36clicks on stock » images

Crestock offers freebie images

36clicks — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:30:19 +0000

Reading time: 8 – 13 minutes

: money rain from Stock Photo

Crestock just launched a new wordpress plugin, offering bloggers free images. The plugin allows bloggers to directly download blog-sized images (max 400 pixels), free of charge, into their wordpress blog. The plugin has full search functionality. The images will provide credits to the photographer, and a link back to Crestock.

More about Crestocks wordpress plugin here.
Download the plugin here.

How does it work?

Installing the plugin is easy. Crestock recommends installing the plugin manually, rather than through the wordpress. After activating the plugin, a new widget appears on the right, above the others when you start writing a new post.

By entering keywords, the plugin suggests images from Crestock’s collection, matching the search query.

Images are placed inside the blog post, simply by dragging and dropping the thumbnail to the desired spot. The image, then, is automatically downloaded to your server. If the download doesn’t succeed, a placeholder is shown, in stead of the image:

Limitations

The plugin automatically right-aligns the images, with no option to change it. (this can be done using the HTML edit tab) Adding a control panel for image size and placement would be very handy!
The credit line underneath the image, including the link back to Crestock (the primary way to increase traffic, resulting in sales for the photographer!) is easily removed. Way too easy. Perhaps linking the image back to the URL, provided in the credit line, would be more efficient (but also possible to remove)
The link back to Crestock loads in the current page, drawing away your visitors – again, a control panel could fix this.
The number of images (still?) seems to be relatively limited, retrieving ‘no results’ for a substantial number of searches. I think if photographers would receive direct compensation for blog images, this could be solved. Solving the issue at the basis – a less ambiguous reviewing process – would perhaps even nip the entire problem in the butt.
After a while, the Crestock plugin reloads with a randomized selection of images, taking the place of prior search results. Rather irritating, if you’ve just found the image you were looking for, but didn’t place it yet. My vote goes to removing this auto-reload entirely.

Initial doubts

From a photographers and Crestock contributor’s point of view, I have had my doubts about this new service, ever since Crestock announced it.

Confusing email

: business team worries from Creative Images

A week ago, Crestock sent out a rather persuasive email, asking contributors to opt in and give away their images for free, in return for a 5% increase on royalties on every commission sale, exposure, and the increase of traffic. The email itself is convincing, but its interpretation is somewhat ambiguous. Although I believe the figures and facts Crestock states are correct, the conclusions probably depict a too positive picture:

One of the lures was that some of the “big names” had already signed up for it. All very nice, but the sheer scale of the portfolio from those contributors vary greatly from the average photographer. Crestock clearly aims at the top 5 percentile, for whom I can see the benefits of throwing in a frew freebies every now and then.

Wordpress has over 3.1 minlion active blogs. I’m curious how many of those 3.1 million blogs are owned and maintained by Crestock prospects, and what percentage of those prospects will actually start using this plugin.

The most popular plugins have been downloaded 4.42 million times. Crestock omitted, that they’re all general purpose, wheras Crestock’s plugin serves a more specific, if not niche market. Besides, 4.42 million, is the sum of the top ten of most downloaded plugins. The majority of plugins is anticipated to be ~ 5000, and the number of downloads of a plugin doesn’t mean the plugin itself is installed, removed shortly after installation, or even activated at all.

The link back to Crestock is intended to build deep links to each of our images – indexing search engines where people can buy the images. I like that idea, except, that those omni-important links are easily removed. A dangerous proposition for any photographer, who has just given away an image for free.

The sentence that stung, is Crestock’s remark, indicating the common interest to be to make “you as much money as possible”, when the average commission they offer is lower than at the competition, the number of downloads is relatively insignificant, and on top of that, they fail to pay their contributors within a reasonable time. Not a lot to get me excited.

Underneath the email, Crestock provided a link for photographers, to sign in and participate, and offer the photographers’ portfolio for free. As soon as I clicked the link, I was surprised to find I was instantly signed in for this promotion, without a confirmation page. It took me an email to Crestock to opt out again. (To which Gudmund – luckily – swiftly responded). This instant opt-in through the link provided in the email is a bit too aggressive for my taste – I was expecting to find more information, first.

Doubts on effectiveness

From a commercial point of view as photographer, I’m not too keen on giving away my images for free. The level of sales at crestock is amongst the lowest around, and although the credit sales at Crestock are relatively fair, there aren’t that many of them, to make a 5% increase on those royalties worth my while.
Being a photographer, I rarely have the need for someone-else’s images. And if I do, I rather buy the image, than have the image watermarked. Then again, I’m not one of Crestock’s target audience.
I could think of a couple of reasons why someone would use this feature, and I’m sure it’ll increase traffic to the agent, resulting in an increase of sales. However, I can also imagine, a lot of bloggers would not like their blog to be an advertisement portal for Crestock.
It remains to be seen, how many bloggers will actually click through to buy one of more larger images. Frankly, it wouldt surprise me, if that number is significant. After all: how many times have you seen an image in a blog, thinking: Hey! Let’s buy an image?
In order for such a tool to be effective, the number of images should reflect most of the agent’s collection. Having my reservation about giving away free images, and knowing I share those reservation with quite a few others, the quantity of images is (still?) too limiting, to provide an image for all desired contexts.
I haven’t been able to find an opt-out or settings page to select specific images I’d wish to enter. As far as I know, once opted in, your entire portfolio is opted in, and the only way to opt out is to write an email to Crestock.

