Autopilot,Bones,Stories
10 messages in this thread
Per your suggestion I've moved this over to Take-5.
Whew, I think you STILL have too much caffine in your system !<G>
As of last month, with great lamentation, I marked my ten year
anniversary at KLCS-TV . (Not counting a few months off to start-up
the ill-fated Cable Music Channel for Ted Turner at that time as
well) I'm looking to get out, and have had several interviews around
town. Even though the big effects houses are cryin' they can't find
experianced computer graphics and animation people, they are
reluctant to hire an old fart like me. This game is apparently mostly
for the young and fresh out of school, though I still get occasional
freelance gigs under my DBA of Cheap Computer Graphics.
August TV Technology ran a review of Liberty by yours truly, next up
is due in a few days, a review of TMORPH3 in the November issue. I
think Brent Malnack looks at that program in this months AV/Video as
well. I'm sure glad I didn't write a review of 3DSr4 based on my beta
copy. I'm already seeing stuff in the trades touting the now dropped
patch modeler (heh, heh). I'll eventually do a review, but not
necessarily for TVT. I'd like to just do my SGI stuff for TVT and
start a new column on 3DS and IPAS plug-ins elsewhere if possible. I
didn't write a SIGGRAPH wrap for 1994, first time in many years. TVT
wouldn't pick up my tab, so I sat it out. I'll be at this big
authoring shindig SGI is having at the Westin Bonaventure next week
here in L.A., then it's on to battle the crowds for a few days at
COMDEX.
What fun are you up to ?
I still have not DL'd Bones, since I read some traffic that there is a
minor fix on the way, I'll hold off a few more days 'til that dust
settles.
Your description of my CIS activity is exactly correct, I usually do
two sweeps a day for E-mail, and one a week for selective forum
traffic. However, for a few weeks before and after a major release
like r-4 I sweep ASOFT twice a day on my mail run. This gives me good
insight on customer response plus another perspective on spin control
outside the corporate tower of P.R. . And likewise for the record I
agree, the Sysops and everyone else do a great job, I do miss those
new upload messages, but not enough to volunteer to take over that
task <BG>.
Stay busy . . . Bruce N. Goren
Thanks for the blow-by-blow. God, its good to see ya keeping so dang
busy. I've always envied the way you seemed to have your hands in
everything ( and on more powerful toys than I could access.)
< I marked my ten year anniversary at KLCS-TV. >
Congratulations Bruce. A noteworthy milestone.
There's a lot to be said about longevity.
And most of its positive. <g>
My question about a SIGGRAPH wrap was really a dig.
Cohn and I knew you were MIA at SIGGRAPH. I posted a message on the boards
to you anyway, so you were there in spirit. <g>
< TVT wouldn't pick up my tab, so I sat it out. >
Next time pick up your own tab, tightwad. hehehe
Oh, that's right the name of your company is Cheap Computer Graphics.
Yes, indeed. The original. "an oxymoron evoking sly grins from producers"
Man, they would have bought your report. You ought to be giving guided
tours of SIGGRAPH. Charging them new kids on the block for an inside look
at where the real show is. Well, I guess you won't miss it next year
seeing how it's in your backyard. Speaking of which… I get to play host
in '96. I'm already pumped. Or can't you tell.
< Cable Music Channel for Ted Turner …. >
Well, they can't all smell like roses.
< I'm looking to get out, and have had several interviews around town. >
Keep pluggin' Bruce. Ya got to keep them creative juices flowing.
You ought to start your own thread / column right here in the forum.
You'd probably be turning down work left and right.
Looking forward to your review on TMORPH3.
< I think Brent Malnack looks at that program in this months AV/Video >
Ain't he come a long way. <g> His photo alongside his column is a lot
more corporate than the punk rocker image he used to portray. But
speaking of young and fresh, I'd have to say Brent delivers there. I
sent him a "hello" the other day.
Re: 3D Studio Rel. 4
< I'll eventually do a review, but not necessarily for TVT. >
Well, I caught your Release 3 review.
"Where were YOU when the computer/video paradigm shift rocked Hollywood?"
I wasn't sleeping, that's for sure. I was checking out your "one month
diversion" in the March '94 issue of TV Technology.
Decent lead. Not great. Just decent. hehehehehe ;^)
Two full pages, and a colorful photo illustration to boot, dedicated to
your ususal comprehensive roundup; analytical, mostly objective ( you only
mentioned Topas four times! 🙂 ), with succinct recommendations:
"Price? Not much. Just buy it and get busy." I'd say you put a smile on
more than a few faces and moved a bunch of boxes off the shelf.
