Hi everyone!

I'm sure you all know who I am by now, but if not I wanted to introduce myself!

I'm Hope, the Community Manager at Renderosity! One of my goals this year is to be more in-tune with you guys and get to know you slightly better. While there are some days I am busy beyond belief, I will always make time to listen to your concerns/issues and address them as I can. So, I'd like to get to know you a bit better and learn more about you.

In addition to being the CM, I'm also the editor of Renderosity Magazine. I do publish Artist Spotlights from time-to-time and that is how I get to know some of you, but unfortunately, I cannot do one on every single one of you -- as much as I'd LOVE to!

Anywho, I'd like you to post a few things about you that no one knows so maybe all of us can get to know one another.

Here are a few things about me:

• I've always wanted to become a writer ever since I was a kid.
• I am engaged to a man named Brett and we have a dog named Ollie.
• I love connecting and getting to know other people.

Now, it's YOUR turn! Let's have some fun and enjoy each other! After all, we are all here for one reason... We Renderosity!

• I enjoy creating short animations in Carrara, using mostly Poser and Carrara format 3D elements
• I enter the 48 Hour Film Contest here in Houston, two days to make a 4-7 minute animation given a genre (drama, comedy, western, ... about 15 total, drawn from a hat at the start of the contest), a prop, a character (name and occupation) and a line of dialogue.
• Other programs include Vue Complete, Poser Pro 2014, Photoshop, Particle Illusion, Music and Sound Effects from Digital Juice
• A major source of inspiration is "The Complete Calvin & Hobbes", three big, heavy volumes with all the comic strips.
• Favorite genres include SciFi, Steampunk, Medieval, 1950's.
• Favorite movies: "A Christmas Story", anything from Pixar, anything from the Coen Brothers
• Favorite shows: HBO's "Rome" & "The Sopranos" & "The Wire", "Big Bang Theory", "The Twilight Zone"

Nice, @Stevek! Thanks so much for the information! And... who doesn't LOVE "A Christmas Story?" Seriously!!!

Thanks for sharing! I'd love some more members to join in on the fun!

I use Poser, Blender, Shade3D and Design Doll; sometimes MakeHuman. Over the past few years, I have specialised in anime-style 3D CG rigged and unrigged but poseable Ball-Jointed Doll figures. I also make them into 3D printable and low-resolution papercraft versions. I have to-date printed out a prototype head using iMaterialise's service. I have used 3D content in my visual novel otome game. I plan on creating for Augmented Reality as well, using my original geometries as a starting point.

Years ago, as a rookie user of 3D CG human figure software, I dabbled in DAZ Studio and the earlier versions of Poser (- mostly as art therapy while fighting a disease). I now use Poser primarily. I am also interested in Japanese animation and manga arts; therefore have dabbled in MikuMikuDance and Live2D, but have not gone very far with those ! I have tried Houdini, but again, I am not a VFX person. For 2D, I use GIMP, Clip Studio, and sometimes dabble in Anime Studio.

I have seen a lot of drama and emo in 3D CG forums and discussion threads all over the internet. I am at the stage where I just roll my eyeballs and let it go, lah lah lah.

Sorry, But I was her to get stuff I need for my Poser works for a reasonable price. That's all. But that has happened before that terrible 'revelution' since Rendo is going to be a Facebook clone. And this thread is a complete proof of copying Facebook. You want to know who I am and what I like? Huh? Your job should be to get me to spent my money here ant that, as much as possible. In a store like Rendo has been there shall be no place for simple smalltalk like that. The forum should be there to help using your stuff or helping anybody who has problems using his tools, But 'Tell me who you are' or other threads similar to that that you have been opened here... I can only shake my head about that. And the responce of the community to that kind if threads should have give you a hint meanwhile, sorry...

chanur56 posted at 7:20PM Sun, 24 January 2016 - #4250958

Sorry, But I was her to get stuff I need for my Poser works for a reasonable price. That's all.

I also want to get good products at a reasonable price. But that's not all, I also want to share experience with other Forum members. Many of the folks here have great advice to offer. And I forgot to mention in my earlier post, here are my short Carrara animations:

https://www.youtube.com/user/SteveK77536?app=desktop

@chanur56 - If you don't like the topic of the thread then why did you reply to it?

Good to hear about some of you!

@Chanur: I'm sorry you do not like our activities as they are a means to get to know staff and each other. Although we do have the MP, we are also a community of members. The site is not just about making money, its about having a community of people that share a love of art. I'm sorry you did not see it that way. I hope to see you active in future activities.

Community? What community? All the great people you have driven away with your so called 'revolution? Where is your community that asks for threads like that? Look at this thread for example. It is three days old now and has 8 postings, two from me, four (!) are from stuff or moderators and two more from members? If your 'community' is eager for this Facecrap-style threads where are all the postings? See what I mean?

