MicrostockGroup Sponsors


Author Topic: Shutterstock 'Offset' - a new high end marketplace for stock photos  (Read 50795 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

« Reply #125 on: March 29, 2013, 10:53 »
+1
Very interesting approach for the high end market. It certainly gives the artist more freedom, I agree.

You certainly like to set yourself a challenge. :)


Hello,

I should probably point out, too, that if a buyer wants to purchase an exclusive, we reach out to the contributor to arrange for that.

Best,

Scott
« Last Edit: March 29, 2013, 10:57 by scottbraut »


Poncke

« Reply #126 on: March 29, 2013, 10:59 »
-1
Very interesting approach for the high end market. It certainly gives the artist more freedom, I agree.

You certainly like to set yourself a challenge. :)
Hello,

I should probably point out, too, that if a buyer wants to purchase an exclusive, we arrange to make that happen.

Best,

Scott
You hope to arrange to make that happen ;-) its the photographer who decides. Or do you mean, we throw so much money at it that the photographer cant say no.  8)


Edit: I see the comment  from Scott was edited while I was posting.
« Last Edit: March 29, 2013, 11:01 by Poncke »


« Reply #128 on: March 29, 2013, 11:37 »
+5
Scott,
First let me thank you for coming here and talking to us in a non-arrogant and non-condescending way.  You have already set yourself apart from your nearest competitor just by doing that.  ;)
I think what some of us are all trying to tell you is that we would love to see Offset succeed and would be more than willing to do what we can to help you achieve this goal IF we can be a part of that success with you. 
I'm sure you know the business better than I do, but I can tell you that on the few occasions when I have bought files, there is no way I would have even considered paying $250 for an image if I had the slightest inkling it could have ever been bought on another site for $5.

If I were you, I might consider taking fotografer's advice very soon and at least make a public attempt to single out a few of the uploads you get every day for possible future inclusion in the Offset collection.  The longer you keep Offset as Off-limits to the people who supply the content that pays your bills, the more you are going to piss them Off.

« Reply #129 on: March 29, 2013, 12:14 »
+2
I don't agree that it would be a good idea to take out the best of those submitted to SS for Offset. You only need to look at what happened with Vetta - one from a series would be accepted, the others would go to IS as normal, and you'd have very similar images at very different prices. The buyers didn't like it. Also IS exclusives are not allowed to send rejections to other agencies, so they have no option other that to leave it in the IS standard collection, or E+.

It would work even less well at SS, because, unlike with IS exclusives, indies have the option to place their files elsewhere. With the existing way Offset is planned to work, if you send something to Offset and it's not accepted, you can send it to other macro agencies.

If someone is willing to pay up to $500 for an image, how happy would they be to find others from the same series selling as subs?


« Reply #130 on: March 29, 2013, 12:32 »
+3
Well getty does exactly that and somehow it seems to work. Getty has very high list prices on their website, but you can find the exact same content already with 25% discount at Punchstock. But you also find many of the exact same images on Thinkstock and buy them with a subscription.

From what I understand, is that the license on getty itself is different and contains many rights that you would usually need to buy an extended license for. So just because a file is listed at 250 dollars it could still be cheaper than on the micro site because it has broader usage rights.

The other thing is of course that they sometimes give amazing discounts..even undercutting the micros.

At that price range the price on the website is open to a lot more negotiation than a price that is set at 5 dollars.

It will be interesting to see how SS handles this and what usage rights the license will grant.

I would also like to thank you Scott for coming here in person and being so professional. It is such a relief to be treated in a normal business way and not with the arrogance, emotion and disdain I have encountered elsewhere for daring to ask too many questions. I think that alone will make many artist switch to independence.

I know many excellent artists who will never allow their files to be sold for 25 cents or lower micro rates. If Offset is a success you will be swamped with great choices. Both stocksy and offset are coming at the right time and the market is more than big enough for both of them and maybe others.

« Reply #131 on: March 29, 2013, 12:35 »
+2
Scott, will SS consider a RM collection within Offset in the future?

« Reply #132 on: March 29, 2013, 12:59 »
0
Different licensing is a good point. I have used that same argument myself to justify sending some of the same pics to Alamy and the micros, but then Alamy is rarely selling for $500.

However, I think it is one of the many things that turned people away from IS, both buyers and contributors. So far, SS hasn't done very much to damage themselves, let's hope it continues that way.


« Reply #133 on: March 29, 2013, 14:58 »
+2
I feel like we're all being used in some sort of 'branding' exercise - a big public display of how the riff-raff will definitely not be allowed in to this shiny new gated community...  with attached golf course designed by Tiger Woods...

« Reply #134 on: March 29, 2013, 15:09 »
+3
Yes, sorry - I replied quickly and then was in the process of refining - that's what I meant. ;)  In practice, we reach out to the contributor to let them know what's being requested, check on distribution, etc...   

- Scott

Just wanted to add my voice in thanking you for coming here to share info and answer questions.  Brave  ;D and greatly appreciated.

