According to 2007 data from Corbis, eco-friendliness translated into billions in global revenues. And this is only the beginning, according to numerous sociologists, futurists, trend gurus and environmentalists.
Masterfile's Steve Pigeon recently made the comment, "The stock photo industry has been democratized to the extent where anyone can now be a contributing photographer, and anyone can afford to be a client. This is a good thing." The real problem is that few, if any, traditional sellers are developing systems to effectively take advantage of this trend.
Digital Railroad, a provider of online archiving and marketing services for photographers, laid off over 20 people this week. The company said that it is "reducing costs not directly related to growth of Marketplace," which it launched last April.
The colossal effect of the micro-payment model on traditional stock licensing is often described in political language. Jupitermedia CEO Alan Meckler favors the phrase, "microstock revolution." The revolution is maturing -- and so are the demands of its adherents.
The Industry Measure Business Optimism Index for ad agencies dropped by 10 points in six months, from last summer's 108.
According to JP Morgan analyst Imran Khan, U.S. newspaper ad revenue declined 8.6% in 2007, and he believes the decline will accelerate in 2008. In 2006, the decline was only 1.7% compared to 2005.
In the summer of 2003, I put together a list of leading companies in the industry, and I have tried to update it periodically. Here is a comprehensive list of the world's major picture libraries and portals that produce and license rights to still images.