< I'd like to just do my SGI stuff for TVT >
I'd just like to play with your SGI for a while, can I Bruce, huh, can I?
< and start a new column on 3DS and IPAS plug-ins elsewhere if possible.>
How much you want for that column, Mr. Goren? David Camp, a fellow
formite, is starting a newsletter on IPAS, maybe you can get him up
and running in grand style. On second thought, he's been talking to
Pyros lately and Greg might have messed up his brain. <BG> Just
kiddin' Greg. ;^)
BG > Your description of my CIS activity is exactly correct,
BG > I usually do two sweeps a day for E-mail, and one a week for selective
BG > forum traffic.
BG > a few weeks before and after a major release like r-4
BG > I sweep ASOFT twice a day on my mail run.
BG > This gives me good insight on customer response plus another
BG > perspective on spin control outside the corporate tower of P.R.
Well, I clocked you on radar. You were going way too fast to catch
all of the good stuff. I had to flag you down somehow. I figured a
couple of snappy subject headings just might do the trick. And
that's why I invite you over for tea in the Take 5 area.
Speaking of spin control, have you ever used the ULOG command to see
who's been lurking during the past 48 hours. Very interesting types
passing through here. I know all about this lurking stuff. Been
doing it a while. A lot of fascinating names pass through too!
That's how I clocked you. Check it out.
Byte by Byte Corporation <—– who's this????
25-Oct-94 20:04:40
PC Zone <—- In the ASOFT Zone
29-Oct-94 12:44:09
bruce goren <—- traveling near the speed of light
25-Oct-94 20:02:45
Kosar
31-Oct-94 23:59:00 <—– Just kidding, Just kidding.
Ed Rochelle <— was doing interesting things with bubbles and
25-Oct-94 19:16:59 Animator Pro up in NY before 3D Studio hit the scene
EDGE <—- Neat name The musician? Probably not.
25-Oct-94 16:49:18
Sergio Vanelli <—– Could be a musician/ producer.
25-Oct-94 19:17:18 Brothers Gino and Joe.
Jamie Clay [Xdesk] <—- An original! One of the masters.
25-Oct-94 13:08:28
There are a plenty of visitors who frequent the forum on a regular
basis, but this one has made me a little curious:
Byte by Byte Corporation
29-Oct-94 12:38:57
Byte by Byte Corporation
31-Oct-94 08:04:25
I tell you Bruce, you can spend a fortune having fun like this. But
it's a real learning experience.
Anyway, I'm going to post a message to Byte and find out what they're
doing in this neck of the woods. Look for a thread titled "Hey Mr.
Lurker." Let's see if I can draw ol' Scott Peterson out for a chat.
< And likewise for the record I agree, the Sysops and everyone else
> < do a great job, >
All opposed. ( deafening silence ) Then it's unanimous. They deserve
a pat on the back for managing so well the mess we make.
< What fun are you up to? >
Funny you should ask, BG. <—– You know people use your initials
alot around here. Or is that Mr. Microsoft they're talking about?
Anyway, if it's not painfully obvious, I'm doing exactly that. I'm
having fun. And I'm looking for answers in my quest for the riddles
of life. And I'm living up to the meaning of the word "animate."
On Sundays, I pull a bag over my head and pull for our NFL New Orleans
Aints.
Sure wish I was in L.A. Better yet. I wish you were here. We'd
raise some hell and show them what us old farts can do. Hey wait a
minute. I'm starting to sound like you. Quick, which one of us has
more hair up top? Aw crud, you win. (:-0
Stay tuned for the rest of the story. Pictures at eleven.
>> I'm living up to the meaning of the word "animate."
Kevin! Geeeezzz! Are you a bottomless pit of energy or what?!? Wow,
when you get on a roll, the words just pour out… You'd be a fun
one to play Word Association games with. I've enjoyed reading all
your messages since you recently popped up again. They brighten the
mood around the forum and truly entertain.
BTW, I never knew about the ULOG command. Interesting to see who's
watching the rest of us…
< Are you a bottomless pit of energy or what?!? >
Or what would be the correct answer, if not precise. These "fun and
games" are taking their toll. Dave, I'm glad you've enjoyed the
humor, even though as I've said, there are others in the forum whose
wit I truly envy.
< I've enjoyed reading all your messages since you recently popped up again. >
< They brighten the mood around the forum and truly entertain. >
Thank you.
I have tried to offer a little bit different fare than is normally found.
I'm not in my technical mode.
