Forum Coordinators: RedPhantom
Poser - OFFICIAL F.A.Q (Last Updated: 2025 Feb 03 12:46 am)
This makes no sense whatsoever. DAZ still has DAZ Studio available for free, an alternative to forking out a hundred bucks(or more depending on the version) for Poser. DAZ releases M3 and V3 for free, the 2 most pupular human figures there are among Poser users. So now, anyone with access to the internet can get into the Poser world for $0.00 and have some rewarding renders in a day. This means dozens, hundreds, maybe thousands of new customers for Poser content in the near future. So how does that in any way Reduce marketability of anything? Look at the galleries for crying out loud! :P Appearantly ~80% of the people using V3 don't have a clue about morphing her appearance(or they're just too lazy to do it). That means when they want a different look, they'll look for a different figure to accomplish it. This = $$$ for figure creators.
Was she a body builder? I thought she just happened to have broad shoulders. She was wearing only a scrap of lacy lingerie in the picture I saw, so I assumed she was a model of some sort.
Anyway, my point was that I think Posermatic is right. I doubt it was an attempt to be politically correct. It was a difficult task, and they didn't quite succeed. DAZ isn't perfect, either. The Anna Marie digital clone is not that attractive, and I think they intended her to be pretty. And everyone complains about V3's arms and shoulders. But since they have a whole staff to work on their models, they don't suffer from the tunnel vision that individual artists do. And even if a seriously flawed model is released, because they're DAZ, they get a chance to fix it.
My problem with the AMG package wasn't the looks of the model -- my problem was with the intial EULA that contained all of that heavily-lawyered language. No way was I going to purchase a model that I might get sued for using in an image. Sure, they toned downed the EULA later on: but the damage had already been done.
I would never accuse the creators of Dina of attempting to be "politically correct". Uh.....heh, heh....no-o-o-o-o...I don't think that the "PC" label would fit them very well.
I just think that they should have gone for the very "supermodel" look that some complain about all of the time. If they had done this, then I am willing to predict that Dina would have been a hit.
But they didn't, and she wasn't.
No.....my "PC" statements have more to do with those that constantly complain about the reality of the way that things are -- both in the marketplace and in the galleries
"Why don't landscapes get more views than pin-ups? It's not fair-r-r-r-r!"
"How come there's so much stuff for V3 in the marketplace? Why not for David?" ((Note: this question answers itself. It's obvious. It's just that some individuals don't want to admit the simple truth of the matter.))
The "PC" aspect of things comes out in an insistence upon merchants producing stuff that will not sell -- just to fit some sort of definition of "ordinary" or "normal".
A new corset for V3 will sell tons more copies than a t-shirt for David ever will or would.
Gotta go.
Goodnight.
Message edited on: 01/06/2005 00:15
I'm really glad Daz has given us V3 and M3, I'm also very interested in the new Kaimira figure. I like to work with new looks, one does not supplant the other at all. I also want to chime in with something way up at the top of this thread, I miss Anton's talent too! His work was about 75% of what I used to buy. I think you can't have too many works of art or too many fun Poser things to play with!
"Your work is to keep cranking the flywheel that turns the gears
that spin the belt in the engine of belief that keeps you and your
desk in midair."
Annie Dillard
Handspan --
You produce figures that are about as close to "perfection" as a 3D mesh will permit. Superb.
My hat's off to you.
Goodnight for real this time.
;-)
Thank you both, that's really nice to hear :). I'm always in the process of learning. Looking at those two Dina characters there are a lot of things I'd do differently now. Don't want to get too OT ;-). Thanks again for the kind words.
"Your work is to keep cranking the flywheel that turns the gears
that spin the belt in the engine of belief that keeps you and your
desk in midair."
