So I'm down in artist block hell, wondering if I'll ever create a picture that is worth a damn, only to have the dying embers of my fading ego smashed flat by the Vue 7 demo reel.

Very nice, awesome work by all involved, and some how, so very far out of reach.

I suppose I am meant to think that "all this will be yours if you buy Vue 7", whereas I'm thinking "You'll never be as good as that, so don't kid yourself".

I sympathise with your plight!

My view is: if I can't make some halfway decent pictures with Vue 6 Easel (the cheapie version) -- and it's beginning to look like I can't -- then forget anything more expensive.

They are, after all, just expensive tools, not magic wands... and if I can't learn to tighten a screw with a simple screwdriver, what chance would I ever have with a... with a.... ummm... I wish I hadn't started this sentence now.

A lot of us have that feeling with new software. (I'm currently feeling like a complete moron starting out with C4D.)

The approach is one of attitude: the objective for me is not to be good as 'them' but rather better than I am now.

So you create a few stinkers (we all do). So what? Learn from the experience and the next image will be better.

Play, screw up, improve, produce. And repeat.

Yep, I think of all projects as a learning piece. Not the 'real' one, just another practice session.  If it doesn't work then fine, I have no problem tossing it and starting something else, or over from some other place. If it does work well then Bonus! I get something nice to display.
Harder to do if you are getting paid to make the thing, but for artists/hobbyists it's a helpful mindset

I think you guys are too hard on yourselves!!...........why do you say you cannot make decent images??.........Is it because you don't get enough views or comments on your work???...............If so, it really shouldn't be about that, it should be about if you're happy with what you have created, not what others think. Hell there's one artist in the Vue gallery that gets tons of comments on every image on what I consider mediocre stufff at best, but that's my opinion and I'm sure there are peeps out there that say the same about my efforts, but if I think they're ok, then they're ok!!
Don't be so hard on yourselves, maybe you're better than you think eh!!

I believe the fixer is very right.  Over the 6 years or so I have been at Rendo, a great deal of ratings and "Oh my god, the best I've seen etc....) has a lot to do with one's popularity.  I have seen some really terrific work here in VUE and only get a few views and comments.  While the comments have been good, few view it.

So don't let comments get you down, use them constructively.  Don't let few views or ratings stop you.  Just keep plugging along.

It is Only through Practice, Practice, Practice that one becomes better at what they do. Never give up, but instead use it as fuel to go on keep at it until you can reach the point you seek, then aim a little higher, then do it again!!!!

Mark, you do some Dang Good Work and have nothing to complain about. So you may be a little blocked right now, well rent a Sci-Fi Star Wars Movie and find some Muse buddy, LOL!!! Nice Gallery you there Mark!!!!!

I buy if the rendering is faster and has better interior radiosity.

It includes sample scenes used in the promo videos. You can study those scenes to learn the secrets. If you can understand, which is my sticking point

"Does anyone buy on the basis of a product showcase?"
Hell, yeah!! 

Quote - I suppose I am meant to think that "all this will be yours if you buy Vue 7", whereas I'm thinking "You'll never be as good as that, so don't kid yourself".

LOL! You are not alone!  Both viewpoints go through my head when looking through any software's marvellous promo renders! I initially go through my "OOoOooO! Shiny!!" reactions; but then I think, based on my own slow progression, "By the time I get there, we'll be rendering holograms!"

But be encouraged, my friend. With dedication and time, we can only improve!

A lot of posted renders from apps are touched up in Photoshop.  So that makes it hard sometimes to really see raw rendering abilities of programs.  I recently bought a ton of plants for another app I use.  So I thought for a moment that Vue 7 Inf would be just another huge 3D plant bundle I'd be ordering this month.

IMHO we all create the odd horrible pic!!! thats where the delete button comes in soo handy...... but there are some great learning resorces out there for you.
Check out geekatplay.com if you havnt already, their tutorials are the best!!!
Keep plugging away, look at other peoples work, troll the forums for ideas and fixes and take advantave of the tools that are avalible with vue.... things like skin vue, terrapak, the swarm, and interor pak to name but a few.
And dont be discoraged and think youll never be as good as some one else, some of us still feel like that from time for time that have been using vue for years!!
Develope your style, and stay true to what you want to create, and if the results arnt what you want, then try to find out why..... some one out there will be able to help you!!
Ve & ins a great tool. but start with what you feel comfortable with, then move on when finances and inspiration dictate it!