You just think its confusing, wait 'til you start using it. ; ) Whatever your reasons for plowing into 3D character work, Poser is the simplest for plug and play for this kind of software. 3DS, Lightwave, Maya, XSI have more power and steeper learning curves. "Pose her like a dolly" ??? That metaphor will work if that is the context you want to work in. Despite it's humble beginnings illustrators are doing some very decent work with it. You won't "need" to buy anything else when you buy Poser. Included content would could most busy for quite some time. You're own desires to do more or add on will develop naturally. That includes developing a desire to never waste another second indoors tweaking dials posing 3D characters. It depends on why you want it. good luck