Very good advice. Easier to understand "artifact" or other vague rejection reason is better mean it to be
we don't want the picture, no thank you.

Hmm, if they didn't want my picture, then why do they allow for me to correct the artifacting and resubmit?  Not ALL pictures have the resubmit button available.  My assumption has always been, if they don't want the picture, then they don't allow you to correct mistakes and resubmitt?  Am I wrong?

Warren:

Been riding a lot lately, but still totally around microstock.  I just don't submit big batches of pictures.  I build my portfolios slowly over time.  My DT portfolio is my largest and I'm seeing a decent amount of sales there, I'm noticing you are doing well there also.  

Istock is a great agency, I do really wish I could get more of my pictures accepted there.  I get so disappointed with them, I've not sent many photos their way.  I guess I should keep trying, but fighting against something that is "nearly imaginary" or at least invisible to the untrained eye is a tough battle to win.  My biggest complaint is my photos get accepted to other agencies and they never seem to deny anything based on artifacting, my common refusal is usually for poor lighting.  I am proud to say though my acceptance rations are going UP everywhere but IS.

Go to the downloads tab and type a date range from the time you signed up until current date.  I think that should give you the info you want?

I got the email too.  I'm totally confused my acceptance ratio was near 70%!  I was already accepted into the  program and actively being paid.  Reading above, it says if you've already been accepted you'll be allowed to continue, well that seems to be false!

Are you using Schedule C or C-EZ for your 1099 income?

I have only been sent one 1099 form this year and it was from Shutterstock.  From what I've read on the IRS site, it says companies have to report $10.00 or more of royalties paid.  It also states a company must report miscellaneous income paid out if its greater than $600.

My earnings are very small:

$100 from DT
$108 from Shutterstock
$100 from Istock

I'm going to assume DT and Istock didn't send me a 1099 because they consider the money paid to me as Misc income and not Royalties.

Here are my questions:

1. Did I make the right assumption about not receiving 1099 from DT and Istock?

2. Should I report the income on a Small Business Form ie: C-EZ?

3.  I read something about if the money if from a "hobby" or something done inconsistantly, I don't have to report this on a Small Bussiness type form.  Instead I an put it on 1040 Line 21 Other income.  I feel like I do this consistantly, but its definitely a hobby for me as I already have a Full Time job.  At what dollar figure would people consider this no longer a hobby?  I was thinking income greater than $5000/year.  Agree or disagree?

I'm very relieved to hear its not just me who always get the "artifacting" denial from I-Stock.  Most every image I submit there gets rejected for this reason.  I've been reading and gathering as much information as I can find regarding this subject.  Below are my observations and finding:

1.)  I guess Nikon Cameras are known to ALWAYS produce artifacting - so if you shoot a Nikon, like I do, just expect every image you shoot to have this problem.  (I shoot RAW - doesn't seem to make a difference).

2.)  I think I-Stock basically says they aren't interested in your photo when they don't allow you to correct the issues and resubmit the photo.  If they allow to to correct your problems, than that says your photo has redeeming qualities, fix the artifacting problem and we will accept it.  If there is not a RESUBMIT button available - then they aren't likin' what they see, so don't bother fixin' it.

3.) I have a REALLY difficult time seeing the artifacting they speak of.  So, I totally feel handicapped when it comes to fixing the issue.  However, I did run across a really COOL tutorial which uses an EDGE Mask technique and Lab Color to help rid the photo of the artifacts.  I just corrected some photos with this and plan to submit.  I will sure let others know if I was successful or not.  Here the link: (Its a two part tutorial) http://photos4u2c.wordpress.com/2009/03/30/how-to-remove-artifacts-and-avoid-istock-rejection-part-1/

Hi I'm hoping someone can help me on this....

I requested my first payout at I-stock on Nov. 17.  The paypal schedule said payouts for paypal payment request deadline is 11/23.  So, I got my request in before the deadline.  Then, the calander shows the actual payout date for paypal to be Nov. 30th (which is today).  Shouldn't I be receiving my payout today?

I would appreciate any insight about this subject that anyone may be able to provide.  Its my first time, so I'm sort of confused about the process.

THANKS!

I'm bugged by the simple fact that SOOO many of my imags get refused for artifacting!  I look at them at 100%, but darnned if I can see what they are talking about. 

That being said, I LOVE the fact my images accepted there sell like crazy.  I have less than 50 photos in my portfolio, but I've had at least double that in sales!  I've even made it to payout, which is very unfathomable with such a small portfolio. 

My only wish is to have more of my images accepted so I could build my sales.

BigStock has been a terrible earner for me.  However, with the annoucement of SS aquiring BigStock, my sales have suddenly been picking up.  I'm having about 1 or 2 every other day.  A phenonmenon I've never experience b4 with BigStock.

 

I hope this continues!  Its very inspiring!

I'm new to microstock photograhy.  I've been uploading for just over 1 year.

Here's a list of the Agencies I work with in the order I joined:

1. Dreamstime
2. Fotolia
3. BigStock
4. Istock
5. Shutterstock
6. 123RF
7. Canstock
8. Snap Village --->Veer
9. StockXpert

I've only made it to one payout - at Shutterstock.  I'm within $20 from payout at DT, next comes I-Stock, then FT - both I'm trying to get to $100 and am 35 and 55 dollars away respectively.  The rest I've made less than $10.00 on.

So, I've have to say SS is my best seller.  They accept most of my images and the upload process is simple.  I usually keep 1 photo in the pending spot at all time because keeping a constant flow of new images boosts sales on this site.

DT is my second best earner, but my sales are pretty inconsistent there.  I love there site and the management team is very helpful.  IS is my third best earner, I am disappointed with how long the review process is at this site and the fact they are very strict in what they accept.  However, that being said, I'm EXTREMELY impressed with what they do accept making sales for me.  I have my smallest portfolio there (less than 50 files) but I've still earned over $65.  I like IS for the long run.  I believe my portfolio here will continue to bring sales long after my other images get burried at competitor sites.

I recently received a very detailed response to a rejection email I sent to DT.  It was about similiar images.  The email was well thought out and really helped me get a handle on exactly what I need to do to avoid these type of rejections in the future.

I have to say I'm VERY pleased with this type of attention & helpfulness.

I think it took me at least three times before I was finally accepted to I-stock.  Even after being accepted, its been rough going building my portfolio there.  However, that being said, I still think it was well worth it.  I have less than 40 images on line there and have made over $60.00.  Stuff that gets accepted sells! 

So, the advice I've give is send in 1 type of each photo ie: 1 isoloation, 1 wildlife and 1 travel shot.  Then, the rest of the photos need to be something different.  They are intersted in seeing that you can shoot a wide range of technically sound photos.  Once you show them you can, they will accept your application.

Don't give up, do keep trying. 

@anon~ thanks for your insight and the "skinny" its very useful to see Microstock through the buyers eyes.

I second that!  What's the skinny.... please DO tell!  Please tell us "how, where and what buyers will pay"  we are all ears.  Everyone here, I'm sure, would seriously want to know this valuable information.