Author Topic: Creating One Agency to Represent us All (Read 21850 times)

Microbius · « **Reply #50 on:** October 21, 2012, 04:40 »

I have only ever really heard bad things about Ktools too, it seems people use it as a compromise because there's just not anything really great out there, rather than because it is actually a decent solution.

lisafx · « **Reply #51 on:** October 21, 2012, 18:21 »

I'm very happy with my Ktools site, but I did spend a bit of money hiring a programmer to give me a better search, simpler and better batch processing capabilities, and other minor customizations.

velocicarpo · « **Reply #52 on:** October 21, 2012, 19:05 »

I spent lots of time with CMSaccount and lately a bit with KTools. I think both work ok and are usable, but with todays fast paced changes I think my future projects and solutions will be based on generic scripts like Wordpress and plugins. I could not find any really good script out there. Basic needs would be:
a) Cloud support (like e.g. Amazon Cloudfront, S3,...). With my Portfolio size I would need to spend a fortune if I woul host all data on a local server.
b) Variety in Payment gateways! Do not come up with the usual paypal stuff please. If you do not have manymanymany payment gateways available any future solution will have to offer custom coding of a gateway for extra cost. The merchant world out there is a mess and constantly changing.
c) Clean code!!!!

jenniferhoward06 · « **Reply #53 on:** October 22, 2012, 04:50 »

I also spend a lots of time on CMS account But KTools help me a lot in it!!!

cr8tivguy · « **Reply #54 on:** October 22, 2012, 12:33 »

After doing a little research on Picture Engine, my first impression is...This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for in regards for ALL of us to leave our Agencies and list our own images, and take back control of our images.

Now migrating all your images to Picture Engine is easy. You set up your own Web site, which is great, because you know all of us our picky and want total control of everything...LOL
So you can be creative and make your own, or like I chose to use PhotoShelter from me. You can use KTools or whom ever you'd like. Price your images your own way, and make 100% of the money owed to you!!!

NOW is the time to JOIN, and LEAVE your AGENCY!!!

OK I know most of you need money, and are scared! I am too, but WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER if we want to have maximum impact on the market.

Here's my idea!
Set up your website... List it with PictureEngine...If your exclusive with anyone, make sure you change your Agreement with them. Get everything ready to leave your Agency...When Picture Engine has all of the bugs worked out and is ready to launch... Everyone at the same time puts in their 30 day notice to the Agencies all at once...A MASSIVE exit all at the same time.... Now the Agencies have to remove your images from their Library or be liable to be sued! Picture Engine will now be the ONE source for Art Buyers world wide to find images...OUR images that we have 100% control over..

Look we've got to do something... Stock Agencies are treating us worse and worse every year! Their taking more and more of our share of our sales. Enough is enough!!! Let's show them who the BOSS is and fight back and tell them where to stick it!!!

I encourage you to look at your industry, and ask yourself has it gotten better or worse? Are you making more money or less? Are you happy with your Stock Agency?

I think you know the answers, and our only option is to STAND UP AND FIGHT BACK...TAKE CONTROL YOUR IMAGES AND WIN THIS FIGHT!!!

ClaridgeJ · « **Reply #55 on:** October 22, 2012, 12:51 »

Quote from: cr8tivguy on October 22, 2012, 12:33

After doing a little research on Picture Engine, my first impression is...This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for in regards for ALL of us to leave our Agencies and list our own images, and take back control of our images.

Now migrating all your images to Picture Engine is easy. You set up your own Web site, which is great, because you know all of us our picky and want total control of everything...LOL
So you can be creative and make your own, or like I chose to use PhotoShelter from me. You can use KTools or whom ever you'd like. Price your images your own way, and make 100% of the money owed to you!!!

NOW is the time to JOIN, and LEAVE your AGENCY!!!

OK I know most of you need money, and are scared! I am too, but WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER if we want to have maximum impact on the market.

Here's my idea!
Set up your website... List it with PictureEngine...If your exclusive with anyone, make sure you change your Agreement with them. Get everything ready to leave your Agency...When Picture Engine has all of the bugs worked out and is ready to launch... Everyone at the same time puts in their 30 day notice to the Agencies all at once...A MASSIVE exit all at the same time.... Now the Agencies have to remove your images from their Library or be liable to be sued! Picture Engine will now be the ONE source for Art Buyers world wide to find images...OUR images that we have 100% control over..

