Quote - So when I was active AO was all the rage and it was what everyone talked about non-stop.

Now apparently it is weight mapping.  I'm seeing it all over the forums.  I suppose there are probably tutorials out there that go over it, but I think I would get a better understanding from regular users.

At a cursory glance, this has something to do with bending.  Well that's good, because in the past some bending has been just horrible.  

I guess my new Poser has some ability in this regard.  Neato, something else to learn lol.

I'm really interested to understand the ins and outs of it.  What it is, what it is used for, why it is used, is it really the new sliced bread?  

 

Well, it's the old sliced bread in any other 3D application, but it finally made it's way to the one app where human figure rigging is the primary focus.  Weight mapping isn't a new concept by any means, it's been around in the so-called "high end" apps for many years, and in simplest terms, it allows you to pose your figure much more naturally, without running the risk of screwing up the mesh (ie., breaking joints, etc.).  Vicki's armpits, for example, will not need to be postworked to look like a real human being anymore.  With weight mapping, you can pose her arms down to her sides, and her armpits no longer will cut up into her shoulders. ;)

Like yourself, I've been away from Poser for a while.  Seriously liking the new features I'm seeing, and may actually upgrade from the version I currently have, which is... pathetically enough... P6.

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Tools :  3dsmax 2015, Daz Studio 4.6, PoserPro 2012, Blender v2.74

System: Pentium QuadCore i7, under Win 8, GeForce GTX 780 / 2GB GPU.