If you really want to have a happy community (back) than use your power instead for opening threads where no one seems to be interested in into bringing back the functionality that your site had before your 'revolution' started.

Or, if that is asked too much, start trying with smaller things like providing the so called 'Freebies' for Prime members (which have been sold as a 'feature' of the new Prime membership') in the same month they are ment for. It is January 25th today and I still don't see any. Don't you have one yet? Not found a vendor 'eager' to gift it to you? Or do you have it already, but then, why not give it to your customers who have paid for It as soon as you have it? Why waiting?

And, @ wheatpenny, you comment 'If you don't like the topic of the thread then why did you reply to it?' is not helpful at all. It simple means 'If you don't like it, shut your mouth and let it go on as it is. Look around in your forums, isn't it already silent enough for you? Where are all the posters gone that have used this forum only months ago, When we have had more new threads in a day then now in a week? And I cannot remember that there has been any thread in between like this one. Ok, to a certain point I can see the idea behind this one, but I can give you list of similar threads (Halloween? Thanksgiving? Christmas? Remember?) that may be absolutely runners in Facecrap and other similar site which people seem to need for a social life, but I don't see any sense for it in a forum belonging to a shop (of course that is only my own opinion, you and others may see or see it different), But to say 'shut up if you don't like it' is just... ah, go figure, my Prime membership ends in May, you'll have me silent then...

chanur56 posted at 10:55AM Mon, 25 January 2016 - #4251121

Community? What community? All the great people you have driven away with your so called 'revolution? Where is your community that asks for threads like that? Look at this thread for example. It is three days old now and has 8 postings, two from me, four (!) are from stuff or moderators and two more from members? If your 'community' is eager for this Facecrap-style threads where are all the postings? See what I mean?

If you really want to have a happy community (back) than use your power instead for opening threads where no one seems to be interested in into bringing back the functionality that your site had before your 'revolution' started.

Or, if that is asked too much, start trying with smaller things like providing the so called 'Freebies' for Prime members (which have been sold as a 'feature' of the new Prime membership') in the same month they are ment for. It is January 25th today and I still don't see any. Don't you have one yet? Not found a vendor 'eager' to gift it to you? Or do you have it already, but then, why not give it to your customers who have paid for It as soon as you have it? Why waiting?

And, @ wheatpenny, you comment 'If you don't like the topic of the thread then why did you reply to it?' is not helpful at all. It simple means 'If you don't like it, shut your mouth and let it go on as it is. Look around in your forums, isn't it already silent enough for you? Where are all the posters gone that have used this forum only months ago, When we have had more new threads in a day then now in a week? And I cannot remember that there has been any thread in between like this one. Ok, to a certain point I can see the idea behind this one, but I can give you list of similar threads (Halloween? Thanksgiving? Christmas? Remember?) that may be absolutely runners in Facecrap and other similar site which people seem to need for a social life, but I don't see any sense for it in a forum belonging to a shop (of course that is only my own opinion, you and others may see or see it different), But to say 'shut up if you don't like it' is just... ah, go figure, my Prime membership ends in May, you'll have me silent then...

No it is not only you, I too think a lot of the best people have been driven away. If you want a community to share the love of 3D art then I would suggest a thriving gallery would be a good part of that, shame then that some here are deleting their entire galleries.

At the moment I mainly post in the Prime forum (well I have to make some use of the $29.99 I threw away) and most the time to show there are better deals elsewhere and you don't have to pay an up front membership fee to qualify. The Poser forum is a shadow of what was but then a lot of the Poser user no longer buy from the store and thus don't visit anywhere near as often than they used to, if at all.

If Rendo wants a community they would spent their time better by improving the way the forums are moderated. If you want to see how that is done have a look at RDNA, if you want to see a community try looking at Hivewire3D.

No Rendo is not the community it once was and even as a shop it is a poor clone of Daz3D

Thank you everyone!

I simply posted this as a way to get to know the community a bit more. When I think of a community, I think of it as a family. Rather, it's filled with knowledge, advice and people helping other people. I am the Community Manager and I'd like the community to grow as a whole and lean on each other when needed. It's not always about the money aspect of things as much as some of you think so, it's also about learning from each other, growing as a digital artist and being kind and nice to one another.

Thank you!

hopeandlove posted at 6:37PM Mon, 25 January 2016 - #4251173

Thank you everyone!

I simply posted this as a way to get to know the community a bit more. When I think of a community, I think of it as a family. Rather, it's filled with knowledge, advice and people helping other people. I am the Community Manager and I'd like the community to grow as a whole and lean on each other when needed. It's not always about the money aspect of things as much as some of you think so, it's also about learning from each other, growing as a digital artist and being kind and nice to one another.

Thank you!

