Though still in beta, SnapVillage reports receiving more than 10,000 images per week. This growth is not yet comparable to established microstock leaders. For example, Dreamstime accepted 150,000 images in October alone and has recorded one-day highs of 10,000 images.

Corbis interprets these numbers as microstock contributors' acceptance of the new site. After some initial criticism of the Web site's lack of features, SnapVillage acted on user feedback and introduced upgrades. The site now supports IPTC and XMP metadata and has also improved search, watermarking technology and the registration process. A bulk upload feature is forthcoming.

Brotman also notes that SnapVillage contributors are submitting images not available through other micro-payment outlets. "We are finding that photographers are uploading content to our site they are not giving other microstock sites because SnapVillage offers a wider range of pricing options and allows them to pick their own price," he explains.

SnapVillage's pick-your-own-price model allows contributors to sell images at any one of five price points: $1, $5, $10, $25 or $50. Contributors can change image prices at any time. Other microstock Web sites have previously offered pricing flexibility; however, these have either imposed smaller overall price ranges or been smaller players. For example, Fotolia allows contributors to price images between $1 and $5. FeaturePix offers greater flexibility and high contributor commissions, however, its traffic statistics are far below the top tier of the user-generated image market.

Other reasons for early signs of SnapVillage's popularity with contributors are the opportunity to move up to the higher-priced parent brand and the 30% photographer commission, higher than iStock's 20%. Although Fotolia and Dreamstime offer even higher, initial SnapVillage contributors are hopeful that higher image pricing will result in higher revenues.

The newcomer will remain in beta for as long as it takes to complete additional site enhancements. While in beta, sales will continue to be restricted to the United States.