I really appreciate seeing these graphs, and have a couple of thoughts. The first is related to possible covariates-- the time span includes a particularly tumultuous period of economic changes and outrageously high increases in number of images available on the microstock sites. I wonder if there are any data available to enter these factors as potential covariables (though a higher sample size would be required, thus more than one photographer-- another possible thought for Rahul and Lookstat).
Second, I'm still having trouble deciphering the "recency effect" that may be exist with SS. It would all depend on the relative weight that recency is given in the search algorithms, as well as the "subscriber effect" of people downloading a variety of new images to top off their monthly limit. I wish I could see this more clearly on the graphs, but I can't-- perhaps I'm just being dense. It's of keen interest to me, however, because I've taken a 2 year sabbatical from my regular work to see if microstock is viable as a sole source of income. Starting in earnest around November, I've seen increases in sales, though I've worked VERY hard and reasonably smart. SS earnings are as follows:
12 08 $62 139 images
01 09 $104 320 images
02 09 $150 508 images
03 09 $293 685 images
04 09 $380 870 images (projected based on today's totals)
Assuming I'm producing the maximum number of images I'm capable of producing each month (which I dare say I am), then theoretically, if recency is weighted substantially in the search algorithm, at some point the increases in monthly income will plateau. The question is: When? Before or after that critical "I can live on this" monthly total? Any insights on this would be greatly welcome.
Second, I'm still having trouble deciphering the "recency effect" that may be exist with SS. It would all depend on the relative weight that recency is given in the search algorithms, as well as the "subscriber effect" of people downloading a variety of new images to top off their monthly limit. I wish I could see this more clearly on the graphs, but I can't-- perhaps I'm just being dense. It's of keen interest to me, however, because I've taken a 2 year sabbatical from my regular work to see if microstock is viable as a sole source of income. Starting in earnest around November, I've seen increases in sales, though I've worked VERY hard and reasonably smart. SS earnings are as follows:
12 08 $62 139 images
01 09 $104 320 images
02 09 $150 508 images
03 09 $293 685 images
04 09 $380 870 images (projected based on today's totals)
Assuming I'm producing the maximum number of images I'm capable of producing each month (which I dare say I am), then theoretically, if recency is weighted substantially in the search algorithm, at some point the increases in monthly income will plateau. The question is: When? Before or after that critical "I can live on this" monthly total? Any insights on this would be greatly welcome.