I think Poser and other apps like that are really limited in model creation. So users who use Poser are kinda stuck when it comes to creating models... thus they buy, or use other tools. But I think a lot of Poser artists would buy simply because there really are some good figures and realistic, scanned, skin and stuff that would take a whole lot more effort to make (dynamic clothing, etc). Even I've bought a 3DWorld issue that had a free Poser character in the CD. So I don't fault the artist... it's the software that's limited in modeling ability, and thus easier to just import. But I only have Poser 5 and don't know how the latest, greatest Poser does for modeling. Maybe it can model things beyond primatives now.

I do agree, there seems to be a shift towards selling content. Another forum here (*gasp! yes, Death actually reads up on the competition) is interesting to read from time to time as it seems their software makes use of importing objects with some sort of copyright tag embedded within the object, or something like that. Causes some problems. Scary things... reminds me of some years ago when "free" software shipped with ads embedded in them.

Anyway, Poser is just a convienent (sp?) example. I'm not trying to bash anyone's favorite application. Forgive me if it sounds like that. It's not intentional. I personally like Poser and wouldn't mind getting the latest. I would love to know how to make clothing or "rigging" and all that stuff.