How many of you are interested in joining/forming an alliance/association with the open ended goal of finding ways to improve our welfare as artists?

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Karimala, this organization already exists! They recently changed their train of thought of previous anti RF licensing and they aren't 100% open to microstock but the benefits are there. Their publication "Keywords" is also a great read (for anyone new especially)

http://www.stockartistsalliance.org/

Just using the words as dictated by Striver. LOL

Good to know SAA has changed their minds about RF, but unfortunately they are still very anti-microstock and give the impression they don't want to deal with photographers who contribute to the micros.

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you are a bit a head of the point here, Ed. I keep trying to slow people down and back up a bit. We are looking at ways to possibly improve our lot. This could be a new trade association, a new microstock agency, an informational web site or simply supporting existing agencies or organizations. It could be any number of things but it is WAY too early to narrow it down.

One of the early steps would of course be to identify other agencies already in existance. But the firsst step that I am working hard to stick with is to find out if anyone really cares enough to actually get that involved.

It would also be helpful if those who vote yes here would speak up so we know who really is onboard with this. Post a note with maybe a quick sumary of what you think would help us most in this business.

I voted pro but I wasn't aware of your post about an existing agency. It would be worthwhile first to explore the avenue that they might become more open for microstock, maybe as a subbranch. Just my 0.25 cents (or 1 SS photo).

There are as many pro photography organizations as there are microstock agencies. Here are just a couple lists...

http://www.profotos.com/education/re...ns/index.shtml
http://www.stockphoto.net/Associations.php

we will,, of course, need to identify which of these might have some benefit to us. But again...that is a few steps down the road yet.

I'm in. Many people here and elsewhere have given me a lot of help. Willing and able to kick in when and where I can.

Striver, understand this is early steps, but as we move forward, it might be helpful for people to let the group know their areas of expertise outside of photgraphy. There's no doubt there is plenty of good (and a little bad) information about photography, but whatever we do, it's going to take more than that knowledge set.

Just my .02 and first contribution to this alliance,.... collaboration.... thingy.

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I voted yes and would help anyway I could.

Bob

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Hi,

Count me in...

Patrick.

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