Author Topic: sjlocke was just booted from iStock (Read 139002 times)

asiseeit · « **Reply #100 on:** February 11, 2013, 17:27 »

Quote from: MichaelJayFoto on February 11, 2013, 16:32

Quote from: EmberMike on February 11, 2013, 15:12
Was Sean's name on the previously public facebook list of Stocksy members?

There is no Stocksy member list. There is a Facebook group of people interested in Stocksy. There were more than 100 people on that list but almost none of them have actually been involved in Stocksy in any ways. It can't be a reason for someone to be in a Facebook list to terminate his account.

Hey Michael. Read his blog post again, it sounds like he was helping them beta test their system.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #101 on:** February 11, 2013, 17:39 »

Quote from: asiseeit on February 11, 2013, 17:27

Quote from: MichaelJayFoto on February 11, 2013, 16:32
Quote from: EmberMike on February 11, 2013, 15:12
Was Sean's name on the previously public facebook list of Stocksy members?

There is no Stocksy member list. There is a Facebook group of people interested in Stocksy. There were more than 100 people on that list but almost none of them have actually been involved in Stocksy in any ways. It can't be a reason for someone to be in a Facebook list to terminate his account.

Hey Michael. Read his blog post again, it sounds like he was helping them beta test their system.

Well, as MJ said, that was just a group of people interested in the topic, not a member list of any sort. Besides, being a member of any site, new or not, is not a crime.

EmberMike · « **Reply #102 on:** February 11, 2013, 17:45 »

Quote from: vannphoto on February 11, 2013, 17:16

Just when they were hoping that their lack of action might settle the discontent...

Did anyone really believe that they wished to settle any discontent?

I think we've long since passed the point where Getty felt the need to give a %#!- about the contentment of contributors. They've perfected the art of doing whatever pleases them with total disregard for how we might react.

jen · « **Reply #103 on:** February 11, 2013, 17:46 »

Quote from: sjlocke on February 11, 2013, 15:48

Yes, it was probably my fault - obviously too vocal on the issues.

It's true, Sean. You are a pesky guy, always wanting to be paid the correct amount, making sure your intellectual property is being protected by your agent, and informing your colleagues about important issues. The nerve of you!

gillian vann · « **Reply #104 on:** February 11, 2013, 17:48 »

well there's been some mention of it in the google thread (the one where nothing was said at all, but the ms news was tacked in as a "positive") and Lobo has threatened all to shut up about it.

ffNixx · « **Reply #105 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:02 »

Still can't get over the fact that Rob was booted as well. His port is small, he's not an active contributor, wasn't involved in any revolution as far as I could see. His only "crime" is his rather prominent involvement with Stocksy, via the Facebook group.

The message is, anyone seen to be associated with Stocksy (even privately, as Sean was) will be risking their iStock account. Getty must feel seriously threatened by Stocksy, and that's probably good news for us contributors. Getty usually have their finger on the pulse of the industry, their behaviour in this matter is a vote of confidence in Stocksy as a viable future competitor.

So ironically, Getty have just done Stocksy a big favour!

Zerkalo · « **Reply #106 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:02 »

I think IS loses not only a quality contributor but also a good critique, a consultant on everything related with microstock, a software developer, etc. etc. I wish you good luck Sean. I am sure this will bring you a bright future.

Getty Management is giving clear message here. They want to show us 'look, we can dismiss even Sean, so beware and shut up'. They are shooting themselves in the foot.

Any idea how things will turn out? Any other big contributor leaving?

gillian vann · « **Reply #107 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:08 »

Quote from: EmberMike on February 11, 2013, 17:45

Quote from: vannphoto on February 11, 2013, 17:16
Just when they were hoping that their lack of action might settle the discontent...

Did anyone really believe that they wished to settle any discontent?

I think we've long since passed the point where Getty felt the need to give a %#!- about the contentment of contributors. They've perfected the art of doing whatever pleases them with total disregard for how we might react.

It seems on the iS forums that many truly believe there'll be some announcement that explains and/or makes it better? Certainly there are hints that such an announcement is coming, but the longer it drags on, despite this one from Lobo

Quote

We aren't ignoring it or putting off anything in order to see how long it will take before we have fatigued the entire community on discussing it.

it truly feels like they hope we all just forget.

If that was their game plan, then this move is so very odd. I don't think they're stupid, they must be playing 2 moves ahead, so I'm wondering what's coming next.

Beach Bum · « **Reply #108 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:10 »

Quote from: EmberMike on February 11, 2013, 13:00

Apparently some sort of statement is going to be released later today. No idea from who exactly. Lobo just says on the forum that something will be posted later.

Can't wait to see what that's all about.

There will be a statement after which Lobo will do the only thing he knows how to do.....lock it. No questions, comments.

leaf · « **Reply #109 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:11 »

Wow. This is really shocking. I really can't believe iStock would close Sean's account. He has loads of great images, is active on their forums, helps people out and gives good critique of the site. And by critique I mean helps them spot things that need to be fixed or things that are unclear. If anyone has held a professional attitude in this whole ordeal it would be him. That is the type of member a site should be eager to have.

