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Messages - corepics
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176
« on: February 02, 2010, 15:00 »
Hate to see them go but I still won't sell out to Istock's (JUI etc.) subs for $.25 a download!
That's exactly what I've been thinking. Loosing out on the regular sales on StockXpert, and seeing a sales channel disappear is making it rather a tough decision. I'm afraid the Getty consortium leaves us with little options this way.
177
« on: January 31, 2010, 18:26 »
Although the number of downloads at CC isn't spectacular, the few I had so far are worth it - 3 downloads at CC in 6 months made me more than the combined total of Crestock, Veer and Featurepics (a total of roughly 50 images sold in the same time span) Admittedly, my portfolio at CC is larger than at Crestock and Featurepics, and the CC sales were Extended Licenses, but still...
178
« on: January 21, 2010, 11:28 »
What does this add to what we already know? Without specific figures, its just a guesstimate, as valuable as common sense and your - presumably correct - observations from years of experience and study. It proves you can put almost everything into a formula, without creating more clarity.
179
« on: January 06, 2010, 14:11 »
taglist you may have just saved my bacon! any idea which form we then fill in on Fotolia using the EIN, W-8 BEN, W-8 ECI, W-8 IMY or W-8 EXP ?
Using my EIN, I filled in the W8-BEN form; just like I did with SS. (Even stronger, I opened up that form again, as it's saved on SS to check which fields I filled in). It got approved on FT, too, and no tax is being withheld. However, I think MikLav's response is reason for caution...
180
« on: January 06, 2010, 06:21 »
with EIN you are also obliged to file a tax return every year.
That's what IRS told me:
"The choice as to whether to use an Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), is up to you. Whichever number you use would dictate how the payments are made out, when paid. Your concern over establishing a filing requirement if you choose and EIN is valid. If an EIN is assigned, there is normally a filing requirement established. With the tax, if any, being satisfied at source because of the correct amount of withholding, if required, there would be no need to file a return unless you were claiming withholding back, or you had another item of income that required reporting. However, once the number (EIN) has been assigned, an automatic process is set up which would require that you file a return for that EIN number. You would then have to notify the IRS that you did not have a filing requirement for that year, and also remove future filing requirements. If you obtained the ITIN, then the correct amount would be withheld, if any, at source and there would be no need to file a return, unless there was a claim for withholding back or you had additional items of income that required reporting. To summarize, once the W-8BEN is in place, if there is any withholding required it will be at the correct rate. Your tax obligation, if any, would have been satisfied, and you would not need to file. However, the EIN assignment triggers an automatic process, that will entail a notice requesting a return if we do not get one from you for your business."
Interesting bit of new information for me, thanks! I'll look into it. I can imagine such a system being in place for US residents, but overseas foreigners? The W8-BEN form already indicates (question 13, where you can specify the treaty code, I believe), that no tax is withheld, so there should be no further requirement. Guessing, here. I might as well give them another call. If you can notify the IRS, that you dind not have a filing requirement for that year (which seems plausible for non-US residents), and be able to remove future filing requirements, it shouldn't be much of a hassle. Any idea what IRS form that'll be?
181
« on: January 06, 2010, 05:12 »
I wonder why nobody hasn't mentioned the EIN route for photographers with acting ascompanies, yet.
Because EIN has a number of drawbacks; and basically higher responsibility from you towards IRS (and most probably more paperwork in the future).
Hi MikLav, What additional paperwork are you referring to? If the IRS doesn't withhold anything, I'm only responsible for the local taxes, which I already do. Don't see any higher responsibility towards the IRS - I don't owe them anything. As far as I've managed to uncover, as soon as you file your stock income with your (my) national tax "services" as a business, you'll need to register for an EIN with the IRS to be exempt from withholding taxes. The ITIN (or no-ITIN) only applies to individuals as legal entity. The only draw back of using an EIN on fotolia, is that it's only valid for one year, after which you'll need to file another W8-BEN form, using the same data if nothing changes in your company.
182
« on: January 05, 2010, 18:53 »
I wonder why nobody hasn't mentioned the EIN route for photographers with acting ascompanies, yet. With SS, that worked like a charm. One phone call to the IRS, and the matter was solved... See: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=97860,00.html, and for photographers form countries with tax treaties with the US, please note: Apply By EIN Toll-Free Telephone Service
Taxpayers can obtain an EIN immediately by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933. The hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. An assistor takes the information, assigns the EIN, and provides the number to an authorized individual over the telephone. Note: International applicants must call (215) 516-6999 (Not a toll-free number).
183
« on: January 05, 2010, 18:27 »
Good observations and (it seems to me) these observations support the need to remain independent. With so many images being rejected, being exclusive certainly limits the sale of your images. What is to be done with all those rejects.
