In a move that blurs the boundaries between professional and hobbyist photographers, Jupiterimages has invited the contributors of its micro-payment community Stockxpert to submit work for sale under the company's Dynamic Graphics brand.
Here are uses included in each category of the Modified Rights Ready (MRR) business model. Any use not specifically included in the first 15 definitions falls into the "Other" category and must be negotiated. In addition, uses in several different categories are not permitted unless each category is purchased, or they are all commercial uses and that category is purchased.
Here is a suggested strategy for MRR pricing. All the prices are for nonexclusive use of an image in a single project or campaign. Multiple uses of a picture for several different campaigns, or by different customers must be negotiated. Exclusive uses must be negotiated. Price is unrelated to the size used, the length of time used and the user's industry. The only factor affecting price is circulation, with the exception of cover uses that must be negotiated.
My proposed new pricing strategy can best be described as a Modified Rights Ready (MRR) model. It uses some of the basics of RR as designed by Getty Images, but overcomes many of the problems with Getty's model. In an effort to achieve maximum simplicity, Getty lumped different types of uses into a single category and ignored important categories at the low end. I have broadened the number of categories to 16.
Getty Images, Corbis and a number of other agencies rely on PicScout to monitor online use of their images. In an environment where infringement is rampant, PicScout helps copyright owners identify unauthorized image use and recoup lost revenues. While such objectives are critical to maintaining a successful stock-licensing business, PicScout's monitoring practices are becoming increasingly questioned by Webmasters.
The National Legal and Policy Center, a Washington, D.C.-based legal watchdog group, has presented members of Congress with a report detailing Google's role in the film industry's copyright violations. NLPC contends that Google Video and the video-sharing Web site YouTube are hurting copyright by hosting infringing material.
In addition to moving closer to profitability, the recent consolidation and restructuring of a21 operations was intended to free up cash resources needed to launch new products and support existing ones. Today, a21 announced plans for an online royalty-free stock-licensing business MediaMagnet.
Is it all about the customer? Customers will always want more for less, but at some point, there has to be enough revenue for the producer to justify continued production.