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Messages - willie
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526
« on: June 15, 2009, 16:45 »
My congratulations to both FT and Garth. Hope this is the "light in the tunnel" to all that's been happening in micro stock. ie. that FT will be what IS "used to be" for contributors and how it became this successful before Getty.
they (Fotolia) certainly are getting the brainchildren of the old IStock. maybe they know something we don't. good news for Fotolia none the less. 
527
« on: June 15, 2009, 15:40 »
Now that Getty's announced their curve ball on Stockxpert, things are getting even more discouraging.
Did we dig our own grave but letting sub kill micro like "video kills radio"?
Be as explicit as you wish, this is as open talk as it's ever going to be.
Cheers.
528
« on: June 15, 2009, 15:19 »
Luvly, and there goes the unpaid commissions of hundred of contributors. Into the pockets of Getty, I guess.
529
« on: June 15, 2009, 15:17 »
Uploaded a bunch of pictures but found the editing too time consuming, hope they will fix this in the future...
Kate of Support is really excellent. But yes, agree that editing is cumbersome. Also you must have it in 300dpi and your images have to be large. Only one thing that bothers me - no photographer's credit . btw, do they now have watermark?
530
« on: June 15, 2009, 15:15 »
oops double post.
531
« on: June 15, 2009, 10:46 »
Is it me only or has anyone suddenly found logging into live.com , hotmail,etc..
a lot slower since you updated the latest window update.
Also, each time you log off it says ISP timed out.
Can do with some expert help. Should I do System Restore back to where the WU was and then ignore that update?
All else is working spiffy.
532
« on: June 15, 2009, 10:31 »
After two years, I just canceled my MP account. My "Index" is was still under 85 since I don't have to time to play their silly Flickerish rating game. Some are over almost at 9,000. Sales don't count at all for the silly system at MP, as was denied by Arian before. I had three sales in the begin when the rating system didn't count that much, but for over a year, I had no sales at all. It's quite obvious you have to waste a lot of time commenting and rating to be successful there, and that's what brings you in front of the search engine. Sorry, I have better things to do.
Bye bye Mostphotos.
One heart winner !
533
« on: June 15, 2009, 10:27 »
Something that drives me absolutely nuts about microstock (SS specifically) is when you do think outside the box, the image is rejected. And then comes along someone like Yuri who changes up his style, which turns out to be identical to what you did, and suddenly it becomes the style du jour. I can't tell you how many times this has happened to me. It's incredibly frustrating.
Fine point Karimala (one heart winner). Remember how everything used to be isolated and has to be WHITE? Now it's images that looked like you shot it with your mobile cam, except it's a 24MP resolution megabucks camera and lense. But it sells for 35 cents to a couple of dollars. O how things change but still remain the same 
534
« on: June 15, 2009, 09:58 »
I left MP for close to a year, and just recently starting uploading there again, based on some information by their administration, that things had change, well so far everything still the same as it was a year ago, now I'm just waiting for the new release at the end of the summer, but if this new release does not drastically changes the whole format of the site and make some sales, I will delete my portfolio and close my account, this time for good.
Don't hold your breath 
535
« on: June 13, 2009, 18:45 »
After looking at Jonathan Ross' talk it's obvious that those images are available, but at RM prices. Problem is designers want 'specialist' images (ie different and each with appeal to only a very narrow market) at micro prices. Please spend 10 grand setting up a unique image that I can use for my current project, and I'll download it for 10 credits, even though no one else will want it because it's not generic enough. It's only a short step from being doing a paid commercial/advertising shoot.
No kidding! Well, here's my (expert) opinion on this? I guess in general, everyone haven't a clue what the buyer wants. Even if we did, we still have to get past the reviewers. So we stick to the tried and true and guess what? Our approval rates get close to 100%. And (frustratingly), our downloads increase too. Then there is that (inside info) we get from the sites, of what's wanted. And yes, we submit those (wanted urgently) images. And like averil pointed out so succinctly, we get one download of a few cents (30cents) to a dollar. Yay! (no pun intended), it's time to open a champagne bottle, but ahem, it's only a cheap champagne! And what happens to our (new ideas) ? Well, we hold our breath that it is reviewed by a YuriA/EllenB believer so it gets approved instead of getting one of those (excellent image but sorry, no stock potential) rejections, and whatever gets approved we hope there is not that (no downloads, no views--- or many views no download) spectre that haunts us so often. If so, it's back to the drawing board to (think out of the box) , or you throw everything up into the air and say, "Heck, let's upload the same ole same ole. Why bother when it's the only sure thing!". So, it's back to the (same ole, same ole) as you call it !