The photographers benefits

For anyone, who is a large contributor at Crestock, with significant sales, opting in and giving away blog-sized images for free might make sense, as the increase in traffic, and the odd click-through of anyone following the credit link and becoming a paying customer might be interesting. It will definitely increase the exposure, and might even result in a couple of additional sales. The 5% added commission on credit sales – given enough quantity – might also be tempting for some contributors.

The plugin in use

Although I have my reservation about this plugin from a photographers point of view, I’m sure it’ll be great for quite a few bloggers. the plugin adds functionality, and ease of use inserting images into a blog post. It looks nice, and the user interface is well designed, as is the full advanced search options.

Search results and relevance

I gave the plugin a one time spin, to see how it works. My first idea was to add an image, depicting “controversy”, “mixed feelings”, “throwing away money”, or something depicting the “launching” of a new feature. Unfortunately, no images turned up using any of the keywords. A number of other searches also returned no results. For the keyword “confusion”, the majority of images were irrelevant. This isn’t exactly a flaw in the plugin, but mostly the photographers failure to keyword properly. It is also an indication the number of free images available is anything but substantial.

Conclusion

Kudos to Crestock for trying, and finding an innovative way to market their collection, and for a programming job well done. They developed an appealing, functional and easy to use interface. Also, I’m pleasantly surprised about the watermark, providing credits to the photographer. Didn’t see that one coming!

In rolling out this program,communicating it, the compensation structure behind it, and their way to ask the contributing photographers for their cooperation, I feel Crestock is a bit over-optimistic. I feel there will be very little commitment from the photographers point of view to support this initiative, as foremost, this initiative seems to be primarily to the benefit of the Crestock.

If the Crestock plugin catches on, it might well create another downward – and undesired - trend for most photographers. However, I see little evidence of such a thing happening. Primarily, because I believe Crestock doesn’t have enough goodwill to get a lot of photographers participating, needed to create the needed leverage and that the conversion between bloggers and paying customers falters behind. In addition, there might be a bit of hesitance about turning a blog into an advertisement portal for Crestock.

More info on mystockphoto.org
The email and more initial reactions on microstockgroup.com

Buyers Guide to Microstock

36clicks — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:46:39 +0000

Reading time: 9 – 14 minutes

Some of the images by 36clicks are available for purchase through various outlets. 36clicks stock photography is represented by the following agents, where you can buy our high resolution stock photos. The agents below are listed in random order.

If you do not have an account with these agencies , then please register for a free account using the links to the agent that appeals most to you. Our agents will set you up with your account within minutes, and then you’re good to go. You can always trace us through this site, so make sure to check back regularly and find out what we’ve been up to.

If you already have an account with any of the agencies, you can log in to your account and follow your routine. Chances are, that if you use the tags used on our site, you’ll come across our photos.

1. Dreamstime

If you are specifically looking to buy one of corepics images, Dreamstime is the place. Dreamstime has almost all our images in its collection. As Dreamstime prides itself as a top microstock agency, sourcing from individual (semi)pro and amateur photographers, the Dreamstime collection contains the more unusual, artistic and specialty themed images. With a generally good quality level, the 5,000,000 images in the Dreamstime collection will offer yu the oddities you are looking for. Using the forum for your image requests will require some guidelines, as contributors tend to spam (pimp, if you please) their irrelevant images, too. On the bright side, Dreamstime’s staff provides excellent support. Dreamstime resides in the top tier of microstock. | sign up | browse our portfolio at dreamstime |

Subscriptions (10 a day): 1 month: $128,99 | 3 months: $369,99 | 6 months: $679,99 | 1 year: $1299,99
Subscriptions (25 a day) : 1 month: $239,99 | 3 months: $659,99 | 6 months: $1249,99 | 1 year: $2399,99
Credit prices: 7 credits: $6,99 | 22 credits: $19,99 | 56 credits: $49,99 | 120 credits: $99,99

2. Featurepics

Featurepics is a very small player in microstock world. Consider it as the nice and friendly dwarf. Their level of support is excellent, and Featurepics allows the photographers to set their own price level, so if you allow yourself the time to search thorougly, you’re bound to find the photo you’re looking for at a nice bargain price. | sign up | browse our portfolio on featurepics |

Featurepics allows contributing artists to set their own prices. You can buy with visa, mastercard, amex and other major credit cards. Images are available from $1.