< BTW, I never knew about the ULOG command. >
< Interesting to see who's watching the rest of us… >
Dave, I've learned a lot of CompuServe customers don't know how much
power they possess right at the tips of their fingers. Here's
another tip for you ( and the non-vocal masses reading over your
shoulder.)
Compuserve Tip #2
When a message is properly posted to someone's name and/or Compuserve
number, you can tell they've received it when you see an (X) next to
it. They might not respond, but you know they've been and gone.
For Example:
Kevin Gibson????
YOU'VE COME HOME!!!!! Where have you been– Lost in America, the Cajun chili
cookoffs,
taking time off to have babies, or coaching the "AINTS".
Kevin, I really miss our fireside chats from the Digimation days. How in the
h— are ya???
WATS UP?
KG>Kosar
KG>31-Oct-94 23:59:00 <—– Just kidding, Just kidding.
Dude this is way to late for Kosar to up lurking, backup QBs need their rest.
Too bad the
AINTS didn't pick up this diamond in the rough.
Let me know what your up to these days.
Give me a call @ Advanced Media Inc. ( formerly Pyros Computers ) 714-957-1616
take care. good to know your still around.
Tony Vassalle
Advanced Media System <—-It's a matter of fact
To satisfy your curiousity, Byte by Byte is a software manufacturer,
responisble for Sculpt 3D.
To Mr. Kevin ( Kool Name ) Krell,
Re your recent post to me:
< To satisfy your curiosity,… >
Are you looking to play, Mr. President? Or are you puttin' me on notice?
Scott's an old friend from my Austin days. And a nice guy. I respect him.
I was just playing with him. Teasin'. I though he'd pop in and say hello.
It should have been evident from my message that I was just kidding around,
but maybe it wasn't.
In the message "Hey Mr. Lurker" the line "Que pasa, Envisage?" refers
to one of their products. I think Scott intended to answer. I'm under the
impression that he, like others, is just having trouble navigating thru the
area due to unfamiliarity with the layout of the terrain. He may be shy.
Byte's actually responsible for Sculpt 3D, Sculpt 4D and Envisage which
will undergo a name change and emerge as Soft F/X or something like that
in a week or so according to my sources.
I clocked Mr. Peterson on radar and engaged him in a brief chat during a
recent visit to the forum. I was just extending him an opportunity
to say "Hello" in my own goofy way. Sorry for any confusion.
Anyway, Kev, I haven't taken the opportunity to engage you in conversation,
but since you've broken the ice, I'd like to tell you that over the years
I've found your advice on the use of 3D Studio very helpful.
As far as I know, we've met only once and that was at the Mirage ASOFT meeting.
While Broken Nose / Martin Doudoroff's work was scrolling 'cross the monitor,
you offered me advice on drive types and we chatted until I became
mesmerized by Suzanne Dougherty's rocking horse animation.
Anyway you have the thanks of this self-confessed lurker.
Now, while I've got you on the line, I'd like to ask you a few questions
if you will permit me.
Can you tell me what your duties as a member of the Cadalyst Editorial
Advisory Board entail? Do you guys ever meet in person as a group or is it
more a "guidance from the field" kind of thing?
I've also had the privilege of meeting two of your colleagues,
Mr. Buday and Dr. Orr. You certainly keep impressive company.
Buday's "Seasoned Greetings" was so overwhelming when I first viewed
it at AEC in D.C., that I thought, what's the use…. I've fallen off
the back side of the wave again. I don't know why, but it had that
effect on me. Somebody had amassed the machines and the talent and
they were out there…. and I was watching them getting farther and
farther away. Less inspirational than more. But as a Christmas
greeting sent to clients and friends, it was humorous, an excellent
award-winning promotional tool, and a tour-de-force in the use of 3D
Studio. I once pegged him after a panel discussion in which he
participated. I inquired as to why there was such a disparity
between what Archimage paid their 3D Studio artists and what
traditional artists who produce one or two architectural renderings
earn for their efforts. I wasn't satisfied with the answer, but then
I've never understood the world of "art" even though I live in it.
However, as a friend recently reminded me, "Life is a mystery to be
revealed."
Joel is an old friend from my days in Austin. Over the years he's
mystified me with the number of things his name's been attached to;
Founder, National Computer Graphics Association; Director, League for
Engineering Automation Productivity; fellow, lecturer, writer,
consultant… I could go on. He reminds me of one of my heroes, R.
Buckminster Fuller.
A soft-spoken, prolific, renaissance man…. I don't think Joel's
graced our forum here in some time, and that's too bad. If you see
him, say hi for me.