Annie Dillard
Thank you Daz! I was beginning to feel locked in the stone age, not owning V3-M3 is icing on the cake. I think on the looks vs. support, I have to agree with XENOPHONZ. At least regarding Dina, I don't recall a lot of initial disappointment because she didn't have a bulging wardrobe closet or a slew of cosmetic surgery options. Everyone expected that those things would be a while in arriving. The major lament was, "she's ugly!" That IMO was the main factor in Dina's demise. Sure, there are people who thought she looked fine, that she was a welcome alternative to the "centerfold look", etc. but for many if not most, her looks simply didn't click and the air went out of the balloon. I'm sure they're a lot of people who make cold, pragmatic calculations on possible future support, versatility, etc. but I think for many, if a figure fails that initial conscious or unconscious "cuteness quotient," (at least for female figures), it's less likely that folks will spend money on it. I certainly wouldn't have bought Dina, enhanced polygon count, genitals and all if I had truly realized how she would look in the cold light of my CRT. That's not to knock her real-world counterpart. The real Dina, in all her sweat glistening, bikini bursting glory has an appeal that goes beyond her rather pedestrian face in a way her 3D avatar could never match.
"Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H. L. Mencken
Randy, Thank you. That makes more sense, and means this is a more honest and generous offering. I may or may not download them just to have in the archives, but still don't have any intention of letting them take over my libraries. It is a sharp business move in terms of cutting off all competition. That may not be good for the entire community... because we do need other approaches to figure creation and other looks to the finished models. However, it does ensure that DAZ will get a surfeit of artists locked into supporting them for a long, long time to come, and they will make money, too. But the originality will come from elsewhere. What we'll need is some independently wealthy merchants who can afford to be original and niche-market. Carolly
Once again: this is an offer. You may download both meshes for free now. But you are not forced to. If you do, and you want to use the characters people created, you will either have to buy the morphs also, or get the characters that are morphed by the artists themselves. (a few very good ones here ate R.!) As the best skins and clothes are sold here and at RDNA, just to name a few, as the best hair if free, or to be found on the same marketplaces, Daz will only have the morph packs. Imo it is an all or nothing move. But then I am not a commercial strategist. I know that V3 and M3 are quite impressive meshes within the limitations of Poser (joints, especially the shoulder, and the size of some parts of the body) and that Daz will need quite impressive servers to cope with the downloads. But whether you feel the need to download and start the money threadmill or not: that is your own personal choice and responsability.
I have tried prudent planning long enough. From now I'll be mad. (Rumi)
It is a sharp business move in terms of cutting off all competition.
Doesn't seem like this will "cut off all competition". The inclusion of characters in P4 and P5 didn't "cut off all competion" for Curious Labs in the realm of figure creation. In a sense, it helped spur the creation of DAZ. Competing with DAZ is certainly not easy, but it has more to do with market share, available R&D dollars, and the size of their "audience" and little to do with releasing V3 and M3 as free figures.
Laroo, Koshini, and Sixus's figures compete with DAZ's M3 and V3 and have their own following. Project Kaimira also appears to have the potential to be some pretty stiff competition for DAZ figures.
This is a smart marketing move for DAZ in that it will stimulate sales of more add-on merchandise for V3 and M3.
I just checked my email from DAZ's big plug about the free V3 & M3. ALL YOU GET THAT'S FREE IS THE BASE FIGURE. and nothing else. Not complaing but, all the fuss over a free product baffles my mind. They do thatso you'll buy the rest of the package. DAZ is a company pushing products. If they give one or two bases away free it helps their sales. Why such a fuss? It also may mean that DAZ may discontinue thes items and let us users sell what we make from then like you can with Victoria 1, remember her? All Daz is doing is promoting their products. I'll admit, I'm no fan of Daz the company, just some of their figure moldels and the fuss over V3 & M3 is hype. V3 have the best skin textures, that much, I will admit and that's why I like using her has nothing to do with looks for looks Ilike the EVE character with Poser4 so underrated and her cloths conform better than Vicki all a matter of taste when you come right down too it. and, as for M3 we need more male figures than female at this point!!! ;)
Message edited on: 01/06/2005 07:45
Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=12413&Form.ShowMessage=2058838
Thread on Kaimira."Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H. L. Mencken
I'm working on a project that corrects the shoulder problem, smooths the mesh so it'll take morphs better, regroups it to the same as David, and takes all David morphs, V3 head morphs, and a set of old M3 and Freak morphs. I'm also adding the V3 SAE hand scaling technology to him. I'm doing the same for the Freak. I'll be doing a preview of the new and improved versions late this week in Product Showcase.
