What gave you the idea I took it personally? I have answered this question many many times. Often, someone else posts after I have with a more difficult version of the same solution. How is the same solution an alternative, if it cannot be measurably differentiated in any way, except that it is more work to achieve the same results?

In case you don't know it, I'm an engineer. Alternatives that don't make sense are like an itch to me. I have to scratch. It's not because I took it personally. It's because I can't grasp why people wish to remain unclear on simple concepts like multiplication by zero (or black), and why they take the time to do things the longer way, and even moreso, why they take the time to type out an explanation to someone that there is a longer way that doesn't do anything at all differently in terms of the effects.

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Renderosity forum reply notifications are wonky. If I read a follow-up in a thread, but I don't myself reply, then notifications no longer happen AT ALL on that thread. So if I seem to be ignoring a question, that's why. (Updated September 23, 2019)