But here I am rambling on……
Kev, how do you think this November 1st policy is going to effect
Cadalyst? Seems like it could put a dent in ad revenue. I realize
that's not necessarily a concern of the Editorial Advisory Board, but
content is supported by advertising dollars.
Autodesk has built strong dealer channels because it believes the best
way to support its customers is through face-to-face adressing of
their needs. This would appear to be more so on the AutoCAD side of
the house, than the Multimedia side. But the policy that was
supposed to go into effect November 1st was implemented across the
board. Can you tell me why some mail-order companies continue to
sell Autodesk products in spite of the deadline?
I've been hearing that small dealers are struggling to make a living
because their add-on sales are being stripped away and their prices
are being undercut by volume discounters. It would seem that the
policy was put into place to protect the hard work Autodesk put into
building its channels of distribution. Why do the mail-order
companies continue to operate at this time? Is the policy full of
air? Do you also sell AutoCAD? Did you have to sign it? How does
it effect CSA?
I'm thinking of getting into the game and I'm just trying to figure
out what kind of a field we're playing on. Do you think it's level?
On a different note: Can you tell me anything about the Virtual
Simulator from Eagle Point? The ad looks impressive and scary.
Finally, Animation Nation is getting ready to buy one or two machines
for the use of 3D Studio. Would you care to make any recommendations
regarding video card / monitor / motherboard or box?
Thank you for this opportunity.
Boy, you're a wordy kind of guy! Now, briefly:
Re: Byte by Byte – OK, got it – I'll butt out.
Re: CADalyst Editorial Advisory Board. We pretty much advise from
the field, evaluate content, presentation, and breadth of coverage of
each issue, by questionaire. EAB members may suggest topics or even
write articles. There are a few get togethers, primarily at the
major CAD shows. Since I never run off to Washington, D.C. for CAD
(Siggraph is the most important show for CSA, and I attend Comdex
less frequently than before), seems that I don't get to meet with
anybody else, except sometimes on a one-to-one.
Re: Ad revenues. I doubt the magazines will really be much affected
by Autodesk's new policies. Most of the ads are for 3rd party
products or somewhat more generalized computer hardware (plotters,
etc.) which aren't covered by any Autodesk dealer requirements.
Re: Mail order co. The bigger folks are cut off after 12/31/94 –
they'll supposedly still get ACAD LT and the retail products, but no
R13.
Re: Effect on CSA. We've already raised our prices (sorry, folks) to
reflect the new margins. Since most of our business has been onesy,
twoesy sales (the hard way), I don't see anything changing in the way
we sell AutoCAD. This would be different for those dealers who
depended on grey-market activities, or mail order. I think the only
significant restriction for us is that we couldn't stick an order
form in our newsletter, but need customers to come to our offices.
Not a problem. I expect, actually, that our sales will increase.
Re: Getting into the game. Now, that's just silly! I like to feel
that after 14 years in Microcomputers I have attained a realistic,
cynical view of computers, dealerships, vendor relationships, etc.
But hey, choose your own poison.
< Cohn and I knew you were MIA at SIGGRAPH. I posted a message on the
boards to you anyway, so you were there in spirit. <g> >
In spirit, eh ? Has Cohn ever told you his ghost story about the OTHER
Bruce Goren ?
< Man, they would have bought your report. You ought to be giving
guided tours of SIGGRAPH. Charging them new kids on the block for an
inside look at where the real show is. . . You'd probably be turning
down work left and right.>
Hmmm, that's what I need . . . an agent, thanks for volunteering —
remember I get 90% of anything you send my way ! <G>
< Well, I caught your Release 3 review. "Where were YOU when the
computer/video paradigm shift rocked Hollywood?" I wasn't sleeping,
that's for sure. I was checking out your "one month diversion" in
the March '94 issue of TV Technology. Decent lead. Not great. Just
decent. hehehehehe ;^)>
You should've seen the lead I wrote that didn't make the edit, they
always cut out my wackiest stuff for reasons of lack of space, taste
or sensitivity to advertisers. That article, written while I was
digging out from the earthquake, originally started like this :
" Were you ready to rummmmmmble ? Some might argue it was the spirit
of Martin Luther King himself metaphorically turning over in his far
away grave after seeing what has become of the justice system in Los
Angeles. Since this column is about computer graphics rather than
social issues I'll ask, where were YOU when the computer/video
paradigm shift finally rocked Hollywood on January 17, 1994 ?"
You'll notice though they left-in my wisecrack about RTFM, I never
dreamed that would slip through !!!