536
« on: June 12, 2009, 16:49 »
If the best they can do is advertise the now have more of what everyone has, well...
If you were in Yay's position wouldn't you? Whether you like it or not Yuri is a brand in his own right.
True.
And I wonder if other sites do that too. Gimmestock - if it may even spend money on this - a while ago was getting uploads from some of these big names (Andresr, Dashek, Forgiss, someone of this level).
So, did it work ? Gimmestock with big names . Did it result with you getting more sales or just more sales for these big names? Back to jslocke's comment, I don't think he was meaning to say anything bad about Yuri, but more that the only thing it added to Yay was just that, an endorsement with no blanket advantage to the general contributors. At least that how I interprete Sean's comment. It wasn't to slight Yuri .
538
« on: June 12, 2009, 11:07 »
http://www.portagadgets.com/australia/product.php?productid=35327
My brain hurts.
I have fibromyalgia. main reason why I need it easy to use.
it seems to have all that 's needed. don't see why not. so all you need is the 50mm 1.8 and if you need a second prime lense, 200mm with macro . good luck
539
« on: June 12, 2009, 10:17 »
the best camera for you is the one your hands feel good carrying. it does not have to be the ones everyone is carrying. as the old saying goes about art or whatever skill, "it's not the machine, it's the man behind it".
there are advantages that work for you, such as full frame, higher ISO tolerance,resale value,etc... but these are pretty irrelevant to the artists. most artists or skill craftsman don't buy and sell their equipment. most keep their equipment until it runs out of life. at least i do, and many who taught me do.
leaf and those who say get the 50mm 1.8 lens is undoubtedly the best advice here.
it really does not matter which camera you get, you can get one of the generic makes sigma,etc.. and get that 50 mm 1.8 . (i think).
as so, the macro lense is also available via sigma, tamron, tokina,etc.
a full frame camera would mean more money. always you need a CMOS sensor that has a resolution 14MP or higher. this means more money.
a non full frame camera would the same resolution 14MP , for example, means more pixel in the smaller frame. more packed pixels in a smaller frame means better resolution. at least that's my understanding.
which is why, if you're getting a full frame sensor, you better settle for the top of the line like Canon has, or else you will be disappointed.
then you have to think about which in camera noise reduction you prefer. some , like Canon does a lot more noise reduction on their JPG format, while others do less in camera processing.
then, like someone else mentioned, there is the in camera stabilization, vs, in the lense. which again means more expensive for the lenses.
really, if you look at where some of the stock sellers with their history goes,
one can truly get away shooting stock with even a 7MP camera with one lense
50mm 1.8. if you get the exposure correct and use the sweet spot of the lense.
zoom lenses are inferior at best , in comparision to prime lenses. which is why most would recommend getting the best prime lense for your work.
50mm on a full frame would be like 50mm on a 35mm, which is quite useless.
but on a smaller frame camera would be like the ideal portrait lenses giving you 1.5x = 75mm.
so if you add that to say a 200mm prime lense with macro feature. you have enough to last you for stock photography until you grow a beard. lol.
so if you have a limited budget. i would say, get the cheapest body with the highest resolution , and spend more on getting the best lense you can find for that camera.
nikon, pentax, canon, olympus, all make good cameras. to say one is better is like saying there is only one car we should all drive.and you know that is all advertising talk, or status bs.
the camera you should get is the one you can carry with a 200 mm lense you can hand hold steadily at ISO 100-400, and the resolution of 7MP and higher.
and it has to have RAW , so you can shoot it at this format. JPG fine is awesome
if your shots are perfect and does not need post processing . but RAW will save you almost everytime in case you're off a bit
i said a camera you can safely handhold at 200mm, because some of the 200mm
zoom are heavily SOBs. i would n't want to carry it with me even if you paid me .
which goes back to prime lenses.
if you look at the absurdity of a zoom lense, you will understand why only an amateur will want it. imagine carrying at 28mm lense which is 5 inches long.
and a 75mm that is like a salami??? lol.
if you ever used a zoom lense, you will find you only use a certain focal length and at a certain aperture. why? because that's the only way to get good clean sharp images . so really, why would you need the rest of it?
if you want a lense for your vacation, yes. the zoom's best.
if you want a lense to make money for stock, go for prime lenses.
cheaper , faster, and less CA and distortion, and less headaches.
hope this helps. now, go to a camera store that has all the brands and handle as many cameras of your choice and buy the one you enjoy carrying.
