Looking for photographers' thoughts about new image archive

[photo1234]

I am assisting in the development of a Photographers New Talent Archive (not an agency) for the NYC-based company I work for. This archive will be an opportunity for local emerging and professional photographers to get their work out there and, of course, get work (assignment or stock). My feeling is that photographers will be interested in joining or applying to join the archive, but I need some feedback from the pro photo world. Theoretically, would you be interested in something like this? Do you look for opportunities like this, or are you generally turned off by the idea? Please let me know what you think, all opinions are appreciated!

[Jerry Skrocki]

Amy,

Thank you for recompiling your post to comply with our rules. Still your post seems too vague. What I understand from your post is that you want to compile a free database of images from which your company may or may not choose to use on a particular assignment.

In the graphic design world, this is "spec work" and is considered unprofessional.

[photo1234]

Here's a better question: What would you/do you look for/want in an image archive as a photographer?
What would appeal to you and what would disinterest you? What are your feelings on sites like Flickr, Photobucket, etc. as an outlet for sharing your work? Do you think professionals (especially stock photographers) ever use sites like those to get their images seen because of the SEO? How do you feel about resources like LeBook? Have you ever benefitted from being in something like that?

[David_Buzzard]

What you're describing is a stock photo agency, where you send in work to central agency to be marketed, or more often just posted to a web page where clients can log on to search for photos they need. Right now, there is vast over supply of stock images on the market, and prices are pretty much in the toilet.

Dave Buzzard