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Author Topic: Potential exclusivity at SS due to IPO - who will join? - edited  (Read 10193 times)

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« on: May 22, 2012, 11:26 »
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Yuri threw this out there and I think it's an interesting and challenging topic:

If SS was to offer exclusivity (full exclusivity in the micro RF market, NO image exclusivity) who would put all their eggs in SS's basket?

I can't and I won't (at this point...)

Here is Yuri's forecast:
Quote
... I predict that if SS opens the opportunity for exclusive content in a premium subscription package they just doubled their revenue in a year or two's time. And further more. I will bet a that this will happen. Anybody want to bet?
« Last Edit: May 22, 2012, 11:47 by click_click »


« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2012, 11:30 »
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'Yuri' didn't postulate a benefit to this exclusivity?

« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2012, 11:33 »
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no, not even if they pay 2$/sale and 1$/upload

« Reply #3 on: May 22, 2012, 11:39 »
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It's not going to happen so pointless asking. SS's IPO will not change it's business model. They're not going to take the actions that have made other agencies less successful __ even if 'Yuri' thinks they might.

lisafx

« Reply #4 on: May 22, 2012, 11:40 »
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No.  I toyed with the idea of exclusivity.  Was glad I held back at the time, and I don't see anything that would persuade me to be exclusive anywhere at this point.  

FWIW, I don't think anyone, including Yuri, really expects SS to go that route.  He's just opened his own personal agency, so clearly he is not considering putting his eggs exclusively in anyone else's basket.  

« Reply #5 on: May 22, 2012, 11:43 »
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No.  I toyed with the idea of exclusivity.  Was glad I held back at the time, and I don't see anything that would persuade me to be exclusive anywhere at this point.  

FWIW, I don't think anyone, including Yuri, really expects SS to go that route.  He's just opened his own personal agency, so clearly he is not considering putting his eggs exclusively in anyone else's basket.  

Not all the eggs of course, but some maybe. In a per-file exclusivity agreement.

« Reply #6 on: May 22, 2012, 11:47 »
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Please re-read my first post. Sorry for the confusion.

I would love image exclusivity but not total exclusivity!

« Reply #7 on: May 22, 2012, 11:51 »
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No, I wouldn't go exclusive. I doubt I would even do exclusive images there.

traveler1116

« Reply #8 on: May 22, 2012, 11:54 »
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It's not going to happen so pointless asking. SS's IPO will not change it's business model. They're not going to take the actions that have made other agencies less successful __ even if 'Yuri' thinks they might.
I think Yuri is right on this one.  SS has said they want to compete with IS on premium images, how else will they get those.  If the images are offered at every other site I don't think they can call them premium or price them accordingly.  Also I'm not so sure IS is less successful now, they most likely paid out 3x more than SS in 2011 while lowering royalties, my guess is they are doing pretty well.

tab62

« Reply #9 on: May 22, 2012, 11:58 »
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no way! I make too much from CREStock to consider this option  ;D

lagereek

« Reply #10 on: May 22, 2012, 11:59 »
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Image exclusivity,  for sure.

WarrenPrice

« Reply #11 on: May 22, 2012, 12:01 »
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no way! I make too much from CREStock to consider this option  ;D

LOL

« Reply #12 on: May 22, 2012, 12:02 »
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You say contributor exclusivity, but what Yuri and others talked about sounds more like image exclusivity.

I doubt they would be willing to offer what it would take for me to go exclusive. I could see a few images being exclusive, and if those work well I could see more.

« Reply #13 on: May 22, 2012, 12:07 »
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You say contributor exclusivity, but what Yuri and others talked about sounds more like image exclusivity...

If SS considered an exclusivity program I'd prefer if it was image exclusivity.

I'm asking here in this thread though, if anyone would even become full exclusive with SS as some people mentioned before on this forum they'd consider it.

I think SS needs a super premium collection (wouldn't hurt) and I'd appreciate it if SS considers its best contributors to supply the content for that rather than buying a premium collection from somewhere else and just toss it into their library...

« Reply #14 on: May 22, 2012, 12:07 »
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I wonder how radically this would change the search algorithm too, I hope it doesnt turn into a catastrophe, like gostwyck said its quite pointless to do this exercise

« Reply #15 on: May 22, 2012, 12:21 »
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I also think it would be a disaster for the SS!

Customers want excellent, not "exclusive" photos under their nose...

lisafx

« Reply #16 on: May 22, 2012, 12:25 »
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They very well may go with image exclusivity.  The other thread quoting Jon Oringer seems to suggest that it is being considered.  

If they decide to go that route, I am confident they will do it in a more measured way, hopefully avoiding the pitfalls of other sites that have tried it (old or inferior content, inconsistent reviews, similars in main collection, search engine rigging, etc. ).  

However it is still risky.  They will potentially be sacrificing the biggest draw they have, IMO - the simplicity of their site and their system.  


« Reply #17 on: May 22, 2012, 12:27 »
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I also think it would be a disaster for the SS!

