Quote from: KiwiRob on June 01, 2009, 21:35

Quote from: evan_ers on June 01, 2009, 13:45
I'm sure there are differences between the requirements of Revenue Canada and the IRS, but I'm not an expert.

And regarding tax havens, when people say "off-shore", I had a feeling they were talking about small Caribbean islands, not Switzerland or Ireland. But maybe I'm wrong about that.

I was thinking anywhere other than in the US, Canada is probably a good choice, as people have said IS doesn't have this problem, they are in Canada, Canada is probably a nicer place to live than the US, Jon might be happier there and less prone to emotional outbursts.

Hah! You're probably right that the laid-back Canadian West could help prevent emotional outbursts! (IS is out west somewhere, am I right?) Certainly would be healthier than NYC!

Quote from: hqimages on June 01, 2009, 13:08
Guys you can argue about countries trade laws day and night, fact is, go onto the istock website, read some of their help pages, find the one about tax, or witholding tax, and guess what it says. It says it's up to you to pay income tax to the country you reside in, and outside of that your income is not taxed by their country.

If they can do it, SS can do it. Full stop.

I'm sure there are differences between the requirements of Revenue Canada and the IRS, but I'm not an expert.

And regarding tax havens, when people say "off-shore", I had a feeling they were talking about small Caribbean islands, not Switzerland or Ireland. But maybe I'm wrong about that.

Oh, and Lucy, thanks for all the smileys. I will send an official application to you to recoup my other two as soon as I have my W8EN (W8 Emoticon Number).

Quote from: luceluceluce on May 31, 2009, 23:08... Let us hope this is not the start of the 'taxing of the internet' - because the tax departments of other countries might follow suit - and then we'll ALL be multiplyhorrifically taxed
x

I'm afraid it's only a matter of time before governments figure out a way to tax internet commerce. There is so much money being made over the 'net, governments are positively drooling to get their hands on it. As I heard on the radio once, "Money is the politicians' drug of choice."

Hi Lucy, miss you already at SS. Is that a permanent ban? I've only participated in the SS forums before now, because everyone there is great, and it's always fun and/or interesting conversation. But I think I'll have to join you (and everyone else) here at MSG more often. Broader perspectives, neutral ground, more info overall.

So, technically, I'm a newbie here. But I already know a lot of you. (And many of you are probably now shaking your heads and wishing I hadn't discovered this site ;-)

Quote from: luceluceluce on May 31, 2009, 20:55

Quote from: KiwiRob on May 31, 2009, 07:24

Quote from: Karimala on May 29, 2009, 16:00
I'm actually surprised more people weren't banned.  The level of outrage over something SS has no control over, plus the ensuing misinformation that was being spread, was pretty ridiculous and very unprofessional on the part of some of the contributors.  Thank goodness calmer heads prevailed over here at Microstockgroup where accurate information can be shared. 

SS do have control over it, Jon could move the company offshore like all his competition, then the problem would go away. This issus is probably the reason why the majority of MS agencies aren't located in the US. You have to feel for those who live in non treaty countries, loosing 30% of bugger all really would make one question the worth of joing SS.

From what i gather, and to the best of my knowledge of the information available, and conceding that i may be incorrect.... SS have confirmed in their forum that they are not considering the option of opening an offshore office. However, please check SS official policy with regard to this - I cannot make claims about the factual accuracy of this information.

Hi Lucy, sorry to see you were silenced at SS Is that permanent?

Yes, I read somewhere that SS won't be setting up off-shore offices. The problem is, if the IRS perceives that a new office was set up to avoid taxation, they will charge SS with tax evasion. Which would probably put SS out of business. If SS had opened an office somewhere else BEFORE all this mess, then it would not have the "appearance" of evading taxes. But it's too late now.

I think I understand what Ironarrow is trying to say, even if he's a bit rough in saying it. Lately it seems the word is "Vectors sell much better than photos." So everyone who can get their hands on vector software is trying to crank out illustrations. I have no problem with that, if you can create something that gets approved and will sell, more power to you. But I do agree that someone who has experience as an illustrator or designer will have an advantage in that they know WHAT to draw and HOW to draw it.

I only do vectors. I have dreams of being a photographer some day, but when I read the forums covering tips, critiques, etc. I realize how much I would need to know about photography before i was any good at it. So I'm not going out and spending thousands on a Nikon just yet.

I'm more than happy to post a link to my portfolio. What you'll see is a very wide variety of topics, styles, and level of complexity. Almost every one of them started as a pencil sketch of an idea. All critiques and commentary are welcome. I'll post my istock port, since it's the largest:
http://www.istockphoto.com/file_search.php?action=file&userID=1869469

My downloads on istock in January are going like they used to be on SS. I've already passed Oct, Nov and Dec, it's the best month since Sept and it's only the 20th. So far this new year IS is my #1 earner.