For those who are fans of Poser Works stuff, there is a sale at Content Paradise.  30 - 50% off regular prices.

A couple of years ago I went hog wild and bought all of their Christmas stuff and then some. 

http://www.contentparadise.com/us/user/partner.poserworks

Too bad their license doesn't allow for use of their models in any animations without written premission.  I'll pass until they change that silly EULA they use by removing all of section 5 and come into line with every other Poser merchant.

**excerpt from: poserworks model license agreement
**> Quote - 5. Prohibited use of Models includes: (a) broadcast publication, (b) finished software or end-user gaming products (either downloadable or commercially packaged for commercial) for retail markets (c) animated short or feature (to include film, magnetic video tape, CDR, DVD, or Webcast media) using Models or PW custom designs for commercial or retail distribution. The ONLY exception to prohibited Models usage is if Buyer obtains express written permission from PW to do so. Such permission will only be granted to Buyer if the following criteria is met: (i) terms are reached and are agreeable to both parties, (ii) terms are stated in writing by PW in a formal License Agreement, and (iii) License Agreement is signed by authorized representatives of both parties (PW and Buyer). NO EXCEPTIONS.

TWIMC,

I agree.  Does anyone know why this is made so restrictive, i.e., *"NO EXCEPTIONS?"

*Why purchase something if it can not be "used?" (rhet)

This is a shame because their products appear to be excellent. (imvho)

Would you buy a car if you could not drive it on the highway without the "written" permission from the company that produced it?

Just my $0.02 ... ;=]

cheers, (?)
dr geep <------------- will not purchase anything *
;=]

• that can not be used without getting my lawyer involved, i.e., "... signed by authorized representatives ..."

Epilog:

FWIW ... I have sent an email to PW with an inquiry about the above subject.

I will let you know when/if I receive a reply FYI.

cheers,
dr geep
;=]

interested

This doesnt entirely surprise me. I shouldnt generalize but in the "digital production" or game world, you often have multiple licensing models.

We do not limit usage in animation at all, but we have separate licensing for embedding our geometry in a real-time system - ie a "game license".

With music, we have separate licensing for audio - our Indie verisions are mp3s and great clarity for online production, games, etc. Our pro versions are the raw .wavs so its really crystal - those are for broadcast, DVD and television, and are more expensive.

I dont speak for Poserworks but, I can see where they are coming from as they make some unique looking characters and may want to exploit these in a mostly exclusive way themselves for broadcast. There are other reasons, too, like having characters do product endorsement or even porno or something political.

I had not realized these draconian licensing terms were on some products. While I can understand the point chikakao is making, I will be paying close attention to licensing from now on. NO WAY will I pay for a model that requires special licensing to animate! Poser, DAZ|Studio, Cinema4D, Carrara, etc. are animation programs and any content sold for use in them should already include the rights to animate - don't sell it if it's so freakin' precious.

Most Poser marketplaces have near standard terms which allow you to use your renders (single image or a sequence) just about however you want.  But CP allows every vendor to have their own EULA.  To be honest I see them as the bad guy here, they should have not allowed a vendor in their marketplace with such out of norm terms.

On the other hand I'm not even 100% sure what that section 5 really means.  I'm pretty sure it was written a long time ago.  When things like "broadcast publication" meant one thing.  I don't think it means that any more.  and the bit on the end of the sentence on various media "commercial or retail distribution" could mean just about anything really.  I doubt a lawyer wrote that.  I wish they would spell out exactly what they mean rather than have something so vague it could mean anything and tack on to that a fishing for more cash clause.

I'm lucky I only have one item from them.  When CP first opened they sold the Poserworks giant spaceship for $1.99.  It was the first and only Poserworks product I've bought.

The really funny part is their license is very limited but their prices are actually well above norm.  You would think that given how limited their products usage is they could sell it for a lower rate, but instead they have gone the other way.

My philosphy with licences is more much pragmatic. 

Once it's paid for I'll do with it as I choose. 

Obviously I won't give it away or sell it on. But if theres something that could be considerd to be an unfair term - say like not being allowed to animate or you can't use it to create logos - then stuff it. 

Most of the time you can't read the licence or any terms and conditions until you buy the thing, so how can you agree to the terms when you don't know what they are ?   

Also a bit of realism - say you (based in the) UK sell a 10 buck model to some guy in the USA and then tell him your terms say you can't do that, and then threaten to sue him, he's gonna laugh at you.  Even if you could track the guy down,  he might have a better lawyer! 

You pay a ton of money for their models and they still restrict you and I need their permission to use the stuff I paid way too much for? I'm glad their are good alternatives available that have much better licenses and cost a lot less.

I've only purchased a few models from them and I still wonder why I ever paid so much for them, they're not even worth the money you pay for them. I'm glad CP also has a 30 day money back guarentee!

sigh

I only posted this to let those who like their products know about a chance to buy more at up to 50% off. 

If you don't like their products for whatever reason, that's fine. But there is no reason to turn this thread into something negative :(

Sorry, didn't mean to derail your good intent Acadia. I was just shocked by the news of their licensing.

I saw their XMas stuff in a commerical here during the XMas season.  I bet they want to use their stuff for animation/commerical use & no one else - just a guess.

That said their stuff is adorable.

I really like CP's way as its really more like the traditional software market (if you can call it traditional). You do need to read EULAs, true. But at the same time, the way its set up means you can get our stuff right when we release it (ie because they have a great system, we can simultaneously release on our own site and CP).

I couldnt tell you how many are making their daily bread from the 3D licensing market - but a lot of those that take it seriously (like PoserWorks) are on CP because their system is awesome.

They have Amy up there, but not Bob ?