It's amazing how people can find fault with getting something for free. In the past, people have complained about freebies they can't use because they don't have the required character, etc, and the lynch mob were out to hang any ingrates. The lynch mobs must be on vacation this time. In this case, DAZ gave us Vicky 3 & Mike 3. They're perfectly useful "as is," although, yes you'd likely want to buy skin textures, clothes and hair. But this is a major freebie. And now DAZ has a special deal on a package combining Mike 3's and Vicky 3's morphs as well. I've yet to find any alternative characters such as Dina who can step in to fill the void. And by god I'm going to wait and see just what is available for any new character before I spend my precious money buying it. Dina is still wandering around somewhere complaining she has no clothes. I won't add to the stable of useless models.
I am not trying to be confrontational nor am I trying to defend DAZ. I am simply trying to share some information as to DAZs motives and business practices.
It still baffles me that no matter what DAZ does there are people who try to bring it down as a negative thing. The conspiracy behind our reasoning for releasing Michael and Victoria is spelled out completely within the original post. It is our opinion that this community needs growth and we are making every effort to do that. To those who speculate about the lack of success of other 3D figures, have you considered that maybe it has something to do with the size of this market? I believe market size has more to do with it than anything else. A larger market will make more opportunities for more people and will create more choices for customers.
I find it interesting when people refer to DAZ as a big company in the forums. We may be fairly prominent in this community but relative to other businesses in the U.S. we are tiny and somewhat insignificant. This is yet another sign of the relatively small size of this community.
DAZ is a business and we have never claimed that we were anything else. And as a business, we really are trying our best for our customers. We have learned that if we do not take care of our customers, we will not remain in business and if we do we can succeed.
Our recent decision (please note that it was within the last month) to release Michael and Victory for free was based significantly on our desire to grow this market. Merchants here (Renderosity) as well as other sites will likely benefit significantly from this decision (as will the stores hosting their products).
I look back to the original meeting with fractal design where we first pitched the concept of having add-on models for Poser to where the market is today. It has grown rapidly from that point and I believe it will continue to grow. My hope in writing this letter is that people may consider and focus on the benefits of this decision rather than try to derail it. I hope people put their efforts on encouraging friends and acquaintances to give 3D a try. I hope we all will put our efforts in growing this community together.
Anyway, I wanted to share a few thoughts from my perspective on this.
Sincerely,
Dan Farr
President, DAZ Productions
It still baffles me that no matter what DAZ does there are people who try to bring it down as a negative thing.
It alternately baffles, amazes, and....yes....angers me.
I have absolutely no use for the unending DAZ-bashing on the part of some. It is neither justified nor is it right.
If all that one ever has to contribute to the discussion is an endless list of gripes, then there's a hint in there concerning the actual source of the problem........and it isn't DAZ.
DAZ is a business and we have never claimed that we were anything else. And as a business, we really are trying our best for our customers.
From what I've seen, you've accomplished this goal admirably.
Thanks.
My hope in writing this letter is that people may consider and focus on the benefits of this decision rather than try to derail it.
You've got my support 100%.
Dan, a I think lot of people are TREMENDOUSLY gratified by Daz' generosity to your customers, now and in the past. I don't know how often you visit here but believe me, this is just par for the course and actually rather mild by the usual standard. This is a microcosm of humanity and by nature some humans are crotchety, contrary and skeptical at times. Daz may be a tiny company relative to the Fortune 500 but you are the 300 lb. gorilla of the Poser content world and as such, you're going to be subject to the Microsoft syndrome. No matter what your motives, business model or actions, some will always to look for the cloud behind the silver lining, eager to pounce and say, "aha, I told you the emperor had no clothes!" If you opened a charity and gave everything away, you'd still get some complaints so I'm afraid the best advice is to just grin and bear it, never doubting that your efforts are truly appreciated by the sometimes silent majority.
"Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H. L. Mencken
No.....my "PC" statements have more to do with those that constantly complain about the reality of the way that things are -- both in the marketplace and in the galleries
I don't think that has anything to do with PC-ness, either. People tend to gripe when they don't get what they want. Always have, always will. Why not? It works, at least some of the time. Complaining is as much a part of human nature as staring at beautiful women. Maybe more, because even blind people can complain. ;-)
Jim, will your new and improved M3 be able to wear M3's standard clothing?
People tend to gripe when they don't get what they want.
It's not so much the "what" as the "why" behind it. And the "why" frequently has to do with some sort of a PC idea of "fairness".
I.E. - it isn't fair for beautiful characters to out-sell "ordinary" characters by wide margins. And it isn't fair for pin-ups to get 100's of views, while landscapes get 8 views.
And why isn't it "fair"? Because this betokens an uncomfortable reflection of the way that things are in the Real World.
Until such time as a Dina-esque figure comes anywhere near touching V3; or when "ordinary" character packages start selling at anything like the levels of "supermodel" character packages, then there's not much more to talk about here.
Oh, well.....I think that I've made my points on this particular subject. At least for this thread.
After a time, the discussion starts to go in circles.
Again, THERE IS NO CONSPIRACY! Conspiracy needs one or more persons joining together against another, usually with a bad purpose.I don't see here any of this. What this thread is about it's a series of thoughts about what could be the decisions and motifs around Anton and his project. I maybe wrong but, hey! it's what my chain of reason leads me to and just want to share it. DAZ decisions are of their own, I never imply that they did it because some dark motif or something like that or to vanish potential 3D figure creators just want to point out what could be the side effects of this. As I said before it's just a business decision, nothing more, I know that DAZ it's a small-mid size company but even as "small" as it could be I don't bite that the decison of give M3 and V3 was a "just yesterday". Doing this without planning and research would be a fools decision and DAZ it's not known as a dumb company, far from it. The idea of a man at his desk taking the phone and saying "what do you think if we give M3 and V3 free, just like Aiko? it had work great, yes, I think we could do millions with this! Do a "pressKit" and announce for tomorrow" Come on it's ridiculous. DAZ doesn't need to explain their actions nor I intend an explanation also but this kind of move would need a fore cast for the next months, the impact on the income, where the $ 20 bucks would come from for each of the buyers of both figures, how long would it take to return the profits, etc.. Anyway, the figure creation may suffer the impact but as I said before every item that has been done for these figures now has more potential sales, and that's good.
I think attributing it to "PC" is perhaps over analysis. You don't see people clamboring for mre gay and lesbian images or ethnic images or images of physically challenged characters.. I think it's simply a matter of 'I'm unhappy that what I like/want isn't what's popular.' Anyone over the age of 6 realizes that "fairness" has no place in that equation, but we still tend to insticntively think in those terms. It isn't "fair" that Bill Gates has more money than I do or that that I'm not having sex with Russian fashion models but such is the way of the world. Alright, the part about the fashion models really is a great injustice and probably the result of some nefarious action by Daz, damn them anyway.
"Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H. L. Mencken
Again, THERE IS NO CONSPIRACY!
OH YES THERE IS!!!!!!
You see.....there's these three guys I know.....they meet in a garage every Tuesday night.......well, these guys, they know all about a mysterious group called the Illuminati.
The Illuminati, together with the CFR, are plotting to take over the world.
International bankers have something to do with it, too. I'm rather vague on all of the details........
Anyway -- these three guys -- they say that the only thing that you can do is to dig a gigantic hole in the ground, fill the hole with boxes of peanut brittle, and then climb into the hole and bury yourself.
It's the only way to escape the mind control.........
Does DAZ have something to do with the Conspiracy? That's the serious question here. And we need answers.
pdxjims --
Thanks for the examples.
I'll be keeping an eye on the set. You might have a winner here.
