The PSI World-Wide-Web

When we asked our crack Webmaster, Owen Swerkstrom, the most common questions that he received through Email about our Web site (www.photosource.com), he said he would put them and their answers down in writing. Herewith:

THE PHOTOSOURCE INTERNATIONAL WORLD-WIDE-WEB (Master)'s WORDS OF WISDOM

Q. How useful is the world-wide-web turning out to be for people in the stock photography industry?

A. Little by little, I've noticed more and more photo editors are using our PSI site to fill their photo needs. I assume the photo editors are also visiting other sites, to fill their needs.

Q. What's the traffic like at the PSI site?

A. We're averaging over 3500 hits per 24 hours on www.photosource.com. Our database of stock photographers in the PhotoSourceBank is well over 6000. As more people start exploring on-line and we continue to use new technologies like Internet Channels and apply them to the world of stock photography, the Web will become a better and better place for folks in the stock photography industry.

Q. How do I list descriptions of my photographs on the PhotoSourceBank?

A. If you're not currently in our PhotoSourceBank, read the instructions on how to send in your listings at www.photosource.com/psb/submit.html. By phone, you can call in and hear a "how to" recorded message at 1 715 248-1512. If you already have your photos listed, you can make updates by using the form at http://www.photosourcebook.com/update/.

Q. How do I find pictures I need in the PhotoSourceBank?

A. Go to www.photosource.com/search and type a highly specific keyword for the photo you want to find. There is a great deal of help for more effective searches right on that same page, should you not find what you're looking for right away. HINT: Don't use general terms like "scenics", "nature", industry", etc. The search engine will call up an overwhelming number of hits. Instead, use: "Voyageurs National Park" or "Spitfire".

Q. What is PhotoSourceFolio?

A. Our PSBank now has a sister site called PhotoSourceFolio. It is the "image" showcase of our Web site.

PhotoSourceFolio lets you display six of your favorite photographs on the Web. This gives you a chance to show potential buyers your photographic style and content. If you elect to sign up for PhotoSourceFolio, photo editors can view your 6-pack of photos. To contact PhotoSourceFolio; Fax: 1 818 831-0916, Email: info@photosourcefolio.com (auto response), Web: http://photosourcefolio.com.

Q. What is the cost of displaying 6 photos on the PhotoSourceFolio?

A. The modest fee of $4.95 per month. Your photos can be set up in the PhotoSourceFolio within 24 hours of receipt.

Q. Along with PhotoSourceBank and PhotoSourceFolio, is there any other way to speak to the world on www.photosource.com?

A. Yes, you can visit our new Cracker Barrel feature, which is a bulletin-board style addition to the PhotoSource International website. There you can read and write postings about stock photography from and to people all over the world. To enter the Cracker Barrel, go to www.photosource.com and click the "Cracker Barrel" button on the right-hand column.

Q. I hear it's possible to translate a Web site into five foreign languages: French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese. Is the PhotoSource International Web site translatable?

A. Sure is. And it's free. You need to go to the AltaVista Search engine site (www.altavista.digital.com). Click on the "translations" appropriate button. Follow the directions and presto!, the page you are viewing will be translated into one of five foreign languages.