Author Topic: RIP Stockxpert... (Read 31812 times)

lisafx · « **on:** February 02, 2010, 13:08 »

This notice just appeared on Stockxpert:

As of February 11, searching and downloading at StockXpert will cease. All StockXpert members can transfer their remaining credits to iStockphoto. StockXpert credits will be honored 1 for 1 at iStock.

Sad to see such a once promising site killed off.

gostwyck · « **Reply #1 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:10 »

Thanks for posting that. What a shame __ and probably a gift to Istock's competitors.

etienjones · « **Reply #2 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:12 »

I just saw that, what a shame . . . . .

Today they accepted a bunch of new photos so I don't really get what is going on . . . I guess they intent to be a stand alone site.

GeoPappas · « **Reply #3 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:12 »

I just logged into StockXpert and saw the same notice. How sad. I was hoping that the site wouldn't be killed off, since it was one of the better sites. So did IS just buy them to kill them? Or did IS buy them for the free images site?

Perry · « **Reply #4 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:13 »

Now it finally happened... I'm feeling a bit sad because I always liked the site; good royalty rate (other than subscriptions) and easy going image reviews. And in the good ol' times nice earnings too, not excellent, but nice.

The question on everybody's mind is: how to get paid for the last time? Should I request a payment instantly or wait for a few days (are the JIU/Photos royalties real-time or will they keep dripping in for some time?)

lisafx · « **Reply #5 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:16 »

I have the same questions about final payout. Here's an StockXpert forum thread. No answer there yet:

http://www.stockxpert.com/forum/show_messages/27371

I haven't had any sales at all for JIU in February. Has anyone else? I assumed they were closed down...

etienjones · « **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:21 »

Quote from: lisafx on February 02, 2010, 13:16

I have the same questions about final payout. Here's an StockXpert forum thread. No answer there yet:

http://www.stockxpert.com/forum/show_messages/27371

I haven't had any sales at all for JIU in February. Has anyone else? I assumed they were closed down...

Nope, my last was Jan. 19 . . . .

GeoPappas · « **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:21 »

Lisa:

On StockXpert, it states:

"All StockXpert members can transfer their remaining credits to iStockphoto. StockXpert credits will be honored 1 for 1 at iStock.

Click this link to iStockphoto and follow the instructions to transfer your credits."

IMO, I would wait until the last day (02/11) to transfer funds (just in case there are a few sales in the last few days and it is a one-time offer).

NOTE: I just clicked on the link provided by the StockXpert website and it didn't work. It sent me to the IS home page.

sharpshot · « **Reply #8 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:22 »

A real shame but it has looked inevitable for a while and at least we know now. My earnings were so low after opting out of subs, it isn't going to make much difference to me. Have to wonder about BigStock now, will shutterstock do the same with that site?

This makes me more determined to find other ways of making money from my images.

helix7 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:26 »

Sad day in microstock, for sure. I was really holding out hope for StockXpert. Sales were humming along for a while now, some days beating my istock and SS numbers.

StockXpert was one of the few agencies that could deliver good numbers while still paying a fair percentage to artists. It's a real shame that the site is going to the Getty graveyard, although I doubt they will be the last. StockXpert was an important and relevant agency, and the microstock landscape is very different without them in it.

PowerDroid · « **Reply #10 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:28 »

StockXpert had been really picking up steam in January, returning to levels I hadn't seen since last Sept/Oct. In January, StockXpert accounted for 10% of my revenue. Feels like I just got a 10% paycut, and also lost a friend on the same day.

Make sure you keep tabs on what the original StockXpert founder is up to... he has dropped hints that a new site could be in the works... you can sign up to be notified of future announcements... http://www.dreamcsoport.hu/stockphoto/

cphoto · « **Reply #11 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:32 »

What a SHAME!!!!

I can't believe it... StockXpert was still my 2nd best earner. Very consistent, and FAIR to his contributors.

How can they kill this site

Very sad day indeed.

melastmohican · « **Reply #12 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:34 »

Finally, no life support anymore, they took all organs and it will die. I am glad I stopped uploading there long time ago and it did not change my results at all. I was expecting that it was about killing competition. BigStockPhoto is next :-(

vonkara · « **Reply #13 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:37 »

How to transfer the StockXpert credits??? I clicked on the link and it get me to the Istock homepage what??

PowerDroid · « **Reply #14 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:40 »

Quote from: melastmohican on February 02, 2010, 13:34

BigStockPhoto is next :-(

You're right, but I would hardly feel the loss of BigStock. In Jan, BigStock drove about 3% of my revenue, but StockXpert drove 10%.

