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Messages - Reef
126
« on: August 20, 2012, 01:12 »
I think you are on very dangerous territory if you say that society of today wouldn't need "meaningless subjects like arts, literature, history and similar stuff"....all those are utterly important for too many reasons to list here. They might not be the best choice for young students that want job-security, high salaries etc., but in my opinion they are essential for humanity - for example regarding history - there are many times in history that we wouldn't want repeated right? And the soul needs fed too (arts & literature).
Absolutely!!! .....though if they eliminated religion I wouldn't object 
127
« on: August 19, 2012, 18:31 »
LOL! I am getting the biggest kick out of reading the posts here from people with young children who seem to think that being hard working, creative thinkers, and exceptional are in some way mutually exclusive to getting a good education.
Guess what - you raise your kids to be all of those things AND have a quality higher education if you want them to succeed.
What planet do you people live on that you think kids that get in to top colleges are some sort of lazy uncreative slouches?? You guys are in for a really rude awakening when your kids grow up. Better be saving for college NOW.
Your definition of success is obviously different to mine. But that's what makes the world go round 
128
« on: August 19, 2012, 18:26 »
I wouldn't switch to food photography myself, since I know how hard it is to produce great food shots, it's science really. So much work, since I don't know the basics, well I do know the very basics, but nothing beyond that. Simple isolations etc won't cut, lighting has to be perfect, highlighting just the right things, emphasizing some, you have to arrange everything carefully. If I'd switch, I'd try to find a niche in sports. But how many photos can you do on a single niched sport anyway...If I'd change lifestyle for some other type of photography, people would have to be involved, I just love shooting people, makes it interesting to me, the shoot itself is alive. More difficult, for sure, not to mention the organization, locations, MRs, props, make up, hair, this and that...But that's what I love to shoot. I'd probably rather stop shooting altogether than not shoot people anymore. And I have tried almost every other type of photography. Well travel photography seems interesting, but I don't travel all that much, so that's out of the question.
These days in MS its probably more important to be a master of photomanipulation than photography. And a creative mind doesn't hurt either!
129
« on: August 19, 2012, 05:49 »
Yes I dont believe in horribly expensive educations either. Reminds me of a story in the London financial city, during the yuppie era, large commercial bankers were after youg dealers, they didnt go to Harrow or Eaton, they went down the worst areas in London and collected youg 22-23 year olds, real street-kids, small villains, dressed them up, this and that, gave them a free course in broking, dealing.
Many years later, the BBC or something did a documentary and well, the majority of these kids, no education what so ever exept guts and balls, they had really made it, a few were multi millionaries, married with kids and everything, they dared to do and deal, take chances, way above an Etonian, etc. This is a true story, beginning of the 90s
Reminds me of 'Trading places' when Eddie Murphy replaces Dan Aykroyd for a dollar bet 
130
« on: August 18, 2012, 19:31 »
Hard work and passion still mean more to me, but that's me.
Ever thought about applying for a job as a doctor, lawyer, teacher, architect, or many, many other jobs? "Oh, I don't even have any Standard Grades (or your country's equivalent), but don't worry, I'm hardworking and passionate." See where that would get you.
Jobs are so hard fought these days that not having qualifications is just an easy way of whittling down the pile of applications.
We can't all be entrepreneurs, and even the maverick formerly known as Siralan has, now that he's off the street barrow, surrounded himself with a lot of highly qualified top level employees.
You need it all nowadays as a young person: hard work, passion and, almost always, the highest qualifications. By ignoring the importance of qualifications, you are limiting your childrens' choices. It doesn't matter how hard working and passionate you are, if your application forms get skimmed and tossed.
But that doesn't make it right. I often laugh at the job hiring process these days. A bimbo office worker filtering job applications based on qualifications. How ridiculous. When I hire someone I look at what they can do not what a piece of paper says.
If you got 200+ applications would you interview them all?
no
131
« on: August 18, 2012, 18:57 »
Hard work and passion still mean more to me, but that's me.
Ever thought about applying for a job as a doctor, lawyer, teacher, architect, or many, many other jobs? "Oh, I don't even have any Standard Grades (or your country's equivalent), but don't worry, I'm hardworking and passionate." See where that would get you.
Jobs are so hard fought these days that not having qualifications is just an easy way of whittling down the pile of applications.
We can't all be entrepreneurs, and even the maverick formerly known as Siralan has, now that he's off the street barrow, surrounded himself with a lot of highly qualified top level employees.
