what. They can buy a cheaper phone if they want , a second hand one, ......you as a producer have to cover your costs and make some profit. The prices can go down to the penny only if the volume is huge. I don't see that in video sorry. For example there is a reason I don't supply videos to Istock/Getty.......their penny/premium access/subscription/.... video sales. You could say why? A sale is a sale and every penny counts. This is a loosing proposition for me because I cannibalize my sales on other sites that pay me much better and I need those larger payments to live from them and engage in new productions. There are so many producers that don't understand this and abandon when they realize they are working for free or for a tiny reward.

I will happily sell for 10$/video license if I see the volume. Not the case now so I understand that many people press the eject button from sites like Istock/Getty/Shutterstock that with their dollar sales crush the producers. If you control prices and it is unique to this site the willingness to pay what the producer asks for increases. It is in the hand of the producer to create content that is not similar of the available one on the penny sites.

Another thing is if the exclusive proposition and positive attitude to contributors of P5 will be maintained in time. Investment funds are backing up this company and this always makes me uneasy as the wind can change very fast. We all remember how cool Istock was before it was sold to Getty. And of Getty remaining in the game for longer time than P5, difficult to say, they have such a large debt that they can crumble at any moment.

« Reply #61 on: March 28, 2019, 03:41 »
0
On other statements you made...the race to the bottom in prices is very real as proved again and again...

What is your average $ earnings per clip, per month? That is all that matters.

No it doesn't matter at all. The only thing thet matters is Return Per Investment of the shoot. I can make 3$/clip month of 10 clips of a box of apples against a white background and be a very good investment and I could make 100$/clip of 10 clips of a shoot in a nuclear plant with 20 models and be a complete failure. RPI of the clips means nothing RPI of the shoot is the only thing that counts.

« Reply #62 on: March 28, 2019, 03:44 »
+1
There are millions that would love to buy an Iphone X and can't so what.

Comparing digital goods to physical goods is beyond irrelevant.

swisschocolate

« Reply #63 on: March 28, 2019, 03:44 »
+3
RPI of the clips means nothing RPI of the shoot is the only thing that counts.

Is there a business or an industry where Return Per Investment is 100% guaranteed?

swisschocolate

« Reply #64 on: March 28, 2019, 04:11 »
+1
But still is a business investment.
Here are some free info if you wish to research,
Facebook Blueprint and Youtube Academy.

Thanks! Will check it out.

Of course hiring a videographer is a massive investment, but I meant if stock costs me 5 per second, videographer becomes more affordable. But it doesn't mean my business can afford either of them :) which is fine for a physical business maybe they have other channels and strategies, but for online business - you're non-existent without constant stream of content.

« Reply #65 on: March 28, 2019, 04:46 »
0
I honestly don't understand what point you are trying to make here, it sounds like you think we shouldn't be getting paid at all.
My point is to adapt and think how to make money in volume with penny sales...

Got it, all you had to say.

swisschocolate

« Reply #66 on: March 28, 2019, 04:51 »
0
Got it, all you had to say.

I entered microstock in 2008 getting paid 0,25c per image and continue to make a living from it. And there is no reason for me to expect more, because these were the rules since inception of this industry.

If you have another experience when you was paid not pennies but hudreds since 2008, so you afraid that it will change in the future... I'm geniunly happy for you :) and sorry at the same time.
« Last Edit: March 28, 2019, 04:53 by swisschocolate »

« Reply #67 on: March 28, 2019, 07:44 »
0
No it is not. You are producing something and it has a cost for you. It does not matter if it is a hammer,a photograph or a clip.

There are millions that would love to buy an Iphone X and can't so what.

Comparing digital goods to physical goods is beyond irrelevant.

swisschocolate

« Reply #68 on: March 28, 2019, 07:48 »
+2
No it is not. You are producing something and it has a cost for you. It does not matter if it is a hammer,a photograph or a clip.

No :)

To sell a hammer you should produce a hammer. To sell a second hammer you should produce a second hammer. If you don't produce a third hammer, there is nothing to sell anymore.

You don't produce a clip each time, you produce it once and sell infinite amounts of times.
« Last Edit: March 28, 2019, 07:51 by swisschocolate »

« Reply #69 on: March 28, 2019, 07:51 »
0
No it is not. You are producing something and it has a cost for you. It does not matter if it is a hammer,a photograph or a clip.

Oh, it matters a great deal. Look into it.

« Reply #70 on: March 28, 2019, 07:52 »
+1
I have made single stock sales from 23.000$ to 0.0001$ (both Getty RM to connect). As I said I don't care of the particular sale value. I care for the return of investment of the shoot. I have made shoots of simple concepts on a blackboard that made me more than 50.000$ (my take) for 6 days selling at microstock prices. This does not usually happen in the footage world. But if you think that you are able to pull out footage than can have hundred of sales at 1.5$ like SS does in latest times be my guest. Good luck and more power to you.

