This has really been helpful.

I feel stupid, but that's more or less my ground state so I'm used to it. But I made progress, and I know a lot more now than I did an hour ago, so I am grateful.

The truth is this -- I've ALWAYS wanted to create visual art of some kind. I don't have the innate talent for drawing or painting, so when I saw Poser I thought I might finally be able to create something beautiful. 

Now I have hope that might actually happen. The problems are solvable, and there are cool people who will help. Thanks.