Hi all. I have just discovered the joys of fractal graphics:) and have a few questions. First off, I am trying to subscribe to the Apo mailing list in order to get version 2, with no luck for a few days now. Does it always take that long? And is there another way to get this version? Secondly, I am considering buying UltraFractal, for the sheer fact that Apo doesn't see to have any features as far as changing the background color, adding transparency, etc. Or am I just not finding those things? Is UltraFractal worth it's $60? Thanx in advance to anyone who would answer.

Firstly, Apophysis 1 does not have the features that you described, but Apophysis 2 does. Sometimes it takes a day or two for the mailbots to place you on the list. If you don't hear today, try sending your subscription request again. UltraFractal is definitely worth its price, if it does what you want it to do. It is not just a render engine for Apophysis, but rather an amazingly powerful and flexible fractal generation program. It has the ability to work in layers directly in the program itself, to merge and clip and rotate and mask and many other features. It's very powerful, yet fairly easy to use, with terrific support and lots of users who are willing to help. Send me an IM if you have any other questions. I would be happy to help if I can. Tres

I agree with tresamie. Think of UltraFractal as the Photoshop of fractal programs. Its layering ability is what gives it its appeal to me. And not relying on heavy math knowledge is a positive boon for me. :0 P.S. Five min. before I logged on I decided I was going to get the credit card out and order my key.

Thank you both for replying. I did get UF, just for the shear fact that I can export PS files if nothing else (I would still rather do my editing in PS)--although it does seem like a very powerful program. Certainly, the person who wrote it did a very thorough job, so the money is well earned. And what's $60 in comparison to what I spend on Poser stuff?:)