Besides, it could help to make things normal again.
Jim, they look great.
It's not so much the "what" as the "why" behind it. And the "why" frequently has to do with some sort of a PC idea of "fairness".
I think you're reading in things that simply aren't there. Just because you don't want ordinary-looking figures or clothes for David doesn't mean no one does. I think people are asking for things they honestly want. They aren't all secretly wishing for more Voluptuous Vicky type stuff, while saying they want David clothing. You may find it hard to believe, but some people really do prefer landscapes to pinups. Why shouldn't they say so?
Just because you don't want ordinary-looking figures or clothes for David doesn't mean no one does.
When did I ever make the statement that I didn't want ordinary-looking figures or clothes for David? If any merchants choose to produce such items -- have at it.
Likewise, I have quite a few "ordinary-looking" characters in my library.
This is to miss the point --
I am for total liberty on the subject of products, or on what people would like to see in the galleries.
But I do not waste my time in constantly complaining about things that I don't happen to like. I don't continuously whine about GIRL renders, or about 'toon figures, or about other items that don't happen to fit my personal taste.
Yet I see an unending stream of gripes about "too many pin-ups", or "supermodel characters".
If someone likes/wants clothes for David, then they can have them and welcome. The clothes won't sell anything like items for V3 would, but that's none of my affair.
The key is on products that sell -- and this is a strong indicator of what the majority of people actually want.
Gripes about the fact that V3, and that items created for V3, dominate the marketplace derive from a refusal to acknowledge reality.
It isn't going to change. It's like complaining about the wind blowing.
I like landscapes. What I don't like is the constant drumbeat of complaint about things that aren't landscapes. Or woodcarving. Or cotton candy.
There is a reason why the galleries are overrun with pin-ups, and why pin-ups get far more views than other types of images. Complaining about it won't change anyone's mind: or anyone's personal taste.
Landscapes are great. Let's have more landscapes. Lots more.
But don't gripe when the pin-up shows 500 views, while the landscape next to it shows 10 views.
People are going to like what they like. PC or not.
Hi there,
I was searching for an old post of mine I needed and found this one. Hi Everybody! talk about being late. This shroud of mystery over the past had best be lifted now. So here is the scoop.
I was told I was not producing enough content and the extreme detail I was putting into my V3 $1.99 items did not justify my salary at only $1.99 each. And I was too opinionated with their methods. I was told that the PC members were complaining there was not enough variety and Daz could buy content cheaper than paying me to make it.
The tossed me and kept my PC.
They did not give me 30 days notice as per the contract.
I produced 7 times the amount of content of the entire inhouse staff for V3 in the same amount of time and was tossed because I wasn't generating enough revenue at $1.99 when their few $34.00+ items made more $$$. I felt that my salary, which was quite high, was simply being diverted as recommended by BryanB to Studio.
They paid me to make products as a contractor and continue to rework those items into new items with no credit or comphensation. I would never have willingly agreed to this if I was aware. I missed a loop hole in the contract which prevents me from seeking damages, and does indeed give Daz full rights to all derivatives. I felt I was tricked. I wasn't good enough but my work was spread amongst brokers to copy. They received credits yet I did not.
I was not an employee. There is no difference from the items Daz is now buying. Again, a loophole.
So please pay attentiont o this part: They ended my contract but then asked if I would continue to make items for them but just sell them outright at a fraction of my salary... a pittance. I was quite upset and in disbelief.
I was tired and worn out from 2 years of non-stop production, so I decided to try brokering again after LaurieS backed out of my plans for a store.
I planned to rebroker Maximus at Daz and then they commissioned David on the heels of my Maximus announcemnt. For anyone who thinks I am lying I have the dated brokering agreement from them. When I quoted BryanB's post(since editted) announcing 6 new Mil figures, Daz publically denounced my claims saying I was misleading people into thinking they were releasing a new figure. Dan tried to tell me David was just a morph pack add-on and I was misleading people.
They excluded me from M3(the public had the final files before I did, while still producing for the PC), and then used my V3 male morphs as a base starting point to match the scan data for M3.