Got it, all you had to say.

I entered microstock in 2008 getting paid 0,25c per image and continue to make a living from it. And there is no reason for me to expect more, because these were the rules since inception of this industry.

If you have another experience when you was paid not pennies but hudreds since 2008, so you afraid that it will change in the future... I'm geniunly happy for you :) and sorry at the same time.

« Reply #71 on: March 28, 2019, 07:57 »
+3
But if you think that you are able to pull out footage than can have hundred of sales

Well, I don't have to think it, since I already have many clips with several hundred sales around the web. I also have multiple sales on the same clips for around $200 at Pond5, but that's not where the biggest market is anymore.

If you have very unique clips that are only likely to see 1-2 lifetime sales, of course price high. But I like to focus on things that have a broad variety of uses and can sell hundreds, if not thousands of times.

« Reply #72 on: March 28, 2019, 08:09 »
+3
Remember we are in 2019 not in 2012 anymore. That amazing timelapse of city traffic or a ripple drop of water might had a potential of hundred of sales way back but not anymore. Thousands are jumping wagon to video and the low hanging fruit is long gone. Sales are spreading among a rapid increasing offer. Footage demand is still growing but it the oversaturation will arrive.We have all seen it with photographs.

Your business model is working with Shutterstock Istock Envato and the likes........as I said more power to you. I am going a total different route..........

But if you think that you are able to pull out footage than can have hundred of sales

Well, I don't have to think it, since I already have many clips with several hundred sales around the web. I also have multiple sales on the same clips for around $200 at Pond5, but that's not where the biggest market is anymore.

If you have very unique clips that are only likely to see 1-2 lifetime sales, of course price high. But I like to focus on things that have a broad variety of uses and can sell hundreds, if not thousands of times.

« Reply #73 on: March 28, 2019, 08:21 »
+3
Like many of you I lived through the glory days at iStock/Getty. While I hate the risk for me it is very worth taking. SS/Getty/VideoBlocks are are all going to more and more of just a subscription service for our work. They are basically cutting the artist out of the profit! I see all the time people saying what can we do?? well try going Exclusive with Pond5 where you can set your prices. If we build the best exclusive library there then that is where the buyers will go. Trust me the money is out there and the artist deserves a part of that! Just my opinion. I am keeping a CSV of all my exclusive clips on Pond5 so if I see this is just not working I can upload the clips to other sites quickly. Be smart about this and don't let the big guys own us. 60% is great and a bold move, bold moves are needed at this time in the market.

swisschocolate

« Reply #74 on: March 28, 2019, 08:32 »
+1
If we build the best exclusive library there then that is where the buyers will go.

What about the growing demand of video for small buyers, not corporate, that will never be fullfilled this way? By us. But it will be fullfilled anyway, small online businesses will not sit there without video forever.

Someone will fullfill that demand (let's pray it won't be "a free generous community") and you won't be on that market then, can you afford to miss it?
And sell only to high-end buyers, then maybe it's worth it.

I personally want to be able to sell simple stuff as well, that doesn't need a crazy production set, flying helicopters over Antarctic in Haloween costumes.
« Last Edit: March 28, 2019, 08:36 by swisschocolate »

« Reply #75 on: March 28, 2019, 08:49 »
0
OK I am a small and I mean small business, if I need video I pay for it!

swisschocolate

« Reply #76 on: March 28, 2019, 08:57 »
0
OK I am a small and I mean small business, if I need video I pay for it!

(I was actually always wondering why you do this :D since you have your own great library :) )

What about those who doesn't want to become videoproducers first, who actually doing other business like selling apparel or home decor or diet plans? They use stock photos now. And they will need to tell video stories too, and a lot.

« Reply #77 on: March 28, 2019, 09:07 »
+1
They sure will and that is why sites like Pond5 has different pricing levels for each clip! I doubt they would need 4k, I am fine with the $30 web pricing they had to help that market. Point is businesses will pay for video, it is part of their advertising cost to do business. I have done over 400 commercials for yelp, Zillow, YP and others. In talking with these owners I know that they will be happy to purchase the clips they need. Most of the time they hire someone to do that and stock is priced within the budget they get.

georgep7

« Reply #78 on: March 28, 2019, 10:33 »
0
Quote
I am going a total different route.

Although I am the optimist newbie around here,
on this I am kind of pessimist:
No roads, routes or paths at all.
There is only one rail track one way straight to oversaturation, new technologies and techniques.
We just choose trains or wagons hoping to jump off with no losses before the end of the tracks.
Sometimes we need to adopt, but I don't forget that 2015 I had to drop anything I knew and change career.

