Continued from here: http://www.microstockgroup.com/symbiostock-general/to-the-'legacy-users'/msg474259/?topicseen#new

I've had a few people nudging me on my past endeavors to create an ideal stock-image sell-direct solution.

[edit: thread has been aggressively trolled, so I've distilled the Q/A into this main post here:]

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See the screenshots below. These are images of a working system I use for myself. Its a client-side website generator for your stock images. It removes the complexity of web design by pre-generating and pre-processing on your computer, then uploading the resulting website to your server.

This allows an artist to simply input FTP credentials (like any stock website) and the software manages everything else.

I created this system because I wanted to set up my website to stand the test of time, and require 0 maintenace -- forever. By reducing dynamic files and not using CMSs like Wordpress, there is no need for upgrades and maintenance. Hacking threats are reduced as well. Server resources are used only to serve html and images.

The main beauty in this is absolute simplicity and the speed resulting.

What it is:

-A simple static website generator.
-A way to simplify and save time in self-hosting your image store.
-A way to use "cheap hosting" without sacrificing performance.

What it isn't:

-A solution to microstock political/economic issues often spoken about.
-A guaranteed way to sell independently (this differs from person to person).
-A network or co-op.
-Complicated.

How can a static (html-only) site perform ecommerce functions?

All functionality is Javascript run (browser) and not server side.

Why not just use some other self-hosting solution.

You certainly can. Other solutions can be useful for people with some experience in web design. The purpose of this is ultimate simplicity and stability, not to mention SPEED. Most dynamic sites can be rather high maintenance or resource hogs. This removes all those burdens.

Will it generate AWESOME looking websites?

It will generate minimalistic and clean websites, devoid of a style-statement, with all focus on your product and a rapid-checkout scheme. The pages (much like my website) will be mobile-device compliant and standards compliant, besides having the basic SEO considerations.

Is it better than the other stuff everyone has tried?

It is far different, with different priorities (simplicity, speed, user-friendliness). If you want a super-feature-oriented, super-customizable site, it might be better to learn a bit of web-culture/design and use one of the common options. This is for people who, like me, don't want to be bothered with my site except to just add products occasionally.



Please note that I am currently refining and rewriting the systems for largescale use, but it works thus far. My website is Django-run, but the client-side page-generator works fine.

More information provided on previous thread.

Image explorer (not unlike Adobe Bridge)


Image search:


Meta data:


Previews/sales info:


Uploader:


Site monitor/viewer:


Speed, performance, and crystal-clean code is usually my objective. I'm not so concerned with boastful gloss in ecommerce sites -- I believe in functionality first and minimalism so as to keep focus on the product.

Currently I am pursuing other things, having left off from microstock a long time ago. But still, people may wish to find a "graveyard" or final resting place for their images that they can leave for 10 years without thinking about it. That is what I did, and I enjoy sales on my site too. Because my site runs so clean, it has absolutely no issues on minimal-charge hosting.

It is my honest opinion that for any continued survival in this business more changes will be needed in expectations as well as pursuits. Meanwhile I do enjoy building this stuff
 

I didn't really understand most of the stuff above! Can you make it a bit clearer exactly what this is?

Quote from: Leo on December 27, 2016, 03:37

But still, people may wish to find a "graveyard" or final resting place for their images that they can leave for 10 years without thinking about it.

What, you mean like uploading them to DepositPhotos?

Its an attempt for the ideal level of simplicity and performance for running your own store. Its also an attempt at perfection, or at least to come as close to it as possible.

Regarding the graveyard bit -- yes -- self-hosting such as this is really the art of having your own vending machine. I build stock image vending machines.  The other guys do too, but I coined the term. Put money in, image comes out.

I think it will only be perfection when we have one site to upload to, instead of many people having their own site and wasting money paying for domains and hosting fees.  I still think the majority of people will find it hard to break even running their own site and what's the point of that?

It truly is a tough call. I really like having my own site to sell from, and given a choice I would never get rid of it. But others rightfully take your view as well. If there was a genuinely good and profitable agency that could be counted on indefinitely, it would certainly be worth shutting down my independent pursuits. But this world promises much and gives little, so I've developed my own strategies just to find a happy and productive medium.

I'll see if the idea takes, and if not I'll check in another year from now as things continue to evolve.

Should exist all variants and possibiity to change at any time when owner of images thinks it is necessary. One site for all - ok, good, but after some time will start a usual life cycle of "agency" with all related problems, including search and exposure.

whatever you want to do will be very welcome.

the industry needs a good self publishing solution.

something specifically designed for stock artists.

One is needed to work with video files as well, I am actively looking for the best solution. I think a great option is to be able to invite people to submit to your site so you could grow your business in the future if you wanted!

i'd love a relatively small but smart video site for a loyal talented artists.   If i could, i'd set that up in a heartbeat.

The more turn key the better, you can have add on's for $$ and charge for setting up the hosting. I would be happy for
a more turn key solution.

The more turn key the better, you can have add on's for $$ and charge for setting up the hosting. I would be happy for
a more turn key solution.

Speed and simplicity are my main concerns with this.

I think everyone would benefit if I designed for seniors who have put their investment into their skills and not so much web/software. In short, if those people don't have to learn a new skill, then the people who are practiced in this stuff with get a big break too.

Again, feedback wanted. Perhaps, as you say, upgrades can be available for more specific and complex needs.

What about the wordpress sell direct website for $25 a month. Is that an alternative? I am also looking for a sell direct site for prints. But I am not the most technical savvy guy on this stuff.

The problem with selling direct is not finding a platform to sell from; Leo is here trying to rake in business again, and there are other alternatives to selling direct already out there.

The problem is marketing yourself and getting people to buy directly from you. There are likely a few people who have been successful at this, but it's because they already know about building websites, SEO, marketing, social media, blogging, and spending the time to do all of those things. Most photographers are, well, photographers. Until that happens, having the most excellent, awesome website in the world isn't going to help.

Quote from: cathyslife on December 28, 2016, 16:29

The problem with selling direct is not finding a platform to sell from; Leo is here trying to rake in business again, and there are other alternatives to selling direct already out there.

The problem is marketing yourself and getting people to buy directly from you. There are likely a few people who have been successful at this, but it's because they already know about building websites, SEO, marketing, social media, blogging, and spending the time to do all of those things. Most photographers are, well, photographers. Until that happens, having the most excellent, awesome website in the world isn't going to help.

Cathy I'm flattered how determined you are to keep me in your social sniper-scope throughout the years. I come and go months apart, but you are always here waiting. You are welcome to stand back at a safe distance until the outcome is complete, then resume trolling on something tangible.

Meanwhile, as mentioned, I am only here due to prodding. You wanna troll a genuine huckster I got just the guy for you. Otherwise building flight simulator controllers and doing other things is more my concern, and certainly not dealing with frazzle-haired dysfunctional women.

Ah, there you are. You missed the whole point of my post...by the way, my hair is absolutely straight. 

My comment was on point...you want it deleted just because you dont like what i said. Looks to me like you are the one that should be deleted, since all you did was call me names.

Quote from: cathyslife on December 28, 2016, 18:14

My comment was on point...you want it deleted just because you dont like what i said. Looks to me like you are the one that should be deleted, since all you did was call me names.

I disagree with the need to delete, but your knock against leo was gratuitous (besides being incorrect) 

your other comments were redundant and served no positive purpose other than trying to re-ignite old flames

She could have had her say at the outset, but she showed up when the thread got popular.  Cathy, you will not be receiving any more replies from me for the duration of this.