Hey All!
@yhelfman and @Christopher_Boswell are right, it’s time for an update. Over the last few months we have been working at the goals we set in our timeline. To date we’ve completed a number of things:
- Stopped reviewing new item submissions
- Disabled item uploads for new items on PhotoDune
- Switched to single resolution in preparation for author-driven pricing
- Launched author-driven pricing on PhotoDune
- Assessed author portfolios
For some context, Envato operates using a methodology called “Agile”. It’s a way of planning and executing projects that allows for quicker pivots as new information becomes available.
We’ve received a lot of information throughout this process. It’s refined our thinking, shaped our processes and has impacted our timeline.
We’re still on track for most things but a few objectives were delayed while we were refining. In particular, we had hoped to be communicating the results of our library assessment to authors sooner than what we’ve been able to achieve.
We did begin to connect with authors starting in December. However, in order to manage that process better, we decided to start with smaller batches (cohorts). This has the added benefit of giving us the opportunity to work out any kinks in our methodology before moving on to the next cohort.
So, here’s what PhotoDune authors can expect moving forward:
Early 2017
- Invite qualified authors (in cohorts) to participate in the new world (including Elements)
- Email feedback to individual authors
- Re-enable uploads on PhotoDune for qualified authors
- Start removing portfolios that no longer meet the new standards
Later in 2017
- Launch new upload center
- Enable photo uploads to Elements
- Begin offering photos on Elements
- Launch PhotoDune shopfront improvements
We know that many of you are waiting on the assessment results to see what kind of curation work might be required for your portfolio. The best thing you can do is spend some time going through the quality and commercial demand guidelines we’ve introduced as well as our lookbook.
Our goal is to create a compelling and authentic library of items that authors and customers are excited about. We’re focused less on historical sales and more on whether items fit our guidelines. We don’t model our guidelines after what other agencies do so using that as a reference point for acceptability won’t lead to a higher success rate in your portfolio.
Be creative, be original, be authentic and be excellent. That’s the best advice I can give you. If there are any changes to our timeline, we’ll let you know.
Happy New Year!