If at all possible, could you require the vendors to make a note in their advertising copy as to what format their items are in? (.obj, .pp2, .obp, .mat, etc.) Since I cruise the "what's new" pages rather than the specific categories, I often see things that I would like, but hesitate to purchase because I don't know if they're for Poser or Bryce (and I don't have Bryce - don't WANT Bryce). These items in question are primarily props and materials. Most are clearly marked but there are a few that are not, which I discovered AFTER I had made the purchase. A good example is the Starship Corridor model. I suspect it's .obp, but there is nothing there stating whether it is or not. I'm not asking for a refund or anything, but it would be nice to avoid making the same mistake in the future. Thanks Kate

I wonder if it would be horribly cumbersome to allow the option of downloading the "readme" file before purchase. That might cut down on misunderstandings. --Terri

I would like to add to this thread, too. I would like to know what the uncompressed file size of each item in the download, and there should be a notice if the download is anything other than a .ZIP or .SIT.

Wyrwulf - All files are in ZIP or SIT format. You shouldnt find anything in the store thats not in these formats. If its MAC it should be SIT. If its PC it should be ZIP. If its PC/MAC it is more than likely a ZIP. Vendors can always be E-Mailed for product specific information thats not made available in the Promotional information. Clint Renderosity Administration

Hi, Clint. I have heard that some of the downloads are or were self extracting, as in .EXE. If that has been changed, that's a good thing.

Ding.... You are 100% correct. Very very few are. But there are a few. If I'm not mistaken some of the vendors have purchased software to allow them to have professional level installations of their packages. As a matter of fact Debbie M. uses a installer for her products. They are fantastic. Her stuff installs perfectly. And it is very professional. I think other vendors use installers but I'm not sure which ones they are. I do know Debbie M, uses one and it blew me away when I tested her product, Jayde. Clint

Just me, but I really dislike auto installers. Even Daz3D. I install my Daz stuff to the desktop and look it over before I put it into Runtime. I have downloaded some freebies that were self installing. Some worked right, some didn't. As long as someone else is making sure it works right, I guess it's OK. From what I've seen, most self install downloads are larger files than the corresponding .ZIP file.

The reason I don't like self-installers is that once they're finished installing I have to go back in and move everything to where I want it (I don't have a metacreations or curiouslabs folder, just a simple plain Poser 4 folder on my D drive (c is reserved specifically for the OS and nothing else) which can be really time consuming and irritating. Kate (who HATES autoinstallers with a passion)

We test all products for installation acuracy before they hit the MarketPlace and one of the requirements for installation is that they install into the runtime folder. This way it doesnt matter where you have Poser loaded. We require this for all Poser related products, Zip's or self installers. Clint

I have that program that allows you to make an .exe file...trouble is I haven't learned to use the thing yet :(

Ah, but even in my runtime folder I have to move things around since I keep all my girl people in one folder, all my guy people in another and my vicky in still another and so on and so forth. I don't use ANY of the folders that came with the program other than Characters, Poses, etc. Sooooo...I much prefer zip files rather than exe files. Just picky that way. :) Kate

Kate - I've been hearing a lot of users have their own folder setup under runtime. I can understand why you would prefer to have a ZIP. :) Clint

I zip my product because of the 'what goes where' issue. I have a program to do auto installs but only use that for hubby's genealogy programs. I like to have full and total control over where things are placed on my computer.. I really get annoyed not having this control with some installers.. So I don't use them.

I knew you would, Clint. :)