540
« on: June 11, 2009, 21:19 »
But...veer has an image for selling best artwork...how is this compare to sell microstock.
If some company change from highest standart to lowest.. what should i think about?
I think they have a problem.
I think also: they have no experience in selling poor pictures and handling of customers who buy a picture for some dollars.
I think also: they kill their brand and that's all they have.
Veer is dead. I give them 24 month.
Bertold
This , coming from someone who in the other thread on Stockxperthttp://www.microstockgroup.com/stockxpert-com/noticing-big-change-at-stockxpert-no-sign-of-life/msg0/?topicseen;PHPSESSID=783eb34482c00ab9fc098d0c88934e31#new, just told us that StockXpert to him is the greatest thing since slice bread? Wow, that's real prophetic of you rofl.
Don't let your current grand success with Stockxpert get to your head. We were there before, remember?
werkmann, if you mean that Veer Marketplace is going to be what Stockxpert was and then go ballistic on their contributors , no, I highly doubt it. As whatalife just said, already Veer Marketplace have shown that they are much pickier than Stockxpert ever was (quote: setting the bar a little higher). Even more importantly, it's unlikely that Getty or JUI will be doing some heavy shuffling with Veer within the next 24 months . All this somehow means Veer is not going to do an aboutface like Stockxpert. Sorry , have to disagree with you too. Enjoy your stay with Stockxpert
541
« on: June 11, 2009, 15:00 »
my account is blocked too with 100 credit left inside without any reason and without any further explanation and a lot of people is in the same situation.
1000 account blocked with 100 credits inside = 100.000 dollars,money easy.
Who starts a lawsuit for 100 dollars?
Fotolia is so smart...
"...ALOT OF PEOPLE IN THE SAME SITUATION? " wow, that's a pretty blanket statement. I hope you have ample proof of this, as making such a false statement can be just as destructive to you, that speaking ill of Fotolia in this forum.
542
« on: June 11, 2009, 14:47 »
You mention convenience - is it a time issue? There are software and sites out there that help you sell to different sites. Any bad experience, or do you feel handling one account is just the way to go? Any insights would be appreciated.
No, no bad experiences with software, or whatnot. It's just me. I am old fashioned , perharps lazy, lol, and also I like the idea of working with one exclusive site that proves to like my work and work hard to sell them for me. I am hoping on 3 sites, of course VeerM is one of the new card in the game, and if 2010 arrives with me being just a "One Site Man" I will be a happy camper. It's hard to decide though, as Support and communication from all 3 sites , and Veer , have been incredible professional. But really, we cannot tell until the future arrives. I might end up liking all 4, including VM
543
« on: June 11, 2009, 14:36 »
They seem to function like real company not a garage one-person company wannabies. I am having conversation with customer support and usually they respond quickly. This is third time I got problem, first two were handled very fast.
Well, you don't survive in this business , or any business, by acting like a 2 bit garage company, lol. Yes, from day 1 when SV announced of Veer, I have been communicating with them and have nothing but great response and good feeling. Support has responded to me with lots of professionalism. Even this morning, I wrote to explain I am still holding on to sign in and use my invitation password to transfer my SV port to VM, as I prefer to wait till the traffic is quieter . And a moment ago, I got a nice email from Ryan. All this even with being a hectic week for them. I feel optimistic with Veer and VM. I wish them well.
544
« on: June 11, 2009, 14:21 »
I agree...submit whatever you think is your best work. If they turn it down, submit something else. I've read several posts where traditional microstock images, subjects isolated on white, are being turned down in the first submission process, so playing it safe might not be the way to go. I'd show them what I can do!
yes, one heart to K. We read how some micro sellers were not invited to transfer their SV port, while others with smaller and newer contributors are invited. So obviously this is not one that believe the "my images sell well at SS, IS,DT, FT) guarantee acceptance method". And mentioned by someone else too, if Veer (the older more experience site) liked certain types of images, there is no reason to believe they will not be good enough for V Marketplace. The customer base comes from the older Veer, so why wouldn't they take something Veer liked? I would use Veer as the model , as most successful organizations have a certain culture. Veer is no different.
546
« on: June 11, 2009, 11:56 »
I would say yes (your quote- Fotolia doesn't want my portfolio). It's very difficult to withdraw the damage done once you 've BURNT YOUR BRIDGES.
