28. Conclusion
Halleluja !! after 27 pages I'm at last ready to draw a conclusion 
28.1. Site Summary
On page 2 till page 5 we saw what Microstock sites actually are and how the evolution of digital photography made it possible for them to become this successful.
Page 6 showed that everywhere where winners are, there are losers too. In this case, in my opinion, the average professional stockphotographer.
After we saw at page 7 that only 6 sites are worth submitting to, page 8 through 20 gives an overview how Microstock sites work and what to expect as average amateur.
Page 21 shows that the income from the referral programs can add a significant amount to your monthly balance. And finally I said that the future of this industry is uncertain on Page 22.
So far a very brief summary of this article. But what do I find, with my 1 year experience, the pro and cons of Microstock sites myself.
28.1. The Cons of Microstock sites
28.1.1. Low payout
Although some people make a considerable amount on micro's, to average price for an image is low. You need to upload and sell a lot of images to make more than pocket money. Because of the low payout, you could feel abused / exploited.
28.1.2. Time consuming
Because micro's are a numbers game, you need to shoot, process and upload in general a lot of images. Especially the post-processing and keywording takes a considerable amount of time.
28.1.3. Mind Killing
You can't deny that stockphotography is mind killing in a certain sense. Shooting people working on a laptop, an orange on a white background or just ordinary street life can hardly be seen as ´artistic´. Because most of us photographers do have that artistic edge (that's why we were attracted to photography in the first place), stock photography can hardly be seen as ´achievement´
28.1.4. Uncertain Future
Because of the rapid evolution in this industry, you can't rely on this income to make plans for the future. If I knew I would have this kind of income for ever, I would think of quitting partly my dayjob and become a half-time stockphotographer. But now I can't and just have to take it as it comes.
28.2. The Pros of Microstock sites
28.2.1. You can earn a reasonable amount of money
Despite what people may say you can earn a reasonable amount of money from Microstock sites. If you look beyond the low fees at your bottomline, micro's aren't that bad. Especially when you look at your other options : where else can an amateur sell his pictures on a constant base ?
28.2.2. Becoming a better Photographer
Because you want to sell as many images you can, you quickly learn that you need to deliver good quality. Therefore you are motivated to learn new things. To do your post-processing in different ways.
28.2.3. Doing new things
Because you're stimulated to deliver photos which sell, it's likely that you will try new kinds of photography. Or you'll go to places where you normally never had gone to.
28.3 My personal advice
If you have some spare time and don't have a market for your picture yet. I would say :
"Just give it a try, what do you have to lose ?"
It's likely that you make enough money to buy a new lens or new body. But keep in mind that only a very few are able to make a living out of it, so stay with both feet on the ground.
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