A couple of notes:

1. Correction: The "Best Freebies of 2012", take from the thread of the same title in the Renderostiy Freebie forum, includes products that were not released in 2012... For instance, the metaball python script was released years ago. (I know, since I tried several times to get it to work with different versions of Poser, over the years. Just checked the Python file dates, themselves: 11/01/03.)

2. On DAZ's policy - I don't know other than what I've read in this thread. But, it doesn't sound as if it's a terribly big deal. However, I'm not sure I'm interpreting things correctly. If the problem is that DAZ will not allow content creators to post promotional material for items they are selling off-site, then that is standard protocol for just about any private forum I can think of, not just those connected to commercial sites. This, to me, is sensible - DAZ shouldn't have to pay to run forum servers that serve as advertising platforms for other sites and product bases. The way to get around that is, of course, to advertise "Free Products", since DAZ supports others who offer free contributions to the community. So, someone like the wonderful Mostdigitalcreations can offer freebies endlessly and benefit by attracting more potential customers. This benefits both someone like DAZ/Renderosity, who benefit from a vendor's own marketing efforts and the forum user who happens to rush off to download yet another freebie that they'll probably never use... but have to collect anyway. :D

If it was me, I'd try to work out whatever misinterpretations gave rise to the current situation so that both you and DAZ could benefit. Give them free advertising in your e-mag with product and feature spotlights and agree to give away one issue every quarter in exchange for the right to post a promotional announcement "Freebie" in their forum, in the appropriate sub-forum. Problem solved. But, then again, they don't have to agree to that... ;)

3. Good luck! I looked over your mag and I liked the layout. I would encourage some better renders, though. Not that they're bad, not at all. Just get those render contests going a bit stronger and attract more artists to them. RDNA has some really nice render threads and you could probably get some good responses, there. (Don't forget, Reality3 for Poser is out and that's going to deserve a headline in your next issue.)

 

PS - A stop over at CGSociety might help get you some interview opportunities that could be interesting to readers. Lots of pros, there. (Though, outside of the much-shunned Poser/DS community. :D But, even hobbyists like to learn about professionals.)