Martin P Wilson Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 Does anyone know of a good unaligned stock photographers forum/ discussion group? A place where the discussion can be taken wider than Alamy matters and we can get a broader perspective? I am a member (& back up administrator) of such a group for writers on Facebook - it was spawned when a web site we wrote for changed direction and effectively became non-paying. It has become a very useful, positive and supportive site for nearly 350 writers. I am in no way suggesting that Alamy is going wrong, far from it - Alamy is much better many other places I have submitted, but our discussions are entirely appropriately constrained to Alamy related matters. There are topics I, and I am sure others, would like to discuss that are not appropriate here. I would find such a group a useful adjunct to these forums. Would anybody else? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Douglas Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 Yes, I'd find it useful, so let me know if you find one / create one and I'd be keen to join. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Carlsson Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 It would be great if it became "active". Right now most stock related forums I regularly use are sub-forums/threads at one site or another for example "Canon Digital Photography" forum, "Fredmiranda". Flickr. FB and naturally forums at different stockagencies. Twitter is also a great place to get info. Would be great with a stock photography "hub" with industry news, forums, articles, links etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Su Pei Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 I just found this one a couple of weeks ago. Quite good: http://www.microstockgroup.com/ Covers all bigger stock sites out there, and I’ve even seen posts from Alamy staff in the Alamy sub forum. Perry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin P Wilson Posted August 18, 2014 Author Share Posted August 18, 2014 I wasn't thinking of creating a full blown web site as it is time consuming to maintain, especially keeping the content active - I have thought about and decided it was just to much work for limited rewards. I was a hoping to find an active discussion group that is not linked to a library, equipment manufacturer or other vested interest. A mutually supportive group of photographers - if there isn't I would consider starting a Facebook or similar group. I should add the writers' group is a closed group and we only accept people who have writing credentials; most are from the original site. It is unmoderated but we have no problems with trolls etc. People who make snarky comments usually correct themselves very quickly of their own accord. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callie Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 yes agree it would be useful, but I never found Facebook groups very user friendly or well laid out for holding discussions. How about just using something like Proboards free http://www.proboards.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 There are a few out there such as the ones on Yahoo but frankly the open public ones are pretty worthless. MSG (of which I am a member) really is about reactions to the latest twists in micro and BMEs...... I rarely bother although Alamy used to be a member IIRC. Invite only groups tend to be the best, the ones with the top pros on tend to be very, very quiet places.....ironic that. Best way to network and chat is probably Facebook..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin P Wilson Posted August 18, 2014 Author Share Posted August 18, 2014 There are a few out there such as the ones on Yahoo but frankly the open public ones are pretty worthless. MSG (of which I am a member) really is about reactions to the latest twists in micro and BMEs...... I rarely bother although Alamy used to be a member IIRC. Invite only groups tend to be the best, the ones with the top pros on tend to be very, very quiet places.....ironic that. Best way to network and chat is probably Facebook..... That is much like my experience. That is why a closed Facebrook group seemed a possible avenue especially as I have seen it work for a 300+ writers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inchiquin Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 I find Facebook just about adequate for discussion groups, though I do find the forum format as used here preferable since you can see lists of topics without having to scroll through pages of comments first. Unfortunately, though, people are now conditioned to use Farcebook and web-based forums sometimes struggle to generate enough interest. Someone tried to start one a few years ago after Alamy tightened their rules (I can't recall who it was but Geoff will remember). It never really got off the ground. Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 Alan might mean Stock Imaging Forum. Mr Murray has a new forum in place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lensandbrushes Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 Stock Imaging Forum is alive and well, but it went private a while ago. It is invitation only, and we don't welcome participants who like to get into arguments or make inflammatory statements. We do discuss a wide range of topics and are obviously not limited to Alamy related ideas. It is a moderated forum, but the moderators generally have little to do, and we like it that way. You can send me a PM if you would like to join and I will pass the request along. Real names are required, and some indication that you are serious about stock photography. Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 I just found this one a couple of weeks ago. Quite good: http://www.microstockgroup.com/ Covers all bigger stock sites out there, and I’ve even seen posts from Alamy staff in the Alamy sub forum. Perry Yup - more focused on the micros but all flavours of stock catered for and a wider perspective than on any individual agency forum - can get a bit personal at times though ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotoDogue Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 STOCKPHOTO, probably the oldest of the stock photography groups, is still around though it's been rather quiet for the past few years. http://www.stockphoto.net/Subscriptions.php Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheila Smart Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 I sometimes put my two cents on this forum - https://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=1541417&trk=anet_ug_hm if you are on LinkedIn. Bear in mind that its a public forum. Cheers Sheila Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christian58 Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 Microstockgroup, was once quite Ok, in the beginning that is. Nowadays its mostly a place for complaints against all sorts of agencies, tanked earnings and bad reviewers, editors. etc. If you can stomach that, its Ok. I just found this one a couple of weeks ago. Quite good: http://www.microstockgroup.com/ Covers all bigger stock sites out there, and I’ve even seen posts from Alamy staff in the Alamy sub forum. Perry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickp Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 Does anybody know what has happened to Stock Imaging Forum? I just get this message - "No web site is configured at this address". Shame if it's folded. It was a good community. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lensandbrushes Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 To the best of my knowledge it has not folded. Occasionally it goes down, and the administrator is unaware. I have put a note on Facebook to let him know, will send an email as well. Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickp Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 Thanks for that Louise. I don't use FB, so I'm probably out of the loop a bit. I know that Darrell has stepped back from the day-to-day running of SIF, but didn't realise that it was that far! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lensandbrushes Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 For those of us who are Stock Imaging Forum members, it is back up with apologies from Darrell for the delay. For anyone who would like to join us, see my earlier message in this thread, we welcome new members. Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickp Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 That's good news Louise, thanks for getting it sorted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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