True, I don't deny that. Maybe it was a mistake to rejoin Fotolia for the second time. I'm sure this thread isn't doing good things for the possibility of getting my account back online there , but I do find it a bit discouraging how things have played out (for myself and others who are in the same situation).
Oh well. Water under the (burnt) bridge. Perhaps forgetting this whole issue (and FT in general) would do good things for my blood pressure... 
I'm done.
not to worry, N. we all burnt a certain bridge once before, that's why we learn. i am lucky because the bridge i burnt (psst: i mouthed off about their high and mighty and anal reviewers , rofl) was not selling anything for me, so it was no loss to me. and i found a new site that truly like my images , so it was a blessing in disguise. i wish you the same "blessing in disguise". NB: And yes, Fotolia is one heck of a good site, for me. who knows, maybe you could go back in the far future, using another username or whatever. perharps?
547
« on: June 11, 2009, 11:47 »
Perseus:
Why should you become exclusive at your 2nd year (or whatever), i could only think 1 reason why exclusiveness could be an avdantage, and thats easyness to upload and manage the files. Is that why you are willing to go exclusive?
arquiplay77, yes.. convenience is one reason. the same reason Dan whatnot (other thread) decided to go exclusive recently (his thread "thank you dreamstime"). another reason is also what someone else pointed out here in the forum, "each site have a specific selling favourite. the buyers are different". or something like that. i find a specific site is getting very interested in my images and they sell . they reject a lot of them too, but what they take they sell. finally, to other question, "why 2nd year?". first year i was not really serious and did not work hard to keep an active portfolio. also very small for the first go round. only last few months i started to get serious to "make micro stock images". i have a loooooong way to go to get 6000 images like so many of the successful sellers, but from the little i have , the downloads have been quite optimistic with my latest site. so it's obvious their buyers like my images. the decision is probably the most important, as we know eg. Fotolia's buyers are mostly Euro, while DT , IS, etc.. is mostly N Am. this could be why FT buyers buy more of certain images than the other 2. so, i want to make those either North Am or Euro sellable images. going exclusive would help with giving me more time to concentrate on the site that "wants" my images, and "sell" my images. Hope that answers your question. Sorry to take up so much space here , mela
548
« on: June 11, 2009, 11:32 »
the k20 will accept ANY lens ever make by pentax -- so there is lots of good glass out there for this camera and very reasonable prices. Some may not have auto focus, but with pentax, the image stabilization is build into the body, so you always have that no matter what lens you use.
Astrocady wins a heart ! ,,,which also makes the lenses you buy less expensive. Also, K20D has the extended dynamics which saves you the bracketing for getting those ED shots by using a combo ISO of say, 200-400. But don't forget Lumix is quite formidable too. Leica lenses are hard to beat. Anyone who has been in photography will know that Leica never advertises for the consumer market because they "don't have to". Also, being with Panasonic means your Lumix camera has HD compatibility with Panasonic HD visual equipment.
549
« on: June 11, 2009, 11:21 »
A stream of emails to Fotolia (tech support and management) have gone unanswered.
I really don't know what to make of these stories without hearing the other side of things. It hardly makes sense that any agency would simply ban individuals without good reason __ after all they are trousering 60%+ of the sales revenue and they would just be encouraging exclusivity with their biggest rival.
Agreed. There are two sides to every story. Unfortunately, Fotolia refuses to tell me what their side is. I honestly have no idea, and it's been a month since I've been banned.
I guess I just have to accept the fact that Fotolia doesn't want my portfolio. 
I would say yes (your quote- Fotolia doesn't want my portfolio). It's very difficult to withdraw the damage done once you 've BURNT YOUR BRIDGES.
550
« on: June 11, 2009, 11:16 »
The value to going with Canon and less so with Nikon is that you will find lots of people whose lens, speedlights, etc you can use
Though Pentax Sony etc may be more reasonably priced right now it is because they have to be to gain market share.
both statements true. To the latter, all the more reason to get the Pentax Sony etc before they become overpriced. Canon and Nikon do more advertising, and you pay the premium. I am hard pressed to believe that Leica lenses or Pentax lenses are inferior to Nikon or Canon. more, for that lesser body of Lumix or Pentax, I end up using the money I save for better quality prime lenses. Even studio equipment. The savings is substantial if you consider the whole battlion of equipment you pay for the Canon or Nikon name.
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