PayPal has already "authorized" most of us, so I'm not sure why they feel like they need to as well.

I would be very cautious about using a 5D for time lapse video.  It can be a very expensive proposition.

If I remember correctly, the 5D has a shutter life of 100,000 clicks.  That would be used up very quickly by doing time lapse video.  For example, a 30 second video clip at 30 fps would be 900 images.  If you only shoot ten (10) 30-second videos, then you have just used up 9,000 shutter cycles or almost 10% of your camera's estimated life.

As is mostly the case, it has to do with money.

When a person wants to purchase an extended license, it means that they want to resell the image on an item (like a t-shirt, mouse pad, coffee mug, etc) or that they want to increase usage (for web templates or publications with large subscription bases).

Many people feel that this sort of usage should command a much higher price.

For example, say that a company buys an image to use on a web templates and then sells the template for $100.  They then sell 100 templates and make $10,000.  Is it fair that the artist only received $25?

Or take another example, say that a company produces bedsheets and buys an image of flowers that they print on the sheets.  They then sell the sheet set for $100 and sell 1,000s of sets.  Is it fair that the artist only makes a small amount in comparison to what the company made?

Of course, the other side of the argument is that we are already selling our images royalty free and somebody could use an image over and over and we still only get $0.30 - $5.00.

It just depends where you draw the line.

I would suggest allowing an opt-in option (as opposed to an opt-in option).  This way, those that are interested could opt-in if they are interested.

I transfer images via a card reader specifically because I don't trust the USB connector.  It seems a little too flimsy for me.

This technique also allows me to check images on my computer if I am taking still life shots and the camera is setup on a tripod.  I can take a few shots, take out the card, insert the card into the reader, check the image, and then make any necessary adjustments - all without moving the camera or tripod.

I saw this previously, but I'm not sure how much it would help with anything besides an editorial image.  In other words, once you edit your image, I'm sure that the watermark/registration mark is gone.

Along with everyone else, I would like to offer you my congratulations.

It is obvious that, along with your great eye for photography, you have some awesome Photoshop skills.

I am glad to see that you have done so well on IS, especially since they don't seem to normally like highly edited images.  This is one area that I wish would change on IS, since I believe that they are missing out on a lot of potential sales.

Interestingly enough, I just tried logging in this morning (before this post) and found that my login didn't work (but my images are still there).

Anyone else having this issue?

I also have illustrations and 3D pictures at XXL size

But I don't think that you can create illustrations or 3D images with a camera 

BTW, you have some great images!

I had not heard of the Rebel Xsi. I wonder if that's a 450D? in Europe when it comes out?

Yes, the XSi is the same as the 450D.  As far as I know, it hasn't hit the stores yet.

You can read about the XSi here:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012403canoneos450d.asp

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012404canoneos450dhandson.asp

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012415canoneos450dchanges.asp

Any other comments about using the 400D / Rebel XTI's for my first body are welcomed ...

I think that the 400D is a great camera to start with.  It is 10 MP and has almost the exact same chip as the 40D, but for a fraction of the cost ($520 vs $1150).  If you are strapped for cash, then you might want to consider the 350D which is 8 MP ($400).

I will never understand why people will work so hard for a 20% commission, especially from a site that has such low sales.

I just checked my most popular image and have found the same issue.

It shows a total of 90 downloads, but when I add up each of the "versions" they total 92 sales.

I wonder where the difference is?

Really nice image! I would give it a try, you have nothing to loose. Maybe they will take it if you submit it without the frame.

On some sites there is a penalty for rejections.  For example, on DT, placement in the Best Match results is partly a function of acceptance rate.  So submitting experimental shots can have a negative aspect to it on some sites.