I joined ISP in 2007. I worked hard at it and was able to phase out of wedding photography and shoot only stock. I became exclusive as soon as I was qualified. Life was good! I've never gone a month without uploading, and still continue to do so. I now have over 4 thousand files in my port. My highest year for income was in 2011, and it's been sliding downhill ever since. I can no longer justify spending money on shoots, and I have to consider my plan B options.

I keep my head down in the forums, because I know it's possible that IS can punish people in the best match. I've never posted in the end of the month sales threads, but always read them.

I'm certain there is some sort of limit or quota on IS as to how much I'm allowed to earn in a week. It's obvious from my stats. Kind of like the door to my port just gets slammed shut when downloads had just been going well. I've been at 35% royalty for years now, but with my "quota" or whatever limit that's been imposed keeps getting lowered, I'm not sure I'll be able to keep that 35% after this year finishes.

I'm still making enough income that I can't afford to jump ship yet, but I must be realistic and accept that I may have to leave exclusivity in the not too distant future. I have a faint glimmer of hope that the latest survey will actually be the one to prompt positive changes. By June, something should be in the works I would think/hope. By the end of this year, my RC tally (that I have no control over) may pave the way for a necessary exit.