In my opinion, we can't expect the revenue to grow forever. It is just mathematically impossible.
Right, to me it's clear there are two things driving me down:
1. The simple math of increased collection sizes of the agencies growing at a faster rate than my own potfolio. For instance, if SS' collection went from 25 to 40 million in one year, I have to grow my port at a similar rate (60%) or else my sales will decline. That's the inevitable math part.
2. Shenanigans at the agencies. Whatever SS did to negatively impact large, top-selling contributors in early 2013. FT's punishing of top sellers. FT's introduction of DPC. The endless tomfoolery at iStock.
Put these two causes together and you have a recipe for stagnation and decline that not even the best contributors can overcome.
I don't see or agree with your conclusions.
Ive been with SS since late 2005. Currently have around 5400 images - all photos. So I could be considered one of the old-timers.
Since then I have had only one month that did not beat the same month previous year (July 2010 was less than July 2009 by $53).
I have been at the top tier at SS since 2009 and I dont see SS turning off my port and certainly didnt see the drop off that everyone complains about last March, and I dont see the dead zone some complain about.
Year to year sales have increased.
(My spreadsheet begins comparisons with 2008 not earlier)
2008 +120% $$$ +81% DLs (kinda when I think I figured this business out, to a degree, sort of)
2009 + 61% $$$ +20% DLs
2010 + 19% $$$ + 11% DLs (off year with a sick kid and ailing parents, not a lot of effort put in)
2011 + 38% $$$ +19% DLs
2012 + 35% $$$ +21% DLs
2013 + 33% $$$ + 29% DLs
2014 + 28% $$$ + 18% DLs (YTD)
Typically my portfolio grows by about 10-15% each year.
Ive also noted significant increases each time I got a new camera 2008 moved from 6mp to 12mp
And mid-2013 a new 24mp camera. Most of my Large SOD sales are from the 24mp camera
I dont have a niche but a well balanced portfolio that I try to keep up-to-date. I have food, people, wildlife, objects, travel, editorial, medical, sports, seasonal you name it.
I dont consider myself a great photographer just adequate, I understand my place and try to provide useful images that can be used commercially. I also think you have to reinvent yourself all the time in this business, keeping you portfolio fresh doesnt mean feeding the beast by uploading more of the same stuff. If youve plateaued its time to do something else photographically. Too many of the people that complain the most have one dimensional portfolios. If all youve got is travel images you are only appealing to one sector of the market, and if your portfolio is full of food or pretty girls on white the same applies - there is only so much demand for any given thing. Branch out.
I don't want to dismiss or make light of the problems some are facing. There are problems in the industry like DPC and DP's 3%, and yes I'd like a raise and more transparency from all sites, and better communication and fewer Shenanigans but I dont see the doom and gloom that seems to be so pervasive in the forums.
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