CompuServe Messages

<<This may get to be a problem – here we have this fantastic open architecture with the potential of HUNDREDS of IPAS add-ons to customize it to suit. Can you imagine HUNDREDS of hardware locks sticking out the back of each computer on your network, one for each paraniod or egotistical software developer? Sort of quenches the magic.>> Your attitude also sort of quenches the magic. The 3DS plug in architecture is a wonderful part of the package, but many other 3D packages already have similar interfaces or are incorporating them. And if the 3D Studio market isn't going to stop bellyaching long enough to discover the utility of what's out there, you're going to get left behind. The quality of plug-ins over the last few months has increased at least ten-fold. Look at Pennello, Bones Pro, HSC's products, LenZFX. They are heads and shoulders above what used to be available. But 3D Studio user's interest in plugins hasn't increased ten fold, in fact, it hasn't increased at ALL. Entire teams of developers can now spend months perfecting a single plug in, and at best it will be received with a smug and indifferent attitude. That is, until the pirated version is dropped in their hands. I worked very hard on a plugin routine called Mirage, which has gotten nothing but great reviews and user accolades (its even being used for effects on an upcoming movie), but the sales have been marginal at best. It didn't even cover the development costs. And then a few months later, it was being distributed on the internet even though it has a conspicous copyright notice right on the opening screen. Mirage was released on the honors system, with no copy protection whatsoever. The 3D Studio market is a narrow group of professionals, and unfortunately because it is so narrow, you have to pay a little bit more for what you use than say a Windows user. That's just simple economics. Just look at the prices you have to pay for similar products on an SGI platform. And unless you're willing to give a little, guess where all the good developers are going to be. <<Well, since no one asked us for our opinions, we'll have to vote with our dollars.>> Sounds more like a kid trying to get their parents attention by holding their own breath. It'll end up hurting you in the long run. Aaron