We're all sad that we'll be losing money over StockXpert's demise, but in reality, those buyers are not evaporating. They will simply go to another site to find what they need. Most will follow the StockXpert links to ISP, which poses a challenge for those of us whose ports at ISP are nowhere near as big as our StockXpert ports due to the upload restrictions. We can't say we weren't warned... they told us last summer to get our ports onto ISP. I've started, but it's going to take quite a long time.

melastmohican · « **Reply #15 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:44 »

I got 2K of images on StockXpert in 1yr and 200 on IS in 2yr. Unless IS going to transfer them there is no chance we can do that.

Pixart · « **Reply #16 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:46 »

It sounds like if you contribute subs you can stay active there and get paid through StockXpert. If not, you can request your final payout.

Re Payments from the forum

StockXpert will still function for contributor payouts. And if you contribute images to the soon-to-be launched Getty Images subscription site we announced last month, you will still receive your royalties through your StockXpert account. If you aren't receiving any new royalties from the subscription site, you can request a one-time final payout by contacting Support.

cthoman · « **Reply #17 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:46 »

That's a shame. The big 5 just became the big 4.

I thought I read that the owners were starting some sort of stock logo company. I don't remember where though, so don't quote me.

PowerDroid · « **Reply #18 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:48 »

Quote from: cthoman on February 02, 2010, 13:46

I thought I read that the owners were starting some sort of stock logo company. I don't remember where though, so don't quote me.

Click here for the updates... http://www.dreamcsoport.hu/stockphoto/

RacePhoto · « **Reply #19 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:48 »

From the forum at StockXpert

StockXpert will cease regular operations. As of today we will no longer be accepting new uploads or signing up new members. Any uploads that are currently in the queue will continue to be reviewed until February 10, 2010. Then, on February 11, searching and downloading will cease.

The StockXpert website will continue to exist and will be accessible after this date for certain functions. You will still be able to access all of your account information, download history, and purchase receipts. StockXpert will still function for contributor payouts. And if you contribute images to the soon-to-be launched Getty Images subscription site we announced last month, you will still receive your royalties through your StockXpert account. If you aren't receiving any new royalties from the subscription site, you can request a one-time final payout by contacting Support.

We will do whatever we can to make the process run smoothly for all of our members. All StockXpert customers will be able to transfer their remaining StockXpert credits to iStockphoto, where they will be honored on a 1 for 1 basis. To transfer your credits, make sure you are logged in to your StockXpert account and follow the link from the iStock ad on the front page. You will receive an email outlining the complete details of the credit transfer.

If you aren't already an iStock member, we encourage you to sign up and get involved.

None of these changes will have any effect on our free site StockXchng. SXC continues to be the number one resource for your free image needs.

donding · « **Reply #20 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:52 »

Is thinkphotos.com their new site that they refer to??

RacePhoto · « **Reply #21 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:55 »

Quote from: donding on February 02, 2010, 13:52

Is thinkphotos.com their new site that they refer to??

Yes, I'd say that's a good guess... Kind of close

It's ThinkStockPhotos

http://www.thinkstockphotos.com/

From the StockXpert forums.

Thinkstock.com is a new stock image subscription site offering a comprehensive collection of select royalty-free photos, vectors, and illustrations from Getty Images, iStockphoto and Jupiter Images – including StockXpert. It is the evolution of Jupiter Images Unlimited we talked about on December 14, and launches with the highest quality imagery of any subscription service, from the biggest names in the industry.

If you are a contributor opted-in to subscriptions, you may have images on Thinkstock. Please refer to the sitemail regarding migrations we sent on December 14 for the full details. Basically, we migrated opted-in files that we identified as being unique to StockXpert. We will send out a sitemail to everyone whose content has been migrated. You can find your content on Thinkstock by searching for your first and last name in single quotes: 'John Doe'. Please note that the migration is still ongoing and will take some more time to complete. If don’t see your opted-in files, be patient – they will show up eventually. StockXpert content will show up as the Hemera Collection.

If you are an iStockphoto contributor and are opted-in to their Partner Program, you will also have content at Thinkstock. If you aren't an iStock member, we encourage you to sign up and begin contributing. Opting-in to the Partner Program will let you sell your files at Thinkstock.com and Photos.com.

-=-=-

None of my photos show up as Hermia collection, all are iStock. I'll wait and see if anything gets ported over.

