I recently won a copy of Quidam 3 in a comp over at 3D commune, so Im working my way through that. Also downloaded the demos of Zbrush 3 (takes some getting used to) and Terragen 2, which is completely differrent from the first version and Ive just bought "Sketchup for dummies" from Ebay. Plus Ive just got that great litle free app Shapeshop and upgraded from my "free with a magazine" 5 year old 2d paint proggy to PS Elements. 
Only thing I havent done is come up with any new pics Ive started a few, then thought "Ooh, I can use my new copy of xxxxx for that" and then it all grinds to a halt as I get lost .
I`m beginning to think I would be better off just using Bryce or Poser. Might get something productive done then.  Just thinking aloud, here.

Well, if you took your finger out your nose you might get something done! :lol:

I do know what you mean. You start going down the different pathways until you get totally lost. I tend to use several programs but try not to do it all at once. I'll finish a phase then go into the next one step at a time.

BTW, congrats on your win!

I know exactly what you mean - but its so tempting to try out all those new programs, however i think i'm learning to get a hold on myself. The main reason im looking at other 3D-prog's than bryce is that i'm extremly nerveous about it's future - the poor thing have had many foster-homes and the last place it's stuck - well its like the story of cinderella ..with bryce beeing the good orphan LOL. Well to make a lshort story long...i think one HAS to concentrate on 1,2 or 3 porgs - or else you'll end up been halfbad/halfgood at all of them

/Arne

Quest, if I take my finger out my brains leak. At least, I think it`s  my brains.

As to Bryces future, it dont look good, do it. I`m too old to learn something like a top end app but Vue and maybe Terragen with their ability to populate scenes so well are the answer.  Have to try and win one LOL. 

Another thing Ive got to do is stop going to sites like CGSociety. Gawd, thats depressing. I look at their stuf then look at what I`m working on and click the close button and go and watch telly. 

I tend to download these trial versions, take one look at the interface and never open them again! lol.
Congrats on the Commune win Alan!
I wouldn't give up on Bryce just yet. Daz have recently begun to tackle the bugs list and an update, at least, is expected sometime. Hopefully they will then pursue an upgrade version!

Sambucus - yeah i know - just when i think i'm just alittle bit good, i come across some young guy/girl on the net which make me wanna go hang myself LOL - well, i'm not supposed to live of this, and it's still great fun to explore the possibilities in especially bryce, but also C4D and VUE. VUE by the way has come in af free version 7 - named VUE Pioneer - the only drawback is that it renders a VUE 7 logo as well on your renders :-S

the real revalation of 'you have too much stuff' is when you have to lug it up to a 2nd floor apartment...;)

I passed up a free copy of Cinema 4d on one of those 3d magazines, because I had too much stuff already...;)

shapeshop...hmmm...off to go see.

Generate object in Wings. Do test renders in Carrara 5 to check mesh. Import object into bryce. Texture, position, light, and render plate. Generate a mask for the object while at it. Create starfield in Artweaver. Place in Paintshop Pro and hand paint a nebula. Bring in the Bryce plates and composite final image. Yeah. I know what you mean.

cyba_storm LOL - exactly :-)

Same goes with Music.  I was limited by the hardware I had and forced to squeeze every bit out of them, but now with virtual instruments, I have too much choice.  I spend too much time playing with the fun sounds rather than record something. :)