They told their moderators and led the public to believe I have an NDA with them. I DO NOT!!!! MAB specifically sent me some brutal emails and IM's telling me I was banned for releasing private info. I can see her point since they had all been told I was under NDA. THERE IS NO NDA!!! ANd all info I was discussing at that time was told to be directly by Dan after my contract for Daz. NO NDA. NOT AN EMPLOYEE. Just like you guys.
But Daz has succeeded in silencing me in their forums, and to this day MAB, and other moderators continue to resist the idea that they might have been given inaccurate info. Cuz after all Anton lies right? This stuff is too sad to make up.
Despite trying to explain why that all info was told to me by dan personally on the phone after I left Daz and explaining that there is no NDA(post it please!!Dates and signature if it exists), she basiacally was like "You are the weakest link! Goodbye". I beleive she has hard feelings over something I cannot go into.
My texture friends at Daz, fearful of daz and panicked by my departure stopped speaking to me, returning emails, or phonecalls. It broke my heart. We used to be closest of friends and almost overnight it changed. At least Laurie was kind enough to be honest about it.
Pengy:
I was ready to start releasing products to Daz when he started with his "Anton's Agenda" thing. This pressured Dan into saving face and Dan backed out of the brokering agreement.
That was why I was so feverishly trying to defend myself and was angry at Pengy. If he,Calypso, and Bixou hadn't that it fun to "get Anton going". It was done for pure sport and entertainment. I might today be brokering at Daz. Remember I have the dated brokering agreement for that period.
various brokers:
After years of frustration, brokers were lining up to take pot shots when, behind closed door, I had gone to bat for so many of them fighting for priviledges they now enjoy.
So later that month my Dad died. Then I read a comment by someone saying I was a monster.
I turned off my computer, ripped the moden from the wall, and moved to Maine.
So that is some of why Anton attitude is what it is. So now you know what I am willing to share. And I would rather not think of it anymore.
About M3 being free. I did not know it at the time I left. I have no issues with competition, only exploitation.
Off to bigger and better things.
Cheers.
Anton Kisiel designs
I don't know why but for some reason mods delete my posts on this matter whenever Dan or someone from Daz asks them too. Daz is more than welcome to fax mods any documents I had with them or post them to the web if I am mistaken.
All this info is harmless, but the locks, removals, etc have added to this "mystique" where I have tried to explain, yet speculation is allowed to remain. I am a company(never an employee and have every right to discuss my own business affairs if I choose too).
There is no NDA. And nothing libelous(heard that one last time).
I am allowed to my opinion like anyone else. lol At least I thought I was. I must be an exception. :)
pS: Pengy's Triffid comment is a jab at me. It is what he, calypso, and Bijou used to call me. Best of luck on you unbias product reviews Pengy. I know you would never deliberately degrade anyone.
Message edited on: 04/30/2005 06:02
-Anton, creator of Apollo Maximus
"Conviction without truth is denial; Denial in the
face of truth is concealment."
I was only dimly aware of the "Trouble With Anton" thing, so I'm glad that you were able to tell your side of the story. It sounds like a sucky situation, especially with losing a parent coming in the middle of it all. I wish it were some bizarre, atypical horror story but many of us have been there to a greater or lesser extent. Money, ego, power, revenge all the ingredients of the human soap opera called life. The faces change, everything else stays the same. You would hope that a bunch of very intelligent, very creative people could find a different paradigm but unfortunately, they just come up with more intelligent, more creative ways to do the same old shit. I expect the pot will bubble over more in response to your version of events. For what it's worth, I hope things go well for you.
"Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H. L. Mencken
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I didn't buy the AMG character package.
As for Dina -- from the first, the model was faulted for its looks. Dina never had a chance.
In spite of what some would like to believe, the vast majority of men do not find female body builders to be attractive. A few men do, but they are in an extremely tiny minority.
Jessica Simpson draws a universe of attention more than does any hardcore female body-builder that one cares to name. Female body builders aren't featured on the cover of Playboy.
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