You need it all nowadays as a young person: hard work, passion and, almost always, the highest qualifications. By ignoring the importance of qualifications, you are limiting your childrens' choices. It doesn't matter how hard working and passionate you are, if your application forms get skimmed and tossed.
But that doesn't make it right. I often laugh at the job hiring process these days. A bimbo office worker filtering job applications based on qualifications. How ridiculous. When I hire someone I look at what they can do not what a piece of paper says.
132
« on: August 18, 2012, 18:52 »
With regards to your children, I think I'm of the other opinion. That's not to say I do not help my children. But I would not sacrifice my life style to ensure they got the best education available. On the contrary, I would prefer they earned their way through life which will teach them respect for money, property and such. That's more important than how well educated you are or how rich you are.
Reef, do you actually HAVE children, or is this a hypthetical for you? Clearly you have no idea how much hard work, dedication, sacrifice and maturity it takes to qualify and gain admission (much less scholarships) to top colleges these days. That is something that is earned, not handed to any young adult.
Yes, I have children and we give them a 'normal upbringing' within our means It just seems to me these days children have enormous pressures placed on them. The volume of home work they get is ridiculous, parents and social expectations add even more pressure. No wonder suicide rates are increasing each year. I just want my children to be happy and enjoy life and to be children for as long they can.
133
« on: August 17, 2012, 21:48 »
With regards to your children, I think I'm of the other opinion. That's not to say I do not help my children. But I would not sacrifice my life style to ensure they got the best education available. On the contrary, I would prefer they earned their way through life which will teach them respect for money, property and such. That's more important than how well educated you are or how rich you are.
I don't think that education and respect are mutually exclusive, even if my ex-boss seemed to think so.
I also think that whereas in the past it might have been relatively easy to get on without an education if you had an entrepreneurial spirit, and there are plenty of examples from Lord Sugar down, it's not like that nowadays in a lot of countries. Even to be a cleaner here nowadays you need to do a college course and get a certificate before many larger employers will take you on (I mean an institutional cleaner, not a 'maid'-type cleaner in a private home).
I was at a theatre performance last week, when the performer had this for a throwaway line:
"My father left school with no qualifications. Sounds trite, but just try it today!"
Are you serious, qualified cleaners! Hard work and passion still mean more to me, but that's me.
134
« on: August 17, 2012, 19:28 »
I wonder where are you from? I came to Canada from Russia in 1993 with nothing but a backpack with a spare pair of jeans and a couple of t-shirts. The jeans was my most expensive possession back then. Seriously. So I am actually from that "vast majority of the world" you're talking about. The most valuable "possession" was my education though, which allowed me to succeed in life. Even if I had to live in slums I'd still spend money on my kids education, that's the most important thing parents can give. I know what it's like to be dirt poor and I don't mind it, but I also know that having some money for decent fairly comfortable living is not being "rich" - it's being normal. With money I make on microstock I don't have excesses - I drive a 10 year old car and live in a condo. You can not call that "rich" by any standards.
Really fantastic post! Take a heart.
Totally agree about education. My husband and I are having to cut back a lot to put our daughter through a top college. It will be worth it. We have never bought a new car in our lives, and live in a 1200 sq. foot house in a nice, but working class neighborhood.
A couple of years back we thought microstock would finance a move to a more upscale neighborhood, but if we had done that, imagine the mess we would find ourselves in today! We will continue with our relatively modest lifestyle regardless of where microstock is in the next few years.
To be honest, living in the good ole US of A any extra money we have gotten has gone to medical bills and high insurance premiums. I've had three surgeries in the last three years. Living in the only Industrialized Western nation that doesn't provide medical care to its population gets REALLY expensive.
With regards to your children, I think I'm of the other opinion. That's not to say I do not help my children. But I would not sacrifice my life style to ensure they got the best education available. On the contrary, I would prefer they earned their way through life which will teach them respect for money, property and such. That's more important than how well educated you are or how rich you are.
135
« on: August 17, 2012, 17:07 »
I think it's helped me to force myself to clear the canvas often and try new things. Anyone else have any thoughts on this? Have you seen any change in income based on how your work has changed?
Agree with everything you say and yes, clearing the canvas often leads to new and exciting ideas.
136
« on: August 16, 2012, 17:59 »
My apathy causes me problems, but I don't care.