<"Price? Not much. Just buy it and get busy." I'd say you put a
smile on more than a few faces and moved a bunch of boxes off the
shelf.>
Actually, in all these years OEM's have never shared sales bump info
with me with the sole exception of a call I once got from Softimage
telling me about a very large order where the customer cited my
two-part review as being the final push over the edge. I'd guess that
without that kind of specific anecdotal reporting it would be very
hard to isolate and measure the impact of a particular reviewer's
work.
< How much you want for that column, Mr. Goren? David Camp, a fellow
formite, is starting a newsletter on IPAS, maybe you can get him up
and running in grand style.>
No way a shareware newsletter can pay my frieght. I need to position a
new column in a monthly like Computer Graphics World, Computer
Pictures, Newmedia, Wired, Videomaker,Digital Video, AV/Video . . .
something along those lines. They've been pitched, so far no takers.
Broadcast Engineering wanted me but their rates are a joke, even less
than the bubkis I make from TV Technology. And don't even talk to me
about the new spinoff Computer Video, Grrrrrrrrr.
< Speaking of spin control, have you ever used the ULOG command to see
who's been lurking during the past 48 hours. Very interesting types
passing through here. I know all about this lurking stuff.>
Haven't used that one since my own lurking days years ago ! <G>
Later !
Bruce N. Goren
Bruce,
< Has Cohn ever told you his ghost story about the OTHER Bruce Goren ? >
This cracks me up. No he hasn't. But since you brought it up, I
guess I'll see if I can get him on the line. I haven't logged him
traveling through here, but I'm a gonna post a note to him just the
same and see iff'n I can get his attention.
< … an agent, thanks for volunteering — remember I get 90% >
10 % eh. That's why you ain't got no agent Mr.CHEAP Computer Graphics.
Keep it. Send me a Christmas present. I'll still keep a lookout for ya.
< they always cut out my wackiest stuff for reasons of … taste >
Hmmm. The real B.N.G. is wacky? Note to editors: Let true genius shine.
< That article, written while I was digging out from the earthquake, >
< originally started like this : >
< " Were you ready to rummmmmmble ? Some might argue it was the spirit of >
< Martin Luther King himself metaphorically turning over in his far away >
< grave after seeing what has become of the justice system in Los Angeles. >
< Since this column is about computer graphics rather than social issues…>
Man! Now ya got me wundrin' what you really wanted to talk about.
Ya know, you folks out in LaLa Land are too far removed from the
concerns of we who live in "The City That Care Forgot."" Bruce, I'm
way too lazy to check the date. What social injustice are you
alluding to here. Is this the "LA Cops bust head of driver, get off
free thing?"
BTW Did the rummmmmble really shake up things on Morningside?
< they left-in my wisecrack about RTFM, I never dreamed that >
< would slip through !!! >
Laughed when I read it. Laughed again when you put it up here.
But I don't read everything in TVT so I figured it was SOP.
It's even funnier now that you reveal it isn't.
< OEM's have never shared sales bump info with me with the sole exception >
< of a call I once got from Softimage telling me about a very large order >
Aaah! Yes, Grasshopper. But if you had a good agent. He'd know.
< it would be very hard to isolate and measure the impact of a particular >
< reviewer's work. >
That's 'cause you ain't writing for the Wall Street Journal, Bruce.
< No way a shareware newsletter can pay my frieght. >
See. I told you Greg done screwed him up.<G>
( Typo in "freight" there Bruce.) 😉
Hehe. I know you're too busy, to bother looking for my speling misteaks.
< I need to position a new column in a monthly >
I'll send up flares to all these guys for ya….
but geeez, you probably won't even give me a little finders fee or nuttin'.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
MEMO from the desk of Kevin Gibson / Animation Nation
Videomaker, Digital Video, AV/Video
Re: Extremely talented animator / experienced writer available
for monthly column.
MOVE FAST. THIS GUY WON'T LAST LONG. SOMEBODY IS GOING TO SNATCH
HIM UP AND LEAVE YOU WISHING YOU HADN'T HESITATED.
Limited quantity. Contact: Bruce N. Goren
P.S. Serious rubles only. This guy doesn't work for bubkis.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Yeah right. Bubkis. Whaddya drivin' nowadays Bruce?
< And don't even talk to me about the new spinoff …. Grrrrrrrrr. >
Done. But I like them fangs.
Take care, bud. Hope I put a smile on yer face. Stop in and say hello
every once in a while. Let the kiddies here know you're in the neighborhood.
Kevin Gibson
Animation Nation <tm> -=It's a pleasant community.=-