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Open Source Platform For Selling Images: Authors and PHP Developers Wanted.

Started by Leo Blanchette, January 27, 2013, 00:20

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Whats your biggest reason for following this thread?

I want to host my own images.
23 (23.2%)
I want a fallback plan for when microstock fails contributors.
8 (8.1%)
I really really like the idea of keeping 100% of my earnings.
16 (16.2%)
I am intrigued by the idea of networking independent artist sites and working together.
32 (32.3%)
I'm a microstock agency who wants to keep an eye on this development.
2 (2%)
Its just another way to promote my portfolio, like any other site.
5 (5.1%)
I like community projects. This one rocks.
13 (13.1%)

Total Members Voted: 99

Leo Blanchette

I was wondering about that - with a network of shared results. Obviously the functionality would be there to exclude certain images by a click, or certain keywords, or drop people from your network who are being stupid.

But limiting uploads -- people would own their own sites so allowing as many as they wish would be natural.

VB inc

Quote from: KonaHawaii on January 28, 2013, 20:06
But limiting uploads -- people would own their own sites so allowing as many as they wish would be natural.

I guess the real question is how to actually come up with a search function like they have at istock or the other big agencies.

My point was for the contributors can have their own sites but only allow a certain amount of their files to be included in this universal search system used by the contributor owned agency.

Leo Blanchette

I get it now. I'm slow on the uptake.

At this point when you upload images you can set certain defaults (like if its exclusive, the price, discount) and you can over-ride all of the defaults for each image. I can easily put in a feature for managing your network presence, if I follow what you are saying?

And regarding search functions like the big ones - translation, controlled volcab...definitely out of my scope but as talent starts to find its way into an open-source community project like this, its probably got potential to be doable.

incarno

Quote from: KonaHawaii on January 28, 2013, 19:43

It seems a lot of people instinctively want sites that network with their friend's images. I thought that was my idea!



sorry I probably just wanted to highlight this important part of your post! Of course it was and is your idea!

Leo Blanchette

Thats actually the coolest aspect of the whole thing - I haven't been emphasizing it much. It will be as fun as a social network, managing your networks, adding fellow microstockers, seeing incoming and outgoing traffic.

elvinstar

Quote from: incarno on January 29, 2013, 00:49
Quote from: KonaHawaii on January 28, 2013, 19:43

It seems a lot of people instinctively want sites that network with their friend's images. I thought that was my idea!



sorry I probably just wanted to highlight this important part of your post! Of course it was and is your idea!

That was actually brought up in this thread about selling direct back in November.
Life is what is and what will be, not what has gone before...

Leo Blanchette


elvinstar

We're still at it. There's a WHOLE LOT of coding when you're building from scratch.  ;D

We'll have a date for you soon!
Life is what is and what will be, not what has gone before...

sharpshot

It's nice to have something to look forward to.  I remember when microstock was fun and I used to look forward to seeing the latest good news here.  Would be great if that could happen again one day.  I'm tired of wading through the latest batch of posts about how a site has found another way to make less money for me.

Leo Blanchette

Well since the latest news I've picked up the pace :D. Almost done with the uploader and processor, which is most of the hard stuff :D

Amanda_K

Hi Leo!  I am still super interested in this project too, sorry didn't see this thread until now.  My PHP isn't up to snuff to help with the programming but I may be able to help with some template design options once it's ready.

Also (if this was mentioned before I apologize!) if you were able to set a up a Wiki type deal, I know there is at least one or two good opensource choices, I'd be more than happy to donate my time to help fill out FAQ/Knowledge Base and tutorial articles with screen shots and step by step for the less tech savvy that might be interested. 

Batman

Quote from: KonaHawaii on January 29, 2013, 09:20
Well since the latest news I've picked up the pace :D. Almost done with the uploader and processor, which is most of the hard stuff :D

I hope you and everybody else can make this work. I can use it.

Jeffrey

I've been looking for a Wordpress theme like this.

I already have a Wordpress site where I sell my photos. But I just do it manually. Just simply typing the link of the BUY link.

The download and payment is through Payloadz.com.