You have my 100% support in that and I know that you are not only sincere in your aims but if it were in your power there would be a community here. The problem is the aim of being kind and nice to each other is not supported in the other forums. For example, the 'my software best argument appears' in the Poser forum on at least a weekly basis. It is the same argument with the same points that has been argued for four years. It has no value and helps no one and there a certain people who are far from nice and kind. The thread is always the same it runs for page after page than a mod steps in asks for everyone to behave. Some do but most don't and the thread get locked, but only after the thread has moved a long way from kind and friendly.

The big point is that these arguments never run that far elsewhere. Honestly if you want to see a kind and friendly community in action go to Hivewire3D and pick any thread, then compare it to the average thread in the Poser forum, then tell me which is the most kind and friendly.

whilst i can appreciate the intent behind this thread, and my frustration and disappointment regarding the whole re-design burnt out a while ago [things are what they are], and i say this without any vitriol, venom or spite, it all feels somewhat akin to 'a little too late'.

the 'community' is fractured, remains so, in my eyes at least.

and i think some of the emotions/thoughts in this thread have a bit of validity, though i see it slightly differently. and it goes like this:

we come into the forums, voice concerns, or are looking for answers, and there are days that go by where those threads are not visually acknowledged by staff [meaning p'raps they've been read, but no reply/response has been offered], and maybe there is nothing TO say in response; however, it can translate that the OPs are not terribly important, or rather their thoughts/concerns/whatever. and now this thread - where posters are being asked to offer up even more of themselves to a perceived non-caring staff. i think in some eyes, just the asking can be viewed as being selectively interactive with website members, meaning the underlying message is felt as 'we are far more willing to interact in this fashion , and only on our terms'. it ends up feeling rather selfish in the end on the part of staff.

the idea of community is the fair exchange of interaction, the give and the take...

and let me be clear, just so no one tries to twist my intent of response here - i say none of this from a negative perspective. i am merely trying to offer up a different way of seeing things in order to possibly aid in the understanding of those who may post disgruntled thoughts to the idea behind this thread...

[edited for punctuation]

Giana posted at 9:39AM Tue, 26 January 2016 - #4251233

whilst i can appreciate the intent behind this thread, and my frustration and disappointment regarding the whole re-design burnt out a while ago [things are what they are], and i say this without any vitriol, venom or spite, it all feels somewhat akin to 'a little too late'.

the 'community' is fractured, remains so, in my eyes at least.

and i think some of the emotions/thoughts in this thread have a bit of validity, though i see it slightly differently. and it goes like this:

we come into the forums, voice concerns, or are looking for answers, and there are days that go by where those threads are not visually acknowledged by staff [meaning p'raps they've been read, but no reply/response has been offered], and maybe there is nothing TO say in response; however, it can translate that the OPs are not terribly important, or rather their thoughts/concerns/whatever. and now this thread - where posters are being asked to offer up even more of themselves to a perceived non-caring staff. i think in some eyes, just the asking can be viewed as being selectively interactive with website members, meaning the underlying message is felt as 'we are far more willing to interact in this fashion , and only on our terms'. it ends up feeling rather selfish in the end on the part of staff.

the idea of community is the fair exchange of interaction, the give and the take...

and let me be clear, just so no one tries to twist my intent of response here - i say none of this from a negative perspective. i am merely trying to offer up a different way of seeing things in order to possibly aid in the understanding of those who may post disgruntled thoughts to the idea behind this thread...

[edited for punctuation]

Very well said, and I would not dream to try and twist your intent which is admirable and I think the same about the intent of this thread which I believe was posted with the best of intentions. Seen in isolation there is nothing wrong with this thread but regular users are not going to see this in isolation and are going to view it with the experience of what has happened here and come to their own conclusions.

As has already been said here by chanur56, there was a community here if you go back far enough and I learnt a great deal here in thread after thread in the Poser forum. Over time the moderation seem to become lax and, at times, nonexistent. This, added to by a number of 'improvements', meant a number of good helpful people either went into lurk mode or closed their account. If that was not bad enough the this was followed by the Prime 'improvement' fiasco which resulted in a great deal of anger and rather than try and placate the members they were treated by some individuals with contempt. To add insult to injury Rendo then tried to wash their hands of this by blaming the Vendors for the change. Of course all this was played out in the Prime forum and thus was mostly hidden from the non-prime members who probably could not understand the anger being displayed elsewhere. If this was not bad enough, the Prime changes took place, with superb wisdom, at the same time as the latest big site change which invited, and indeed resulted in, a total disaster for a week or more.

All of this would have been enough to on it's own but then the market place then suddenly became a poor man's Daz3d and many who had shopped here for years felt short changed. That could well be the way the market has moved but again seen in the light of what has gone before many saw it as a new policy by Rendo.

Despite the claim that this site is more than shop some users, me included, deleted their galleries due to the massive advertising that started to appear that overwhelmed the uploaded images. Hopeandlove tried over a number of days to change my mind and at least leave the gallery there but still I deleted the whole thing, ten years of images in total. It took me a number of hours, as the only way to do it was delete each image individually, so it was not something I did on a whim. My dealings with Hopeandlove at that time convinced me that the aim was to build a place here and I have not change my mind one jot in that respect.

