Getting started in microstock

thomasd007 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 07:40 PM

There is a new article at Getting Started that may help anyone new to microstock or thinking about giving it a try an idea of how to get going.

sjlocke · #2 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 07:44 PM

You should always preface something like that with a bit about how all the links are referrals.

thomasd007 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 08:01 PM

Thanks Sean, Links inside this website are referral links to help pay for the domain name and web space.

sjlocke · #4 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 08:07 PM

Whatever they're for, it isn't kosher to have someone click on them without a warning they're referral links.

thomasd007 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 08:08 PM

I totally agree and that is why it states that on the main page of the website. It is probably a good idea to include it elsewhere for those that don't read the main page.

Thanks for the tip.

thesupe87 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-17-2008, 02:55 AM

I don't think you need to personally mention that your links are referral links. This would be distracting to the message, and might even potentially scare someone away from microstock, thinking this is some gimmicky pyramid scheme. What internet savvy creative professional doesn't know how to read a common mouse-over link? Whenever you hover over a hyperlink you see the actual URL in the footer of your web browser.

If someone wants to learn how to market their photos, it's only fair that Thomas gets the credit for their referal. What good is it for them to just sign up without someone elses referral link? Why not help out Thomas, in return for him taking the time and effort to throw together such an informative site?

Having a bit at the beginning about how the following links are referral links is just distracting. I've never seen such a thing, even on homepages of some of the major players in stock like iophoto iofoto or Yuri Arcurs www.arcurs.com

I usually tell people verbally about the referral setup, especially if I'm chatting with them on forums or facebook. After answering their initial questions I request that if they sign up for any of these sites, to please follow the links from my website, in order for me to receive credit for referring them. They are usually more than pleased to do so in return, for the help and one-on-one personal advice that I've provided them with.

jmci · #7 (**permalink**) 04-17-2008, 05:03 AM

I agree with thesupe87 - it doesn't cost anything to click on a referral link, so I don't see anything wrong with using them without an explanation. Isn't it pretty standard practice anyway?

RacePhoto · #8 (**permalink**) 04-17-2008, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomasd007

There is a new article at Getting Started that may help anyone new to microstock or thinking about giving it a try an idea of how to get going.

Nice site.

Oh my God, someone has a website about Microstock with referral links in it? I'm aghast. OK what would be very unusual and strange would be a site that has links that aren't referrals!

Here's to all of you who took the time to make information sites, with links, that explain microstock. I don't see Peling (sp) here much anymore but that was the site that got me started.

Some people don't like us helping each other or helping new people learn about micropayment stock sites.

ajn · #9 (**permalink**) 04-17-2008, 02:30 PM

I agree... if the information leads me to a new site, it's a referral per se. Why should I bother if the person that got me the information gets credit for it?

thomasd007 · #10 (**permalink**) 04-17-2008, 04:25 PM

Great points everyone and thank you for your input, The more I have thought about this the more I agree that referral links are standard practice and well known to even basic internet users. Thanks again for the input guys.