CompuServe Messages

>>on the other hand I can understand why Autodesk is keeping so hush-hush about 3DS NT. Lets be honest and say that they got badly burnt over the Patch Modeller withdrawal situation.<< I guess my post dealt _indirectly_ with ADesk's w/drawl of their patch modeller. Actually, I was HAPPY to see it cut. Though CERTAINLY NOT from a sadistic point of view! But from the point of view that maybe this would give ADesk a little time to "sober up" and realize that a patch modeller (with unavoidable limitations) seriously cripples the creativity of all invloved in 3D Studio. Especially when it appears that the majority of serious users have all purchased non-patch spline modellers to compensate. I've got my fingers crossed so tight that my knuckles are white hoping that they have a full b-spline modeller included in R5. Well, we will all know in a few days! It feels kinda like Christmas. . . except it's Gary and the folks at the Yost Group staying up all night cursing as they assemble our 'bikes'! >>The more Autodesk give away the more people are likely to reproach them for "false promises".<< >>Another reason is that there is competition out there!<< I certainly agree! >>The patch paradigm isn't the most intuitive nor convenient. The AMAPI modeller is probably the best I've seen yet since it works with curves that you draw by hand and the surface is generated automatically.<< Definately!!!! Are you going to be bringing a copy of AMAPI to SIGGRAPH so we can take a look? -or- Are the AMAPI folks going to have a booth there so we can see what you've been raving about? >>I like your perspective; that of an artist<< I should hope so! Just because there are no paints or canvas in the 3D biz, does not excuse ANY of us from not creating art in every image we make! In order for us to compete today we still need to know the tried-&-true rules of composition, color theory, perspective, and visual harmony to make our images! Photographers don't use paint or canvas either, instead they use 3D objects and lights to create their images. Yet all professional photographers use these rules. Believe me! I got them drilled into me in my Photography Minor in college! I hope I don't sound elitist by making the statements above. It's just that I get really tired of people thinking that since they don't 'really' have to draw or color the objects in their scenes, that they are exempt from creating well composed images that can have some feeling (even though the image might be of a gear assembly). These rules are EASY for EVERYONE to learn and once known, are invaluable. Please don't take my little diatribe personally David, I've seen enough of your work to see that you approach your images with an eye towards art as well. >>The main one is that the programmer is NOT an artist. They don't approach the task in the same way.<< Don't I know! As I become more emersed in the games industry, I find your statement to be more true every day! See ya @ SIGGRAPH ! Sean