So why have I taken the time to write all this when I have mainly given up on Rendo, well it is not because I think it will improve. No I did it because I admire what Hopeandlove is trying to do and, while I understand the negativity here, I do not want Hopeandlove to take it personal. There is nothing wrong with the aim of this thread but there is too much history and, again as chanur56 already commented, this is clear from the lack of people who are actually buying in to the process.

Thank you everyone for providing me with your concerns.

We're always here to listen and always take them into consideration. I care about the community as a whole and want nothing more than to grow the community.

Here is the thing though, since I've come into this role - in June- my goal was to get the mods/coords to police the forums. It seems the past CM didn't require them to do that, so it's NOT their fault. They were doing what they were asked of. However, now, I'm changing things by making sure the coords/mods pay closer attention to the forums and the bad behavior. They WILL warn, ban and lock any thread that gets chaotic. I DO NOT want the community to get out of hand - like it had been in the past.

We're turning a new leaf and I need you guys to help me in supporting that. I've gotten support from a few of you, but I'm going to need it from ALL OF YOU. At the end of the day, I want nothing more than the community to lead a hand when needed, show support and appreciate one another. So, please help me doing that!

Thank you ALL!

hopeandlove posted at 7:44PM Tue, 26 January 2016 - #4251324

Thank you everyone for providing me with your concerns.

We're always here to listen and always take them into consideration. I care about the community as a whole and want nothing more than to grow the community.

Here is the thing though, since I've come into this role - in June- my goal was to get the mods/coords to police the forums. It seems the past CM didn't require them to do that, so it's NOT their fault. They were doing what they were asked of. However, now, I'm changing things by making sure the coords/mods pay closer attention to the forums and the bad behavior. They WILL warn, ban and lock any thread that gets chaotic. I DO NOT want the community to get out of hand - like it had been in the past.

We're turning a new leaf and I need you guys to help me in supporting that. I've gotten support from a few of you, but I'm going to need it from ALL OF YOU. At the end of the day, I want nothing more than the community to lead a hand when needed, show support and appreciate one another. So, please help me doing that!

Thank you ALL!

I think most users understand that it was not the moderators that were at fault and it is an extremely difficult job to do. Likewise I doubt few of the Prime members, upset by the changes thought it was the fault of those at the sharp end, more that they had to try and take the company line. There were a few response that could have been worded better but it must have been hard to stay cool and collected when there was so much animosity about at the time.

I am not doubting your intent but changes to the forums have been promised before, and the site for that matter, and what changes did occur lasted less than a week. Despite this I will follow the forums a little more closely to see evidence of a change, up until now it has been a case of words are cheap.

As always I wish you the best and hope you win out.

Thank you, @hornet3d! We WILL be more in-tune with the behavior of the members. I do apologize for this. Thank you for taking the time to post your thoughts. I greatly appreciate it!

hopeandlove posted at 9:29PM Tue, 26 January 2016 - #4251363

Thank you, @hornet3d! We WILL be more in-tune with the behavior of the members. I do apologize for this. Thank you for taking the time to post your thoughts. I greatly appreciate it!

You are more than welcome and I sincerely hope you do build the community you are looking to create.

Years ago I had a friend that did some consulting work for Will Vinton Studios, the experts in Claymation that once did something called "California Grapes." Spending some time there in Portland with the actual artists of the company, and also with a number of artists that worked both on their own in and around the city and as contractors to the studio I can say that as a whole they were a fun but really odd bunch. They were at once leaders in technology -perhaps geniuses- where art grabbed them but also Luddites and often fearful of computers where they did not pertain to art. Similarly outgoing and vocal and even egotistical where it pertained to art and art techniques, but also very private and retiring on many matters.

I can see how some of those artists would embrace a Facebook type approach that Rendo seems to be pushing. I can also see how some of the quirkier perhaps more genius types would vehemently denounce it.

I see humor in this this thread which so far to me is a bit of a mirror of a bigger real world community that I once briefly experienced. If Renderosity does not like the negative comments in this thread they are probably ailenating at least half of the community, regardless of age. By the same token, by starting this thread Hope may be engaging about half of this community.

I'm not at all into the Facebook approach (do not equate with my genius comment), which is a complete turn-off, though I've offered you a bit of personal information here in the spirit of the thread.

<< Good ole Me. With the exception of Chanur, Hornet and Hope, most of you geezers, yeah you too, Kim and Giana know me. The cheesy doodler. All I gotta add is, the forums lost it's community feel long ago. The few 'passionate' members who expressed their frustrations in this thread are actually the few who still care about this community. Most of us, including me, have gone silent. The love is gone. We've moved on to greener pastures. I hope, mods, admins, and coords hear their outcry and not ignore them. Good luck, Hope.

