A new chapter of my digital journey unfolded as the clock struck midnight on January 1st, 2024. Little did I know, I was about to embark on an unexpected adventure with Pexel.com, a haven for free imagery seekers like me. It has been my go-to platform for stunning images for my blogs and articles. I use 25-30 images a year from Pexel and unspalsh and often forget to give credit to the contributor. I never thought I would graduate from a grateful user to a contributor.
The Email Belled the Cat.
It all began with a simple, innocuous email from Pexel. It asked a seemingly routine question: “How did you use these downloads?”. Not much of a surprise there, but it did nudge me to click to find my recent downloads highlighted. I am a person who loves sharing feedback, a selfish way to contribute to helping the provider give better service. So, with a sense of obligation, like a disciplined student, I diligently shared details. In the process, I unknowingly set off a chain reaction that redefined my relationship with the platform.
The Pictures from Pexel that started my journey as a contributor
The Gateway to Contribution.
The click of a button led me to an area I hadn’t explored before. My contributor profile. Amidst statistics and rankings, the neon glow of the “UPLOAD” button almost sucked me in. I uploaded the initial batch of images with a newfound purpose. It was my way to give back to the community which has given me and supported me over the years.
Challenging Self.
As per the process, while my images underwent quality checks. I have voluntarily set a goal of uploading at least 100 photos by the end of 2024. What started as an email exchange has evolved into a personal challenge. It is a commitment to contribute meaningfully to the Pexel community. In the back of my head, I know many pictures would come from my upcoming Chennai visit and the batch reunion in Jaipur in March.
Navigating the Contributor Terrain.
I took time to carefully evaluate and choose the tag and title for every image. My my experience as a user constantly guiding me on how people search. Hopefully, the tags would help other users for ease in searcching. The game is on. I wait for at least one of my images to find a home beyond my projects. I know someday, I will see someone credit me for the picture, making me feel more valuable and happier.
NET NET- A Reflections on my Journey
In retrospect, my journey from user to contributor was a testament to the power of a simple nudge. Pexel’s subtle encouragement and transparent process seamlessly guided me through the transition, opening my eyes to new possibilities and responsibilities. I now live a dual role- a user of the resources and a minor contributor. But, then many minor contributors like me collectively make Pexel what it is. However, I am unsure if this experience will make me further contribute to other platforms- surveys- and feedback.
I learned how gentle nudges and transparent processes can lead users down desired paths. My journey with Pexel is a testament to the power of engagement and community-driven initiatives in shaping digital landscapes. It tells me that I must contribute ( wherever I can) for the free services I avail. The experience has helped me I understand why people sign in and answer or give feedback on apps and platforms.
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