definitions Gross is the total. "Gross Revenue" means the total amount that the client pays to license an image. This may be lowered slightly by currency conversions or credit card fees (money not really received). Net is what's left after other valid fees are paid (what accountants call the "Cost of Goods Sold"). The 20% commission that's paid to Referring Sites ... OR ... the 30% to 40% paid to agencies are deducted from Gross. For direct sales, Net is the same as Gross. Agencies are stock photo agencies that directly license images and collect monies owed for use. Subagents are agencies that sell for other agencies. (Creator's Circle™ doesn't permit subagents, believing this slices the pie too thinly.) Referring Sites are web sites that send Internet traffic to the network that might result in sales. They don't collect money or fulfill. Photographers are also Referring Sites.