Comments on: The Seedy Side of Microstock

By: Natalia

Natalia — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:46:19 +0000

@Roberto
However, Rasmus talks in the discussing post about non-transparent behaviour. A business proposals intended to promote a start-up should not be done in such a crappy way. Smells bad.

By: Libby

Libby — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:59:13 +0000

It’s one of the reason’s I basically stopped blogging about micro – got tired of all the lowlifes emailing me and spamming the comments. I’m now focused on other things photo related. Thanks for the ost Ras.

By: mystockphoto

mystockphoto — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:36:22 +0000

Hi again Ras,
@Natalia: Just to add a thing to the debate, I received a full – signed – explanation about the initial “embarrassing misdoing” of this agency. Of course, I can’t guarantee for them. I’m observing that they are crediting those famous 20 cents per accepted image and that their payed banner is live in one of the most popular and respected microstock blog. So, soon on my frequencies too. If anyone will advise of a reiterate “dirty” behavior, I will act of consequence.
Cheers, keep in touch,
roberto

By: Natalia

Natalia — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:51:39 +0000

They also contacted me around 1-2 months ago, asking to write an extended review for their site. I’ve been contacted by a Russian-speaking guy. This is disgusting when a new agency wants to gain poppularity and visibility in a chip way.

I’m pretty sure that this will be yet another failure or fraud.

By: Rasmus

Rasmus — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:33:32 +0000

Holgs: Thanks! Though my aim is not to discredit, but rather to inspire people to do the research. :)

By: Holgs

Holgs — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:24:51 +0000

Nice blog post. I actually read the blog post on Roberto’s site in my RSS feeder just before this, so if your aim was to discredit one of your own competitors, you did pretty well ;)

I’m pretty suspicious of any new microstock start-ups these days – I basically want evidence of sales and reasonable prospects of success before investing the time to upload my portfolio.

By: Rasmus

Rasmus — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:22:23 +0000

I agree that it’s hard for new agencies to get established in today’s market. Still, that doesn’t excuse bad behavior.

Todd: It’s funny how the math is different for different photographers. For me, it pays to be exclusive (especially after the addition of the Vetta collection), but I am also not looking to do microstock full time. Though even if I did, I simply prefer the simplicity (keeping track of archives) and the perks of exclusivity.

Roberto: It’s like Lee says, everyone’s experience is valid. But it never hurts to be cautious, either.

Lee: You’re such a smart guy.
Tyler: You are such a smartass. ;P

By: Tyler Olson

Tyler Olson — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:48:52 +0000

Nice post.

Well if nothing else the company has been thorough in making the microstock rounds :)

By: Lee Torrens

Lee Torrens — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:35:01 +0000

Ras, yes, I could write an interesting post on it too. I’ve actually been working on one for a little over a year now. Maybe it’s time to get it out the door!

Roberto, that’s a wise attitude. While Ras and I obviously think alike on this one, everyone’s experience is valid. :)

By: mystockphoto

mystockphoto — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:31:27 +0000

Hey Ras… no prob, you’re probably right. There is always something to learn from the Masters, thanks ;-)
I’m taking my time and asking some explanations to that company.