As of today, a search on ThinkStock

179,424 results for: hemera

PowerDroid · « **Reply #22 on:** February 02, 2010, 13:59 »

Quote from: RacePhoto on February 02, 2010, 13:55

From the StockXpert forums.
Basically, we migrated opted-in files that we identified as being unique to StockXpert...

If don’t see your opted-in files, be patient – they will show up eventually.

I'm not sure I understand. Will they automatically put your content in the site, or will they only do so for the ones they identify as "unique." Other things I've read have suggested that these are "select" images, meaning someone is judging whether to let images in or not.

RacePhoto · « **Reply #23 on:** February 02, 2010, 14:03 »

Quote from: PowerDroid on February 02, 2010, 13:59

Quote from: RacePhoto on February 02, 2010, 13:55

From the StockXpert forums.
Basically, we migrated opted-in files that we identified as being unique to StockXpert...

If don’t see your opted-in files, be patient – they will show up eventually.

I'm not sure I understand. Will they automatically put your content in the site, or will they only do so for the ones they identify as "unique." Other things I've read have suggested that these are "select" images, meaning someone is judging whether to let images in or not.

Yes, they have been saying that for months, there was a first transition to the unknown site in Dec. They are also culling out dupes by email address. Now we can see what they took, up to this point, by typing in our first and last name in quotes, in the search box. (HA, I just can't wait to see that?) Update, 63% ported over so far. I think I'll make notes on which ones didn't make the cut.

All of this is on the StockXpert forum:

http://www.stockxpert.com/forum

donding · « **Reply #24 on:** February 02, 2010, 14:06 »

Quote from: PowerDroid on February 02, 2010, 13:59

Quote from: RacePhoto on February 02, 2010, 13:55

From the StockXpert forums.
Basically, we migrated opted-in files that we identified as being unique to StockXpert...

If don’t see your opted-in files, be patient – they will show up eventually.

I'm not sure I understand. Will they automatically put your content in the site, or will they only do so for the ones they identify as "unique." Other things I've read have suggested that these are "select" images, meaning someone is judging whether to let images in or not.

That's what I wondered also..."we migrated opted-in files that we identified as being unique to StockXpert. We will send out a sitemail to everyone whose content has been migrated. "...so I guess those of us they don't feel have "unique" images are just out of luck and might as well ask for that final payout through StockXpert. I didn't find any of mine on there whan I did the search.

donding · « **Reply #25 on:** February 02, 2010, 14:09 »

I just went to SPX and they have a big ad..actually a photo.."Get credit at iStock photo" on their main page.

cathyslife · « **Reply #26 on:** February 02, 2010, 14:17 »

Quote

The question on everybody's mind is: how to get paid for the last time? Should I request a payment instantly or wait for a few days (are the JIU/Photos royalties real-time or will they keep dripping in for some time?)

Here's what Seb said:

Quote

As for your earnings you can either transfer then to your iStock account by logging back into your account and then follow the guidelines to do so.

If you don't want to transfer to iStock or do not have an account there, email customer support and ask for a complete payout. I suggest you only do so after Feb 10 in case you get more sales until then.

The credits they talk about transferring are buyers who have already bought credits, not contributors.

I had a feeling something was up. I uploaded some photos yesterday and before I even finished adding categories, they were approved. Too bad it wasn't always like that!

donding · « **Reply #27 on:** February 02, 2010, 14:21 »

I think we need to put a tombstone over StockXpert in the poll results.. $:-\$

Klauts · « **Reply #28 on:** February 02, 2010, 14:22 »

Very sad news indeed.

PedroV · « **Reply #29 on:** February 02, 2010, 14:23 »

It seems like IS and SS are eating small fishes, I wonder if DT and FT will remain independent in the future or are they going to be eaten by the majors (SS and IS)

donding · « **Reply #30 on:** February 02, 2010, 14:36 »

Proubably when any one asks for a payout it will take two or three months to get it since everyone will be requesting one. Maybe that's why there was a hold up recently over that..maybe they where trying to fine tune their engines so they could handle it all.

donding · « **Reply #31 on:** February 02, 2010, 14:48 »

Wonder if you can even cash out if your earning are under $50

On the balance page it talks about transfering your credits over to iStock but right above that it says

"Request payment

You can only request payment if your current earnings reach $50"

So does that mean if you don't have that in there you're basically out of luck???

tdoes · « **Reply #32 on:** February 02, 2010, 14:52 »

Hate to see them go but I still won't sell out to Istock's (JUI etc.) subs for $.25 a download!