Look we've got to do something... Stock Agencies are treating us worse and worse every year! Their taking more and more of our share of our sales. Enough is enough!!! Let's show them who the BOSS is and fight back and tell them where to stick it!!!

I encourage you to look at your industry, and ask yourself has it gotten better or worse? Are you making more money or less? Are you happy with your Stock Agency?

I think you know the answers, and our only option is to STAND UP AND FIGHT BACK...TAKE CONTROL YOUR IMAGES AND WIN THIS FIGHT!!!

Sigh!! yep its all easily done I suppose, storm in a teacup.

mattdixon · « **Reply #56 on:** October 22, 2012, 13:00 »

For it to work properly you need an API to get sales data so commercially viable images rise to the top of the search. Otherwise you end up with junk in the search results.
It's a shame the Virtual Agency at Photoshelter is so basic, I wish Ktools would implement something similar with CMS customisation, then a handful contributors could easily build sizeable libraries to rival the main agencies.

Poncke · « **Reply #57 on:** October 22, 2012, 16:53 »

Quote from: cr8tivguy on October 22, 2012, 12:33

After doing a little research on Picture Engine, my first impression is...This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for in regards for ALL of us to leave our Agencies and list our own images, and take back control of our images.

Now migrating all your images to Picture Engine is easy. You set up your own Web site, which is great, because you know all of us our picky and want total control of everything...LOL
So you can be creative and make your own, or like I chose to use PhotoShelter from me. You can use KTools or whom ever you'd like. Price your images your own way, and make 100% of the money owed to you!!!

NOW is the time to JOIN, and LEAVE your AGENCY!!!

OK I know most of you need money, and are scared! I am too, but WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER if we want to have maximum impact on the market.

Here's my idea!
Set up your website... List it with PictureEngine...If your exclusive with anyone, make sure you change your Agreement with them. Get everything ready to leave your Agency...When Picture Engine has all of the bugs worked out and is ready to launch... Everyone at the same time puts in their 30 day notice to the Agencies all at once...A MASSIVE exit all at the same time.... Now the Agencies have to remove your images from their Library or be liable to be sued! Picture Engine will now be the ONE source for Art Buyers world wide to find images...OUR images that we have 100% control over..

Look we've got to do something... Stock Agencies are treating us worse and worse every year! Their taking more and more of our share of our sales. Enough is enough!!! Let's show them who the BOSS is and fight back and tell them where to stick it!!!

I encourage you to look at your industry, and ask yourself has it gotten better or worse? Are you making more money or less? Are you happy with your Stock Agency?

I think you know the answers, and our only option is to STAND UP AND FIGHT BACK...TAKE CONTROL YOUR IMAGES AND WIN THIS FIGHT!!!

You are asking people to give up their livelihood and take a gamble with their mortgage and their children's tuition.

stockastic · « **Reply #58 on:** October 22, 2012, 16:58 »

Quote from: Poncke on October 22, 2012, 16:53

You are asking people to give up their livelihood and take a gamble with their mortgage and their children's tuition.

Well, ok then it's not for you.

Me, I have no mortgage and no kids. I could get interested.

lisafx · « **Reply #59 on:** October 22, 2012, 18:18 »

I admire your enthusiasm. Really I do.

I too had high hopes for PictureEngine. Unfortunately, they do not, as we speak, support Ktools. Although there has been some talk that they are working on it, to the best of my knowledge they have not yet integrated it into their site.

Would be lovely if they pull it together and offer a real alternative to the micros, but we don't seem to be there yet.

Quote from: cr8tivguy on October 22, 2012, 12:33

After doing a little research on Picture Engine, my first impression is...This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for in regards for ALL of us to leave our Agencies and list our own images, and take back control of our images.

Now migrating all your images to Picture Engine is easy. You set up your own Web site, which is great, because you know all of us our picky and want total control of everything...LOL
So you can be creative and make your own, or like I chose to use PhotoShelter from me. You can use KTools or whom ever you'd like. Price your images your own way, and make 100% of the money owed to you!!!

NOW is the time to JOIN, and LEAVE your AGENCY!!!