Hi @JVRenderer - That's what members have been telling me, which is a shame. But, as I said, I'd like to bring back those forums and view them in a positive light. I NO LONGER want members to feel as if they're unable to post because they fear they'll get stepped on, bashed or trolled. I'd like everyone to treat one another with respect. I do understand we won't all get along- which I'd love but it's not realistic - but, at the end of the day, providing other members with constructive criticism will be received better than simply putting them down.

Thanks, everyone!

Hi Hope, in the spirit of getting to know each other better may I ask which 3D apps you use yourself? You know like Blender, Poser, DS? Would love to see a few of your pics?

Perhaps I should also offer a little about myself.

I began using 3D apps around 1999, using some of the earliest 3D packages from metacreations. At this point I had been using computers for about 10 years already and started with a Commodore 64 in the late 80s and had some great fun with programs like Printshop Pro a dot matrix printer and also some great games like International soccer cartridge or IK+. I discovered Renderosity a few years after I purchased my first major 3D apps, Bryce, Poser, Ray Dream Studio and Painter. The first thing that drew me to Renderosity was the great community here, while many of my peers and friends had no idea what I was doing on my computer and even less so what I was trying to achieve through pursuit of it. The community here gave me a feeling of not being alone, there were others out there that understood and shared the passion. Seeing even just a few comments on an image I had posted motivated me and really made me feel I wasn't an individual playing on my computer in isolation. But connected to a global community of like minded individuals, who may not of all used the same tools but all had the same passion for the amazing images people were creating with their computers. Renderosity was that connection point that formed a cornerstone for the industry and many individuals that now form the backbone of that industry today. Honestly it was a few years before I even noticed Renderosity had a market place. But when I did, discovering the scope of this thing we call digital art was truly mind blowing I was amazed that people were making these things in their own homes and were sharing them with the community as a business. And people not only liked these products, they were just as excited and passionate about them as the creators. It really inspired me as these products were a form of art unto themselves and I was always excited when something new and different came out.

They say if you find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life. I always liked that idea :)

These days I'm still chained to my computer and some still have trouble accepting that I'm not just "playing games on that thing". One thing is for sure, I never feel alone anymore in this field. It's an amazing field full of great apps, artwork and amazing people still to this day. I for one am glad to be a small part of it.

Like Razor I'd also like to know a bit more about the software of your choice and see your work. This is an art community and we love visuals!

As for me; I'm Shawn. I've been in this industry for over 15 years, 9 of which I ran a brokerage site. In fact that brokerage was the first community site of this type to briefly put out a magazine with interviews, spotlights, reviews & tutorials.

Things one might not know:

• I've been married for over 22 years to a man I became engaged to 4 days after meeting & married less than 3 months later. It's a far more interesting story than that, but too long to explain.
• I have 3 adult children and we raise our 7 y/o grandson who sees us as his parents (& we consider our son) since we've had him since he was a baby. We also have an adorable grand-daughter.
• When I'm not creating I am home-schooling, cooking, gardening or spending time with the little guy.
• I have never seen a reality show & have only watched talk shows when I have no control over the TV (like visiting the mother in law).
• In my younger days I worked as both a model & a dancer while attending college.
• I love vintage & retro & must have at least 1 tacky thing somewhere in my house. (It's currently a KitKat clock in my office with the eyes & tail that moves)
• In our home we believe that one shouldn't work just to work. We both do what we enjoy. So basically I work in this genre & my husband flips houses. We don't work for anyone and we live a simple life with very little stress (outside of deadlines of course).
• I am seriously considering retiring.

I do understand the frustration that some people are feeling regarding the changes to the website and forum. But i fail to see the relationship between the original post and what relevans that have in regards to this topic?

The post is a friendly attempt to get to know/interact with the users of the site, which have nothing to do with the state of the forum. Regardless of that, it is met with an assault regarding some decisions made by Renderosity to update and change there forum. Being friendly and reply to a post like this, while still being annoyed with the state of the forum is possible, since they are not related.

Im not going to argue that the forum doesn't have a lack of functionalities that is needed. But people are still able to create threads, attach images and reply etc. I personally think it would be a good idea for Renderosity to inform members regarding the progress of the forum development, if any. Simply because a lot of people cares about it. But that is no excuse for not behaving, being constructive when replying to someone and not derail posts for sake of expressing ones frustration.

Using this post as example, the OP make a friendly post and almost instantly one reply with a negative post, that have nothing to do with the topic in hand and simply just derail it. That reply should have been made in a new thread instead, where that could have been discussed, creating a much more interesting and constructive discussion. To me it seems like a lot of people are just caught in a state of complaining and uses every excuses they get to express it, and it takes very little for them to trigger, however i do understand this to some degree, but not the way they express it.

I use forums a lots so im well aware of the limitations on this one, but people asking for help, feedback etc. doesn't care which method, tools etc are available to them if they get help solving there problem and they will appreciated the help just as much. But if your request for help, feedback etc. are not helpful or constructive or constantly derailed, people wont care to ask for it, regardless of which functionalities are available.

