MicrostockGroup
Agency Based Discussion => Stocksy => Topic started by: Poncke on March 02, 2013, 17:02
-
Since this thread http://www.microstockgroup.com/stocksy/stocksy-are-you-curious-response/ (http://www.microstockgroup.com/stocksy/stocksy-are-you-curious-response/) is getting really long and people are now getting accepted and rejected, it might be nice to start a clean thread for accepted/rejected at Stocksy and share experiences.
I am still waiting to hear back from my email reply with links to FAA and SS.
-
Replied to the email with links to my SS, Alamy RM and FAA accounts. Would be nice to get in but I suspect they are looking for something different than what I have to offer. Still interesting to watch as things progress.
-
I hear this new club is really great. Nobody knows what happens in there but, whatever it is, it’s gonna be fabulous and well worth freezing out butts off in the queue and, man, what a queue. Uh oh, seems the doorman has turned away some people at the front but has let that guy in who just walked past the rest of us who have been standing here for hours – must be on the “list”, maybe he’s a celebrity? Still, maybe I’ll be lucky enough to get in when I reach the top.
If stocksy generates a fraction of the interest in buyers that contributors are showing, it will do really well.
-
I sent a link to my vast portfolio of wild flowers. I'm out!!!
-
Has anyone else registered their interest by giving their email on the landing page and heard absolutely nothing back?
-
I did get an email and sent a link to a selection of my images on SS but haven't had anything back after 8 days. Can't say I'm that bothered, hopefully they'll let me apply when the sites launched.
-
I did get an email and sent a link to a selection of my images on SS but haven't had anything back after 8 days.
Ditto here... 'd love to hear back though...(doubtful they're looking for dogs though ;))
-
Has anyone else registered their interest by giving their email on the landing page and heard absolutely nothing back?
Yep, but I don't really care...
-
Has anyone else registered their interest by giving their email on the landing page and heard absolutely nothing back?
You probably got a email sent to your junk/spam inbox.
-
I've been checking my junk/spam and it isn't in there. They've probably had too many emails to respond to in a short time but I wonder why they didn't tell us to wait until after the site launch?
-
I've been checking my junk/spam and it isn't in there. They've probably had too many emails to respond to in a short time but I wonder why they didn't tell us to wait until after the site launch?
I sent it 3-4 days ago got reply after a day or so , still havent answer i want to put bunc of artsy stuff somwere first but dont have time
-
I did get an email and sent a link to a selection of my images on SS but haven't had anything back after 8 days. Can't say I'm that bothered, hopefully they'll let me apply when the sites launched.
Sent my SS link on 2/26. No response to date. Like you, no big deal. In fact, if they responded tomorrow asking for 10 images, I'd probably wait until after the 25th so I could get a better idea of what they are looking for. And if I'm rejected, also no big deal. There's always next year once we have a solid idea of what they are doing and how they are doing it.
-
I would doubt that portfolio review (website, stock agency, etc), that the last email requested, is any guarantee that we'll be able to submit the 10 images for further review. I would imagine that some, including myself, would be rejected based on what was in our portfolio. Personally, I would hope that if Bruce didn't like what he saw in my port that he wouldn't ask for the 10.
-
^^^That's fine but I'd like an email telling me they're not interested. Otherwise I'll carry on wondering if my email went astray and they never received it.
-
^^^That's fine but I'd like an email telling me they're not interested. Otherwise I'll carry on wondering if my email went astray and they never received it.
Good customer/contributor relations is not difficult to achieve. Just an automated reply like "Have received your mail, but we are swamped, so will get back to you during next month or so" will suffice.
-
Some tips. :)
(http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/9522/brucey.jpg)
-
Never got a reply to my email. Shall I submit again, or wait a little more? Anyone else didnt get a reply?
-
I haven't received a reply either. I don't plan to take any action at least for the moment.
-
Some tips. :)
([url]http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/9522/brucey.jpg[/url])
Well, I probably have one or two flowers in my port, but only 1 cat pic...i can't get my cat to sit still long enough. I have not heard back since sending link to port, but I'm in no hurry. I'd like to see what they are all about first, anyway. Not sure my stuff is "stocksy" enough anyway.
-
As apparently this is not really turning out as a source of who actually got in (so far) - maybe someone can post if they heard of anyone getting in?
-
Never got a reply to my email. Shall I submit again, or wait a little more? Anyone else didnt get a reply?
Try sending all cat pics and you might get a reply. ;D
-
Never got a reply to my email. Shall I submit again, or wait a little more? Anyone else didnt get a reply?
Try sending all cat pics and you might get a reply. ;D
The reply: 30 minutes later a black limo pulls up and performs a drive by shooting. :o
-
Never got a reply to my email. Shall I submit again, or wait a little more? Anyone else didnt get a reply?
Try sending all cat pics and you might get a reply. ;D
The reply: 30 minutes later a black limo pulls up and performs a drive by shooting. :o
or Bruce is a cat lover and ssy will be just cats!!!
-
Some tips. :)
([url]http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/9522/brucey.jpg[/url])
That explains why I haven't heard back.....
-
Meow ;)
-
I waited about two weeks before I replied to the email with a link to my portfolio because I wanted to put a sample of my variety of work in one spot. So I got some of my favorite images and put them up in my Zenfolio page then sent that link along with links to my istock and SS ports. Sent the reply on March 2nd.. haven't heard anything yet.
-
As apparently this is not really turning out as a source of who actually got in (so far) - maybe someone can post if they heard of anyone getting in?
There is a good number of microstockgroup members who are accepted but I think most people are keeping a tight lip. Some people don't want it announced they are a member (lots of exclusives there) and the general limited published info on the site also keeps people tight lipped (for now). Wait until March 25 and there will probably be a few more people who announce they are in.
-
Maybe it's a new sect.
-
in :)
no not a sect but hopefully a role-model for many specialized agencies owned by photographers in the future. It's a stylish niche photo agency (think Vetta/Flickr-collection) but if this model succeeds than there is enough space for many other co-op agencies with different specializations (theme or style-wise) in the future.
-
Maybe it's a new sect.
iStock was a bit like a sect back in the happy days.
-
in :)
no not a sect but hopefully a role-model for many specialized agencies owned by photographers in the future. It's a stylish niche photo agency (think Vetta/Flickr-collection) but if this model succeeds than there is enough space for many other co-op agencies with different specializations (theme or style-wise) in the future.
Hmmm. 'Many other co-op agencies' just sounds somewhat inefficient and expensive to me, in particular the separate development, marketing and administration of each. I think the majority of potential customers probably prefer 'one-stop-shopping', especially the big corporate accounts. I can't see many image buyers having the time or inclination to have multiple accounts and/or undertake multiple searches to fulfill their needs at several 'boutique agencies'. Istockpro never got anywhere whilst it was a separate site but Vetta did well when it was introduced as an additional collection to Istock. Vetta succeeded because it was able to take advantage of the huge existing traffic and accounts.
I'd assume it must be selling mainly RM licenses? I can't see how existing IS exclusives can maintain their incomes otherwise, in the time it would take to get Stocksy off the ground, and I can't see many of them ditching their crowns and going fully independent either.
-
Trends come and go. Eventually they will let traditional microstockers in, or go under.
-
I'd assume it must be selling mainly RM licenses? I can't see how existing IS exclusives can maintain their incomes otherwise, in the time it would take to get Stocksy off the ground, and I can't see many of them ditching their crowns and going fully independent either.
RF, apparently:
http://www.microstockgroup.com/stocksy/stocksy-are-you-curious-response/msg300901/#msg300901 (http://www.microstockgroup.com/stocksy/stocksy-are-you-curious-response/msg300901/#msg300901)
-
Trends come and go. Eventually they will let traditional microstockers in, or go under.
Depends on their aims. Maybe they're not trying to compete with traditional microstock.
If they get the right contributors, selling exclusively could be a very strong USP.
-
Trends come and go. Eventually they will let traditional microstockers in, or go under.
Depends on their aims. Maybe they're not trying to compete with traditional microstock.
If they get the right contributors, selling exclusively could be a very strong USP.
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
-
Trends come and go. Eventually they will let traditional microstockers in, or go under.
Depends on their aims. Maybe they're not trying to compete with traditional microstock.
If they get the right contributors, selling exclusively could be a very strong USP.
