CompuServe Messages

I fully understand that a core program cannot be expected to supply everything. Good 3-D animation begins and ends with resourceful use of JUST the core program. The desire or need to employ IPAS Plug-ins comes with a premium. That I can live with. But an intelligent price structure and some sense of central control is required. I would never expect 3-DS to include an overwhelming IPAS array within the core release. But, at the same time, purchasing the 7 disk boutique is a grind due to the way the routines are distributed across the 7 disks. $300/disk, which includes many routines I have no interest in irritates a bit (so to speak). Additionally, seeing some more efficient routines, the more primitive versions of which appear in the core release.. well, hmmmmm. Then, there are some things which I really do feel belong bundled. Liquid Speed, Model Optimization Engine, Model replacement with simple object rep (improving screen redraw 100x)… Here we do agree. To make the core program really roar, Autodesk could stand to distribute that cost across it's user base. Essentially, I am amazed at the core program, and am temporarily closing my eyes to a little boogie step 4.0 has made. As the numbers of 3-D developers grows, and the user base expands, let's all hope for intelligent overview and a long prosperous life for 3-DS (here I simply shudder when recalling the swift downfall of a previous 3-D animation software).