#On Dealers
I'd like to get my 2 cents (Cdn.) into this discussion.
I have been a drafter/modelmaker for many years. Before CAD programs existed
all you needed when you showed up for a job was your reference material,
scales, templates and pencils. Now you have to know AutoCAD, Microstation,
MiniCAD, Claris CAD, CADkey, VersaCAD etc. Plus you have to know all the
various 3rd party packages for whatever discipline you are in.
Engineering companies neither hire staff nor train freeelancers so my question
is: where do I learn all these programs? Everytime I raise this question I get
the response: we can't sell education versions of these programs because we
have to protect our dealers. You can take your dealers and shove them. I resent
this concept that in order to learn a program you have to buy it. I'm sorry but
I don't have a hundred grand or so lying around just to keep the dealers happy.
I recently lost out on a contract because I didn't know ClarisCAD. I tried to
find out where I could learn it. It is not possible to even buy ClarisCAD.
A large network of software pirates dedicated to education and training is the
only solution. If you can tell me another solution I'm interested in hearing
it.
J.F.