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
Partly because they have no USB, other than price, if even that. If you can buy Yuri etc anywhere, and that's mostly what you want, many customers would buy on price, unless there was some over-riding buyer advantage to a site that charged more (e.g. cleaner search or paying extra to have a photo custom re-touched). If you sometimes want Yuri etc., but mostly you want a different sort of image, you'd probably use one of the larger agencies most often to get the widest choice.
-
Trends come and go. Eventually they will let traditional microstockers in, or go under.
Depends on their aims. Maybe they're not trying to compete with traditional microstock.
If they get the right contributors, selling exclusively could be a very strong USP.
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
Partly because they have no USB, other than price, if even that. If you can buy Yuri etc anywhere, and that's mostly what you want, many customers would buy on price, unless there was some over-riding buyer advantage to a site that charged more (e.g. cleaner search or paying extra to have a photo custom re-touched). If you sometimes want Yuri etc., but mostly you want a different sort of image, you'd probably use one of the larger agencies most often to get the widest choice.
In all those surveys of what buyers value most (including Istock's own recent one) I don't remember 'having a USP' to be one of their priorities. What buyers invariably valued was price, choice and speed/accuracy of search results. That's why SS is so successful __ it delivers what buyers actually want. Of course that's the mass-market view whereas Stocksy appears to be going after a small, select market of buyers that desire artsy stock. Good luck with making a living from that.
In my view 'USP' is a massively over-used and largely meaningless term, waffled about in business management schools, during lectures given by academics ... who have never actually been in business. When people buy stuff they don't usually consider the USP of the manufacturer or the retailer. It's mainly about price, confidence and convenience.
-
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
There will be ;) ...
-
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
There will be ;) ...
I'm sure there will be some initial excitement. But, will it sustain if they offer less choices than traditional sites?
-
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
There will be ;) ...
I'm sure there will be some initial excitement. But, will it sustain if they offer less choices than traditional sites?
Sorry, I was answering the question in the ()s .
I wouldn't necessarily say "less choice", but "different choice". Images you can't find elsewhere are a strong USP. You can't get IKEA anywhere but IKEA.
-
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
There will be ;) ...
I'm sure there will be some initial excitement. But, will it sustain if they offer less choices than traditional sites?
Sorry, I was answering the question in the ()s .
I wouldn't necessarily say "less choice", but "different choice". Images you can't find elsewhere are a strong USP. You can't get IKEA anywhere but IKEA.
Sounds like you're talking about image exclusivity.
-
You can't get IKEA anywhere but IKEA.
... apart from Amazon, eBay and lots of third parties :)
But really looking forward to Stocksy being great.
-
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
There will be ;) ...
I'm sure there will be some initial excitement. But, will it sustain if they offer less choices than traditional sites?
Sorry, I was answering the question in the ()s .
I wouldn't necessarily say "less choice", but "different choice". Images you can't find elsewhere are a strong USP. You can't get IKEA anywhere but IKEA.
Yea but Ikea sells cheap crap and I don't shop there for that reason :P
-
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
There will be ;) ...
I'm sure there will be some initial excitement. But, will it sustain if they offer less choices than traditional sites?
Sorry, I was answering the question in the ()s .
I wouldn't necessarily say "less choice", but "different choice". Images you can't find elsewhere are a strong USP. You can't get IKEA anywhere but IKEA.
Yea but Ikea sells cheap crap and I don't shop there for that reason :P
you need to go there again, they have very expensive stuff too
-
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
There will be ;) ...
I'm sure there will be some initial excitement. But, will it sustain if they offer less choices than traditional sites?
Sorry, I was answering the question in the ()s .
I wouldn't necessarily say "less choice", but "different choice". Images you can't find elsewhere are a strong USP. You can't get IKEA anywhere but IKEA.
Yea but Ikea sells cheap crap and I don't shop there for that reason :P
Same here. I also hate having to walk "the mile of death" in order to exit the place once entered.
-
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
There will be ;) ...
I'm sure there will be some initial excitement. But, will it sustain if they offer less choices than traditional sites?
Sorry, I was answering the question in the ()s .
I wouldn't necessarily say "less choice", but "different choice". Images you can't find elsewhere are a strong USP. You can't get IKEA anywhere but IKEA.
Yea but Ikea sells cheap crap and I don't shop there for that reason :P
Same here. I also hate having to walk "the mile of death" in order to exit the place once entered.
All of which proves that there are mass markets and other markets.
It's getting the price point and marketing right at the 'other markets' which is the difference between survival and failure.
-
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
There will be ;) ...
I'm sure there will be some initial excitement. But, will it sustain if they offer less choices than traditional sites?
Sorry, I was answering the question in the ()s .
I wouldn't necessarily say "less choice", but "different choice". Images you can't find elsewhere are a strong USP. You can't get IKEA anywhere but IKEA.
Yea but Ikea sells cheap crap and I don't shop there for that reason :P
you need to go there again, they have very expensive stuff too
I just remodeled my house and when my wife and I went to Ikea (within the last year) we didn't buy anything because of the quality and stuff just didn't look good, for the most part. Anyway, gostwyk is 10000% right about navigating that place. You need to know triangulation and drop a popcorn trail when you walk in so you can find your way out. ;D. Sorry for the rant. Back on topic. :o :D
-
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
There will be ;) ...
Leave some for the rest of us.....
-
not everything is that bad, do you think its cheap a mattress for 1.1k £?
-
Uh, sorry to take us so far down the off topic road!
-
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
There will be ;) ...
I'm sure there will be some initial excitement. But, will it sustain if they offer less choices than traditional sites?
Sorry, I was answering the question in the ()s .
I wouldn't necessarily say "less choice", but "different choice". Images you can't find elsewhere are a strong USP. You can't get IKEA anywhere but IKEA.
The only way it works is if enough great artist pull their work off the other sites and put all their efforts behind stocksy. The thought that images can exist on all the other sites and make this place special is contrary to proven market forces.
-
Uh, sorry to take us so far down the off topic road!
Hahaha me too.
-
So who got accepted into Ikea?
-
I love IKEA. I can spend hours in there, just looking at all the brilliant ideas they've come up with. Why wouldn't people go to Stocksy for the same reason?
It isn't all rubbish, either. I have several pieces of furniture purchased over 10 years ago when we lived in Sydney, then brought back to New Zealand, still in daily use, still looking good. We don't have IKEA in New Zealand, unfortunately, but I have tried to furnish my house in similar style. Whenever I go to Sydney, I shop at IKEA for bits and bring them back in my suitcase with me, and I know many others do the same.
We just can't get that "look" anywhere else. So, it's not just looking and picking up ideas, it's buying too. Why wouldn't people buy at Stocksy? I think they will.
-
Trends come and go. Eventually they will let traditional microstockers in, or go under.
Depends on their aims. Maybe they're not trying to compete with traditional microstock.
If they get the right contributors, selling exclusively could be a very strong USP.
It's buyers that you need. Even these tiny microstock agencies have no problem in attracting contributors (is there one out there that doesn't have the portfolios of Yuri, MB, etc for example?) but struggle far more to gain buyers.
Partly because they have no USB, other than price, if even that. If you can buy Yuri etc anywhere, and that's mostly what you want, many customers would buy on price, unless there was some over-riding buyer advantage to a site that charged more (e.g. cleaner search or paying extra to have a photo custom re-touched). If you sometimes want Yuri etc., but mostly you want a different sort of image, you'd probably use one of the larger agencies most often to get the widest choice.
In all those surveys of what buyers value most (including Istock's own recent one) I don't remember 'having a USP' to be one of their priorities. What buyers invariably valued was price, choice and speed/accuracy of search results. That's why SS is so successful __ it delivers what buyers actually want. Of course that's the mass-market view whereas Stocksy appears to be going after a small, select market of buyers that desire artsy stock. Good luck with making a living from that.
In my view 'USP' is a massively over-used and largely meaningless term, waffled about in business management schools, during lectures given by academics ... who have never actually been in business. When people buy stuff they don't usually consider the USP of the manufacturer or the retailer. It's mainly about price, confidence and convenience.
