Pure Reviews

Sadly after two years of work, iSyndica has chosen to close their doors.  The reason if vague, but I am sure its simply boils down to volume - "Unfortunately, we have, for many reasons, decided to discontinue the service, with an effective last day set to October 10, 2010."  They had a great concept, but with the economy and ever shrinking earnings, more and more photographers are doing the uploading leg work themselves.  Currently they have shut down all upload options, leaving all ftp access for users to download their online portfolios.  Also a key and important fact is if you still have credits they will retro pay you the value left.  For additional information check out the FAQ page here.

German stock photography site Zoonar has added the Alamy power house to their growing list of partners.  If you have not heard of Zoonar they have both Micro and Macro stock photography options.  Currently their other partner lists are: Polylooks, APIS Network, and Fotofinder.  After your photos are accepted they become Rights Managed images, but you can click edit and choose Royalty Free images if you wish.  Sign up at Zoonar here .

iStock announced last week changes to their contributor royalty percentage break downs.  I did not immediately post this as I was waiting to see what kind of reaction would come out of their heavy users.  I myself have small sales numbers at iStock , so any changes are considered minor for me personally.  After this announcement though several of their big exclusive contributors have announced they will be leaving iStock as its a slap in the face to their earnings.  iStock how ever states that this will increase earning on several accounts.  I am no math expert, but starting at ground zero every year vs a built up over time does not seem it will have a increase in earnings.  This all takes place on January 2011 and your 2011 credit number will be set as of a few days ago.  Here is a link to take you to the percentage breakdown.  They are also adding another category like Vetta.  See the full write up below. We are adding a new premium content collection: The Agency Collection. I

Dreamstime upgrades and stiffens the competition for referral programs.  They are increasing the bonus for grabbing an exclusive elsewhere photographer or adding a bonus for a past photographer who has left them for other companies.  This is great timing considering all the turmoil that is taking place at istock and their new royalties breakdown.  Write up below describe in better detail from Achilles: 1. Every exclusive-elsewhere member that starts to upload to Dreamstime will receive the upload bonus that we award to our exclusive photographers: $0.20/approved image . This goes into effect today and ends November 15. All you need to do is email us the link that shows you are an exclusive contributor elsewhere and your account with us. On November 15 we will count your uploads and will award the bonus for all accepted files. 2. Same offer applies to exclusive-elsewhere members that have disabled images on Dreamstime . They will receive the upload bonus for all newly upl