When will we hit 200,000 clips?

Ive always liked Pond5s business model I knew they would do well. I AM still concerned about pond5s future, there are other agencies that have some interesting business models that could become the future of stock.

I want to get 2500 up ASAP. I think I'm doing pretty well sales-wise with just under a thousand clips available. STOCKSHOOTER - help us out with workflow ideas?

why do you say that Mark, do you mean the 'set your own price' model?

I think I posted a workflow method a little while back, didn't I guys?

Francois

More than that Scott.

When Pond5 started everyone was all like "oh pond5 wont do well, Istock has all the marketshare." The problem is the artists are the core of this business, and many of them hate istock (like me) ... Istock made too many concessions to the buyers and not the artists in the spirit of being competitive. Pond5 was the first to offer a huge commission to the average person.

I don't have ANYTHING on istock because (in my opinion) they are doormats to the buyer. Sometimes it is BAD to be overly accommodating to the buyer. I probably shouldnt talk about this much, but I know some reallllly beautiful women, most of my hollywood contacts are women actually. Part of the reason they like me is because I DON'T worship them like every guy they meet, I treat them like they are my little sister. Im nice, but they aren't goddesses.

I think Pond5 may have to raise the commission to 60% (to artists)

Istock doesn't have my footage.

You think they might have to raise the commission because there is competition ? I don't see who their competition is... iStock is one of the worst places for submitters, just look how they haven't fixed the thumbnail issue, and don't give a care. Shutterstock has 0 feedback in the video forums, you can go in there and it is anarchy. Say what you want, it doesn't get policed. All those places have lower % payouts than here, and horrible customer service. I don't see why p5 would raise their % (I'd be happy if they did, but I don't think they have to... yet )

No... Its not istock or shutterstock im thinking about.

There are NEW stock sites (pond5 was new 3 years ago)
one site pays 60% they mail a hard drive, and they require the buyer to credit the artist.
Another site pays an even higher commission.

Stock sites are being more competitive about attracting artists. Because the artist is the asset in this business. Istock and shutterstock's time is limited.

I guess I wasn't being clear, but what im trying to say is the buyer is not the most important thing in this business, its the product provided by the artist. If you have an awesome product you don't have to be super nice to the buyer. In fact they will respect you more if you aren't so accommodating

You always bring interesting predictions to the table Mark, I don't have any clue to the validity of it so I wont claim to. I will say this though, some sites have been more dedicated to digital and it's made a difference for me. Others not so much and I have seen less returns. I still think regardless of the site one stop shopping for an editor needs to be the end goal to be ultimately successful.

An you are right the artist is the asset, I know allot of us feel loyalty to the Pond,(Don has POND-LOVE in old English font across his back)(Jake has his Pond5 tat in his mouth, because as he puts it he can only speak good things about the pond) Any way the places we go where we enjoy the people who are selling are work. I mean I have never talked to any of the admins here all that much but I have never heard any thing bad about any of them, (and Tom started myspace) It gives you a good feeling, other sites are not so lucky with that. IS for instance, I was thinking about joining I hear they are huge, I went through all the crap to become an active member, I had a, (1) question it went totally unanswered. I got a bad taste from that and have not uploaded one clip, for that and I did actually need the question answered if I was going to submit any thing... So I think there is allot to be said for that aspect of it in the long haul. Sure some people will move to the 60% or some will just sell on both, what did I do with my point? I know I had one...Oh yeah here it is, I think the pond will continue to grow and become better and better with time. As for some of the others I think they will ultimately race to the bottom with not only there prices but there services to the artist as is already evident on some of the sites out there.

I am surprise one is so optimistic about the other site giving artist 60%. They are first new startup. Second, no records of sales. Third, Royalty can be changed anytime when they have enough contributor and traffic. You can take it or leave it. This happens all the time.