I seem to remember USP being mentioned quite a lot on Dragons Den. Can't get much more practical business people than them. So I have to disagree that its a largely meaningless term. And haven't all the sites that don't have a USP and have failed proved that it might be important to have one? SS had one when they started, selling microstock subs. Perhaps a USP wasn't necessary when microstock was young but now there are so many established sites, I don't see much chance for sites that are just going to offer the same to buyers as every other site.
-
Sounds like you're talking about image exclusivity.
It is.
-
Sorry, I was answering the question in the ()s .
I wouldn't necessarily say "less choice", but "different choice". Images you can't find elsewhere are a strong USP. You can't get IKEA anywhere but IKEA.
Yea but Ikea sells cheap crap and I don't shop there for that reason :P
Same here. I also hate having to walk "the mile of death" in order to exit the place once entered.
[/quote]
the mile of death, so true. except in Canada it's the kilometre of death....it's a freakin labyrinth getting out of IKEA
-
Isn't there one 'escape route'? There's usually one in UK IKEAs, but only one.
-
Deleted. (Got carried away with the off-topic discussion...)
-
This thread is not what I expected it to be. :-X
-
I guess no one who could say anything more substantial is able to.
-
I guess no one who could say anything more substantial is able to.
It'll all become clear on the 25th.
-
Some tips. :)
([url]http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/9522/brucey.jpg[/url])
Does that mean my dandelion lion is out?
http://www.mystockvectors.com/Wildlife_g77-Cartoon_Happy_Dandelion_Lion_Royalty_Free_Vector_File_p16964.html (http://www.mystockvectors.com/Wildlife_g77-Cartoon_Happy_Dandelion_Lion_Royalty_Free_Vector_File_p16964.html)
-
phew, no flower/cats in my port, glad I submitted all my fruit on white bg then.... ;D
-
From what I have been told, Stocksy require image exclusivity, hence all their content will only be available on Stocksy.
-
It's alive.
-
Darn pulled up stocksy.com and was re-directed to instagram ;D
-
Go Brucie!
For those of you who haven't clicked on the main page yet, get ready to scrooooool.
-
Hahaaaa I think I'll have a look when you've all finished, as right now it's taking about three months to load... ;)
-
That's still faster than iStock :)
-
I'm on VDSL (50 Mb/s) and the stocksy site is slow like a snail. It takes ages to load a single page...
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
-
That's still faster than iStock :)
ROFL
-
Darn pulled up stocksy.com and was re-directed to instagram ;D
I guess that retro, semi cross processed, faded, 1970's look is in... Again??
-
And no vectors... :(
-
Darn pulled up stocksy.com and was re-directed to instagram ;D
I guess that retro, semi cross processed, faded, 1970's look is in... Again??
Not again... Still!
You see, if you cross-process your images you become a true artist and hence your images are worth more.
-
Darn pulled up stocksy.com and was re-directed to instagram ;D
I guess that retro, semi cross processed, faded, 1970's look is in... Again??
Come on it's really not that way, I know Instagram my girl-friend use it all the time and I hate it, and Stocksy is not like that!
-
Darn pulled up stocksy.com and was re-directed to instagram ;D
I guess that retro, semi cross processed, faded, 1970's look is in... Again??
Come on it's really not that way, I know Instagram my girl-friend use it all the time and I hate it, and Stocksy is not like that!
I think they would probably like to be called "quirky" and "different". So I'll take back the retro comment. But I think I spotted an Instagram filter use once or thrice :)
-
Or maybe even "Artsie". Well at least I don't have to worry about them competing with my isolated on white coffee cups and apples :)
-
Darn pulled up stocksy.com and was re-directed to instagram ;D
I guess that retro, semi cross processed, faded, 1970's look is in... Again??
Come on it's really not that way, I know Instagram my girl-friend use it all the time and I hate it, and Stocksy is not like that!
I think they would probably like to be called "quirky" and "different". So I'll take back the retro comment. But I think I spotted an Instagram filter use once or thrice :)
sure they simply have all styles but Stocksy as a whole isn't this Instagram and PS-filter thingy, it's good usable creative and sometimes really great and fantastic photography.
-
AFAIK in order to participate in a co-op you usually need to purchase shares.
What does it look like at stocksy? Does anybody know?
-
Still no answer to my emails. :(
I agree there are a lot of instagram lookalikes, a bit of lomography. The images they pinned on pinterest were really impressive but I dont get the same impression from their homepage. It does seem they are not offering the standard stock shot. It is niche orientated.
-
I haven't had a response from my application yet either. I'm tempted to re-apply through the website with a link to a portfolio tailored for Stocksy, but given everyone's bound to have been pretty busy with the lead-up to the opening, and my port doesn't even qualify as small fry, I should probably just continue being patient.
-
It would really be nice to see the inspector's guidelines for:
1. Image message/subject matter
2. Technical standards
-
I am waiting for a response to my portfolio link too - but I am patient. Still hope, Stocksy will be a success, regardless whether i am in or out. :)
-
Your Stocksy application was declined. Our editors felt that your images weren't what we were looking for in our collection. It was a difficult decision, but we only have room for a small group of contributors. We wish you the best in your future endeavours and we would be happy to look at your portfolio again next year.
-
I am yet to receive the response from them. I had sent the links of my different ports. Anyways, I looked at their site - stocksy. I found it has inclination towards arts. Will that have buyers?
Can someone report if they got any sale so far?
-
AFAIK in order to participate in a co-op you usually need to purchase shares.
What does it look like at stocksy? Does anybody know?
you don't have to purchase anything... but you need to dedicate images, and if you want a sizeable port, lots of production time in the future... so it doesn't come cheap actually. actually could become the hugestest waste of time in recent years.
-
I am yet to receive the response from them. I had sent the links of my different ports. Anyways, I looked at their site - stocksy. I found it has inclination towards arts. Will that have buyers?
Can someone report if they got any sale so far?
Admin there reported sales within the first couple of hours, buyers are already showing interest.
-
[size=78%]you don't have to purchase anything... but you need to dedicate images, and if you want a sizeable port, lots of production time in the future... so it doesn't come cheap actually. actually could become the hugestest waste of time in recent years.[/size]
I thought a co-op meant that members would need to put money in for shares in the co-op. not exactly purchasing anything, but certainly investing. Or are those the details the outsiders will never know about and members of the club will never speak about?
-
[size=78%]you don't have to purchase anything... but you need to dedicate images, and if you want a sizeable port, lots of production time in the future... so it doesn't come cheap actually. actually could become the hugestest waste of time in recent years.[/size]
I thought a co-op meant that members would need to put money in for shares in the co-op. not exactly purchasing anything, but certainly investing. Or are those the details the outsiders will never know about and members of the club will never speak about?
You did purchase things; camera equipment, lighting, models, props and your valualbe time. The acceptance gets you membership. Your split of the profits should be in ratio to your sales and the size of files or profit on your downloads. The more you buy in coops the more dividens you get back. Here the more you sell the more dividens you should get back if the venture is profitable. No profits no dividens. Also first in first paid.
No shares so no controlling interest by a few small players who could profit by selling the entity. That doesn't mean some members won't be elevated.
-
[size=78%]you don't have to purchase anything... but you need to dedicate images, and if you want a sizeable port, lots of production time in the future... so it doesn't come cheap actually. actually could become the hugestest waste of time in recent years.[/size]
I thought a co-op meant that members would need to put money in for shares in the co-op. not exactly purchasing anything, but certainly investing. Or are those the details the outsiders will never know about and members of the club will never speak about?
There are no secrets, it's very different from Getty :-)
No you don't buy shares, you can't buy your way in - your work is the investment in the CO-OP - you get a profit share at the end of each year based on your sales there.
50% Royalty on regular sales, 100% on extended licences + profit share based on sales.
Last part of the article sums up the Stocksy ethos...
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57576184-93/stocksy-aims-to-bring-the-soul-back-into-stock-photography/ (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57576184-93/stocksy-aims-to-bring-the-soul-back-into-stock-photography/)
There's a lot of good people there working hard to make a difference. It's nice to be in a creative environment again and not in a battery farm having the life and soul squeezed out of you by an anonymous hedge fund.
-
Its a co op for a selected few. Hardly a co op, no?
-
It has been open for 24 hours. Give it time to grow. There is no hurry. Solid, sustainable, longterm. I like that.
