CompuServe Messages

Gary, and all the other gurus: I read your announcement of 3DS MAX with mixed feelings. Not because I have not always wished for a "noun-verb" syntax and many of the incredible features this program will offer, but from a vague feeling of uneasiness. It seems only yesterday that I was at the (92?) SIGGRAPH grand unveiling of the demo tape for 3DS release 3. I distinctly recall the speech in which you reminded us of your then realized dream of ordinary people making a living producing broadcast quality video out of their home. Sure, there were faster programs out there on mainframe computers, but not in the reach of the "little guy". Perhaps I am over optimistic about 3DS MAX, but it is beginning to sound like you are producing something that will be even more competitive with the big boys. So it does work best with duelling pentiums and 128mb ram, but it is still a PC platform isn't it? The uneasiness part comes in here. Those of us who still haven't completely jumped from the security of a day job to full time animating are wondering if we will be able to keep up with the investments required. Some have only recently upgraded to release 4, and are still working on improving their quiver of IPAS routines and output hardware. Some may have to settle for R4 for a while, and if so, will we be treated like second class customers? Will we have to start all over buying IPAS routines (at higher than introductory prices) when we do migrate? Congratulations on a great new product! Just hoping you don't forget the little guys — — at least until we get to be BIG! Lydell