If people have complains about the functionalities, they should make a thread and express it there instead and if Renderosity are clever they get them self involved in these discussions with the purpose of sorting them or at least give an explanation to why something is not being done, whether its being worked on etc.

And if they were really going for it, they should make a forum called "Website feedback" where all these issues could be gathered, instead of them being in sub forums, where no one can keep track of whats going on, bugs, lack of functionalities, new features being implemented etc.

A good example is the post "e-bots? Who is having trouble?" which is a good idea to ask for something like this, but not in the Poser sub forum as its not Poser only related.

The absolute best forums in my opinion are the one where staff interact with members. But besides being friendly which is my impression that the Renderosity staff is, they also need to provide answers and feedback to them as if they worked for the Renderosity. And the first step towards this, is to make a place where members can give feedback and express there opinions about things they don't like. But also Renderosity need to keep members informed about the progress of solving these things and not just acknowledge and show concerns for them as being so. And personally I think this is one of the things that is really needed in this forum and which would have a great impact on the community as a whole.

Anyway enough derailing for now, but so many posts gets derailed, when there are no need for it. And its not only Renderosity fault, but one last thing, instead of closing down a whole thread, the Renderosity staff should have the ability to remove replies, which doesn't stick to the intended topic, i think.

But to the OP. I have been using and working with 3D / 2D as a hobbyist for a long time, not even sure how long, But the desire for creating things have always interested me, to being able to tell a story and make something the way you think they should be have always fascinated me. As 3-DArena i share the view that one shouldn't work just to work, life is short so spending to much time on borring things should be avoided :D

But unfortunately i have seen reality shows and can only say that you haven't missed anything and in my opinion the human race should be ashamed to use a media that can reach millions of people for non sense stuff like that.

3D-Mobster posted at 11:57AM Wed, 03 February 2016 - #4252866

I do understand the frustration that some people are feeling regarding the changes to the website and forum. But i fail to see the relationship between the original post and what relevans that have in regards to this topic?

The post is a friendly attempt to get to know/interact with the users of the site, which have nothing to do with the state of the forum. Regardless of that, it is met with an assault regarding some decisions made by Renderosity to update and change there forum. Being friendly and reply to a post like this, while still being annoyed with the state of the forum is possible, since they are not related.

Im not going to argue that the forum doesn't have a lack of functionalities that is needed. But people are still able to create threads, attach images and reply etc. I personally think it would be a good idea for Renderosity to inform members regarding the progress of the forum development, if any. Simply because a lot of people cares about it. But that is no excuse for not behaving, being constructive when replying to someone and not derail posts for sake of expressing ones frustration.

Using this post as example, the OP make a friendly post and almost instantly one reply with a negative post, that have nothing to do with the topic in hand and simply just derail it. That reply should have been made in a new thread instead, where that could have been discussed, creating a much more interesting and constructive discussion. To me it seems like a lot of people are just caught in a state of complaining and uses every excuses they get to express it, and it takes very little for them to trigger, however i do understand this to some degree, but not the way they express it.

I use forums a lots so im well aware of the limitations on this one, but people asking for help, feedback etc. doesn't care which method, tools etc are available to them if they get help solving there problem and they will appreciated the help just as much. But if your request for help, feedback etc. are not helpful or constructive or constantly derailed, people wont care to ask for it, regardless of which functionalities are available.

If people have complains about the functionalities, they should make a thread and express it there instead and if Renderosity are clever they get them self involved in these discussions with the purpose of sorting them or at least give an explanation to why something is not being done, whether its being worked on etc.

And if they were really going for it, they should make a forum called "Website feedback" where all these issues could be gathered, instead of them being in sub forums, where no one can keep track of whats going on, bugs, lack of functionalities, new features being implemented etc.

A good example is the post "e-bots? Who is having trouble?" which is a good idea to ask for something like this, but not in the Poser sub forum as its not Poser only related.

The absolute best forums in my opinion are the one where staff interact with members. But besides being friendly which is my impression that the Renderosity staff is, they also need to provide answers and feedback to them as if they worked for the Renderosity. And the first step towards this, is to make a place where members can give feedback and express there opinions about things they don't like. But also Renderosity need to keep members informed about the progress of solving these things and not just acknowledge and show concerns for them as being so. And personally I think this is one of the things that is really needed in this forum and which would have a great impact on the community as a whole.

Anyway enough derailing for now, but so many posts gets derailed, when there are no need for it. And its not only Renderosity fault, but one last thing, instead of closing down a whole thread, the Renderosity staff should have the ability to remove replies, which doesn't stick to the intended topic, i think.

