First of all, they put exclusive prices up and Main prices down so that there is no level playing field.
And then (omitting subs and Getty cr*p) today we have a new best match which promotes Main files.
I have been sure for a long time that they positively want exclusives to leave voluntarily.

The best match doesn't help new files, but new files can't possibly be promoted when the keywording of so many of them is so dreadful.

Again gives the lie to Lobo's promise that exclusive files would "ALWAYS. PERIOD" have priority in best match.
Some people have said all of the top line files in best match searches were main. In my test searches, #1, #3 and #5 or 6 (and often #7 or v8 ) are all Main, but it's such a hassle nowadays to check (I'm sure they did that deliberately too) that I only looked at the top row in each of my searches.
More findings from this post down in this thread:
http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=353233&messageid=6993882

I am sure you have a reason to say what you had said. Just you know, yesterday was one of my better days this year, all my sales are s and s+ from 2010 to December, 2013. Am I celebrating? Not at all. I just want to say best match is changing all the time.

I seemed to hear rumors that US airlines only allowed 2 batteries a few years ago, that was why I wondered.

For what it's worth, I keep four spare batteries in my carry-on camera bag plus the one in the camera.  Never had a problem with Security.

Thanks, great to know!

http://blog.tsa.gov/2013/06/travel-tips-tuesday-safely-packing.html TSA Blog

Thanks! I assume I am ok. Just does not want to get my genuine Canon batteries confisticated.

Is camera sensor deteriorating over time? I remember that on some rental site they claim that they hold equipment for only two years for maximum performance.

There will definitely be damaged sensor pixels over a period of time, especially if you shoot long exposure a lot. Besides, the shutter has a lifespan too. I always buy extended insurance to cover 2-3 years and against accidents as well. The insurer once replaced the sensor (with the shutter) at the end of three year, and vitually gave my old camera a new life.

Come back to your original question, yes, the cameras are cheaper at certain time of the year. For me, the best deals are around back-to-school sales and Black Friday.

I removed a few posts talking (negatively) about specific images.  This isn't the place to point fingers and laugh.

If you want to talk about specific images or portfolios, please post your own for critique.

Great move!

Not what I saw from my searches. This month does not look good for me at all.

All bad, particularly lack of transparency and accountability to contributors!

Quote from: Freedom on November 30, 2013, 13:21

Your humility is very charming, however, you have a nice style and perhaps are doing well in general stock photography. Perhaps you should focus more on exploring your own individuality insteading of seeking conformity to the existing style on Stocksy. Could that be why you were rejected by Stocksy? I am not a member of Stocksy, what I am saying is purely speculatve.

Hi Freedom,
I am just starting out so success is still far, faaar away. I agree with what you say about not compromising on your personal style too much, here's a personnal exemple; I was rejeted twice by SS in the last few months ( I am aware that they are a bit weird with rejections right now). I shoot with a very shallow depth of field and I like dramatic light, so everything I find makes an image interesting, SS dislikes. I take no offence in that and I will reapply as a contributor but I would never change my style for them; there's already plenty of people succedding in that style without me changing my style to fit in. 
Stocksy on the other hand, has a style that I like so applying as a contributor is an exercise that would make me a better photographer and it would also be a fun experiment. I think that for my style of photography, Stocksy is more of a matter of flexibility than compromise.

BTW, I don't mean to start a heated debate on SS! 

I know what you mean. SS and other general stock photo agencies actually accept many different styles. Stocksy, again I am speculating, if wants to outperform, cannot only live with one style or few styles either. It must be getting boring for the editors after a while. Therefore, an individualistic approach might be your best bet. But what do I know?

I really want the stats fixed especially October could be my BMY so I am curious how it turned out.

However, it's so important to us, partly because we are used to it and somwhat addicted to it. On the other hand, Getty should prove its technical competence by restoring the stats ASAP.

Quote from: pancaketom on November 22, 2013, 13:01

Are you allowed to do that (bolded text)? I vaguely thought at one point that once it went to IS you couldn't send it elsewhere even if you removed it.

Yes I think it is okay. But I would obviously check the contract again before doing so. AFAIK it is only rejected content which is problematic. And I would not do this with any content which has RF sales or, even, reasonable views.

I like iStock as an outlet but whilst new content is buried and since they withdrew the E+ option it is frustrating sending them stuff which should be, at least, getting a view.

From what I remembered, you had to seek permission for each individual image. However, there is a new team, things may be different. Please let us know how it turns out.

Normally the payment will arrive on the 7th or 8th for me. Since there was a weekend, I will see if anything happens tomorrow.