« Reply #135 on: March 29, 2013, 20:34 »
+3
Scott, thanks for coming here to try to keep us informed. It all sounds good but unless I get to play in the sandbox eventually I can't get too excited. I like hearing words about valueing the photographers and so on, but 30% isn't all that great. You also might want to take a look at what bigstock is doing to demotivate contributors these days.

« Reply #136 on: March 30, 2013, 08:51 »
+2
Scott, will SS consider a RM collection within Offset in the future?

Hello,

I try not to speculate on the future, but one of the unique attributes of Offset is that we're offering images that are of the same quality as assignment photography and RM, but with the flexibility and customer friendliness of an RF license. 

Designers have much different needs than they did 5-10 years ago, in terms of speed, ease-of-use, platforms and audience, etc..., and rights-managed licensing is time-consuming and filled with a lot of friction.   As a photographer and former photo buyer myself, I used to spend days, weeks and months setting up assignments, calling agencies and negotiating for rights, nervously waiting for high-res as deadlines approached, etc...   

When you multiply that by the number of images being consumed today and the overall pace of consumption at a global scale, we believe that there's a better path for everyone involved - one that makes it very easy to license high-quality images.

Best,

Scott
VP of Content
Shutterstock

« Reply #137 on: March 30, 2013, 09:08 »
+3
You also might want to take a look at what bigstock is doing to demotivate contributors these days.
A big +1 for this.

« Reply #138 on: March 30, 2013, 10:16 »
+3
You also might want to take a look at what bigstock is doing to demotivate contributors these days.
A big +1 for this.

Bigstock isn't a problem for me any more.  I removed my portfolio weeks ago.  >:(

« Reply #139 on: March 30, 2013, 10:34 »
0
You also might want to take a look at what bigstock is doing to demotivate contributors these days.
A big +1 for this.

Bigstock isn't a problem for me any more.  I removed my portfolio weeks ago.  >:(

We're getting off topic. Start your own thread.

EmberMike

« Reply #140 on: March 30, 2013, 10:37 »
0
...If I were you, I might consider taking fotografer's advice very soon and at least make a public attempt to single out a few of the uploads you get every day for possible future inclusion in the Offset collection.  The longer you keep Offset as Off-limits to the people who supply the content that pays your bills, the more you are going to piss them Off.

Maybe I'm missing something here, but I didn't get the impression that Offset was closed to current SS contributors. My understanding is that if you feel you've got a portfolio of non-SS work that might be of the standard Offset would require, there's a chance for you to be included in Offset. It's probably just a matter of getting that work in front of the right person.

Has anyone actually tried to get into Offset? And I don't mean by just signing up with an email address at the site. Has anyone tried contacting someone directly and inquired about submitting their non-SS work for consideration?

« Reply #141 on: March 30, 2013, 11:29 »
0
You also might want to take a look at what bigstock is doing to demotivate contributors these days.
A big +1 for this.

Bigstock isn't a problem for me any more.  I removed my portfolio weeks ago.  >:(

We're getting off topic. Start your own thread.

Well yes but... you know what I just realized?  This forum is less and less about microstock all the time.  And I'm reading it less as a result.

Right now there are about 6 threads going on Symbiostock and a couple on exclusive new clubs like Stocksy and Offset, which mean nothing to me.   Here in this thread we have an actual SS rep, but please don't bring up BS, it's not polite. 

It's not my forum, it can be whatever it's creator wants.   I'm just seeing this change as evidence of the decline of 'microstock'.   The agencies want to do things new with the 1% and put rest of us on the subscription bus to Fargo ND.  So be it.  Just my sour mood today, I guess.

« Last Edit: March 30, 2013, 11:58 by stockastic »


« Reply #142 on: March 30, 2013, 13:21 »
+1
I hope MSG will continue to allow the threads on Symbiostock, Stocksy, Offset, PictureEngine, FAA, Alamy and any new opportunities that come along.
As you say, microstock as we knew it seems to be declining, people want to know what else they can do.
Why not keep everything in one place?

aspp

« Reply #143 on: March 30, 2013, 13:46 »
+5
'm just seeing this change as evidence of the decline of 'microstock'.

It isn't decline, but a gradual evolution. The scrap-bookers, hobby bloggers, church newsletters etc need less cheap (good enough but perhaps not great) content today because they are increasingly getting it for free and have, anyhow, relocated to the social media. Even many companies and official organizations have semi abandoned their websites in favor of FB. Having a website is no longer the big deal that it once was. That and the state of the economy. It's a very different market even compared to 3 or 4 years ago.

The trend for 'authentic' imagery is partly a reaction to the financial crisis. It is about advertising and PR wanting imagery which communicates a perception of trust. It is also about a move towards quality. No surprise given the widely held perception that the crisis was caused by companies which could not be trusted. Instead of all the negativity (this thread and the Stocksy threads)  it is much more interesting and constructive to focus on the trends :)

« Reply #144 on: March 30, 2013, 13:58 »
0
Well yes but... you know what I just realized?  This forum is less and less about microstock all the time.  And I'm reading it less as a result.

