So much excitement - so much speculation! I'm delighted to hear that the long-awaited upgrade, Poser 5, is finally scheduled (approximately, at least) for release. I can only imagine what a long, difficult haul it's been getting such a complex and high-profile (here at least :-)), product to this stage. I have no knowledge how well-financed the company was at it's inception, but I've been tremendously impressed with the dedication to customer support shown from it's very beginning. When I stop and consider that a huge portion of their P4 customer base had Metacreations-Branded product to begin with, which means CL never rec'd any revenue from the original sale, but still gave them the same terrific support and free 4.03 upgrades, I've occasionally wondered how they managed to keep going with only a couple of niche software releases to generate revenue (as exciting and innovative as they were, they had nothing like the demand and revenue a commercial interim release of Poser (V4.5?) would have generated). I've sometimes wondered how they managed to maintain such a talented staff without hiring them out on weekends as rodeo clowns or some such just to make payroll (...KIDDING!...). I can only respect CL for taking their time to develop a release they could be happy with and support, but still offer the innovation that Poser users have been dreaming of. Whatever the upgrade price for poser 5; I expect I'll scrape it together pretty soon. I expect there'll be bugs and flaws, hardware-specific issues they had no way of foreseeing with their tests. I expect there'll be countless posts and discussions here over most real or fancied flaws (artists tend to expect their tools to cooperate with their vision, and aren't always inclined to be patient when those tools don't anticipate and facilitate that vision). I also expect that with the revenues P5 will (hopefully) generate, CL will increase their technical resources and staff and give their usual top priority to resolving and improving any shortfalls speedily and satisfactorily. I expect that the overwhelming majority of P5 users will be completely satisfied or even delighted with it, though not nearly as vocal as those with problems. I expect a fair amount of discussion regarding pricing by some who's perception of value is molded more by their pocketbook, than by any real perspective of what's involved in developing a quality product and keeping a company afloat. I expect exciting things to come. In short - Congratulations, CL, and thanks for keeping Poser an active and dynamic tool! (And no, I have no contact or involvment with CL other than as a (very) happy customer and Poser user...) .... Just my 2 cents worth - as always dissenting opinions expected and encouraged .... Cheers! Jerry B leather-guy

i expect that poser gallery input will tripple... also, that poor ol' ebot will do extrrrra time, heh... :)

Thanks, Jerry! We've worked really hard and been through a lot to get to this point, and feedback like yours is literally what makes it all worthwhile - seriously. I'm a CL employee and therefore rather biased, but I'm blown away by what we've achieved. Anthony Hernandez Curious Labs

Hey Anthony, hope you're all having fun at Siggraph! Ya, gotta post some screenshots or info nuggets here or on the Curious site for us sadly far from River Walk. Or at least some stories about reactions you're getting at the booth.

one of the things i ask for is the posibility to update from german poser 4 to us poser 5 ( maybe someone from cl will hear it)

For any more CL folks checking this thread... ditto leather-guy's comments. Poser is an amazing product, getting more amazing by the year. The features in v. 5 are almost scary, so much flexibility and power. I do think Curious Labs is a model for how a company can support its users, grow as a company (I hope the financial situation is good), and put out an excellent product at the same time. As we all know way, these are three different things, and way too many companies get only 1 or two of these right. So, Cheers. G

Leatherguy I agree compleatly. as an artist I aplaud CL for having the curage to create a true artists tool rather then whimping out with a moderate upgrade that they know would apease the penny pinchers but dissapoint those who want a powerful tool.

Since you work for them Nos can you give us and idea on what the upgrade price is going to be? Marque

Well said leather-guy!! I agree totally. AMEN and HALLELUJAH! ;o) -Emily Thrasher aka. nikitacreed P.S. I bet I spelled HALLELUJAH wrong. heehee

leather-guy, I think you said it all. I too thank Curious Labs and can't wait for Poser5 which hubby has just promised me.

I have to echo nikitacreed's sentiments Jerry! Very well said!

All of us CL people thank you for all of your kind words!! In fact, many of us read this board daily and so many times people are mad at us for one thing or another and its great to read the other side of the coin in such glowing review. I think Nosfiratu has adjourned his reading of 'rosity for the day, but Marque, the pricing is yet to be released and will be posted on the CL website when announced. (Unfortunately, Anthony and I aren't at Siggraph this year, Karen and Kupa made the trip alone. This meant a lack of hotel toothpick impaling opportunities for me though. :) Those of you at Siggraph last year who stopped by our booth may have caught the Toothpick girl story that made my trip oh so memorable! :))

I forgot to add that the rumor in the office is that carolly is bringing us people at CL not suffering in the texas heat at siggraph BROWNIES here soon! YOU ROCK CAROLLY!

Starlet I also appreciate all the improvements and hard work- a great program getting better! I've met SteveCooper and the original creator of Poser1 (arrggh. I only remember that he has a beard and appears in the credits). I remember Steve showing a high degree of enthusiasm and I imagine that must be a common factor-amidst all the frustration in making such a complex program! Of course I might be biased cause Steve liked my artwork... :-) I am also jealous since you are in Capitola/Santa Cruz and I had to move AWAY from there about the time you guys moved in. If you have not been to the O'mei on Mission (Santa Cruz) or the Paradise Grill for blackened Ahi- I recommend that. Fortunately, I am still close enough for weeked forays. Keep up the good work and I look forward to Poser5!

snicker I understand that creative groveling and drooling will get yas a free upgrade. ;] Make sure and site mail the very best grovels to Nosfiratu personally. ;]

Well, I don't know what else I can say that hasn't been said, but as a user of Poser since version 2 I've enjoyed seeing its evolution.

The evolution apparently has ended.

This is a REVOLUTION!

When I saw the news today on digitalmediadesigner.com I was stoked to say the least in the features listed. When I found the thread on here with the screenshots...well I came back about 3 times to look at them again. This looks absolutely incredible and I can't wait to get the rest of the details and to gladly give CL my upgrade money.

Great Job, CL!

Let's just say I'm already doing finger exercises to be the first one to hit the purchase button ...

Brownies? Actually, it was Nosfiratu's promise of ice cream that I was anticipating! We do appreciate what you guys are doing, what you are going to be delivering into our eager hands.... It has been such a long haul, but the new features are incredible (and, yes, I go back and look at kupa's screen shots, too).

Maybe I am one of the few persons that bought a computer from another person with some software installed. One of those software was Poser 4. I started using the software as an experiment and since the first time I was captured by the power and simplicity of use. I upgraded to version 4.03 and the news of the version 5 only fill me heart with joy. I am stating saving money for the new version. It is not going to be expensive enough in comparizon with all the good time and resources that this version is going to provide. Thank you CL. I feel grateful to you always...