Customers want excellent, not "exclusive" photos under their nose...

customers might want exclusive content, hell they do want exclusive stuff, if not how is so much money made on IS by exclusives..

ruxpriencdiam

    This user is banned.
  • Location. Third stone from the sun
« Reply #18 on: May 22, 2012, 12:27 »
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Quote from: SS
Post Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 5:24 pm        

Why going exclusive with another agency is a bad idea:

1) You will be just another exclusive among hundreds vying for the same resources from one company. You can't go to another company to complain- you are stuck with a single channel.

2) Competition is good for the industry and YOU! Let's say you don't like the way they are treating a certain rule/idea/etc. You have nowhere to go! At least you can use your vote by concentrating your efforts on another agency until the other one gets back in line. Why give up your voting power? In fact, these other agencies don't even let you talk about other stock agencies on their forums. You give up a lot to go exclusive.

3) Why sell your photos in one place for just a 10% increase at that one agency? Tons of photographers are telling me every day that they make more with ShutterStock than anywhere else! Why not make cash here, AND everywhere else?

4) Staying with ShutterStock means being part of something new and changing. We consider all of your suggestions - and implement them back into the system as quickly as we can. What happened when we weren't processing photos fast enough? We hired a night reviewer who worked on Christmas Eve! What other agency will review your photos on a major holiday?

5) I don't like exclusivity -- and i don�t plan to lock anybody into ShutterStock. I think you guys should sell your photos everywhere and make as much money as possible! Besides - the model we have here is just one model... Your photos may do well here some parts of the year, and better in other places other parts of the year.

6) Other places may try to convince you that going exclusive is a good business idea. It is exactly the opposite! If you aren't convinced of that, go back to (1) and do not proceed until you agree. ;)

7) Our traffic is increasing. Sales are increasing. If you don�t believe me, check out our Alexa Graph. If that doesn�t convince you to stay here � what will?

7) Finally, I would hate to see any of you go!

Would welcome any feedback you guys have.

Jon Oringer, Founder and CEO
ShutterStock, Inc.

Last edited by shutterstock on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:41 pm; edited 2 times in total  



http://submit.shutterstock.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1828&highlight=exclusivity#1828

It may be old but.

« Reply #19 on: May 22, 2012, 12:32 »
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I think Yuri is right on this one.  SS has said they want to compete with IS on premium images, how else will they get those.  If the images are offered at every other site I don't think they can call them premium or price them accordingly.  Also I'm not so sure IS is less successful now, they most likely paid out 3x more than SS in 2011 while lowering royalties, my guess is they are doing pretty well.

The statement from SS you are referring to is dated ... 1st April 2007.

I think Istock's business started heading south immediately after Sept 2010 following the RC fiasco __ that's why they had to reduce the 'targets' just 3 months later. That's also why they sacked the COO and have since let go of several staff members. Not exactly the actions of an expanding business.

« Reply #20 on: May 22, 2012, 12:35 »
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It's not going to happen so pointless asking. SS's IPO will not change it's business model. They're not going to take the actions that have made other agencies less successful __ even if 'Yuri' thinks they might.
I think Yuri is right on this one.  SS has said they want to compete with IS on premium images, how else will they get those.  If the images are offered at every other site I don't think they can call them premium or price them accordingly.  Also I'm not so sure IS is less successful now, they most likely paid out 3x more than SS in 2011 while lowering royalties, my guess is they are doing pretty well.

They will get premium images and it has nothing to do with exclusivity :). You will see ...

rubyroo

« Reply #21 on: May 22, 2012, 12:38 »
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Squirming with intrigue...

« Reply #22 on: May 22, 2012, 12:44 »
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I'd consider images being exclusively on SS as long as there was an option to remove them (with a wait, if need be), but as far as exclusive artists, been there, done that and wouldn't even consider it at this point. Especially as there's an IPO coming and thus the possibility that the SS we've known in the past is going to change - it would be prudent, IMO, to see how that shakes out before deciding.

I do hope SS doesn't buy rights to some aging rubbish from a trad agency (what FT did with their Infinitely Unremarkable collection) and offer it at a higher price. They pitch simplicity of pricing as one of their key buyer selling points - but does andresr know something we don't?

« Reply #23 on: May 22, 2012, 13:06 »
0
It's not going to happen so pointless asking. SS's IPO will not change it's business model. They're not going to take the actions that have made other agencies less successful __ even if 'Yuri' thinks they might.
I think Yuri is right on this one.  SS has said they want to compete with IS on premium images, how else will they get those.  If the images are offered at every other site I don't think they can call them premium or price them accordingly.  Also I'm not so sure IS is less successful now, they most likely paid out 3x more than SS in 2011 while lowering royalties, my guess is they are doing pretty well.

They will get premium images and it has nothing to do with exclusivity :). You will see ...

I would surely agree but on their front page, they have the text "What we stand for"
Quote
Creative Freedom

Your Shutterstock membership lets you access every royalty-free image for one flat rate.

which hints at the opposite.

rubyroo

« Reply #24 on: May 22, 2012, 14:00 »
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I'm beginning to wonder if this is what Bigstock will come to be used for.  That way SS could continue to function 'as is' and Bigstock could become their premium outlet.


 

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