If it only were that simple...  It obviously is either - or, and the grass is always greener on the opposite side of the fence. I've considered exclusivity, but Dreamstime's terms are too restrictive to seriously consider (at least for me). The scale isn't just quite tipping towards iStock either, as I've got too many assets elsewhere to forfeit. Indeed, I'm staying independent, and revising my strategy of sending everything I shoot everywhere. FT obviously has its preferences, and so does 123 - they've become obnoxiously random, recently, too. DT is nicely joining the club. Because of the painfully precise inspections at iStock, they might as well get the finest niches. In the end, everything I shoot will be accepted somewhere, and considering StockXpert still sells images of me that remain unsold elsewhere, a fair deal will be eventually sold. To throw in another cliche: Reading the posts in the active threads suggests it's the same ball game with many of us. Either to put all your eggs in one basket, or go with the flow. Either way, I really think it's about time to quit making guesstimates - the mirror ball is just foggy, at the moment. Just a fuzzy generalization, here. Back to the OT, please?
184
« on: January 05, 2010, 17:58 »
The issue is that DT has recently started to reject images that are just similar but are very far from being "nearly identical".
Isn't that what Veer has been doing consequently ever since they started? Continuing on the OP's thread: DT still seems pretty lenient from my POV, and their level - price based system would endorse such a policy. Microstock agents, in general, seem to be gradually diversifying their target audience; either by luring people into exclusivity, or by trying to maintain a unique collection of images (and thus rejecting images for various reasons). In doing so, it looks to me like they're creating collections which are not available elsewhere. I see it as Dreamstime's - or any other agents - prerogative to be selective in a market which is overly saturated on the supply side. Microstock is changing, and so must we.
185
« on: December 22, 2009, 19:06 »
I tend to disagree with the others - to some extend.
The background does fit with the image, although I would try to remove the grey strip on the top edge.
I do believe the composition could've been stronger. Whilst it isn't terrible, I think there is one major compositional issue on the lower edge; If you'd include the hand holding the pen, the message would've been a lot stronger, and the image more complete. A lower camera position would've also assist in creating a more personal feel to this photo, thus emphasizing the concept.
I like the styling and the natural - unposed - feel, tho. A nice smile and introvert model. Lighting works for me, too, it's subtle.
There seems to be some fringing on her left collar - hard to tell without a full sized view.
186
« on: December 16, 2009, 10:10 »
Thanks for the advice, I can use all all the help I can get. I still think they are a little crazy, all 10 have downloads at IS. I will try back there in the 30 days and see what happens. Thanks again.
I've just had an image rejected at IS that has been accepted at FT, DT, BS, 123 and CS !! NO LOGIC in it !! ;-)
I even modified it to suit them and they still rejected it ! :-(
Heh. I just had an image accepted at IS, which has been rejected by FT, DT, BS, 123, etc... I'd agree with the ambiguity of reviewing images... Sorry to stray away from the OT.
187
« on: November 26, 2009, 11:15 »
I filled in the form without ITIN, and it went through. (Still pending).
It doesn't matter if it goes through or anything. The instructions they provide say that the form can be submitted without an ITIN as well.
But if it is submitted without the ITIN then %30 of your US income will be withheld anyway.
Right. And in order to obtain an ITIN, you're required to submit all sorts of documents which need to be signed and notarized. Amongst others, a signed letter from Fotolia, and not some print out of a web page or email. We've been through this with Shutterstock, only to find out later, that an ITIN isn't necessary for individuals to take full advantages of existing tax treaties. As Leaf suggests: If you want to play it safe, the EIN route is much easier, and much less of a hassle. IMHO, this'll end just like the Shutterstock epistle. A lot of commotion about very little.
188
« on: November 26, 2009, 07:10 »
The way it is worded, I presume they will withhold 30% of my income from US sales unless I supply them with an ITIN number. Is that wrong? It might not be a lot of money but it could cause a PITA applying for the ITIN or claiming tax relief on my tax return. I much prefer the way veer and SS have done it without requiring an ITIN number.
Despite Fotolia's instructions, I think it's unlikely an ITIN or EIN is needed for Fotolia, and not for Shutterstock or Veer. Initially, SS also required individuals to register with the IRS to obtain an ITIN. From what I've understood, an ITIN will make the W8-BEN form valid for an indefinite time, at least until your name, country of residence or address, etc, changes. Fotolia doesn't make the rules, the IRS does. And if the IRS doesn't require a ITIN (or EIN) for SS or Veer, the IRS doesn't require one for Fotolia, either, as the nature of US generated income is identical. To me, it looks like Fotolia is trying to stay on the safe side. If I've understood the instructions from the IRS manual ( link) correctly, photographers are exempted (or at least reduced tax rates) from taxes for income without an ITIN (see page 5, top left column, last bullet) , generated through sales in the US if: - The income falls under "Royalties" - The country of residence of the photographer has a tax treaty with the US Without an ITIN, the W8-BEN form is only valid for a limitied time - not completely sure about this, tho. I filled in the form without ITIN, and it went through. (Still pending). I did notice that, once submitted, you can always file another form. I just hope I'm not wrong 
189
« on: November 01, 2009, 18:30 »
Hi All,
This may be off topic but all of our Macro RF collections grew at a healthy rate last month. A much better growth margin than Micro for me. Micro still showed the best month I have had there but not as big a growth compared to my RF Macro. RM Macro was also way up.