137
« on: August 15, 2012, 19:25 »
138
« on: August 14, 2012, 16:19 »
Pointless thread. Every single person has their own unique perspective on this depending on their circumstances. And one thing that's certain on this forum is most people are in the "my glass is half empty" camp, so it's always a biased view. Except maybe Lagereek who flip flops on everything. No doubt he writes these threads to distract everyone from actually creating stock. You got me for 2 minutes. bugger
Well reef, I am sorry mate but this thread is for ppl, whos been a long time in the stock business, far longer then before micro, consequently, your post is rather irrelevant.
oh Lagereek, thee of little faith. You remind me that there is always the danger of falling into the dinosaur trap which many people are oblivious to. Something for everyone to consider there.
139
« on: August 14, 2012, 06:24 »
Pointless thread. Every single person has their own unique perspective on this depending on their circumstances. And one thing that's certain on this forum is most people are in the "my glass is half empty" camp, so it's always a biased view. Except maybe Lagereek who flip flops on everything. No doubt he writes these threads to distract everyone from actually creating stock. You got me for 2 minutes. bugger
140
« on: August 12, 2012, 18:03 »
Just had my first sale for Aug on the 10th. a sub at fotolia for 18 cents. Don't know if that means things are improving (only slighty) or if it was a fluke. Hopefully it means things will pick up. 
Dan, I am so sorry but that made me laugh at loud. It can only get better for you
141
« on: August 11, 2012, 07:26 »
While it's true that nothing lasts forever, it's true as well that I have been reading in forums the voices of self appointed prophets announcing the inmmiment end of microstock since 2004 (I wasn't aware of microstock before 2004). Every little change has been seen as the herald of The End is Near. Had I listened to these inspirational voices now I would be significantly less rich.
As someone who also works in the design industry I can honestly say we use more stock imagery, video and templates than ever before. We would be crazy not to. I don't see that changing anytime soon.
142
« on: August 09, 2012, 01:39 »
Exclusivity doesn't work financially for everyone. If your portfolio relies on sheer numbers of walk around tourist shots, or what you ate for dinner each day then I don't think it's worth it. The money to be made is in Vetta, Agency and exclusive +. So, given that your portfolio is of high end, hard to get to, niche images then I think you're mad not to be cashing in on the extra $ available in the collections. Obviously it doesnt matter who you are, or what "stick" you've given iStock. To think otherwise is some sort of bizarre vanity. Of course, I'm also pretty sure you're not serious and are simply posting for posting's sake, in which case... meh.
He might be but your analysis is correct I think
143
« on: August 03, 2012, 15:27 »
Paul, very well presented. I hope it is successful for you. Good luck
144
« on: July 16, 2012, 05:23 »
Crap doesn't sell at IS
IMO Crap doesn't sell at any micro stock site, as that is the definition of crap.
So the title of this pretty pointless thread should be "stuff that doesn't sell, doesn't sell".
Well crap did sell and still sells but the proceeds are now spread out more. Therefore, better quality crap is required. Which is where Sir Wut from Crapalot comes in!
145
« on: July 10, 2012, 06:34 »
blah blah blah
oh for gawd sake, pack your passport and toothbrush in your back pocket and just go! And please leave your ego and prejudices behind for all our sakes.
146
« on: July 02, 2012, 16:41 »
Those doing well are far less likely to report their stats. Then again, a recent study found that my stock images are better than the rest" (my mother said so).
147
« on: June 27, 2012, 19:47 »
Worked in offshore seismic oil and gas exploration for 10+ years. I wish I had been into photography then!
148
« on: June 04, 2012, 04:09 »
One more important thing: what's the procedure like when applying for exclusivity? Do you apply, they take a look and tell you exactly which sites you have to take images down from, or do you have to delete them and then wait for their response? If it's the latter option and you have to wait for a week or so, before they check for your images, you're loosing hundreds if not thousands of dollars (well I wouldn't loose thousands, obviously:). Because I know you even have to remove images from photo.net etc (I guess there is some way of buying photos there, although you can sell prints)
You have to remove all images from other sites first, or your application will be rejected until you do.
Note too that some sites require notice (up to 6 months) before they will remove your portfolio.
Can you not keep your portfolios but make them non-active on SS and DT, so that if IS doesn't work out then all is not lost?
149
« on: January 22, 2012, 01:22 »
2 Ex, 4 kids but not always living here, 1 dog, 2 chooks and I freelance!  Live just across the bay from Brisbane. Welcome Gillian Steve
150
« on: April 30, 2011, 05:12 »
1. Only NON US buyers. US buyers are most of the market...
2. 20% is quite a lot. in most contries the drop was a less steep.
1. Not sure about US buyers being most of the market 2. close to 50% in Australia
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