Here is another good article.
http://www.popphoto.com/news/2013/03/new-service-stocksy-aims-to-make-stock-photos-co-op?fb_action_ids=10151292623577237&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210151292623577237%22%3A628086800540093%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210151292623577237%22%3A%22og.recommends%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D (http://www.popphoto.com/news/2013/03/new-service-stocksy-aims-to-make-stock-photos-co-op?fb_action_ids=10151292623577237&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210151292623577237%22%3A628086800540093%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210151292623577237%22%3A%22og.recommends%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D)
-
It is a coop. To become a member, once you are accepted, you need to buy a share for 1$.
-
Its a co op for a selected few. Hardly a co op, no?
It's open to all photographers, you just have to apply with your portfolio like all other agencies.
-
Looks like a high standard and not for most of us peons
Notwithstanding the high standard, I suspect you will find similar on cheaper sites but without the same digging needed
Can't see too many shopping there for their blogs
Better than average chance that many of the selected contributors will need other homes for a fair percentage of their images
Subject matter coverage is limited
In most areas of commerce there is the high value low volume market as well as the low value high volume so wish them well
-
Looks like a high standard and not for most of us peons
Notwithstanding the high standard, I suspect you will find similar on cheaper sites but without the same digging needed
Can't see too many shopping there for their blogs
Better than average chance that many of the selected contributors will need other homes for a fair percentage of their images
Subject matter coverage is limited
In most areas of commerce there is the high value low volume market as well as the low value high volume so wish them well
Thats the problem imho. 50$ is not high value.
-
We should have a poll.
How many were rejected and how many were accepted.
how many apply and how many didn't.
-
Its a co op for a selected few. Hardly a co op, no?
It's open to all photographers, you just have to apply with your portfolio like all other agencies.
Exactly, thats not a co op. It would be a co op if all photographers could join and their images would be reviewed for acceptance, not a portfolio. Because basically I can shoot whatever they want, its just not in my portfolio. Read up what a co op is, Stocksy in the true sense, is not.
-
We should have a poll.
How many were rejected and how many were accepted.
how many apply and how many didn't.
I think you will find that a large percentage of people haven't heard back yet.
-
Exactly, thats not a co op. It would be a co op if all photographers could join and their images would be reviewed for acceptance, not a portfolio. Because basically I can shoot whatever they want, its just not in my portfolio. Read up what a co op is, Stocksy in the true sense, is not.
I've never had the sense that co-op means anyone can join, in any industry.
-
I agree Sean, but Poncke makes a great point here:
Because basically I can shoot whatever they want, its just not in my portfolio.
A lot of people will have sent links to their micro ports because that's all the work they have online. Given that micro ports are honed according to the acceptance criteria of those agencies, and given that Stocksy didn't indicate the style of work required, it seems a bit illogical to tell people they can't re-apply for a year based on this rather skewed and limited snapshot of their abilities. (Mannn that was a long sentence!)
Instead - if the quality is fine but the style is the only issue - why not offer a response such as this:
"We have looked at your portfolio links, but unfortunately we do not feel that the style you show here is a good fit for Stocksy. Feel free to browse our online collection and to submit a further five images for evaluation once you have a better sense of our requirements."
Then if they fail that test also, it will show that they don't have the right 'eye' to grasp what they're seeing. I'm sure there are some applicants out there who might need a year to develop sufficiently, but surely for many it will just be a matter of tweaking their style.
-
Exactly, thats not a co op. It would be a co op if all photographers could join and their images would be reviewed for acceptance, not a portfolio. Because basically I can shoot whatever they want, its just not in my portfolio. Read up what a co op is, Stocksy in the true sense, is not.
I've never had the sense that co-op means anyone can join, in any industry.
Not anyone, I didnt say that, but certainly workers in the same industry could join a co op representing their industry. Back in the good ole days, 80% of British working age men and 90% of Australian working age men were members of one or more Friendly Society.
From wiki:
Cooperatives are dedicated to the values of openness, social responsibility and caring for others. Such legal entities have a range of social characteristics. Membership is open, meaning that anyone who satisfies certain non-discriminatory conditions may join
Cooperatives are typically based on the cooperative values of "self-help, self-responsibility, democracy and equality, equity and solidarity" and the seven cooperative principles:
1. Voluntary and open membership
2. Democratic member control (?)
3. Economic participation by members
4. Autonomy and independence
5. Education, training and information (?)
6. Cooperation among cooperatives (?)
7. Concern for community
Stocksy is therefore in the true sense of the word not a co op. There is not a problem with that, but dont defend it as such when it truly isnt. Like I said, if it was a co op, I could join freely and would only be judged on image by image cases. Now I am excluded based on a portfolio which really doesnt say anything about what I could shoot specific for Stocksy.
I would love to be part of Stocksy none the less.
-
Back in the good ole days, 80% of British working age men and 90% of Australian working age men were members of one or more Friendly Society.
When you say 'good ole days' you mean the era when you could expect no help from the government if you got into financial difficulties, whether for lack of work, medical or natural disaster? Friendly societies were simply a form of insurance before welfare existed.
-
Microstock has a tendency to instil a kind of 'Battery Chicken' mentality with photographers.
Stocksy is a reaction against the mass produced WallMart approach - its not microstock, that area is well covered - the photographers there are trying build more emotive imagery.
Poncke if you go out and build a set of emotive imagery I'm sure you would get in - the doors aren't closed - find the best photo's you've already taken and build on that.
I sincerely hope some of you get in - would love to see some of you guys on the other side :-)
-
Back in the good ole days, 80% of British working age men and 90% of Australian working age men were members of one or more Friendly Society.
When you say 'good ole days' you mean the era when you could expect no help from the government if you got into financial difficulties, whether for lack of work, medical or natural disaster? Friendly societies were simply a form of insurance before welfare existed.
No, thats not what I mean. But least you are agreeing with me that a co op was not for a selected few. Which basically is my point. :)
-
Microstock has a tendency to instil a kind of 'Battery Chicken' mentality with photographers.
Stocksy is a reaction against the mass produced WallMart approach - its not microstock, that area is well covered - the photographers there are trying build more emotive imagery.
Poncke if you go out and build a set of emotive imagery I'm sure you would get in - the doors aren't closed - find the best photo's you've already taken and build on that.
I sincerely hope some of you get in - would love to see some of you guys on the other side :-)
The doors arent closed, but having to wait a year is ridiculous.
I understand what you are saying about a different look of images, but I have seen a lot of pure and simple stock images on Stocksy. Really plain images, showing a business shake or people lined up with different uniforms. Plain stock.
But I agree, there is something to work towards. A new challenge, for me at least. And in one year from now all the new images will be somewhere else, as waiting a year is way too long. ;)
-
We should have a poll.
How many were rejected and how many were accepted.
how many apply and how many didn't.
I think you will find that a large percentage of people haven't heard back yet.
I think a large number of people will be sitting on their hands waiting to see how things develop. Actually having the site live now is a good start.
The images of mine that I think may match the required style are often some of my best-sellers elsewhere. I'd be hesitant to take them off sites where they've attained good sort-order position to make them exclusive at a new agency with unknown traffic and sales.
I'm also concerned how Istock may choose to interpret membership of a competing 'co-op' agency with regards to compliance to their membership agreement. They've already kicked out Sean, Rob and Stalman. It's possible that they may single out others yet.
Then there's SS Offset too. It'll almost certainly be a very well funded operation and, at the very least, won't make Stocky's task any easier. There are too many variables and unknown factors for me as yet.
-
We should have a poll.
How many were rejected and how many were accepted.
how many apply and how many didn't.
I think you will find that a large percentage of people haven't heard back yet.
I think a large number of people will be sitting on their hands waiting to see how things develop. Actually having the site live now is a good start.
The images of mine that I think may match the required style are often some of my best-sellers elsewhere. I'd be hesitant to take them off sites where they've attained good sort-order position to make them exclusive at a new agency with unknown traffic and sales.
I'm also concerned how Istock may choose to interpret membership of a competing 'co-op' agency with regards to compliance to their membership agreement. They've already kicked out Sean, Rob and Stalman. It's possible that they may single out others yet.
Then there's SS Offset too. It'll almost certainly be a very well funded operation and, at the very least, won't make Stocky's task any easier. There are too many variables and unknown factors for me as yet.