OK I know most of you need money, and are scared! I am too, but WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER if we want to have maximum impact on the market.

Here's my idea!
Set up your website... List it with PictureEngine...If your exclusive with anyone, make sure you change your Agreement with them. Get everything ready to leave your Agency...When Picture Engine has all of the bugs worked out and is ready to launch... Everyone at the same time puts in their 30 day notice to the Agencies all at once...A MASSIVE exit all at the same time.... Now the Agencies have to remove your images from their Library or be liable to be sued! Picture Engine will now be the ONE source for Art Buyers world wide to find images...OUR images that we have 100% control over..

Look we've got to do something... Stock Agencies are treating us worse and worse every year! Their taking more and more of our share of our sales. Enough is enough!!! Let's show them who the BOSS is and fight back and tell them where to stick it!!!

I encourage you to look at your industry, and ask yourself has it gotten better or worse? Are you making more money or less? Are you happy with your Stock Agency?

I think you know the answers, and our only option is to STAND UP AND FIGHT BACK...TAKE CONTROL YOUR IMAGES AND WIN THIS FIGHT!!!

cr8tivguy · « **Reply #60 on:** October 22, 2012, 19:42 »

Thanks Lisa,
I agree that Picture Editor isn't there yet. I'm hoping to talk to the creator of Picture Editor this week, and find out where they are, and how much longer it will take. I will bring up KTools for you. I checked out your website and wondering why at this moment the way your set up that Picture Editor wouldn't work right now?
I know it's in Beta testing, so throw it up and find out if it works or not. I'm not saying jump ship right now, I'm saying test it out.

As for everyone here, I'm saying get your ducks in a row.... Not to jump of the Agency bandwagon just yet. I'm saying get yourself ready! Get a website that will host your images and price them the way you want, and will deliver them to your clients and deposit the money directly into your bank account! Photoshelter does that right now!

Wait for someone like Picture Editor or another web person to build a search engine, that will find our images and our images only. Someone that won't use the Agencies, but just all of us banded together!

Will it take time, yes...but what are you supposed to do, continue taking less and being treated each year more poorly? Wake up... get a clue the writing is on the wall for all of us!

Really the writing should be on the wall for all the Agencies, once we stand up and tell them the shove it!

Les · « **Reply #61 on:** October 22, 2012, 23:58 »

Quote from: cr8tivguy on October 22, 2012, 19:42

Thanks Lisa,
I agree that Picture Editor isn't there yet. I'm hoping to talk to the creator of Picture Editor this week, and find out where they are, and how much longer it will take. I will bring up KTools for you. I checked out your website and wondering why at this moment the way your set up that Picture Editor wouldn't work right now?
I know it's in Beta testing, so throw it up and find out if it works or not. I'm not saying jump ship right now, I'm saying test it out.

As for everyone here, I'm saying get your ducks in a row.... Not to jump of the Agency bandwagon just yet. I'm saying get yourself ready! Get a website that will host your images and price them the way you want, and will deliver them to your clients and deposit the money directly into your bank account! Photoshelter does that right now!

Wait for someone like Picture Editor or another web person to build a search engine, that will find our images and our images only. Someone that won't use the Agencies, but just all of us banded together!

Will it take time, yes...but what are you supposed to do, continue taking less and being treated each year more poorly? Wake up... get a clue the writing is on the wall for all of us!

Really the writing should be on the wall for all the Agencies, once we stand up and tell them the shove it!

Are you talking about PictureEngine or is Picture Editor yet another option?

What is the principal problem with supporting KTools under PictureEngine?
Are these two companies talking to each other? If those two programs could work together, both companies would surely gain many independents as clients.

ClaridgeJ · « **Reply #62 on:** October 23, 2012, 01:04 »

Yes Im wondering too, whats the problem? have I missed something? I thought Picture-Engine was alive and kicking or at least got off the ground.

leaf · « **Reply #63 on:** October 23, 2012, 01:47 »

Quote from: Les on October 22, 2012, 23:58

Quote from: cr8tivguy on October 22, 2012, 19:42
Thanks Lisa,
I agree that Picture Editor isn't there yet. I'm hoping to talk to the creator of Picture Editor this week, and find out where they are, and how much longer it will take. I will bring up KTools for you. I checked out your website and wondering why at this moment the way your set up that Picture Editor wouldn't work right now?
I know it's in Beta testing, so throw it up and find out if it works or not. I'm not saying jump ship right now, I'm saying test it out.

