Found Blog Post: Why Microstock can be bad for business

[lvidmar]

I actually got a good laugh out of this.

They found the same microstock photo used on 12 different websites, mostly as the header graphic!

http://fairtradephotographer.blogspot.com/2010/03/microstock-why-would-reputable-company.html

[primoz]

Unfortunately I don't find this all that amusing. It surely is funny too see companies being so cheap, they are rather using $1 "exclusive" photo as their main image, then they would pay a bit more for really exclusive photo. But on the other side it's not really funny considering such companies (and those 12 are far from only ones doing this) are making much harder for us to survive.
But I guess this thread will go into another never ending microstock vs. no-microstock thing :)

[lvidmar]

The reason I found it funny was that it serves those companies right for being so cheap.

What's unfortunate is there are enough unique pictures out there that so much of marketing can be served by microstock.

2¢

[photoguy6405]

But I guess this thread will go into another never ending microstock vs. no-microstock thing :)
No doubt. :lol:

I don't know... I want to make as much money as I can like most people, but at the same time I have a hard time getting all riled up over this.

First off, I think that most companies don't really care. They're in business to MAKE money, not give it away. I can't blame them for that.

Second, I seriously doubt most customers give a hoot, either, so the threat of public humiliation is weak. The example he gave in the comment section about the two political parties using the same image was valid, but I think the exception to the rule. High-profile politics is not the same as Joe Schmoe Corporation trolling for customers via a website.

Third, it seems one of the main points was that "reputable" companies overpay... errr, ummm... purchase exclusive rights, and he implies that this alone is what defines reputable from not reputable.

Just my 2c... discounted from $10 back in the day.

[Dennis_Hammer]

This is called evolution. When the personal computer started its rise it happened to Graphic Designers, then everyone was a graphic designer. Then web site developers, hell 11 years old would build you a site. Now photographers. Look how many people now, even on this site are jumping into the photography business, most will not last long and the extremely low pricing they tout will go with them. They will have changed the landscape of the business but that happens alot. I know more ex-photographers than current ones. Next it will be something else. Now evolve or become extinct. By the way equilibrium will be restored if won't be like the good old days but it will be restored somewhat. Technology advances always alter things. Adapt.

[breal101]

I saw two ads on the same page of a local paper using the same picture, one was for an exclusive pricey spa and the other was for a cheesy massage parlor, think happy ending. :lol: I couldn't stop laughing, I'm pretty sure the spa owner wasn't laughing though. Serves them right, the cheap SOBs.