I am really blind to what iStock (or Getty rather) feel they are gaining by removing Sean's port. If they say it is 'purely business' they must feel they are better off without his images or his presence on iStock. I just don't see it that way... quite the opposite actually.

Elenathewise · « **Reply #110 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:23 »

Quote from: leaf on February 11, 2013, 18:11

I am really blind to what iStock (or Getty rather) feel they are gaining by removing Sean's port. If they say it is 'purely business' they must feel they are better off without his images or his presence on iStock. I just don't see it that way... quite the opposite actually.

Tyler, they are just acting like we're their employees - "you make trouble we'll fire you" or "you try to work somewhere else we'll fire you". I wish their bosses understood we're not on their payroll - they are simply our agent. So what, this particular agent dropped Sean - well I am sure there is line up of others waiting to pick up and represent his work.

Beach Bum · « **Reply #111 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:30 »

Quote from: jsnover on February 11, 2013, 11:25

Quote from: aeonf on February 11, 2013, 11:23
OMG.

They have lost their mind.
We will be handing in our 30 day notice and giving up the crown ASAP.

You have to wonder if for some bizarre reason that was part of what iStock wanted - to get more exclusives to jump ship. So many have been on the fence for a while and uncertain about the right thing to do. This insanity on iStock's part will help make up more minds than yours, I'm guessing.

Agree. I think that many exclusives will leave now. There will be some that will take a wait and see approach, monitor Sean's success on the outside. The fact that Istock feels threatened by Stocksy is an encouraging sign.

Tror · « **Reply #112 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:31 »

Soooooo, being a member of the wrong facebook group and expressing a critical yet balanced opinion in public forums gets you thrown out of a company you stayed faithful with for many years and makes you lose your source of income? Yes, very trustworthy. Makes me wanna be a exclusive again hahahahaa

My best wishes to you Sean! News like that leave a terribly bad feeling in the guts and I feel so much respect for you that you are able to maintain a balanced opinion (as I see in your Blog post) and that you had been able to set a new constructive course so fast.

chromaco · « **Reply #113 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:32 »

Perhaps they (Getty/Istock) were seeing the writing on the wall that he was on his was out the door and felt that it would be better for them to control the timing. If he chose to leave on his own it might almost be worse for them.

Having said that, I have always used Sean as a gauge to just how bad things might get. It always seemed to me that despite all apparent signs, as long as he was still there things might not be as bad as they appear. He always is a voice of reason for both sides and I trust his viewpoint. I assume I am not the only one who felt he had more insight into the situations than I did and I always waited for his response to a situation before I finally made up my own mind. Hopefully, he will weigh in on the other sites he chooses to upload to. I will be interested to hear his feedback on independence.

Thank you Sean for your efforts. Good luck - not that you'll need it.

Tror · « **Reply #114 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:36 »

Quote from: sjlocke on February 11, 2013, 15:48

Quote from: BaldricksTrousers on February 11, 2013, 15:43
I've admired Sean's courage in standing up for the truth instead of being a "yes man" for a long time, I'm really not surprised to see this but I'm still shocked by it.

I'm sure that we all understand the message: that Getty/istock is the boss and we had all better shut up if we don't want to be booted.

Yes, it was probably my fault - obviously too vocal on the issues. I don't think there's anything secret that can be brought up - it's all out there, afaik.

Nothing in this is your fault. They are plain unprofessional. Nobody that cannot take constructive criticism or respects freedom of speech deserves you as a Contributor. Probably it is a very good thing for you beeing able to build up your Port on other sites before they seriously tank.

Sadstock · « **Reply #115 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:38 »

Sean - Sorry to hear this news. I'm sure you will land on your feet. I've always greatly appreciated your willingness to speak up regarding problems at Istock in a constructive way which has benefited all Istock contributors.

I have to say that I really don't understand their thinking on this. Given how well known you are in the micro world, treating you like this and freeing up your portfolio to buyers who don't shop at Istock does not make any sense to me. This is going to affect some buyer’s decision making in a bad way for Istock.

I have to figure it is the Stocksy connection, given it happened to Rob as well. Is there a Getty mole in Stocksy?

Sounds like they are hopping mad about what Bruce is doing and want to make an example of you. I think it will go the other way with lots of people who have never heard of Stocksy now wanting to find out more about it.

gbalex · « **Reply #116 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:40 »

Quote from: Zerkalo on February 11, 2013, 18:02

I think IS loses not only a quality contributor but also a good critique, a consultant on everything related with microstock, a software developer, etc. etc. I wish you good luck Sean. I am sure this will bring you a bright future.

Getty Management is giving clear message here. They want to show us 'look, we can dismiss even Sean, so beware and shut up'. They are shooting themselves in the foot.

Any idea how things will turn out? Any other big contributor leaving?