Digital66 · « **Reply #33 on:** February 02, 2010, 14:57 »

Quote from: GeoPappas on February 02, 2010, 13:12

So did IS just buy them to kill them? Or did IS buy them for the free images site?

I will never understand this

corepics · « **Reply #34 on:** February 02, 2010, 15:00 »

Quote from: tdoes on February 02, 2010, 14:52

Hate to see them go but I still won't sell out to Istock's (JUI etc.) subs for $.25 a download!

That's exactly what I've been thinking. Loosing out on the regular sales on StockXpert, and seeing a sales channel disappear is making it rather a tough decision. I'm afraid the Getty consortium leaves us with little options this way.

RacePhoto · « **Reply #35 on:** February 02, 2010, 15:01 »

Quote from: donding on February 02, 2010, 14:48

Wonder if you can even cash out if your earning are under $50 On the balance page it talks about transfering your credits over to iStock but right above that it says

"Request payment

You can only request payment if your current earnings reach $50"

So does that mean if you don't have that in there you're basically out of luck???

In that mass of text and if you go to the StockXpert forums and read...

If you aren't receiving any new royalties from the subscription site, you can request a one-time final payout by contacting Support.

I hope that means we will get earnings transferred or we will get paid. That's the way I read it?

ap · « **Reply #36 on:** February 02, 2010, 15:02 »

Quote from: Digital66 on February 02, 2010, 14:57

Quote from: GeoPappas on February 02, 2010, 13:12
So did IS just buy them to kill them? Or did IS buy them for the free images site?

I will never understand this

i think they killed two birds with one stone. they now have the "hemera" collection, consisting of all StockXpert images (those that opted into partner sites) in their new thinkstock subscription based website. they also effectively killed the stockexpert brand.

Digital66 · « **Reply #37 on:** February 02, 2010, 16:01 »

Quote from: RacePhoto on February 02, 2010, 13:48

From the forum at StockXpert

... All StockXpert customers will be able to transfer their remaining StockXpert credits to iStockphoto, where they will be honored on a 1 for 1 basis. To transfer your credits, make sure you are logged in to your StockXpert account and follow the link from the iStock ad on the front page. You will receive an email outlining the complete details of the credit transfer.

Ok, that's about customers. But what about StockXpert contributors? I can't find a way to transfer current earnings to IS?

cathyslife · « **Reply #38 on:** February 02, 2010, 16:04 »

Quote

As for your earnings you can either transfer then to your iStock account by logging back into your account and then follow the guidelines to do so.

If you don't want to transfer to iStock or do not have an account there, email customer support and ask for a complete payout. I suggest you only do so after Feb 10 in case you get more sales until then.

I posted this above.

qwerty · « **Reply #39 on:** February 02, 2010, 16:09 »

Quote from: Digital66 on February 02, 2010, 14:57

Quote from: GeoPappas on February 02, 2010, 13:12
So did IS just buy them to kill them? Or did IS buy them for the free images site?

I will never understand this

Istock didn't buy them it was Getty and they bought Jupiter, which included among alot of other things StockXpert & SXC. StockXpert doesn't fit in with their Istock plan so its gone.

I just wish they could have announced what was the plan a while ago so you could make decision on what to do next.

StockXpert was about 10% of my montly earnings. Hopefully the buyers go to whatever agency gives me the best $ per download.
I truely hope none of them go to Fotolia.

SS buying BigStock is one of the strange ones. I don't know what is going to go on there. Doesn't make sense to me for SS to have bought them. DT or FT as they are bigger competitors would have made sense but maybe they weren't up for sale or too expensive for SS to buy.

Digital66 · « **Reply #40 on:** February 02, 2010, 16:12 »

Quote from: cclapper on February 02, 2010, 16:04

Quote
As for your earnings you can either transfer then to your iStock account by logging back into your account and then follow the guidelines to do so.

If you don't want to transfer to iStock or do not have an account there, email customer support and ask for a complete payout. I suggest you only do so after Feb 10 in case you get more sales until then.

I posted this above.

I have not found a way to transfer earnings to IS. But I have received this message: "If you aren't receiving any new royalties from the subscription site, you can request a one-time final payout by contacting Support http://www.stockxpert.com/support/contac .. ."

m@m · « **Reply #41 on:** February 02, 2010, 16:32 »

I for one just requested my final payout from StockXpert, things are getting too weird for me, and I refuse to let them get away with paying me $0.25 subscription sales, even though I opted out of that plan. Once things settle I'll reload my photos elsewhere...really bad StockXpert had to go, I really like them

NYTumbleweeds · « **Reply #42 on:** February 02, 2010, 16:42 »

Quote from: lisafx on February 02, 2010, 13:16

I haven't had any sales at all for JIU in February. Has anyone else? I assumed they were closed down...