I agree. I like the idea of both sites but would be hesitant to delete best sellers from other sites and upload to the new sites until we see how it goes. If it really takes off then I would be happy to do special sessions for these sites. (assuming I get accepted of course)
-
I'm also concerned how Istock may choose to interpret membership of a competing 'co-op' agency with regards to compliance to their membership agreement.
This is an interesting point. They could decide that membership of a co-op constitutes partial ownership of a business rival.
-
The doors arent closed, but having to wait a year is ridiculous...
Other agencies do the same thing. You get rejected, you have to wait some amount of time to re-apply.
Sure Stocksy's waiting period is a bit longer than most, but hey, it's their sandbox, their rules.
I'm starting to get the feeling that many of the complaints about Stocksy are rooted in the idea that they aren't micro enough. They don't take typical stock (for the most part). Their rules are different (image exclusive, long re-apply wait period, etc).
As far as I know, Stocksy didn't ask to be mentioned and discussed on a microstock forum. They're not calling themselves microstock. They're not pricing themselves as microstock. And yet it seems like a lot of folks around here wish they conducted themselves in more of a typical microstock company kind of way.
What would be the point of that? Then we'd all just be complaining about yet another typical microstock company emerging.
-
Because basically I can shoot whatever they want, its just not in my portfolio.
The golden rule of this business is that you only get work shooting what you've already shot - and that extends to stock agencies as well. I totally understand what you mean, but how are they gonna be so sure you can shoot whatever they want the way they like unless you've already done so? It's a total gamble.
-
The doors arent closed, but having to wait a year is ridiculous...
Other agencies do the same thing. You get rejected, you have to wait some amount of time to re-apply.
Sure Stocksy's waiting period is a bit longer than most, but hey, it's their sandbox, their rules.
I'm starting to get the feeling that many of the complaints about Stocksy are rooted in the idea that they aren't micro enough. They don't take typical stock (for the most part). Their rules are different (image exclusive, long re-apply wait period, etc).
As far as I know, Stocksy didn't ask to be mentioned and discussed on a microstock forum. They're not calling themselves microstock. They're not pricing themselves as microstock. And yet it seems like a lot of folks around here wish they conducted themselves in more of a typical microstock company kind of way.
What would be the point of that? Then we'd all just be complaining about yet another typical microstock company emerging.
I’d agree with this, existing work is effectively your CV and, even on micro, there are these with both distinctive style and quality (90% + AR everywhere) that would get them in. There is very much a “riff raff need not apply” vibe about this but as Mike says, their sandbox, their rules. Out of curiosity, are there any accepted members who have not had a strong relationship with IS ? (Not suggesting anything, just curious).
-
The doors arent closed, but having to wait a year is ridiculous...
Other agencies do the same thing. You get rejected, you have to wait some amount of time to re-apply.
Sure Stocksy's waiting period is a bit longer than most, but hey, it's their sandbox, their rules.
I'm starting to get the feeling that many of the complaints about Stocksy are rooted in the idea that they aren't micro enough. They don't take typical stock (for the most part). Their rules are different (image exclusive, long re-apply wait period, etc).
As far as I know, Stocksy didn't ask to be mentioned and discussed on a microstock forum. They're not calling themselves microstock. They're not pricing themselves as microstock. And yet it seems like a lot of folks around here wish they conducted themselves in more of a typical microstock company kind of way.
What would be the point of that? Then we'd all just be complaining about yet another typical microstock company emerging.
I’d agree with this, existing work is effectively your CV and, even on micro, there are these with both distinctive style and quality (90% + AR everywhere) that would get them in. There is very much a “riff raff need not apply” vibe about this but as Mike says, their sandbox, their rules. Out of curiosity, are there any accepted members who have not had a strong relationship with IS ? (Not suggesting anything, just curious).
Interesting question. one heart for you.
-
@ EmberMike, since you quoted me, I assume you spoke to me. I never suggested they should be more close to stock. My portfolio is far from traditional stock, its mainly stuff I like to shoot. It has stock, but there is a lot of arty stuff as well.
@ Others who suggest its their sandbox, their rules. I agree with that, I never implied it wasnt, I am merely touching the fact they call themselves a co op which I believe its not. And waiting a year to try out again? Whatever the rules, thats a really long time. I wont sit on a batch of images for a year in hope Stocksy will like them then. They will be long up on other agencies by then. Thats my sandbox.
I will try to get accepted tho as I think Stocksy fits me more then traditional stock.
-
On the plus side, waiting a year to re-apply will give you the chance to see if the whole idea actually works. This is a hugely saturated market place; it is not a given it will succeed or last, let alone generate good returns.
I wish them well, but have no intention of applying.
-
We do have the opportunity to put our images that we think fit the Stocksy style on our Symbiostock sites to see what buyer reaction is. Granted we're not likely to get the same traffic, especially in the beginning, but it is a testing ground that is available to us. And it would be easy enough to remove them to move over to Stocksy if the opportunity were there.
-
Out of curiosity, are there any accepted members who have not had a strong relationship with IS ? (Not suggesting anything, just curious).
Absolutely. I don't even know most of the accepted contributors. Many are just starting out in "stock" but have a strong professional "aesthetic" or "style".
-
Curiosity satisfied :)
-
Not all CO-OOps have same rules but they can choose or reject whoever they want.
-
If I go for style and angles suited to Stocksy. I must admit, all my shoot would be only stocksy specific only. Problem with such images is, they are not accepted by lots of agencies and even if they do, the images do not sell. An important question. Is Stocksy ready with volume of sale, it can offer to the people who will shoot the angles and styles suited to Stocksy only. It looks like what Stocksy want is exactly opposite of what microstock agencies are doing. Going to old-golden days is fine and absolutely ok if photographers get the money to survive being stuck in time frame. It must not turn out to be time travel in wrong direction.
All my rejected images which were not accepted by any agency, fit what stocksy wants. Unfortunately I do not have that port anywhere, these images are on my drive because I could not find buyers for them. Good if Stocksy can sell those.
-
I guess people can put up a gallery of their non-stock images somewhere and send that link to stocksy. Shouldn't be too hard in todays hosting environment. Personal portfolio site.
-
Is Stocksy just selling photos? No illustration?
-
The doors arent closed, but having to wait a year is ridiculous...
Other agencies do the same thing. You get rejected, you have to wait some amount of time to re-apply.
Sure Stocksy's waiting period is a bit longer than most, but hey, it's their sandbox, their rules.
I'm starting to get the feeling that many of the complaints about Stocksy are rooted in the idea that they aren't micro enough. They don't take typical stock (for the most part). Their rules are different (image exclusive, long re-apply wait period, etc).
As far as I know, Stocksy didn't ask to be mentioned and discussed on a microstock forum. They're not calling themselves microstock. They're not pricing themselves as microstock. And yet it seems like a lot of folks around here wish they conducted themselves in more of a typical microstock company kind of way.
What would be the point of that? Then we'd all just be complaining about yet another typical microstock company emerging.
Agreed, they have upped the % payout and they aren't just building exactly the same collection
kudos to them on both counts
-
Is Stocksy just selling photos? No illustration?
They have some illustrations on the site, but not vectors.
-
I guess people can put up a gallery of their non-stock images somewhere and send that link to stocksy. Shouldn't be too hard in todays hosting environment. Personal portfolio site.
I did just that...
Does anyone have a clue aprox. how many images should be included...
I know its individual , it depends on number of good photos , but in general how many photos would one put there ?
I was thinking about 50...
any opinion is welcomed
-
Agreed, they have upped the % payout and they aren't just building exactly the same collection
kudos to them on both counts
Then why does every photo look exactly the same. The entire collection could be from one photographer. It seems that in stock photography the less usuable the higher the image is priced. It reminds me how in high school all the kids that didn't fit in ending up looking the same as they made fun of the kids that all looked the same wearing the trendy clothes.
-
I think when you dig deeper there's some pretty normal stuff in there too.
-
well I am in. I got an email inviting me to submit 10 good images, and within 24hr was approved. Now the tricky part: deciding what to put there.
-
Congrats! :D
-
congratulations.
-
well I am in. I got an email inviting me to submit 10 good images, and within 24hr was approved. Now the tricky part: deciding what to put there.
Congrats. That should be a fun one to be a part of.
-
Congrats Gillian, and I visited your beautiful website so.. again congratulation I saw a lot of good pictures.