3. Fotolia

Fotolia is the site on the move (early 2009). With fotolia’s preference for photos with people in it in various situations, you’re bound to succeed your quest for images at Fotolia, if you’re looking for photos with people in it. Fotolia is a France based, acts French and shows French – thus European styled images and trends. If you want people in your high quality images, Fotolia is the place, and we provide it. | sign up | browse our portfolio at fotolia |

Subscriptions from: 1 month, 25 a day: €299 (€0.40 per image) | to: 1 year, 250 per day: €12.368 (€0.14 per image)
Subscriptions follow two methods: One user and corporate subscriptions with 3 users, or unlimited users.
Credit prices: 10 credit: $10 | 105 credits: $100 | 220 credits: $200 | 575 credits: $500 | 1200 credits: $1000 | 2500 credits: $2000

4. Crestock

This Norwegian site prides itself on it’s slick design, customer service level, and extremely high quality images, for extremely low prices. The first and the latter part are true. Crestock’s collection is not the biggest, but very reasonably priced. Most images on Crestock are only available as small (Less than 2000 pixels), which is well suited for websites, blogs and inserts in prints. | sign up | browse our portfolio at crestock |

Purchasing single images: S: $5 | M: $10 | XL: $15
Subscriptions: 1 month: $179 | 3 months: $499 | 6 months: $759 | 1 year: $1799
Credit prices: 100 credits: $90 | 500 credits: $425 | 1000 credits: $750 | 3000 credits: $1800

5. iStockphoto

iStockphoto is renowned for it’s high quality images, and is the undisputed market leader in microstock. If you require technically perfect images, and don’t want to have to assess image quality for yourself after downloading, iStockphoto is the right place for you. Only the best of the best images are accepted – quality wise, and with a collection of over 5.000.000, you’ll surely find what you’re looking for. Especially if you are a graphic, media or marketing professional. | sign up | browse our portfolio at iStockphoto |

Subscriptions ($0,28 per image): from: 3 months, 30 per day: $979 | to 1 year, 480 per day$: 46.146
Credit prices (Pay-as-you-go): 12 credits: $18 | 50 credits: $70 |300 credits: $370 | 1000 credits: $1050 | 2000 credits: $1900
Corporate accounts: Subscriptions: $0,24 per credit | Pay-as-you-go: $0,95 per credit

6. 123rf

123rf is a relatively small player on the board, targeting itself at the small and medium sized businesses. If you occasionally need an image, and don’t have very high technical requirements, 123rf is a very good option. A unique and very useful feature is their Corporate Stockphoto Intranet offers, free with over 1000 credits. Their customer support service is excellent. You can contact them through a direct chat option, and have 24/7 telephone support. |sign up | browse our portfolio at 123rf |

Credit prices: 15 credits: €15 | 56 credits: €50 | 350 credits: €300 | 1200 credits: €1000| 7400 credits: €5000
Subscriptions (5 images per day): 1 months: €89 | 3 months: €199 | 1 year: €749
Subscriptions (26 images per day): 1 months: €199 | 3 months: €499 | 1 year: €1799

7. Stockxpert

Stockxpert offers a wide variety of photos through various channels, such as Jupiter images, and Photos.com. The site is easy to browse, and finding the image that suits your needs should not be very difficult. | sign in | browse our portfolio at stockxpert |

Credit prices: 5 credits: $4,99 | 20 credits: $19,99 | 50 creidts: $39,99 | 100 credits: $79,99 | 500 credits: $399,99
Subscriptions: 1 months: $219,95 | 3 months: $499,95 | 1 year: $999,95

8. Bigstockphoto

Bigstockphoto is a mid sized microstock agency. Their content is growing, and their images are high quality, due to an effective selection process. The search feature on Bigstockphoto has lots of features, allowing you to search on very specific terms. The search results are ordened by relevance and preference, either by the photographer, or by Bigstock itself. This ensures you can easily find images that differ from the other agencies, creating that differentiating power for your presentations and designs. If you occasionally want to purchase a photo, Bigstock is a very good option to pursue. | sign up | browse our portfolio at bigstockphoto |

Credit prices: 1 credits: $2,50 | 5 credits: $12,50 | 10 creidts: $20 | 30 credits: $45 | 50 credits: $75 | 100 credits: $140 | 300 credits: $300

9. Shutterstock

If you hava a need for a lot of images on a daily basis for virtually nothing, then Shutterstock is the place. For a mere € 199 per month, you can download 25 images per day! If you opt in for a longer period, you’ll get a nice discount on top of that. Shutterstock has a collection of over 6.000.000 images to chose from. Generally speaking, the image quality you can expect is fair, however, if you’re looking for “artistic” type of images, then you’re in for a challenge. | sign up | browse our portfolio at shutterstock |

Subscriptions (25 images per day): 1 month: €199 | 3 months: €569 | 6 months: €1079 | 1 year: €2049
On demand: 5 XL or 12 Medium images: €39 | 25 XL or 60 Medium images: €179