Quote - I like 3d World and computer arts, but here in Canada they are like $20 + a piece. So I only buy them when the CD has something worthy on it or ther is a feature I cannot do with out. :)

sweet mother of jebus. again, for a magazine?

if you count canadian taxes, then for 5-6 issues of 3D world you could just go out and buy Silo outright with a full commercial license. 24 issues will net you Zbrush 2.

since everyone who gets the software in 3Dworld gets the same serial number, there is no upgrade path, correct? so for example if 3Dworld has a copy of Bryce 4, i cant pick it up then upgrade to the current version for a reduced price? thats the only way id see it being worthwhile, and only if i knew in advance what software they were giving away.

so in the end, it seems like its not 'free' software after all.