As for everyone here, I'm saying get your ducks in a row.... Not to jump of the Agency bandwagon just yet. I'm saying get yourself ready! Get a website that will host your images and price them the way you want, and will deliver them to your clients and deposit the money directly into your bank account! Photoshelter does that right now!

Wait for someone like Picture Editor or another web person to build a search engine, that will find our images and our images only. Someone that won't use the Agencies, but just all of us banded together!

Will it take time, yes...but what are you supposed to do, continue taking less and being treated each year more poorly? Wake up... get a clue the writing is on the wall for all of us!

Really the writing should be on the wall for all the Agencies, once we stand up and tell them the shove it!

Are you talking about PictureEngine or is Picture Editor yet another option?

What is the principal problem with supporting KTools under PictureEngine?
Are these two companies talking to each other? If those two programs could work together, both companies would surely gain many independents as clients.

Yes, PictureEngine has talked to Ktools about getting something working (that's what they told me) but it would still require ktools to create the output (at least for it to be fully supported by ktools). Ktools seems pretty swamped with it's updates and features (not to mention fixing the search) that I'm not holding my breath on how fast it will be implemented.

sharpshot · « **Reply #64 on:** October 23, 2012, 02:53 »

It was a few months ago that it was first mentioned that Picture Engine doesn't work with Ktools and they're fully aware of it. I think they should of sorted that out before making an announcement about Picture Engine. That's one of the reasons why I'm not enthusiastic about them yet. I also thought they were within weeks of launching Picture Engine several months ago? Didn't they say fees would rise as soon as it launched? I didn't like that, as it seemed like a ploy to get us to sign up straight away. I'd rather see it working first and then have some time to decide if it's worth paying them $40 a month. I believe they're not taking any money until the site launches properly but I think they would get a lot more of us involved if they offered a free 30 day trial when the search is fully functional.

PhotoShelter have a free 14 day trial but they're an established site. I think a new site needs to do a bit more than that.

sharpshot · « **Reply #65 on:** October 23, 2012, 04:39 »

Interesting post on PetaPixel today. I have to agree that this could be the next big thing but will it ever happen?
http://www.petapixel.com/2012/10/22/the-next-big-thing-in-the-photo-world-is-individual-licensing/

Poncke · « **Reply #66 on:** October 23, 2012, 13:43 »

Quote from: stockastic on October 22, 2012, 16:58

Quote from: Poncke on October 22, 2012, 16:53
You are asking people to give up their livelihood and take a gamble with their mortgage and their children's tuition.
Well, ok then it's not for you.

Me, I have no mortgage and no kids. I could get interested.

I am single with no kids and rent an apartment. I have a good paid day job. I am just speaking for tons of others who do depend on stock income. Would you give up your day job for something completely radical with no guarantee of income, because a random stranger asked you to? No.

ClaridgeJ · « **Reply #67 on:** October 23, 2012, 14:43 »

Quote from: Poncke on October 23, 2012, 13:43

Quote from: stockastic on October 22, 2012, 16:58
Quote from: Poncke on October 22, 2012, 16:53
You are asking people to give up their livelihood and take a gamble with their mortgage and their children's tuition.
Well, ok then it's not for you.

Me, I have no mortgage and no kids. I could get interested.
I am single with no kids and rent an apartment. I have a good paid day job. I am just speaking for tons of others who do depend on stock income. Would you give up your day job for something completely radical with no guarantee of income, because a random stranger asked you to? No.

Serious photography, Im not so much talking stock here but serious conceptual photography and commissioned work as well is a passion, not a job as such. Its simply something you feel you are driven into and for better or worse for poor or rich.
Its like taking the oath at the alter when getting married. Followed by trouble and strifes.

Les · « **Reply #68 on:** October 23, 2012, 21:18 »

Quote

Yes, PictureEngine has talked to Ktools about getting something working (that's what they told me) but it would still require ktools to create the output (at least for it to be fully supported by ktools). Ktools seems pretty swamped with it's updates and features (not to mention fixing the search) that I'm not holding my breath on how fast it will be implemented.