-
Congrats Gillian, and I visited your beautiful website so.. again congratulation I saw a lot of good pictures.
thanks for your kind words.
-
Congratulations Gillian!
When did you apply? I sent my request about six weeks ago. Don't know if I should hold up my hopes or take the long time with no response as a 'NO'.
Regards
Rob
-
congratulations Gillian you have a worthy portfolio
-
well I am in. I got an email inviting me to submit 10 good images, and within 24hr was approved. Now the tricky part: deciding what to put there.
Nice! Congrats. What kind of imagery did you submit? If I ever get invited it will be landscapes and underwater work as that is the only "non-staged stock" I have. The rest are just tomatoes on white ;D
-
well I am in. I got an email inviting me to submit 10 good images, and within 24hr was approved. Now the tricky part: deciding what to put there.
Nice! Congrats. What kind of imagery did you submit? If I ever get invited it will be landscapes and underwater work as that is the only "non-staged stock" I have. The rest are just tomatoes on white ;D
There's plenty of 'staged stock' on Stocksy.
-
Never got any reply to my 2 emails. No reply means rejected, rejected means wait a year, wait a year means I will probably never be submitting to Stocksy. I dont know what to think of that. I cant be happy about it. It was announced as the halleluja for photographers. Unfortunately its only a very small group of photographers. How many contributors do they have? 100?
I guess I am just disappointed, more so by the complete silence then the 'rejection'
-
I applied at the same time as everyone else, ie, when they first announced it and we all registered interest. I got an email shortly after and I submitted my links to my website, SS and ?maybe? iS. (can't remember as I'd deactivated a few at that stage, I think).
Then I didn't hear anything until 12 April where I got another email inviting me to submit 10 images.
I submitted a mix of things: baby, dog, fashion, food, travel... nothing studio though and more unique pics that seemed to suit the style of what Stocksy is about. Some of those pics I am yet to submit because I'd have to deactivate them from elsewhere, and I've got to decide if I'm willing to do that, or if I shoot bespoke for Stocksy from now.
-
I applied at the same time as everyone else, ie, when they first announced it and we all registered interest. I got an email shortly after and I submitted my links to my website, SS and ?maybe? iS. (can't remember as I'd deactivated a few at that stage, I think).
Then I didn't hear anything until 12 April where I got another email inviting me to submit 10 images.
I submitted a mix of things: baby, dog, fashion, food, travel... nothing studio though and more unique pics that seemed to suit the style of what Stocksy is about. Some of those pics I am yet to submit because I'd have to deactivate them from elsewhere, and I've got to decide if I'm willing to do that, or if I shoot bespoke for Stocksy from now.
Well, congrats to you. At least some of us you are seeing movement with Stocksy. I still hope they do well even though I am not part of their contributor base (yet ;))
-
but hold the tomatoes? :)
it works out quite well really - you put your fruit and kittens on iStock, your vivid/perfect/fake stuff on SS, randoms on the others, and your favourite art on Stocksy. (although i see iS is trying to change a little with their 2013 "local" challenge)
-
I applied at the same time as everyone else, ie, when they first announced it and we all registered interest. I got an email shortly after and I submitted my links to my website, SS and ?maybe? iS. (can't remember as I'd deactivated a few at that stage, I think).
Then I didn't hear anything until 12 April where I got another email inviting me to submit 10 images.
So there's still hope for those like me who haven't heard back that it's rather a backlog of application e-mails than an implicit rejection by not answering...
I'll wait a little more....
-
Well, I'll probably be tarred and feathered for saying this but....
I just don't see Stocksy as being a viable alternative for the majority of us peons anytime in the near future. I didn't apply to that particular fraternity during rush week, and I probably won't ever apply to them as I had enough of that click rejection BS in high school. (Congrats to Gillian, though for getting "pinned").
I have been accepted at every stock site I have applied to without having to beg for a chance just to apply, "tweak my shooting style" or take a chance on an unproven business concept. People actually pay money for my photos every day. In a world where everyone has a digital camera, they all fancy themselves photographers, and plenty of them will jump at the chance to give photos away for free, I will keep in mind that this is no small accomplishment.
The way I see it, I would have more to lose by joining Stocksy at this point in time than they would. Letting my best photos sit on their site exclusively for months or years waiting for it to either fly or crash and burn is just not that appealing to me right now.
They should be sending out emails asking for that privilege from those of you willing to do it, not the other way around.
-
Exactly, I will be waiting for the next real "coop" to comes in...
-
Exactly, I will be waiting for the next real "coop" to comes in...
Is it only a "real coop" if it takes everyone that comes in the door?
-
Exactly, I will be waiting for the next real "coop" to comes in...
Is it only a "real coop" if it takes everyone that comes in the door?
I have mentioned this before, the answer is yes :) A real coop doesnt select their members. Its true.
-
Hi Gillian,
Congrats on your being accepted. Just so you realize the 10 images you submit for acceptance do not have to be sold through Stocksy. They want to see what you do best. The ten I sent in were already at other agencies as I didn't have anything fresh so once accepted I didn't submit the ten that got me in I sent in new work only. So your ten tests can be with other agencies you have the option after being accepted to not upload your ten test images however, they do want you to send in work that is comparable to what you sent to gain acceptance. Just an FYI best of luck.
Cheers,
Jonathan
-
thanks Jonathan, I figured as much.
-
Is it only a "real coop" if it takes everyone that comes in the door?
[/quote]
I have mentioned this before, the answer is yes :) A real coop doesnt select their members. Its true.
[/quote]
I think that this is a misunderstandings, but depends by the coop, its rules, statute, target and country, because normally the answer is yes, a real coop select their members. In a link posted in the forum Bruce Livingstone said that the idea is of not too many members. I don't remember well but it seems to me that the target for 2013 is max 500 members.
In my opinion this isn't a problem, stocksy has its goal and trying to reach them with its rules.
Better if other coop born, so everyone can find the best for him. Microstock isn't only istock or shutterstock and maybe coop will be more than stocksy, not all survive but create competition.
-
Cooperatives are typically based on the cooperative values of "self-help, self-responsibility, democracy and equality, equity and solidarity" and the seven cooperative principles:
Voluntary and open membership
Democratic member control
Economic participation by members
Autonomy and independence
Education, training and information
Cooperation among cooperatives
Concern for community
-
I personally applied and didn't even receive a reply. This smacks to me of rudeness and arrogance, and I know of others in a similar position. I'm quite OK with getting a rejection, but to be ignored, that's unnecessary and rude.
-
I personally applied and didn't even receive a reply. This smacks to me of rudeness and arrogance, and I know of others in a similar position. I'm quite OK with getting a rejection, but to be ignored, that's unnecessary and rude.
I applied and didn't receive a reply either. Which is fine. It tells me that I'm not even close to what they want and that I would be wasting my time by giving them a try. Much better to find out now rather than being let in and realizing several months from now that what I have to offer isn't going to work for them or me.
I agree that some form of notification would be nice but there are other agencies (which I won't mention here) that take the same approach.
-
Cooperatives are typically based on the cooperative values of "self-help, self-responsibility, democracy and equality, equity and solidarity" and the seven cooperative principles:
Voluntary and open membership
Democratic member control
Economic participation by members
Autonomy and independence
Education, training and information
Cooperation among cooperatives
Concern for community
I don't get why you've crossed out those items
co-ops can choose members, I want to join a local organic food co-op - I have to apply and wait to be accepted.
there is plenty of education, training and info on the stocksy site.
no idea what the other one even means, all co-ops play nicely? ha!
you've missed one important one: a common understanding of the higher purpose of the co-op. which translates to a positive attitude, less whining and finger pointing, more helpfulness and a desire for everyone to succeed. the forums over there reflect that. it's a fun, friendly place to be.
-
I crossed them out, because they dont apply to stocksy. I m not whining, I answered a question. No need to talk down on us non stocksy peeps. You got in, good luck, dont let it get to yur head.
By the way, I didnt say it wasnt a friendly place. But if it is such a friendly place, tell them to be nice and send me a rejection email. Ignoring people is not nice.
-
I personally applied and didn't even receive a reply. This smacks to me of rudeness and arrogance, and I know of others in a similar position. I'm quite OK with getting a rejection, but to be ignored, that's unnecessary and rude.