I had a ppd sale today actually....sigh.

borg · « **Reply #43 on:** February 02, 2010, 17:18 »

Quote from: NYTumbleweeds on February 02, 2010, 16:42

Quote from: lisafx on February 02, 2010, 13:16

I haven't had any sales at all for JIU in February. Has anyone else? I assumed they were closed down...

I had a ppd sale today actually....sigh.

Me to!

1,5$

madelaide · « **Reply #44 on:** February 02, 2010, 17:21 »

I'm speechless.

sharpshot · « **Reply #45 on:** February 02, 2010, 17:52 »

Quote from: taglist on February 02, 2010, 15:00

Quote from: tdoes on February 02, 2010, 14:52
Hate to see them go but I still won't sell out to Istock's (JUI etc.) subs for $.25 a download!

That's exactly what I've been thinking. Loosing out on the regular sales on StockXpert, and seeing a sales channel disappear is making it rather a tough decision. I'm afraid the Getty consortium leaves us with little options this way.

The decision is easy for me. I want buyers to go to SS, where they pay me $0.38, so I wont supply Getty sites that only pay $0.25. I think there are enough of us avoiding them to make the buyers look at the other subs sites. My sales with SS were up on January 09.

YadaYadaYada · « **Reply #46 on:** February 02, 2010, 17:59 »

Quote from: ap on February 02, 2010, 15:02

Quote from: Digital66 on February 02, 2010, 14:57
Quote from: GeoPappas on February 02, 2010, 13:12
So did IS just buy them to kill them? Or did IS buy them for the free images site?

I will never understand this

i think they killed two birds with one stone. they now have the "hemera" collection, consisting of all StockXpert images (those that opted into partner sites) in their new thinkstock subscription based website. they also effectively killed the stockexpert brand.

The hemroid collection doesnt have many pictures, 180,000 and the forum on StockXpert has many people asking why their photos are not moved, just IS photos. Remember the transfer with duplicates how they would take your IS photos but we are no thank you for supporting StockXpert because your photos are only going to come from IS. I don't see one StockXpert photo on tinkstock from any IS members. We just get ignored and lied to.

studioportosabbia · « **Reply #47 on:** February 02, 2010, 18:00 »

Quote from: PowerDroid on February 02, 2010, 13:59

Quote from: RacePhoto on February 02, 2010, 13:55

From the StockXpert forums.
Basically, we migrated opted-in files that we identified as being unique to StockXpert...

If don’t see your opted-in files, be patient – they will show up eventually.

I'm not sure I understand. Will they automatically put your content in the site, or will they only do so for the ones they identify as "unique." Other things I've read have suggested that these are "select" images, meaning someone is judging whether to let images in or not.

I didn't get it either: I don't have an IStock account so they are not migrating my files? Do I have to sign up at Istock? Too bad they closed, they were a consistent seller for me.

melastmohican · « **Reply #48 on:** February 02, 2010, 18:15 »

Just a replacement with nicer looking site that will hold all Getty's subscriptions. Are they going to migrate accounts to it eventually. It seems kind of funny to keep it StockXpert frozen forever.

ap · « **Reply #49 on:** February 02, 2010, 18:31 »

Quote from: YadaYadaYada on February 02, 2010, 17:59

The hemroid collection doesnt have many pictures, 180,000 and the forum on StockXpert has many people asking why their photos are not moved, just IS photos. Remember the transfer with duplicates how they would take your IS photos but we are no thank you for supporting StockXpert because your photos are only going to come from IS. I don't see one StockXpert photo on tinkstock from any IS members. We just get ignored and lied to.

over 80% of my StockXpert portfolio is at thinkstock right now. i'm also a is member.

melastmohican · « **Reply #50 on:** February 02, 2010, 18:38 »

Quote from: ap on February 02, 2010, 18:31

over 80% of my StockXpert portfolio is at thinkstock right now. i'm also a is member.

Your nickname starts with letter 'A':-D

madelaide · « **Reply #51 on:** February 02, 2010, 18:42 »

Only people who subs at StockXpert were/will be transfered to thinkstockphoto, right?

ap · « **Reply #52 on:** February 02, 2010, 18:45 »

Quote from: melastmohican on February 02, 2010, 18:38

Quote from: ap on February 02, 2010, 18:31
over 80% of my StockXpert portfolio is at thinkstock right now. i'm also a is member.