Best,
Jonathan
I think very relevant, thanks,
Peter
Very interesting indeed. Shooting primarily assigned work, I noticed a similar trend - Both off-agent RM and assigned work showed a significant growth. Micro also was pretty good this month, but that was primarily due to EL's on sites that don't usually perform well for me. The top tier did show a shuffle, but in total showed only marginal growth. To my business, it seems the initial crisis-panic has subdued, and the bigger multinationals are again willing to spend, again. Only good news!
190
« on: October 27, 2009, 08:25 »
Aparently, the decision to remove images with graffiti was broadcasted yesterday, via twitter: 123rf says no to graffiti images! All past submissions without ANY property release will be removed effective TODAY. http://bit.ly/2gBcEi
Exceptions for GRAFFITI ACCEPTANCE:not captured as primary object/focus,ration shouldn't exceed 1:3 of the entire image http://bit.ly/2uA12
191
« on: October 26, 2009, 15:17 »
FYI, I just noticed 123rf is starting to cull images for various reasons (mostly "possible copyright issues"). They do not send out notifications. However, culled images appear on the history --> Rejected page ( http://submit.123rf.com/submit/myuploaded.php?displayshow=r) I noticed, because a buyer sent me a site mail, asking where the image had gone he selected... Oh, well, it's all for our own protection - but a email informing us of their decision would've been nice.
192
« on: October 18, 2009, 16:08 »
Veer, the new Crestock?
Is it the new Crestock? Not in my book, because I actually make money at Crestock.
ditto
Not in my book either. I'm getting fairly good sales at Veer, and so far, they've accepted most of what I've thrown at them. Can only agree with Hofhoek's views.
193
« on: October 14, 2009, 17:21 »
It's pathetic such things happen, and I agree this guy should get all the exposure he can get.
The most valuable advice my lawyer gave me (on a different issue) was that "there is a distinct difference between being right and getting (your) right". What he implied was, that - despite this guy being (probably) in his full right to claim and hold the name - the energy (and money) involved in such legal fight, can sometimes be put to better and more productive use to adapt to the circumstances.
I don't mean that the "little guy" should always go belly up when the big guys bark (or bite), but this guy could put his competences (flexibility, entrepreneurship and creativity) to use, and seriously harm this "billion dollar" company big time, in stead of fighting this out in court. It Can Be Done. Buckler - an alcohol free beer, brewed by Heineken, was put off the market, because a local comedian ridiculed it to death in one of his one man shows.
194
« on: October 14, 2009, 13:08 »
just curious - how many of you did opt in for the Crestock freebie images deal?
After sending an email to Crestock, Gudmund opted me out again - thanks for that.
195
« on: October 12, 2009, 03:41 »
I picked up a slot at Lookstat last Friday - thanks!
196
« on: October 02, 2009, 06:04 »
On another thread, I read we can not opt out of this WP deal, is it true?
See: A small word of warning:
If you're not sure if you want to sign up for Crestock's WordPress deal, DO NOT click on the link underneath the email!
There is no confirmation button on that page, and as soon as you log in, you're automatically signed up, and I haven't been able to find an opt-out, yet, so be careful.
I've sent Crestock an email, but no reaction, yet. Sorry for the confusion.
197
« on: October 02, 2009, 05:25 »
I live in a country with tax treaty, and I filled the form online. But where can I see my tax status? I haven't got any confirmation either way after filling the form. I would like to be sure before next payment.
If your tax form is rejected, you're notified via email, and the notification on the main page remains visible. As soon as it's accepted, the notification disappears. I agree, an email informing the tax form is accepted would've been nice. I filled in the form, got it rejected the first time, filled it in again, and the message disappeared. SS didn't withhold anything for the IRS from my recent payment. So, if you don't see the notification on the main page, you should be fine. If you want to be sure, SS tax-center have been extremely helpful, and they've responded the same business day, so you could send them an email.
198
« on: October 02, 2009, 04:46 »
Crestock seems to suffer from pretty persistent bugs in image reviews, paying contributors and auto-opt ins to their wordpress program without an opt out. That makes three bugs. Now, do I get 150 credits?
199
« on: October 02, 2009, 03:38 »
Where do you see these tax percentages or numbers at Shutterstock?
Thanks,
Robert
On the main page, look under "payment history"
200
« on: September 30, 2009, 13:56 »
A small word of warning:
If you're not sure if you want to sign up for Crestock's WordPress deal, DO NOT click on the link underneath the email!
There is no confirmation button on that page, as soon as you log in, you're automatically signed up, and I haven't been able to find an opt-out, yet, so be careful.
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