Aren't you exclusive to IS ?
-
I personally applied and didn't even receive a reply. This smacks to me of rudeness and arrogance, and I know of others in a similar position. I'm quite OK with getting a rejection, but to be ignored, that's unnecessary and rude.
Aren't you exclusive to IS ?
Aren't people allowed to look at the options?
BTW, I got a reply (I posted earlier that I didn't get a reply to my initial enquiry); it had gone into whatever my equivalent of a spam folder is. Might be worth checking? Anyway, that was just the initial invitation to send a link to one's photos. I didn't reply to that: we're clearly not a 'fit' (in either direction), and that's OK. I still wish them well.
-
I personally applied and didn't even receive a reply. This smacks to me of rudeness and arrogance, and I know of others in a similar position. I'm quite OK with getting a rejection, but to be ignored, that's unnecessary and rude.
Aren't you exclusive to IS ?
I applied even though I am an iStock exclusive. Probably would've dropped the crown had I been approved. Although once they (iStock) read this I may not have a choice....
-
I crossed them out, because they dont apply to stocksy. I m not whining, I answered a question. No need to talk down on us non stocksy peeps. You got in, good luck, dont let it get to yur head.
Nothing is going to anyones head.
Those of us that are in are taking a big chance investing our best selling work and taking a big hit on income. It's quite depressing coming in here and reading the negative comments with a trigger happy Death Star hovering around waiting to shut down accounts permanently.
It's not the big party everyone seems to think, its actually a very daunting place to be.
-
You would think you're allowed to look at the options... :P
-
No need to talk down on us non stocksy peeps. You got in, good luck, dont let it get to yur head.
By the way, I didn't say it wasnt a friendly place. But if it is such a friendly place, tell them to be nice and send me a rejection email. Ignoring people is not nice.
I'm merely responding in the way I would have, regardless of whether I'd been accepted or not. It's hardly going to go to my head, I have such a small port there (and everywhere else).
-
I personally applied and didn't even receive a reply. This smacks to me of rudeness and arrogance, and I know of others in a similar position. I'm quite OK with getting a rejection, but to be ignored, that's unnecessary and rude.
I was asked to see a link to my work and they "might" ask me to apply. This smacks of arrogance. I replied to that email with a few questions about what it is that I would be blindly sending a link to so that I "might" even be considered to apply for, and I never got a reply. This to me smacks of rudeness.
No Thanks Stocksy.
-
Aren't you exclusive to IS ?
I am, but that doesn't stop me looking at options. I got the initial invite to submit my work but no reply to my submission, which is where the rude bit comes in. Just say no, it ain't hard. I take comfort in the famous Groucho Marx quote “I don’t want to belong to any club that would accept me as one of its members.”
-
I crossed them out, because they dont apply to stocksy. I m not whining, I answered a question. No need to talk down on us non stocksy peeps. You got in, good luck, dont let it get to yur head.
Nothing is going to anyones head.
Those of us that are in are taking a big chance investing our best selling work and taking a big hit on income. It's quite depressing coming in here and reading the negative comments with a trigger happy Death Star hovering around waiting to shut down accounts permanently.
It's not the big party everyone seems to think, its actually a very daunting place to be.
I was replying to someone's comment. I didnt say everyone at stocksy is letting get to their heads.
I wish people stop putting words in my mouth.
I do get a bit of a feeling of sensitiveness about stocksy from the people that got accepted.
If the responses here are positive or negative, what has that to do with you? Every agency gets positive and negative comments, why should stocksy be different?
Its ok to burn down istock, ft, 123, and all new agencies that come to post here. I guess it will also spill over to stocksy.
At least SS and Istock tell you when you didnt qualify. ;)
Anyhoo, my explanation on the coop wasnt negative or positive, just an observation. I have been fairly positive about stocksy, but lately I have a bit of change of mind. I guess that can happen, but there is nothing wrong with that, imo.
Good luck.
-
On the question of whether Socksy is a genuine co-op or not, it's worth noting there are plenty of so-called co-ops that are quite similar to regular corporations. Like the Co-op Bank or Co-op supermarkets in the UK.
Something I have come to realize about Stocksy, is that if they were a genuine co-op, they would pay a royalty closer to 100% than just 50%. With their present structure, a small contributor will find they have a new boss: large contributors competing with them. Because the profit is disproportionally distributed to the large contributors. This seems to go against the principle of equal opportunity that a co-op should embody.
If I ever succeed in joining them, I'll be working for sjlocke! :D
-
"Cooperative" means you put everyone efforts in a mutual objective, basically like unions and governments.
Normally like communism, they just don't refuse members... they want them all.
Stocksy look more like a private club to me...
-
I'm new to the idea of a co-operative being open to absolutely anyone. That's not how I have seen various co-operatives working hereabouts. I'd think almost any co-operative would need members to be broadly in agreement with their values and modus operandi - for example if there was a fair trade co-operative, they wouldn't want to be wasting their time arguing with someone who was constantly trying to push towards a model of getting shareholders and maximising profit for the shareholders by any means possible. Just like here we have little toleration for those who come on to a microstock group with an agenda of micro-bashing.
In the case of Stocksy, they could see it as being for those with a shared aesthetic, so a bit like a private club, with co-operation / co-operative principles among its members.
OTOH, how many of us would rush to join a totally unjuried stock agency?
-
"OTOH, how many of us would rush to join a totally unjuried stock agency?"
Great rhetorical question! Certainly not me.
-
I had hope this would be something it seems not to be. It appears the venture bruce took up after IS is more akin to stocksy than IS. As the curtain was pulled back and my hope faded so did their traffic and interest. Maybe lighting in a bottle is more IS and less stocksy. If they had combined IS original concept and a coop, then who knows. I seem to remember IS rocketing off from the beggining. Not years into it!!!
-
I think we all wanted it to be something that existed in the past, like IS used to be, but better. We see the reality and are disappointed.
-
Cooperatives have never been open to everyone. What defines a coop is its ownership shared structure, but they don't have to be open to everyone in the world.
-
I had hope this would be something it seems not to be. It appears the venture bruce took up after IS is more akin to stocksy than IS. As the curtain was pulled back and my hope faded so did their traffic and interest. Maybe lighting in a bottle is more IS and less stocksy. If they had combined IS original concept and a coop, then who knows. I seem to remember IS rocketing off from the beggining. Not years into it!!!
IS certainly didn't rocket off anywhere within three weeks of opening.
-
Cooperatives have never been open to everyone. What defines a coop is its ownership shared structure, but they don't have to be open to everyone in the world.
You should read these:
http://reic.uwcc.wisc.edu/issues/ (http://reic.uwcc.wisc.edu/issues/)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochdale_Principles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochdale_Principles)
-
Something I have come to realize about Stocksy, is that if they were a genuine co-op, they would pay a royalty closer to 100% than just 50%. With their present structure, a small contributor will find they have a new boss: large contributors competing with them. Because the profit is disproportionally distributed to the large contributors. This seems to go against the principle of equal opportunity that a co-op should embody.
If I ever succeed in joining them, I'll be working for sjlocke! :D
As overall revenue grows, Stocksy will pay close to 100% royalties to contributors! 50% is what we get paid right at the time of sale. At the end of the year, profit (after costs to run the coop) is distributed among members. As revenue grows to greatly outweigh operating costs, that percentage paid to contributors approaches the full value of the sale when you add the initial commission plus the year end profit sharing.
It's not disproportionate at all. If a member works hard and makes 100k sales, and someone else has other projects going on this year and puts in less effort and makes 1k sales, it is fair dealing that the one who put in more effort makes more from profit sharing, proportional by definition.
-
I had hope this would be something it seems not to be. It appears the venture bruce took up after IS is more akin to stocksy than IS. As the curtain was pulled back and my hope faded so did their traffic and interest. Maybe lighting in a bottle is more IS and less stocksy. If they had combined IS original concept and a coop, then who knows. I seem to remember IS rocketing off from the beggining. Not years into it!!!
IS certainly didn't rocket off anywhere within three weeks of opening.
IS may have not in three weeks but it did keep those buyers who found it and their interest did rocket off. The interest was there in this case but the product is not up to par and I think there was a collective sigh of dissapointment. Take the bad aspects of istock, ie artsy promoted over usefull commerical value, and clickish, and that seems to be the only thing offered here. I would stick to IS/getty/shutterstock for my needs if I were a buyer.
