I just came across a press release from Tuesday that announces Flickr API integration for the microstock agency 123RF. According to the release photographers now can push images to 123RF for review and upload them for sale via Flickr.
Easy Uploads from Flickr to 123RF
While photosharing sites like Zooomr languish through their troubled Mark III release (which reportedly includes the ability to sell stock) others are starting to take advantage of Flickr’s API. This is the first I’ve seen of an agency tapping Flickr’s API, but its not to say that there aren’t others.
Personally I think it’s unfortunate that the first photo sales site that I’ve seen to take advantage of Flickr’s pool of images is a microstock agency. This bodes poorly for up and coming photographers who won’t know the difference between Royalty Free stock and Rights Managed stock.
Update (5/1/07):
I’ve now confirmed that 123RF had their API Key revoked by Flickr
123RF unplugged from Flickr – abouttheimage.com
[tags]photography, digital photography, stock, stock photo, royalty free, rights managed, Flickr, API, Zooomr[/tags]
If photographers don’t watch out for their rights (and I’m referring to those uploading to microstock agencies), they will get abused. Besides, if that’s what they value their work to be worth (30-40 cents on the dollar), that’s what they’ll get in return.
I’m just glad this isn’t the “official” Flickr marketplace, the one that Steward Butterfield recently spoke about.
It is sad that this is what the industry had come to, but anyone who relies on stock as a significant source of income would be irresponsible to not look for new revenue channels.
Disruptive trends occur in every industry, and those who are not able to adapt may ultimately find themselves driven out.
Unlike farmers, airlines, oil, or auto manufacturers, I don’t think the professional photography lobby is powerful enough to win welfare subsidies so photographers can live off taxpayer dollars 🙂
Guy
Raoul… I’ve not confirmed this, but word is through a microstock mail group that the API key was recalled by Yahoo. It would seem perhaps because Yahoo is trying to minimize competition as they ramp up their marketplace.
Guy… fantastic point. Diversifying ones potential channels of income is a must. Regarding a photographer lobby ASMP is trying, but it will never be as powerful as some other industries.