So... I upgrade to multiple lenses of the new Zeiss Milvus line which produce the sharpest clarity at 1/1 viewing and best color rendering I could have ever hoped for. Not cheap to do. I upgrade to a full frame body. I do storm chasing for unique landscapes not covered well by competition for a niche subject matter... especially in my region for editorial type use of seasonal severe weather. Most of my sales are for subject matter in my region which is what I try to concentrate on... for more sales like I already get. I upload 16 images and after over 3months of waiting 14 are failed and 2 are passed. The sharpest highest quality images I have ever produced since 2005.

The main one that failed was the highest megapixel panoramic city shot I've ever done. One of the sharpest images I've ever done. I waited over a year for the perfect lighting and surrounding stormy conditions.

4 other ones that failed were during tornado formation under a rotating wall cloud. Literally right in front of me. Very unique conditions and subject matter... and dangerous actually.

At any rate, I am done with stock. I am done being a sheep. My images sell regularly but I have no control over my portfolio or any kind of sales strategy. You follow and exceed their standards of quality and they punish you. They pass your worst images easily and fail your best. Try it for yourself. More editing maintains more Adobe software subscription fees which is their goal. Keeping everyone on that hamster wheel.

Best of luck to you all.

So... my lifetime download count on the dashboard reset to zero on January 1st. I dont recall this happening before. Is lifetime now defined as 1 year?