Contributors to 123RF recently received a request from Eric, who heads the team that secures content for 123RF. He asked them to make their footage available to users via a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license.
The theory behind this strategy seems to be that some users may be so thankful for your footage and images that they will send you a “donation” to show their appreciation. Of course, users are not “required or obligated” to donate. When you’re selling images for as little ads $1.00, maybe it is best to bet on the good will of users rather than charging a fee.
Also, if customers do actually donate the image creator gets 100% of the proceeds. It is hard to see how 123RF benefits from providing such a service.
Here’s the pitch
As some of you may know, we acquired
Pixlr back in April 2017. With the acquisition of Pixlr, we move closer to our group’s vision to create a Creative Ecosystem that’s powered by design, creativity and constant technological innovation. Our aim is to help everyone (creatives, the-not-so creative and businesses) stay relevant and thrive together in this age of the creative economy.
(Editors note: They just want to help everyone and expect nothing in return.)
We’re on the brink of yet another exciting project! We’d like to invite you to be a Founding Member Contributor and take part in its creation. With this new platform, we’d like to build a creative community that shares and provide their footage to be used under a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license.
What’s in it for you?
1. This platform will run on a donation basis.
a. Downloaders may donate any amount to you as an appreciation of your contribution to the community.
b. 100% of the proceeds will go to you.
2. As for now, our new site is still in the midst of development, however, we would like to register your interest in this project.
a. We aim to build video creation tools that everybody can use as part of the site’s unique offering and in the longer term, we will mix in some monetization ideas.
b. Of course, you’ll be a part of that too!
What’s A Creative Ecosystem?
Also, back
In April CEO Andy Sitt told DEALSTREETASIA, that he was “building (the company) for a potential IPO.” From his point of view the next stage for the company is “some form of exit.”
Evidently, the Australian Securities Exchange, Singapore Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange are all interested in 123RF listing in their markets. Instead of profits (there can’t be much profit if you’re not charging for your service) Asian investors may be more interested in better access to consumers in the U.S. and European markets where they can try to sell other things.
123RF says that 70% of its current revenue comes from the U.S. and Europe.
Of course, this doesn’t help the image creators (unless Sitt would agree to give all the contributors a percent of the IPO money), but after all most creators only want the satisfaction of knowing that someone appreciates their hard work.