To tell you the success of usefull vs artsy, Sean, you have outsold the queen of IS 3 to 1 since 2010.
-
Cooperatives have never been open to everyone. What defines a coop is its ownership shared structure, but they don't have to be open to everyone in the world.
You should read these:
[url]http://reic.uwcc.wisc.edu/issues/[/url] ([url]http://reic.uwcc.wisc.edu/issues/[/url])
[url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochdale_Principles[/url] ([url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochdale_Principles[/url])
People dont agree with me on my coop argument, confirmed by the plusses some comments get and the minusses I get. However, your links back up my comments.
People can give their own explanation to what they think a coop is, and/or what they want stocksy to be, but its just not a coop. Period. Its maybe a coop like structure.
-
People can give their own explanation to what they think a coop is, and/or what they want stocksy to be, but its just not a coop. Period. Its maybe a coop like structure.
So what does that leave then?
You're insinuating that Stocksy is a bogus enterprise trading under the false pretence of a Co-op and it's actually not legally a co-op at all.
-
People can give their own explanation to what they think a coop is, and/or what they want stocksy to be, but its just not a coop. Period. Its maybe a coop like structure.
So what does that leave then?
You're insinuating that Stocksy is a bogus enterprise trading under the false pretence of a Co-op and it's actually not legally a co-op at all.
It seems a bit odd for a coop to not screen their members, should they allow people in who have never used a camera before? I don't see the point of that at all.
-
Exactly, its a nonsense conspiracy theory.
-
I had hope this would be something it seems not to be. It appears the venture bruce took up after IS is more akin to stocksy than IS. As the curtain was pulled back and my hope faded so did their traffic and interest. Maybe lighting in a bottle is more IS and less stocksy. If they had combined IS original concept and a coop, then who knows. I seem to remember IS rocketing off from the beggining. Not years into it!!!
IS certainly didn't rocket off anywhere within three weeks of opening.
IS may have not in three weeks but it did keep those buyers who found it and their interest did rocket off. The interest was there in this case but the product is not up to par and I think there was a collective sigh of dissapointment. Take the bad aspects of istock, ie artsy promoted over usefull commerical value, and clickish, and that seems to be the only thing offered here. I would stick to IS/getty/shutterstock for my needs if I were a buyer.
To tell you the success of usefull vs artsy, Sean, you have outsold the queen of IS 3 to 1 since 2010.
I haven't heard that 'collective sigh of disappointment'. Are you saying that buyers are not happy with what they are seeing at Stocksy?
It's been less than a month. Buyers usually plan several months ahead. How do we know there aren't a bunch of images being place in private lightboxes waiting to be purchased over the next few months? I'd give it at least a year before drawing any conclusions.
I think it is a smart move to have content different from the iStock's and SS's of the world. If Stocksy was just a clone of all the others there would be nothing to set them apart as far as buyers are concerned and that would, IMO, impede their chance at succeeding. How many recent startups with the same old content are doing well right now?
I applied there, didn't get a response, but I hope they are a big success. We need an agency that pays 'well' (if that's possible in micro) and treats their contributors with respect. Maybe certain existing agencies can learn something from Stocksy in the long run.
-
We need an agency that pays 'well' (if that's possible in micro) and treats their contributors with respect. Maybe certain existing agencies can learn something from Stocksy in the long run.
Amen to that.
-
Exactly, its a nonsense conspiracy theory.
Hahahahah, what a joke. I am not knocking stocksy, nor the members, nor drumming up conspiracies, nor saying they are an illegal entity.
Which brings me back to my previous statement that stocksy contributors are quite sensitive about stocksy.
I am not attacking you nor stocksy. Its just a discussion about what is a coop. And I think they are not.
-
^^^ What does it matter what you call them? Call them a zoo if you wish.
What is important is they pay a (very) fair royalty rate, they sell for fair prices, have good exclusive content and the mean business.
-
It does matter, if they were a true coop I would be able to submit to them, even if its for a trial submission and be rejected.
-
We need an agency that pays 'well' (if that's possible in micro) and treats their contributors with respect. Maybe certain existing agencies can learn something from Stocksy in the long run.
Amen to that.
interesting, 40% - 50% royalty rates used to be the norm until microstock came along and brought the industry to where it is today. a completely new generation of stock shooter jumped on the bandwagon and was more than happy to sell files in volume for pennies and be rewarded with bronze royalty rates, now you want a reversal? stock prices were also much much higher, even more so than what you are calling fair prices at stocksy. i think that those certain existing agencies did learn something and brought the royalty rates down and sadly the prices too, just to compete with the realities of today's industry.
i think a utopian co-op is what stocksy is.
-
Im not at Stokasy
they dont like my cats. Only shits with premade instanjgranj filters.
Moannn
-
Cooperatives have never been open to everyone. What defines a coop is its ownership shared structure, but they don't have to be open to everyone in the world.
You should read these:
[url]http://reic.uwcc.wisc.edu/issues/[/url] ([url]http://reic.uwcc.wisc.edu/issues/[/url])
[url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochdale_Principles[/url] ([url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochdale_Principles[/url])
Far too long, sorry, I don't have the time. Anyway, I was talking of what I know, not of white I can read in places like WIkipedia.
-
It does matter, if they were a true coop I would be able to submit to them, even if its for a trial submission and be rejected.
Hmmm ... this sounds personal. Must be a conspiracy. :P
-
I never thought I'd say this, but I'm actually missing Lobo.
-
We need an agency that pays 'well' (if that's possible in micro) and treats their contributors with respect. Maybe certain existing agencies can learn something from Stocksy in the long run.
Amen to that.
interesting, 40% - 50% royalty rates used to be the norm until microstock came along and brought the industry to where it is today. a completely new generation of stock shooter jumped on the bandwagon and was more than happy to sell files in volume for pennies and be rewarded with bronze royalty rates, now you want a reversal? stock prices were also much much higher, even more so than what you are calling fair prices at stocksy. i think that those certain existing agencies did learn something and brought the royalty rates down and sadly the prices too, just to compete with the realities of today's industry.
i think a utopian co-op is what stocksy is.
I'm on the "who really gives a rat's behind" side of this.
Does it really matter whether it's a coop, Utopian or otherwise? If you are in ... it's cool; If not ... something must be wrong.
:o
-
It does matter, if they were a true coop I would be able to submit to them, even if its for a trial submission and be rejected.
Hmmm ... this sounds personal. Must be a conspiracy. :P
How else do you suggest I would write it then so it doesnt sound like a conspiracy? I am not English, so teach me. This is not a wum, honestly, how do I need to write it up so you all do not put words in my mouth and make it up that what I write is out of spite or a conspiracy theory.
Is it true what others have said here, including Chris Lagereek? If you dont agree with the masses you are either a conspiracy theorist, or people gang up on you and minus the sh!t out of your comments?
But please, tell this non English speaker how to word himself so he doest come across as a spiteful bitter conspiracy theorist.
I am sorry but it pisses me off when people slack off posts because of how its written when People are not native English. I am just having a discussion on a certain topic, yet the most ridiculous accusations need to be made.
PS: You only need 10 minus to vote this comment down. Good luck.
-
We need an agency that pays 'well' (if that's possible in micro) and treats their contributors with respect. Maybe certain existing agencies can learn something from Stocksy in the long run.
Amen to that.
interesting, 40% - 50% royalty rates used to be the norm until microstock came along and brought the industry to where it is today. a completely new generation of stock shooter jumped on the bandwagon and was more than happy to sell files in volume for pennies and be rewarded with bronze royalty rates, now you want a reversal? stock prices were also much much higher, even more so than what you are calling fair prices at stocksy. i think that those certain existing agencies did learn something and brought the royalty rates down and sadly the prices too, just to compete with the realities of today's industry.
i think a utopian co-op is what stocksy is.
I'm on the "who really gives a rat's behind" side of this.
Does it really matter whether it's a coop, Utopian or otherwise? If you are in ... it's cool; If not ... something must be wrong.
:o
No not at all. Its not about that at all man. You are missing the point completely. Wum you are.
-
Ok.. perhaps this conversation is past it's golden hour.. not sure we are discussing anything productive anymore.