But to the OP. I have been using and working with 3D / 2D as a hobbyist for a long time, not even sure how long, But the desire for creating things have always interested me, to being able to tell a story and make something the way you think they should be have always fascinated me. As 3-DArena i share the view that one shouldn't work just to work, life is short so spending to much time on borring things should be avoided :D

But unfortunately i have seen reality shows and can only say that you haven't missed anything and in my opinion the human race should be ashamed to use a media that can reach millions of people for non sense stuff like that.

Thank you for this! I have read and understand your concerns and comments. I agree with your statements of the staff members interacting with the members more ofetn and I'll have a discussion with them about that. Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention! And, if anyone does have any site issues, please do send ME a sitemail and I will do my very best to address the issue and then keep you posted on the status of it!

3-DArena posted at 12:02PM Wed, 03 February 2016 - #4252840

Like Razor I'd also like to know a bit more about the software of your choice and see your work. This is an art community and we love visuals!

As for me; I'm Shawn. I've been in this industry for over 15 years, 9 of which I ran a brokerage site. In fact that brokerage was the first community site of this type to briefly put out a magazine with interviews, spotlights, reviews & tutorials.

Things one might not know:

• I've been married for over 22 years to a man I became engaged to 4 days after meeting & married less than 3 months later. It's a far more interesting story than that, but too long to explain.
• I have 3 adult children and we raise our 7 y/o grandson who sees us as his parents (& we consider our son) since we've had him since he was a baby. We also have an adorable grand-daughter.
• When I'm not creating I am home-schooling, cooking, gardening or spending time with the little guy.
• I have never seen a reality show & have only watched talk shows when I have no control over the TV (like visiting the mother in law).
• In my younger days I worked as both a model & a dancer while attending college.
• I love vintage & retro & must have at least 1 tacky thing somewhere in my house. (It's currently a KitKat clock in my office with the eyes & tail that moves)
• In our home we believe that one shouldn't work just to work. We both do what we enjoy. So basically I work in this genre & my husband flips houses. We don't work for anyone and we live a simple life with very little stress (outside of deadlines of course).
• I am seriously considering retiring.

Oh.. I'm so interesting in this statement: I've been married for over 22 years to a man I became engaged to 4 days after meeting & married less than 3 months later. It's a far more interesting story than that, but too long to explain. -- DO tell us more!!!

Hello everybody! I'm Deenamic aka Denesia and I'm the photography forum coordinator. Feel free to drop by the forum anytime!

Here's a few things about me:

• I've been interested in art since elementary.
• I took my first art class in seventh grade.
• I won a lot of art awards and contests in high school.
• I made a pact with myself in college that if I didn't do well in my biology classes that I would stop trying to major in biology and finally give in to my artistic calling and major in art.
• I have two art degrees. One is an AA in Art and the other is a BA in Applied Design and Visual Arts.
• I do all kinds of art, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, ceramics, printmaking, weaving, sewing, graphic art, graphic design, photo manipulation, and etc.
• I'm a big fan of surrealism and fantasy art. My favorite artists are Salvador Dali, Max Ernst, and M.C. Escher.
• I love to buy and collect Photoshop brushes and graphic software. If you see a good deal on any of those things, then feel free to send me a sitemail. lol
• I entered MTV's Engine Room contest some years ago and I talked a lot on their blog and made a lot of friends on there, so I have a feeling I may run into some people I know from there on here. If you know me, don't be afraid to say hi.
• The craziest artistic thing I've ever done was become the graphic/layout editor for some fan magazines that some forum friends and I started to give to two people we were fans of on a tv show.
• My favorite movie is the "House of Flying Daggers."
• I have a fascination with movies that Jackie Chan has directed. lol
• I use to do tutorials for a Photoshop action website's ezine.
• I'm currently a creative blogger at a photo editing software website. I write a lot of photo editing tutorials for them. My favorite tutorials to write are the photo manipulation ones.
• I think 2015 and 2016 has been good for me career-wise, because the vision of what I've always wanted to do is coming true. I think it's true that good things comes to those who wait. :)

I could go on and on, but I better leave a little mystery about myself. lol

Razor42 posted at 3:08PM Thu, 04 February 2016 - #4252810

Perhaps I should also offer a little about myself.

I began using 3D apps around 1999, using some of the earliest 3D packages from metacreations. At this point I had been using computers for about 10 years already and started with a Commodore 64 in the late 80s and had some great fun with programs like Printshop Pro a dot matrix printer and also some great games like International soccer cartridge or IK+. I discovered Renderosity a few years after I purchased my first major 3D apps, Bryce, Poser, Ray Dream Studio and Painter. The first thing that drew me to Renderosity was the great community here, while many of my peers and friends had no idea what I was doing on my computer and even less so what I was trying to achieve through pursuit of it. The community here gave me a feeling of not being alone, there were others out there that understood and shared the passion. Seeing even just a few comments on an image I had posted motivated me and really made me feel I wasn't an individual playing on my computer in isolation. But connected to a global community of like minded individuals, who may not of all used the same tools but all had the same passion for the amazing images people were creating with their computers. Renderosity was that connection point that formed a cornerstone for the industry and many individuals that now form the backbone of that industry today. Honestly it was a few years before I even noticed Renderosity had a market place. But when I did, discovering the scope of this thing we call digital art was truly mind blowing I was amazed that people were making these things in their own homes and were sharing them with the community as a business. And people not only liked these products, they were just as excited and passionate about them as the creators. It really inspired me as these products were a form of art unto themselves and I was always excited when something new and different came out.

