CompuServe Messages

Kelly, Fortunately, I also got my copy yesterday. (The mailman asked me a question about IK heirarchies! <VBG and see msg #195114 if you don't 'get it'.>) Speaking as someone who put in many years working on publications and advertising (before 3DS), I think it's a very fine first effort. You have the potential to become the leading 3D-centric publication out there. Here are a few tips, IMHO, to help that happen. 1. Stay away from puff pieces a la CGW. (You don't want to turn into "3D People"!) 2. Don't run semi-useless "Buyer's Guides" that consist of nothing but a compilation of manufacturers' tout sheets. This information should be provided as a sidebar to a review. 3. DO run real-world hardware tests using real 3D apps. I'd rather read (for example) that the Omnicomp 3Demon shaved 20 seconds off the rendering of a particular file (preferably one that ships with the app, so we all have it and can compare) than to see that it got 1.5 Winstones, whatever that means… 4. Keep your tutorials on a higher plane than a re-hash of the basics. Using Flame and Vapor to make a campfire is elementary. New, unforeseen ways to use them would have been worth an article. 5. A column of upcoming events and reader-provided listings of local users' groups' meeting and contact info might be considered. 6. A gallery of readers' submissions is always of interest to other users. 7. Be VERY careful in your use of the word 'architect'. Evidently, they're a real touchy bunch. <BG> Congratulations again on a remarkable first effort! I'm looking forward to the next issue already. (And the check is in the mail!) SCL