Nevertheless, good luck to you and of course to everyone of us, after all, we all try our best on this.

:)

@jjneff, thank you for the explanation on the CSV.
« Last Edit: March 28, 2019, 10:36 by georgep7 »

« Reply #79 on: March 28, 2019, 11:45 »
+2
Happy to help with the CSV!!

« Reply #80 on: March 29, 2019, 02:30 »
+4
I opened a second exclusive account, but also wrote to pond5 asking for written confirmation that I can keep both accounts, can keep submitting elsewhere in the industry and that I have no intention of deleting my other content elsewhere.

Basically I need a confirmation that exclusivity is limited to that account only or I will be in violation of their exclusive contract and what I signed right from the start.

They should update the language of their contract to reflect the reality of what they want.

Now I need to ask stockperformer to allow me to track two accounts for pond5...

« Reply #81 on: April 04, 2019, 03:37 »
+3
For those who don't know how to handle with 2 accounts, here is the official (very clear) response to my question:

"Thank you for reaching out. We will continue to look to our artist community for input on how we can best accomplish our mission to help you earn more.

If you enroll, Exclusivity will apply to all video content on your account without exception. While the best way for you to preserve the value of your work and receive the most benefit is to become a Pond5 Exclusive Video Artist, if you wish to have only selected content (especially new content) listed exclusively with Pond5, you can do so by creating a second account.

The new Exclusive account will benefit from the higher royalty rate (starting April 8).

Please note that once you create your new account, you will need to go through ID verification, enroll it in the Video Exclusivity Program by going to the Exclusive Program page, upload, and submit your own content, exactly as though you were creating a new Artist account. This way you can manage your accounts and keep one Exclusive, and one Non-Exclusive, with different policies and payouts in the Contributor agreement.

Please understand these accounts must be created and managed by you, as we do not have the tools and bandwidth to manage or transfer clips between your accounts. For more insight, every topic regarding our Artists can always be found in our Contributor Portal.

We hope this appropriately addresses your questions. Please continue to reach out to us with any additional feedback or questions about this program.

Kind regards",

« Reply #82 on: April 04, 2019, 03:49 »
+2
This duplicate account seems like a very dirty temporary fix.

Why don't they implement a button that you can use to tick for exclusive files like some agencies do, and what will happen to all these duplicate accounts if they do? You'd then have to re-upload all your work on one account and lose your sales history?

georgep7

« Reply #83 on: April 04, 2019, 04:11 »
+1
Quote
This duplicate account seems like a very dirty temporary fix.

Perhaps not. This way assure that older clips, already used in commercial work or just spread around the web will be excluded from exclusive library.

« Reply #84 on: April 04, 2019, 04:21 »
+1
This duplicate account seems like a very dirty temporary fix.
Disagree.
In the beginning I was thinking like you, but I changed my mind.
There are advantages to have separate accounts.:
- separate ftp and upload streams. I'm sure to make errors if I have to check some files like exclusive, some not.
- stats. Immediatelly I can see exclusive and not-exclusive earnings. Combined earnings will be in the same Paypal account
- immediat and costless solution for Pond. That prove they are reactive, intelligent and listen to us - rather rare these days.
- if one day I change my mind I will only have to close one account without handling with separate files

« Reply #85 on: April 04, 2019, 15:22 »
0
All an agency needs to do is give their contributors a royalty raise.
Then the exclusive/non exclusive argument would be a mute point.

The first agency to do such a thing would cause massive waves throughout our industry.

« Reply #86 on: April 04, 2019, 16:13 »
+4
All an agency needs to do is give their contributors a royalty raise.
Then the exclusive/non exclusive argument would be a mute point.

The first agency to do such a thing would cause massive waves throughout our industry.

Disagree. Pond5 gave a royalty rate raise right from the beginning offering 50% and most everyone still uploaded everywhere. Even to those places with a MUCH lower royalty rate.

« Reply #87 on: April 04, 2019, 16:48 »
0
All an agency needs to do is give their contributors a royalty raise.
Then the exclusive/non exclusive argument would be a mute point.

The first agency to do such a thing would cause massive waves throughout our industry.

Disagree. Pond5 gave a royalty rate raise right from the beginning offering 50% and most everyone still uploaded everywhere. Even to those places with a MUCH lower royalty rate.

and everyone earned more money with no thoughts of being exclusive!

« Reply #88 on: April 04, 2019, 17:20 »
+2
All an agency needs to do is give their contributors a royalty raise.
Then the exclusive/non exclusive argument would be a mute point.

The first agency to do such a thing would cause massive waves throughout our industry.

