So, if it is getting harder and harder for us newbies to get beyond the microstock bottom rung (admittedly, I haven't been doing this long, and I don't have a huge portfolio - but I haven't sold a single download yet - not even to a subscription earning me a pitiful 20c - perhaps it says something about my photos ), is there an alternative - other than learning how to play flute while walking on stilts..?  I never thought I'd make a fortune, but the constant battle to try and achieve even a single image that would sell is taking the fun out of my hobby.