Your nickname starts with letter 'A':-D

not my real name.

you need to do a search based on your real name in quotes.

ap · « **Reply #53 on:** February 02, 2010, 18:47 »

Quote from: madelaide on February 02, 2010, 18:42

Only people who subs at StockXpert were/will be transfered to thinkstockphoto, right?

only if you wanted to partner with the deathstar and opted in. i wanted to see what it's like before passing judgement.

madelaide · « **Reply #54 on:** February 02, 2010, 19:05 »

I was so happy days ago because I had a XXL sale, earning US$7.50.

I will really miss StockXpert, it has always been a good earner, with a fair share of commissions, and they let me opt out from subs. It was by far the best of the top agencies in treating photographers fairly - and I remember how Steve-Oh was always responsive here at the forum too.

PenelopeB · « **Reply #55 on:** February 02, 2010, 19:15 »

So sad... this was my first site, way back when.

Big fish eats the little fish.

stormchaser · « **Reply #56 on:** February 02, 2010, 20:00 »

Just a few random comments as I have not read the full thread here...

On the question of Getty buying StockXpert etc just to kill it off - The Jupiter Images web architecture by itself was worth gazillions, in big part due to the old Jupiter owning the coveted domain of photos.com. The extensive web architecture includes not only those very familiar to m'stockers, but some well trafficked ancillary sites as well. The fact that Getty now gets all the images too is just a bonus for them.

It looks like the new Thinkstock will be Getty's attempt to compete with sub packages similar to Shutterstock. We'll see how things pan out.

a.k.a.-tom · « **Reply #57 on:** February 02, 2010, 20:41 »

Quote from: lisafx on February 02, 2010, 13:16

I have the same questions about final payout. Here's an StockXpert forum thread. No answer there yet:

http://www.stockxpert.com/forum/show_messages/27371

I haven't had any sales at all for JIU in February. Has anyone else? I assumed they were closed down...

no JUI sales and I usually have them... I only have one StockXpert sale, yesterday.

=tom

Maybe it's me.. but this whole transfer earnings, migration of port, sub in sub out.. blah blah blah... has my head spinning.

I have a port on iStock since 2007. I am opted in for subs on IS and StockXpert. I got mail saying that some of my stuff was migrated to TS... yet I can't find a single pic.
I tried transfering my StockXpert earnings to my IS account and got nowhere... run in circles click here, click here, click here, go nowhere...
I am so happy today that I took a payout from StockXpert a couple weeks ago.. but I have more sales sitting there. I dont want another LO fiasco where you cant get your money.. On the other hand... if I understand it right, I can get a final cashout now of any amount... BUT that will delete my StockXpert account.
My dilemma... I'm I REALLY migrated to TS and just can't find it... Is the migration still not complete... Was the mail telling me I was migrated in error... will I never be migrated even though I was an opted in 'tog on StockXpert and have an IS port .. because they think all my images are not unique...

What the...? This whole thing could have been a thousand times simpler in transition.... I hope things clear up in a couple days.

=tom

RacePhoto · « **Reply #58 on:** February 02, 2010, 21:20 »

Can't find one photo of mine transferred. Can't find one photo on ThinkStock marked stockxpert. Same deal they told us way back.

If you aren't on IS, your selected files will be transferred from StockXpert

If you are on IS, your selected photos will be transferred into ThinkStock

If you are on both and have been a loyal contributor, you can go suck eggs, because your StockXpert files aren't going to be carried over. They matched accounts by email address sometime back in Dec. It's done. Feel free to upload them for review.

This on the StockXpert forum today. So I can stop holding my breath waiting for something to happen that isn't.

A selection has already been done. If your images are not on Thinkstock they will not be added unless you upload them to iStock and they are approved there.

Now would someone please point to one StockXpert photo on ThinkStock so I can see how they labeled them? The photos from istock are marked "istockphoto"

After searching through thousands of hemera photos, I have to say, the PhotoObjects.net collection is pretty interesting.

I'll wait until the 11th to cash out, maybe something will change again before then.

edit: more double talk, now the forum has this on page four of the assorted replies.

There are 3 phases for the Thinkstock upload. Images that are online now are part of phase 1.
Please be patient if you do not see your images online yet.

Don't worry because page two says this:

Most images have been selected but not all. The images that have not been transferred will probably be deleted after Feb 10. You can always try to upload them to iStock if you have not done so already.