I really do hope that if our friends have confided in us that we keep it only to ourselves. Sharing it with anyone else could have disastrous consequences for people who have worked hard to build sustainable incomes.

ShadySue · « **Reply #117 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:40 »

Quote from: Sadstock on February 11, 2013, 18:38

I have to figure it is the Stocksy connection, given it happened to Rob as well. Is there a Getty mole in Stocksy? Sounds like they are hopping mad about what Bruce is doing and want to make an example of you. I think it will go the other way with lots of people who have never heard of Stocksy now wanting to find out more about it.

It's more than Stocksy - it's personal and spiteful.
Yu-know-who has his very own site up and running and he hasn't been booted off iS.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #118 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:51 »

Quote from: ShadySue on February 11, 2013, 18:40

Quote from: Sadstock on February 11, 2013, 18:38
I have to figure it is the Stocksy connection, given it happened to Rob as well. Is there a Getty mole in Stocksy? Sounds like they are hopping mad about what Bruce is doing and want to make an example of you. I think it will go the other way with lots of people who have never heard of Stocksy now wanting to find out more about it.
It's more than Stocksy - it's personal and spiteful.
Yu-know-who has his very own site up and running and he hasn't been booted off iS.

exactly! Sean did ZERO or close to zero damage to iStock (actually gave them a few millions), Yuri OTOH...

emblem · « **Reply #119 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:58 »

I really don't think iStock realise the amount of damage they have inflicted upon themselves by doing this...hard to see what they are trying to achieve. Sean, I think you will find this event liberating for you...this will be evident quite quickly.

cathyslife · « **Reply #120 on:** February 11, 2013, 18:59 »

Quote from: luissantos84 on February 11, 2013, 18:51

Quote from: ShadySue on February 11, 2013, 18:40
Quote from: Sadstock on February 11, 2013, 18:38
I have to figure it is the Stocksy connection, given it happened to Rob as well. Is there a Getty mole in Stocksy? Sounds like they are hopping mad about what Bruce is doing and want to make an example of you. I think it will go the other way with lots of people who have never heard of Stocksy now wanting to find out more about it.
It's more than Stocksy - it's personal and spiteful.
Yu-know-who has his very own site up and running and he hasn't been booted off iS.

exactly! Sean did ZERO or close to zero damage to iStock (actually gave them a few millions), Yuri OTOH...

Yeah, but Yuri gets private meetings with TPTB at Getty...seems like he is playing their game, that's why he doesn't get the boot (IMHO, of course).

jjneff · « **Reply #121 on:** February 11, 2013, 19:05 »

Sean blew the whistle and they didn't like it, it is a huge risk to do that and I respect him for it, he has more guts then me! He paid a big price for giving us the info he did. They are making this a pissing match and are willing to bet the farm they will win.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #122 on:** February 11, 2013, 19:05 »

Quote from: cclapper on February 11, 2013, 18:59

Quote from: luissantos84 on February 11, 2013, 18:51
Quote from: ShadySue on February 11, 2013, 18:40
Quote from: Sadstock on February 11, 2013, 18:38
I have to figure it is the Stocksy connection, given it happened to Rob as well. Is there a Getty mole in Stocksy? Sounds like they are hopping mad about what Bruce is doing and want to make an example of you. I think it will go the other way with lots of people who have never heard of Stocksy now wanting to find out more about it.
It's more than Stocksy - it's personal and spiteful.
Yu-know-who has his very own site up and running and he hasn't been booted off iS.

exactly! Sean did ZERO or close to zero damage to iStock (actually gave them a few millions), Yuri OTOH...

Yeah, but Yuri gets private meetings with TPTB at Getty...seems like he is playing their game, that's why he doesn't get the boot (IMHO, of course).

Yuri loves to talk around and distract us (what a community guy!), that is what he does the best, not sure if he ever gets any meeting, if he does we see zero from that, there is nothing to thank him, actually I don't understand why we talk about him, he has already 24 "photographers" working for him (sorry guys, back on topic!)

cybernesco · « **Reply #123 on:** February 11, 2013, 19:06 »

Sean, iStock is the biggest loser, not just because they will be missing your images as they certainly will, but, as well, by kicking you out without a valid reason they are making very bad publicity for themselve by spreading a cloud of doubt over all members, would-be members, buyers and would-be buyers. Your images and spirit will survive as no one can take that away from you.

Chico · « **Reply #124 on:** February 11, 2013, 19:07 »

Would be great if former Istock staff members come here and put some inside information for our amusement.

MicrostockGroup Sponsors

Author Topic: sjlocke was just booted from iStock (Read 139002 times)

asiseeit

Sean Locke Photography

EmberMike

jen

gillian vann

ffNixx

Zerkalo

gillian vann

Beach Bum

leaf

Elenathewise

Beach Bum

Tror

chromaco

Tror

Sadstock

gbalex

ShadySue

luissantos84

emblem

cathyslife

jjneff

luissantos84

cybernesco

Chico

Related Topics

Sponsors

Microstock Poll Results

Sponsors