This seems to be really poor planning. If Ktools thinks that they can make their program work with PictureENgine, it should be incorporated into their road map plan, and announced so. Of course, competent search is very important, too.

If we knew, that the link between KTools and PictureEngine is coming soon (in the next release), we could start loading our images into KTools, and be ready for that next step. I'm sure that with a concrete time plan, and assurance of both companies that they are committed to mutual cooperation, many contributors would sign for both services, and give that needed boost to them.
On the other hand, with no information forthcoming and only vague promises, nobody is going to waste their time and money.

Ktools and Picture Engine, if you are listening, get together and make it happen.

cascoly · « **Reply #70 on:** October 24, 2012, 13:13 »

Quote from: sgoodwin4813 on October 20, 2012, 08:14

I think the best analogy here is to Amazon rather than Google - what is needed is an Amazon photostore. One site to search for images in individual stores, that will display prices and product information and accept payments. Take a small commission off of each sale with no upfront costs so sellers only pay when they get a sale. For buyers a central site for searches and payments to a single site. Come up with a good business plan and get investors to pay for startup costs. Allow for reviews so people who sell bad images or ones with legal entanglements get called out. I think it could work but will require someone to devote a ton of time - or see if Amazon would be interested.

amazon has repeatedly rejected this idea

ebay used to allow selling digital images, but they have now banned any digital products claiming there was too much fraud

lisafx · « **Reply #71 on:** October 24, 2012, 13:17 »

Justin, your answer in the other thread seems to boil down to "we've only received four e-mails asking for Ktools, so we haven't done anything". Unless I am misreading it.

You have read the multitude of posts and threads on this forum asking for Ktools integration. If you build it, they will come. Until you accept the Ktools platform, you are missing a huge part of your market.

cidepix · « **Reply #72 on:** October 24, 2012, 16:59 »

Quote from: lisafx on October 24, 2012, 13:17

Justin, your answer in the other thread seems to boil down to "we've only received four e-mails asking for Ktools, so we haven't done anything". Unless I am misreading it.

You have read the multitude of posts and threads on this forum asking for Ktools integration. If you build it, they will come. Until you accept the Ktools platform, you are missing a huge part of your market.

aaand CMS Account

which is the script I am currently using on my site..

wordplanet · « **Reply #73 on:** October 24, 2012, 20:45 »

Does anyone here have a Virtual Agency at Photoshelter? I host my site there and would be happy to join a virtual agency as a small step toward independance from the big stock sites.

I'd be happy to put my micro images into a virtual agency on Photoshelter and see where it goes. We could all blog about it and do G+, tweet, etc. to get some viral marketing going. It won't replace the earnings from the agencies, but every sale we'd make would be one less sale they make.

The one thing I'm not sure about is the micro vs macro debate on my site - so I guess the virtual agency would have to be one or the other - or it could have micro and premium galleries. I have many of my images priced and available for immediate download on Photoshelter, but I only have a handful of the photos that I sell on the micros on there since I don't want to have huge pricing discrepancies. Of course, I realize that Alamy oftens licenses my photos for less than the micros actually charge their clients (for ELs or true RF use). How do you handle pricing your images if you have some on the macros and some on the micros? I'd be willing to go with a recommended pricing structure for a Virtual Agency, so any interest send me a PM or reply to this post.

mattdixon · « **Reply #74 on:** October 25, 2012, 06:52 »

The Virtual Agency options at Photoshelter are lacking, no 'Best Match' sort or any way to skin the Shop Front. Shame because it the potential as good platform for collaboration. Ktools seems the best of the bunch with their contributor plug in.

MicrostockGroup Sponsors

Author Topic: Creating One Agency to Represent us All (Read 21850 times)

Microbius

lisafx

velocicarpo

jenniferhoward06

cr8tivguy

ClaridgeJ

mattdixon

Poncke

stockastic

lisafx

cr8tivguy

Les

ClaridgeJ

leaf

sharpshot

sharpshot

Poncke

ClaridgeJ

Les

PicturEngine-JustinB

cascoly

lisafx

cidepix

wordplanet

mattdixon

Related Topics

Sponsors

Microstock Poll Results

Sponsors