CompuServe Thread

Mr. Camp, Regarding your request: < Also I would be interested in hearing other people's experiences > < in regards to this matter. > While strolling through the area in lurker mode, employing stealth techniques, I hailed you and asked if I could be of assistance. You responded by saying you were getting ready to post a message to me and expressed surprise regarding the coincidence. Coincidence? I'm not sure. But I never received that message. I had already very publicly called attention to your efforts and was soliciting aid on your behalf from someone with considerable experience. I wish you all the best in the production of your newsletter. It is a sincere wish. 3D Studio is an area of interest that I expect I will be exploring for some time to come. Any source of valid information is welcome. For the better part of my professional career, I have earned my living as a writer. I've served as editor of magazines in both California and Louisiana. I've done public relations work for several politicians, state agencies and Fortune 500 companies. I make no claim that I am not prepared to prove. I would be glad to share with you my experiences. That is why I contacted you. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new venture. And just as easy to fall victim to a con artist. You might say I am experienced. Have you ever been experienced? Sorry, I couldn't resist. <G> You are venturing into an area where competition sometimes loses sight of what is moral and what is right. Do not be naive in your decision-making. It can be your undoing. This is an extremely competitive industry. As I have pointed out in some of my earlier ramblings, the forces in the marketplace are exerting pressure on all sides. I pray daily for ethics and fair-play to win out over those whose decisions are adversely affected by the desire to make a buck. I consider myself an optomist, a romantic, idealist, and believe most people will choose the do the right thing, that is they will choose good over evil, more often than not. But the caveat… Do not be fooled by the facade of success. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security by those willing to do business on a handshake. I have learned from my mistakes. I now employ some of the best lawyers in the business that I could find. I still do not feel bullet proof. Concerns about copyright are not to be taken lightly in the "information age." The sooner you produce a contract that protects both you and the people with whom you work, the better off you will be. You will find, however, that you are still naked. The publishing industry is filled with amateurs. I know. I was and still consider myself to be one. You will find that there are sharks in these waters. Protect yourself and the 3D Studio users you work with now or you will bemoan the fact that you didn't later. FYI I am not now, nor have I been, employed as a writer or public relations person by anyone, during the past eight months. If I find that I can participate in furthering your goals without benefiting those I consider undeserving, I will. At your wish. Kevin Gibson Animation Nation <tm> -=Battle-scarred and blind-sided but still plugging.=-