Thanks for the link, Tick.  That was one app that I needed and didn't have.

Well, iStock really got a conversation going with this announcement - it's already about twice the length of the April Sales Thread.  And then we get this (see
http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=353725&messageid=6887259 )

"Especially when on one hand you have photographers like Yuri Arcurs and Cathy Yeulet (who are non-exclusive), and on the other hand iStock has many �Exclusive� hobby photographers who specialize in extremely low quality photos of their pets . "

I bet that's going to get some riled up; wonder how long it will be there..

Regards

I noticed that some indie told them on page 5 exactly what they thought of that whopping 15% commission.  The comment was ignored (of course), but it's still there.  Lobo must be too busy with all  the exclusive whining going to remove it.

I finally stopped submitting to them last month.  2 or 3 accepted for every 10 rejected just wasn't worth the effort. My shooting style is geared toward SS anyway, since they provide most of my paychecks.
You can't please everybody all the time. If anyone has a portfolio that is 80% accepted and sells well on all of the top 4, then I would love to see it.

Outdoor shots in full sun is poor lighting

So I guess you're saying you should shoot outdoor stuff only when it's cloudy, raining or at night?  Thanks for the valuable photography lesson.

Can we see some pictures or are you just going to debate how bad the huns are?

No thanks.  First, I value my anonymity, and second, I know the favorite sport here is to rip someone else's work to shreds.

Well, I'll probably be tarred and feathered for saying this but....

I just don't see Stocksy as being a viable alternative for the majority of us peons anytime in the near future.  I didn't apply to that particular fraternity during rush week, and I probably won't ever apply to them as I had enough of that click rejection BS in high school.  (Congrats to Gillian, though for getting "pinned").
 I have been accepted at every stock site I have applied to without having to beg for a chance just to apply, "tweak my shooting style" or take a chance on an unproven business concept.  People actually pay money for my photos every day.  In a world where everyone has a digital camera, they all fancy themselves photographers, and plenty of them will jump at the chance to give photos away for free, I will keep in mind that this is no small accomplishment. 
The way I see it, I would have more to lose by joining Stocksy at this point in time than they would.  Letting my best photos sit on their site exclusively for months or years waiting for it to either fly or crash and burn is just not that appealing to me right now.   

They should be sending out emails asking for that privilege from those of you willing to do it, not the other way around.

My definition of a travel photo is "when I look at the photo, does it make me want to go there?"

Always examine your photos at 100% (200% even better).  Trust me, if you see noise they will too.

Do you have photoshop and do you know how to clone out trademarks? 

None of my stock photos are people shots. I have some cute teenagers (ok, they are gorgeous), but I have never used them for models.  I thought about it briefly once....then I thought about how mortified my daughter would be if her photo showed up in a tampon ad....and I was paid 38 cents to deal with the drama that would ensue.    No thanks.

A good tripod is your best friend and can go a long way toward getting a well-lit, sharp photo.

I like the first one, but IS would probably reject it for lighting/shadow issues.  From my personal 9 year history with them, they seem to like sunshine and studio lights.   

Scott,
First let me thank you for coming here and talking to us in a non-arrogant and non-condescending way.  You have already set yourself apart from your nearest competitor just by doing that. 
I think what some of us are all trying to tell you is that we would love to see Offset succeed and would be more than willing to do what we can to help you achieve this goal IF we can be a part of that success with you. 
I'm sure you know the business better than I do, but I can tell you that on the few occasions when I have bought files, there is no way I would have even considered paying $250 for an image if I had the slightest inkling it could have ever been bought on another site for $5.

If I were you, I might consider taking fotografer's advice very soon and at least make a public attempt to single out a few of the uploads you get every day for possible future inclusion in the Offset collection.  The longer you keep Offset as Off-limits to the people who supply the content that pays your bills, the more you are going to piss them Off.

Thanks. Will I notice a massive jump in quality from the D200 to the above examples you mentioned, or just a little ?

Well, the files are certainly more massive.  The image quality is better, but I don't know about massively better. The one thing I was disappointed in was  the noise level in low light.  I really don't think the D800 is tremendously better with noise than my old D200 was.  But then again the huge pixel count might just make the noise level more noticeable? You really can't go on my experience so much as I am just now in the process of upgrading my lenses to full frame.  Bear in mind that most of my DX lenses were pretty old.  I was anticipating upgrading to full frame for a couple of years and haven't bought any of the newer DX lenses.
I can tell you that the D800 plus my 50mm 1.8 prime produces a very good photo.  If you do a lot of cropping, you will love the D800 and those huge files.

I am sooooo done with these jerks.

I have one remaining active image, which brings in a few dollars.  I'll leave it there to keep the account active in case IS is sold, or reorganized, and becomes something that makes sense. 

Otherwise, I'll stop thinking about them.

  Unless they have some real changes someday, I'm done with them too.  I have disabled anything that had even a hint of a person in it.  I'll leave a few there since I've already gone through that excruciating upload process, but they will never get another new file from me.