Right now there are about 6 threads going on Symbiostock and a couple on exclusive new clubs like Stocksy and Offset, which mean nothing to me.   Here in this thread we have an actual SS rep, but please don't bring up BS, it's not polite. 

It's not my forum, it can be whatever it's creator wants.   I'm just seeing this change as evidence of the decline of 'microstock'.   The agencies want to do things new with the 1% and put rest of us on the subscription bus to Fargo ND.  So be it.  Just my sour mood today, I guess.

You can "ignore" select forums if you want to by going to your profile summary and the middle tab (actions?) lets you put a checkmark by any you don't want to see.  Block Symbiostock and all it's child boards and the Stocksy forum (under the low earners).  I didn't notice an Offset board yet so you're out of luck on that one.

ruxpriencdiam

    This user is banned.
  • Location. Third stone from the sun
« Reply #145 on: March 30, 2013, 14:10 »
0
So is there some way of getting around the releases? Or do you have to have all the releases?

Some of those images beyond a doubt need property releases and more!

There are interiors, furniture, paintings and all kinds of copyrighted materials in some of the images as well as models?


« Reply #146 on: March 30, 2013, 14:19 »
+3
The funny thing is, those images are supposed to be aspirational, and in one way they are, but not in the way that's intended. I don't in the least aspire to owning those products or living that lifestyle. The only thing  I would want is that photographer's talent :)
Having things is boring, it's only doing things that is interesting!

« Reply #147 on: March 30, 2013, 14:46 »
0
'm just seeing this change as evidence of the decline of 'microstock'.

It isn't decline, but a gradual evolution. The scrap-bookers, hobby bloggers, church newsletters etc need less cheap (good enough but perhaps not great) content today because they are increasingly getting it for free and have, anyhow, relocated to the social media. Even many companies and official organizations have semi abandoned their websites in favor of FB. Having a website is no longer the big deal that it once was. That and the state of the economy. It's a very different market even compared to 3 or 4 years ago.

The trend for 'authentic' imagery is partly a reaction to the financial crisis. It is about advertising and PR wanting imagery which communicates a perception of trust. It is also about a move towards quality. No surprise given the widely held perception that the crisis was caused by companies which could not be trusted. Instead of all the negativity (this thread and the Stocksy threads)  it is much more interesting and constructive to focus on the trends :)

Well said. I don't see any sign of decline in microstock either. It's just that some agencies are doing well and others are suffering because of their poor decisions and the way they've treated their customers and contributors. SS shares have more than doubled in price in the 6 months since the IPO. Clearly the greater market doesn't see microstock as being 'in decline' either.

I can understand IS exclusives (and recently ex-exclusives) thinking that the world is ending but that's only one agency and it was the IS management that truly did make their business 'unsustainable'. If they hadn't chased away all their customers with ridiculous price rises whilst also hammering their contributors too, then I'm sure that they'd be doing just fine too.

« Reply #148 on: March 30, 2013, 14:52 »
+2
You can "ignore" select forums if you want to by going to your profile summary and the middle tab (actions?) lets you put a checkmark by any you don't want to see.  Block Symbiostock and all it's child boards and the Stocksy forum (under the low earners).  I didn't notice an Offset board yet so you're out of luck on that one.

Thanks for that tip - I definitely need to get all those Symbiostock threads out of my face. 

« Last Edit: March 30, 2013, 15:04 by stockastic »

« Reply #149 on: March 30, 2013, 17:21 »
+2
'm just seeing this change as evidence of the decline of 'microstock'.

It isn't decline, but a gradual evolution. The scrap-bookers, hobby bloggers, church newsletters etc need less cheap (good enough but perhaps not great) content today because they are increasingly getting it for free and have, anyhow, relocated to the social media. Even many companies and official organizations have semi abandoned their websites in favor of FB. Having a website is no longer the big deal that it once was. That and the state of the economy. It's a very different market even compared to 3 or 4 years ago.

The trend for 'authentic' imagery is partly a reaction to the financial crisis. It is about advertising and PR wanting imagery which communicates a perception of trust. It is also about a move towards quality. No surprise given the widely held perception that the crisis was caused by companies which could not be trusted. Instead of all the negativity (this thread and the Stocksy threads)  it is much more interesting and constructive to focus on the trends :)

Good post and I agree with many of your observations.  I do find it ironic that stock companies who have proven through their actions that they are not to be trusted are depending on the vision, resources and hard work of trustworthy photographers to supply images which evoke trust.  The incongruity of expectations and actions in regard to suppliers does make Stocksy's mission statement that much more attractive.


 

Related Topics

  Subject / Started by Replies Last post
5 Replies
4190 Views
Last post October 16, 2012, 11:19
by gostwyck
7 Replies
10173 Views
Last post April 15, 2015, 21:47
by onepointfour
20 Replies
8650 Views
Last post December 02, 2015, 12:10
by Monty-m-gue
0 Replies
2527 Views
Last post October 06, 2016, 06:00
by StockPerformer.com
5 Replies
2228 Views
Last post October 03, 2023, 02:24
by cobalt

Sponsors

Mega Bundle of 5,900+ Professional Lightroom Presets

Microstock Poll Results

Sponsors