Disagree. Pond5 gave a royalty rate raise right from the beginning offering 50% and most everyone still uploaded everywhere. Even to those places with a MUCH lower royalty rate.

and everyone earned more money with no thoughts of being exclusive!

and now Shutterstock is selling video licenses where contributors get $1.50! Getty sells video licenses where contributors get .60 cents or less. It's time for a change.
« Last Edit: April 04, 2019, 17:22 by stockmn »

georgep7

« Reply #89 on: April 06, 2019, 01:13 »
+1
So, I got the "your account have become exclusive... etc. etc." email

I rushed to login and see my profile,

expected some fireworks,
big labels and arrows "EXCLUSIVE" all around,
my handheld and unbalanced color clips somehow magically  corrected
social media flooded from my decision, debates and admiration,
first place of my clips in Google search results,
clients bringing down Pond5 site to grab a piece of my work
my wife expecting me with some champagne
my friends asking fro autographs
my coworkers surrounding me for advice
tv channels calling for an exclusive interview
OB vans outside of my house
Brands requesting a high payed video session with me
Youtubers and forums spreading my name all over
Adobe offering me the whole suite for free for life
Canon sending me a C300 with all accessories
employers calling with high priced position offers
bank calls asking me to direct PayPal cash in a privileged account
hundreds of LinkeinIn connect requests
A courier delivering a "Pond5 exclusive Artist" golden plate...
(ok, I can continue this list forever...)
....

Nothing.

Just a typical Saturday.

At least let's hope for sales and better royalties.
Good luck to all of us, exclusive or non.

=)
« Last Edit: April 06, 2019, 02:18 by georgep7 »

Uncle Pete

  • Great Place by a Great Lake - My Home Port
« Reply #90 on: April 06, 2019, 09:48 »
+2
All an agency needs to do is give their contributors a royalty raise.
Then the exclusive/non exclusive argument would be a mute point.

The first agency to do such a thing would cause massive waves throughout our industry.

Disagree. Pond5 gave a royalty rate raise right from the beginning offering 50% and most everyone still uploaded everywhere. Even to those places with a MUCH lower royalty rate.

Excellent Point!

This duplicate account seems like a very dirty temporary fix.

Why don't they implement a button that you can use to tick for exclusive files like some agencies do, and what will happen to all these duplicate accounts if they do? You'd then have to re-upload all your work on one account and lose your sales history?

From reading here and elsewhere apparently the answer is, they couldn't do that with one account, very easily, so they created the two account system. Has to do with software, commissions, accounting, kind of things not just something easy like buyers interface or uploading.

Also, wait and see, they claim to be promoting the exclusive content feature and works. Which would mean, instead of account based, they would have had to go image based.

Simple answer is, there wasn't a simple answer like add a button and magically you would have everything mixed, exclusive, non, commissions, promotions and all that, into one account.

Easy way, some people will be creating a new Exclusive account, which we can track against the old account. That sounds easy? Or in my case, I deleted everything from everywhere else and now I have an Exclusive account. Should I change my mind, I create an open account. But from my viewpoint, we have better control, and division means clean cut statistics to evaluate if the exclusive is a better idea or a waste of time. People can also choose what's new and where it goes to market.

I like the offer of 60% at an active site, over $1.50 or 15% at someplace where I'm buried. Don't look I'm hardly a video contributor, but I am "exclusive" !  ;D

I plan on working at some better efforts in the near future and 60% is a nice incentive.

georgep7

« Reply #91 on: April 08, 2019, 11:04 »
0
Nice,

I never had my own red-black X.

Ok, ego satisfied.

Let's see how sales will go.
Assuming this is the start of this new service, with minimum entrance,
guess that is the best chance for us newbies to be seen and sold.

*, i should have carried a tripod with me all those years.
Two external drives of handheld to comp!etely shaky footage.

Anyway, that's what I got for the time being.

Plus my big (actually tiny) red black X!

:D :D :D
« Last Edit: April 08, 2019, 11:08 by georgep7 »

Uncle Pete

  • Great Place by a Great Lake - My Home Port
« Reply #92 on: April 08, 2019, 13:40 »
0
Nice,

I never had my own red-black X.

Ok, ego satisfied.

Let's see how sales will go.
Assuming this is the start of this new service, with minimum entrance,
guess that is the best chance for us newbies to be seen and sold.

*, i should have carried a tripod with me all those years.
Two external drives of handheld to comp!etely shaky footage.

Anyway, that's what I got for the time being.

Plus my big (actually tiny) red black X!

:D :D :D

We get an X for being Exclusive? I didn't know that. I'm thinking of a name tag or shirt so I can impress friends. "Pond5 Exclusive Content Provider" they don't have to know, I did that, not the agency?  ;D


 

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