So yes, it's done, no it's not done, but almost and finally, they are in phase one of three. Pick whichever one makes you feel best... all, most, or phase two and three are coming.

The same goes for accounts. All kinds of mixed messages. Files will be deleted, files maybe won't be deleted, you can cash out, but if you delete photos, they will be removed from ThinkStock, or maybe not? You can use StockXpert to track your sales on ThinkStock, but it's best to have an IS account.

Quote

Q. I have roughly 2500 images on Stockxpert and opted into Thinkstock, but the only images of mine on the Thinkstock are from iStock.

A. It means you probably have duplicates between sites or they preffered you iStock images to you StockXpert images.

Quote

And of the bs you call thinkstock ONLY my istock images (70 odd) have been moved there yet none of my StockXpert images (1156 )

Quote

"As an StockXpert contributor who is opted-in to subscriptions, some of your content has been migrated to Thinkstock.com."

In order for me to decide what to do next I need to know if my work is 'in' or 'out'.

I am sure I am not the only one who would like clarification of this

I'm sure that he's NOT the only one asking this question. At least I don't feel lost in the woods alone. Safe to say, no one knows, so I should just calm down and stop thinking that there's any accurate information to be had at this time.

Hey I have an idea for IS, ThinkStock, and StockXpert. lets make a change and not tell anyone what's really going on. We'll just let the rumor mill handle it and leave the forum moderator (I am feeling sorry for seb) try to guess and make sense of it. Also we'll post confusing information about look on the main page of IS that leads to a message that says, look on the main page of StockXpert, which says... you guessed it, Look on the main page of IS.

donding · « **Reply #59 on:** February 02, 2010, 21:27 »

Nothing showing up from StockXpert or Istock.....I just requested pay out from StockXpert

Danybot · « **Reply #60 on:** February 02, 2010, 22:22 »

Presumably, what Getty achieved was that it bought some customers (and photographers), and hopes to get synergies and economies of scale.

All my photos from StockXpert have been transported over to Thinkphoto, where quite a few of the photos from my iStockphoto portfolio can also be found. (If I recall correctly, the deal is that iStock dumps slow sellers onto Thinkphoto.)

As we all know, different sites accept and reject photos for arbitrary reasons. Every site has their own odd standards of what is acceptable.. Some of my photos that weren't acceptable at iStock were acceptable at StockXpert, and vice versa, but now they all live happily together at Thinkphoto

leaf · « **Reply #61 on:** February 03, 2010, 02:22 »

Doesn't logging into StockXpert to get our earnings seem sort of backwards. Why wouldn't we log into ThinkStockPhotos.com to get our earnings if that is the only place our StockXpert images are being sold.

sharpshot · « **Reply #62 on:** February 03, 2010, 04:08 »

Quote from: leaf on February 03, 2010, 02:22

Doesn't logging into StockXpert to get our earnings seem sort of backwards. Why wouldn't we log into ThinkStockPhotos.com to get our earnings if that is the only place our StockXpert images are being sold.

That would be a really bad idea, I don't want to have anything to do with thinkstockphotos, I am opted out of there. I will wait until StockXpert stops selling and request my money from their site.

keo · « **Reply #63 on:** February 03, 2010, 04:11 »

Quote from: sharpshot on February 03, 2010, 04:08

Quote from: leaf on February 03, 2010, 02:22
Doesn't logging into StockXpert to get our earnings seem sort of backwards. Why wouldn't we log into ThinkStockPhotos.com to get our earnings if that is the only place our StockXpert images are being sold.
That would be a really bad idea, I don't want to have anything to do with thinkstockphotos, I am opted out of there. I will wait until StockXpert stops selling and request my money from their site.

+1.....only this way!

stormchaser · « **Reply #64 on:** February 03, 2010, 04:48 »

I've really got better things to do with my time than try and figure out this f__ked up mess. SO here's the deal for me

I found 4 of my images on Thinkstock. They are all from StockXpert, they are all vectors, and they all just happen to be Valentines Day images. Bizarre. They are all marked "Hermana Collection" or whatever that new group is.

Whatever they do, they do. Thankfully I've got some other lucrative irons in the fire right now.

massman · « **Reply #65 on:** February 03, 2010, 05:02 »

Quote from: stormchaser on February 03, 2010, 04:48

I've really got better things to do with my time than try and figure out this f__ked up mess. SO here's the deal for me

I found 4 of my images on Thinkstock. They are all from StockXpert, they are all vectors, and they all just happen to be Valentines Day images. Bizarre. They are all marked "Hermana Collection" or whatever that new group is.