I use Wootheme's Snapshot theme.

But very very limited at the moment, selling only one size and one price. I'm not a programmer.

But there is no statistics, like monitoring the number of downloads.

--

About this proposed project, it would be great if there is an one time download for BUYOUT option for logos and selling one time files.

Leo Blanchette

Hi everyone,

I'm glad to see the continued interest. It keeps me motivated! This is already better in functionality than www.clipartillustration.com, so I know you will enjoy it.

Even if your php isn't absolutely stellar, there is plenty of room to grow and nothing will make me happier than a nice active user base helping everyone out and expanding the suite, plus "making wishes come true" on many levels.

I think it will be a breath of fresh air for lots of people after it gets going.


Leo Blanchette

Quote from: Jeffrey on January 30, 2013, 03:07


But there is no statistics, like monitoring the number of downloads.

--

About this proposed project, it would be great if there is an one time download for BUYOUT option for logos and selling one time files.


I haven't made any sort of statistics feature yet either. Though its not hard...just time that needs to be budgeted. Also that "buy out" option - I'm sure once everything is up and running people will be helping ideas like that along.

Another thing - I will only be releasing with paypal (ipn) integration, which triggers everything to work. Other payment options will have to be built in carefully as well.

THP Creative

Very interested in this also Kona, I am just on the brink of doing a total redesign of my own site to make it a direct sales platform.

I was about to use a WP theme plus the Sell Media plugin, but I am very keen to see what you have got in the works before I proceed.

Any ETA?

If I can help beta test or anything I would be happy to. I run a couple of WP sites already.
Visit: THP Creative

Leo Blanchette

ETA? Good question. Its hard to judge. Not more than a month or two at this point. I'm making sure everything is "just right" with minimal bugs.


sharpshot

My php is non-existent.  Is there a good site to learn the basics?

Leo Blanchette

<?php

and then close the tag...

?>

The rest is just details.

Jeffrey

KonaHawaii, I'm very excited for your theme. I would probably give up my iStock crown once the theme is done.



site to learn PHP? >> Youtube!

Quote from: sharpshot on January 30, 2013, 08:59
My php is non-existent.  Is there a good site to learn the basics?

sharpshot

Quote from: KonaHawaii on January 30, 2013, 09:12
<?php

and then close the tag...

?>

The rest is just details.
Great, now I'm an expert, I'll start doing tutorials :)

Amanda_K

Quote from: KonaHawaii on January 30, 2013, 09:12
<?php

and then close the tag...

?>

The rest is just details.

:D This made me smile!

On a serious note if you are looking to learn PHP (or just about any other programming/design related thing) I can't recommend Lynda.com enough, I think they even have a 7 day free trial now.  If I want to learn something I'll usually sign up for a month and go crazy with the lessons.  There is some other site now too that is getting mentioned a lot I think it's Treehouse....something? Sorry I'll try to grab a link later if I can find it!

Leo Blanchette

Considering the name of this thread, I should expound more!

For anyone who wants to learn PHP, its not that hard. If I'm not mistaken, even Javascript is considered harder than php.

Also I write my code to be as readable as possible, and I do lots of commenting in it.

PHP can make your site do just about anything you want. If it happens on a modern stock photo site, it can happen on yours.

I learned from some "head first books" ( http://www.headfirstlabs.com/books/hfphp/ ) while borders was on the island, and had enough knowledge within two weeks to do half of what was needed for my first eCommerce site.

Leo Blanchette

Here is an off-the-wall question -

Has anyone seen an image out there (or set of images) that shows a layered build-up of the body: 1 bones, 2 muscles, 3 other stuff... 5 full on human person?

I need it for the symbiostock main site to show phase development :D.


jvoetsch

I am hoping this really works out for everyone! It will be good for artists and for the industry, whether you do it or someone else. If we did not already have our hands full, I surely would jump right in.

As for the image you are looking for. Are you looking for something like this? http://clipartof.com/1161280

I know you want the different layers. Perhaps KJ Pargeter would be interested. I can ask her for you if no one else has something. Just let me know.