They say if you find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life. I always liked that idea :)

These days I'm still chained to my computer and some still have trouble accepting that I'm not just "playing games on that thing". One thing is for sure, I never feel alone anymore in this field. It's an amazing field full of great apps, artwork and amazing people still to this day. I for one am glad to be a small part of it.

Thank you for providing us with some great information about you, Razor! I just love getting to know about you guys!

Steve K., I'm from the Houston area too and I heard about the 48 Hour Film Contest. Was it a lot of fun?

Deenamic posted at 10:04PM Thu, 04 February 2016 - #4253294

Steve K., I'm from the Houston area too and I heard about the 48 Hour Film Contest. Was it a lot of fun?

Its pretty intense. As you may know, every team draws a genre out of a hat on Friday evening (comedy, drama, scifi, western, about 15 total). Then the three required elements are announced: character (name & occupation), prop, and line of dialogue (same elements for all teams). Then a 4-7 minute film must be turned in Sunday evening. There is a countdown the last 10 seconds - sometimes a team comes running in with their film then. Some teams are late, but still qualify for the audience awards. Some teams disappear altogether. Most teams write the script Friday night, shoot footage Saturday, then add music, effects, and edit Sunday. We are the only team doing animation, but its more or less the same. A five minute video may sound short, but that's a lot of rendered frames in two days ... AFTER you have a story in the drawn genre, find the scene/props/characters, etc.. The saying is "If you sleep, you're doing it wrong". But yes, I enjoy it.

Here is a favorite winner (live action) from some years back:

https://vimeo.com/4204180

Here is one of our animation entries that got some approval from the judges. It was a special environmental contest, it had to be about "the earth", meaning the soil. :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN1pXYvEqIc

My first experience was on a live action team, I did a "Making Of" video of the effort:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd7Hvn4FtQg

Steve K., I see that it's a lot to do in 48 hours. I think I would be crazy as a fox after trying to make a film that looks complete after 48 hours. lol The production company names are hilarious. lol I kept looking at the main actor in the Rushin' film and thinking it feels like I've seen him before and then I realized that he kind of looks like an actor that use to come on "All My Children." It looks like the contest's atmosphere make you forget that you were awake for several hours working on a film. It looks like you and everybody else had a great experience. I've been wanting to turn one of my photo manipulations into a film. Do you remember the show "Reading Rainbow?" On there LeVar Burton use to read those stories and they would show storybook-style pictures on the screen to go along with them and they would be still images, but sometimes they would add a little movement or voiceovers to them. I think I'm going to try to do that with one of my photo manipulations in the coming months. It looks like you all were doing something similar to that, but you used 3D elements and had a little more animation.

Deenamic - You are probably correct about the Rushin' actor, the director told me he was an old friend who had moved to ____? (California?) to be in the soap opera. He flew back for the weekend contest, so the acting level is pretty high. I never watched Reading Rainbow, but yes, I use stills in the animation - probably more than I should but 48 hours is pretty short. The two desert shots at the beginning of "Blown Away" were done in Vue, a very good landscape program, and the moving dust added with Particle Illusion, a 2D effects program that can overlay any image or video. Similar for the scifi cityscape and the rising steam. The nice thing about the contest is you can say, "You liked it? Great!" Or, "You didn't like it? Well, we only had two days ..."

With all due respect, Hope... two ppl have asked about yer artistic credentials, & I'll add my voice as a third. Please quit ducking the question and fill us in.

FreeBass posted at 1:26PM Sat, 06 February 2016 - #4253558

With all due respect, Hope... two ppl have asked about yer artistic credentials, & I'll add my voice as a third. Please quit ducking the question and fill us in.

I'm thinking she doesn't actually have any, or any previous connection to the community as she only joined last summer when she began managing (unless she has an alternate name she was using prior to becoming "official"). If you read her profile her background is in journalism.

Not commenting one way or the other on that, but it's harder to get participation or understand the overall feel of the place if you don't know anything about the members & community you are "managing".

Purdy much my own thoughts, but w/o the alt name & in much more vulgar language... not that I'd actually stoop to vulgarity out loud ;)

Steve K., I have to check out Particle Illusion. I've only used Nature Illusion Studio. I used it on one of my photo manipulations and it turned out great and now I can't find the image. I even turned it into a screensaver. I had moving water, waterfalls going, and rolling waves in it. I think I'm going to have to add all those effects to my photo manipulation all over again. There's another effects program I've been wanting to try for a while called DP Animation Maker.