Whatever they do, they do. Thankfully I've got some other lucrative irons in the fire right now.

Same deal for me too.

madelaide · « **Reply #66 on:** February 03, 2010, 05:02 »

I was opted out from subs in StockXpert, so none of my photos will be in ThinkStockPhotos, right? And none will be transferred to IS either, right?

stormchaser · « **Reply #67 on:** February 03, 2010, 05:05 »

Quote from: madelaide on February 03, 2010, 05:02

I was opted out from subs in StockXpert, so none of my photos will be in ThinkStockPhotos, right? And none will be transferred to IS either, right?

I was opted out too, but all those Valentine vectors are showing up as active on Think. Thus I'm just going to wait for the dust to settle, and I'm too tired to sift through the various missives and mixed messages.

MikLav · « **Reply #68 on:** February 03, 2010, 05:58 »

That's really sad news.

Dreamframer · « **Reply #69 on:** February 03, 2010, 11:59 »

I am not very active in the forum lately, but every time I open it I see sad news.... This is a big disappointment for me...

goldenangel · « **Reply #70 on:** February 03, 2010, 14:04 »

This is really sad news. StockXpert has always been #3 to #4 earner for me. It is very sad and disrespectful to contributors how messy this whole thing is. I agree with RacePhoto and other - so many mixed messages and confusion. I guess we just need to get used to sad news and see what's coming next...

penywise · « **Reply #71 on:** February 03, 2010, 14:24 »

It's so sad to see them go. I had started as a junior photographer on their free site, with aspirations to become good enough to apply to StockXpert. I only had 585 photos on the sxc.hu site, and as of today, I've had 311,347 downloads.

A year or so ago I finally applied to, and was accepted by, StockXpert, and have learned so much from them. It was my first site, my first paycheck, my starting team.

I have several thousand photos on StockXpert, but no iStock account, as they've rejected me several times by asking to see more of my work, which I supply, then they ask for more.... again. I have a photo studio now, but no models. I may have to start with the paperwork I've been dreading for models, only to be asked for more from iStock... sigh.

madelaide · « **Reply #72 on:** February 03, 2010, 15:40 »

It's curious that by mid-December we had Getty putting full hands on StockXpert. We all expected something would come, but I believe nobody expected it so soon...

FD · « **Reply #73 on:** February 03, 2010, 15:44 »

Quote from: Danybot on February 02, 2010, 22:22

(If I recall correctly, the deal is that iStock dumps slow sellers onto Thinkphoto.)

I spent an hour at thinkstock, looking as a buyer, and also looking into my niche. The things I saw from iStock are really subpar. I can't find anything from the big players and top photographers. Thinkstock is very incomplete, and in all, the search results give a very snapshot-like miskeyworded collection. I would never consider buying from there (but I'm not a subscriber, merely a buy-by-credit person). If I were subscriber, ShutterStock gives me much more bang for the buck, with many top artists there.

Even DepositPhotos has a much better collection. I saw some great stuff there. The buyer will decide and at the moment, it doesn't look good for Thinkstock.

a.k.a.-tom · « **Reply #74 on:** February 03, 2010, 17:04 »

Quote from: FD-amateur on February 03, 2010, 15:44

Quote from: Danybot on February 02, 2010, 22:22
(If I recall correctly, the deal is that iStock dumps slow sellers onto Thinkphoto.)
I spent an hour at thinkstock, looking as a buyer, and also looking into my niche. k.

The keywording is a joke. I couldbn't believe the nonsense that comes up that has nothing to do with the keyword... as a buyer... I wouldn't even go there..

=tom

a.k.a.-tom · « **Reply #75 on:** February 03, 2010, 17:08 »

Quote from: leaf on February 03, 2010, 02:22

Doesn't logging into StockXpert to get our earnings seem sort of backwards. Why wouldn't we log into ThinkStockPhotos.com to get our earnings if that is the only place our StockXpert images are being sold.

amen... I said elsewhere, trying to get your money (without deleting your StockXpert account) is a fiasco. This is one of the worst transitions I've ever seen a business go thru. One would expect better organization from an outfit as large and old as Getty.. or... is it meant to be a royal pain in the elbow?

Why not just close my StockXpert account? I've been on IS since 2007, I was opted in at StockXpert and I got mail saying that I WAS migrated to ThinkStock. However, I've yet to find me there. I'll give it a few days yet.

=tom

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