I am just finding out about this fractal thingy. There seem to be different definitions. So ... is this a fractal?

If the horse is created with a fractal program, then the answer is YES (and it's an impressive fractal :-)) If it's simply a post processed image of a horse, the answer is NO. Regards, KPK

No every image created with a fractal generator is a fractal. There must be things like "fractal" dimensions, self-similarity, ... before you can call something a fractal. Andreas

Heh heh I haven't a clue what you are talking about. Maybe some examples of a Fractal programme? I have Fractal expressions but it actually uses vector. So I am getting more confused by the minute lol.

If my THC soaked brain can type this somewhat readable to others here is the or a definition of fractals. A fractal is a self similiar and repeating yet constantly different and flowing graphic when you use the proper mathematic equations to draw it with. Usually geometry is the math field of choice. Physics of space and volumnous liquids may also produce some fractals. In theory PI is a fractal to itself. As it never ends (so it seems) yet never finished if it could be drawn I'd like to see it. Like the hallway of mirrors trick by putting 2 mirrors facing each other you see infinite mirrors they look the exact same yet the whole thing seems to curve...that is a live fractal; so to speak. The placement of stars and even the universe is by some scientists, physicists, and theologists thought to be based on some kind of fractolic equation. In short a fractal is generated by mathematics and can not be an image you slapped into some photo editor and tweaked in this case swirled slightly. A fractal might be the cause of life. Atoms, quarks, gluons, muons, and magnetic monopoles are like fractals as they get smaller to the point of? maybe monopoles are the end.

thanks for that wonderful explanation. you did it without any math or big words kudos. that is the thing that turnd me off the most about most of the books that try to explain fractals. while i do undertand it IS math, it seems to me that explaining it laymens terms is possible. and you've proven that.

Aha. Thanks - well explained. I bid you goodbye my math is terrible and I still don't know how to make a fractal. Thanks anyway. I will stick with making patterns with what I know.

well don't give up ! it's really fun AND easy... just go get yourself one of the freeware fractal programs and start pushing buttons. trust me, it's fun! grin and no math required.

I would be happy to do that but you need to give me some idea of where to go please. Cyber world is a very big place and i am unfortunately on a dial up. Do you have a url? I would appreciate your help here this stuff is intriguing as long as I don't have to work out the math myself lol.

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=12416&Form.ShowMessage=608322

here are some good places to explore, and some programs to try out. this is a thread in this forum that we started up a week or so ago. we'll be adding to it so when you run out of things to explore, lemme know and i'll what new stuff we've uncovered. have fun!

Attached Link: http://fractals.iuta.u-bordeaux.fr/f-art-faq/

Josephine, go back in the archives for the fractal forum and there is a thread started by Audre for fractal resources. You'll see lots of good info. The above link is for the Fractal Art FAQ. You'll see references to the math, software, links and groups available. Everything anyone needs for fractals. Don't be put off by the math, you'll learn to recognize dcertain things, but absolutely no understanding is required for the largest part of the popular generators. One of the easiest to use is Paul Carlson's Mind-Boggling Fractals, www.mbfractals.com and a freeware version can be found here: Mind-Boggling Fractals Lite, http://www.simtel.net/pub/pd/54429.shtml, or http://www.completelyfreesoftware.com/cfs_update192.html Another free program is Fractal Explorer: http://www.eclectasy.com/Fractal-Explorer/download.htm , it has image layering and manipulation capabilities. It also handles 4D, IFS and landscape imagery. Probably the single most important resource that has evolved from the original sci.fractals Usenet newsgroup is the Fractal Art FAQ, developed by Jean-Pierre Louvet and Juan Luis Martinez; http://fractals.iuta.u-bordeaux.fr/f-art-faq/ It contains many links and links to the usual exhaustive resources for fractals. Also the FAQ can be downloaded to your hard drive and a desktop link to the index HTML allows you to use it whenever you want, as well as have direct links when on line.

Wow I can see I am going to be busy exploring for a while. Thanks everyone for your help.