CompuServe Messages

John, Your example warmed my heart and brought a tear to my eye, but, I think you need to compare apples and apples <g>. For example, compare similar products in medium to high-end 3d-animation with other similar products with regard to the type of support that is offered. If you're in the market for high quality, production animation software you might look into: on the PC – 3d-Studio (my favourite), Crystal Topas; and on the Mac, ElectricImage; and on SGI's – Wavefront, Alias, Softimage, TDI, GIG-3d etc. See what they offer in the way of free Technical Support and then make your decision based on that. I have found that, while company tech-support might be able to help you with hardware and software conflicts, specialized help with "how-to" problems and "tips-and-tricks" can best be given by working pro's on BBS's like this. I have called Microsoft TechSup before and regretted it since they ask me a whole list of mundane questions and after 15mins came to the same conclusion that I had already come to (before I called) and told them about in the beginning. In other words when it gets complicated you are going beyond the scope of traditional technical support and need the backing of pro's. I am just a volunteer, freelance animator who answers questions here on the forum and have been doing for 2 years. Why? I don't know. Maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment but it gives me a warm feeling similar to the one I mentioned at the beginning of this note <g>.