Well I just read you meant real animal but it can be done. Here's my human so far.

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=175743&Start=1&Artist=humorix&ByArtist=Yes

With reference to what Allen has said...here are a few points, which Id like to make. By definition a gurus contest is meant for people with a certain degree of expertise with that particular software and as well as a chance for novices to improve their skills. Moreover the whole point of the contest would be to bring out the most creative utilisation of the software. Bryce can be creatively used without necessarily creating great models for, Bryces modelling capabilities remains rudimentary, though it also offers the maximum challenge towards pushing Bryces limits. However, it wouldnt make sense to re-invent wheels just for the sake of modelling in Bryce. A case in point, to create the human figure in bryce, though challenging, would be like re-inventing the wheel for most, as most Brycers tend to use poser along with Bryce. So what could be a solution? Using Photoshop Gurus competition as a yardstick, I have a few suggestions to make. Photoshop has 7 different categories in a Gurus contest and of these the best of the images is chosen as the best of the show! Could we then also have categories in a Bryce Gurus contest? The Golden Torii definitely had quite a few categories, though it never quite addressed which or what usage of Bryce it was championing! Going by Bryce usage, here are a few suggestions Id like to make: - Bryce has primarily been a landscape generating software. Thus a category for the Landscape-Guru. - Although slow, Bryce has a great render engine. Therefore a category for the Render-Guru. Allowing imports, but no posts. - A category for the Illustration-Guru with Bryce, which could be theme based, allowing both imports and posts. - As Bryce is the most commonly used rendering solution with Poser, a Bryce-Poser Guru, for the best and most creative marriage of the two software. -And a final on 100% Bryce, which allows no imports. Out of the winners of these categories, let the Best of the Show Guru be selected. Taking a further note from the Photoshop contest, how about roping in people like New Riders, or publisher of Design/3d art books, DAZ, manufacturers of Video Cards, AMD/Intel, 3D modelling software like Carrara (as the interface is most like Bryce) or Rhino, EPSON/ Cannon, 3D Magazines; and other such service/product providers who would like to address the Bryce graphics community as co-hosts? All from me at the moment! :-) Avi P.S. We already have had a Bryce created Charecter/metaball character challenge as well as a 100% Bryce challenge. The Bryce Guru's contest isn't to replace challenges but to showcase the best of the best among Brycers. Couldn't help but provide a link for Allen9 to my metaball Braco and his B'day cake ;-).

Also for Allen, I did win the Bryce challenge along with Rochr in "The Duel" challenge with 100% Bryce created gladiators. Haven't posted the image as am still not completely satisfied with it and would like to fine tune it. But it should be there in the Bryce backroom. The point is...I don't know how to get the the Bryce backroom. :-( Can AgentSmith help in providing me a link to the image? Thankeees! Avi

Alderon, ok, now do it in Bryce 3.1. Not everyone here has the latest and greatest version of Bryce. Much As I'd like to have B5, at present I can't afford it. Currently I'm still saving for P5 so it'll be some time before I get a chance to upgrade to B5. Just making a point and not trying to be snyde or anything. - TJ

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=163592&Start=1&Artist=humorix&ByArtist=Yes

TJ...I did create this image (link) using B-4, though it could be done in B3.1 as well, and won the challenge when the contest was for Metaball created character. I've posted an image of a test model of a horse I did, using just multireplication and spheres (except for the nostrils done with torri). The point is, I don't think capability of a software is a substitute for imagination/creativity and application...and thts what a Guru's contest is all about. :-) Hope this serves as an answer.

Humorix, Perhaps if it weren't for that metaballs thing I might agree completely . . . although you have proven yourself capable using prinatives, not everyone will stick to that, and using metaballs is a serious advantage. - TJ

TJ if you read the previous post (#53), I have suggested different catagories, of which only one is a purist Bryce. :-) Would this be acceptable? If it would then let's see how the modalities can be worked out and help Agent Smith, if we can and provided he needs it, in realizing the Bryce Guru's contest! However I still maintain, imagination and application (of one's mind) scores as an advantage over any particular software capability and hopefully the judges of the contest will be well versed enough to give somebody due credit, irrespective of whichever version of software used! Avi

For Allen again...located the gladiator image...100% Bryce, metaball, boolean, landscape et al. Ummm doI qualify for any incense? ;-)

I swear sometimes humorix has a hidden camera in my computer room...(or is psychic) Having catagories is the one working solution to the problems of not only leveling the playing field as far as Bryce 3&4 vs Bryce 5, but also will allow for the various types of Bryce users. Some people excel in building within Bryce, some with using Poser imports, some just do abstracts, etc, etc...there needs to be enough catagories to attract ALL types of Bryce users, as this will help attract more entries, and give a LOT more people a chance to place in the contest. AgentSmith

I don't think Ken (our old Mod) posted this particular challenge into the (old) backroom. Or, did your gladiator pic win in a challenge when I had taken over? (can't remember) Old Bryce backroom; http://market.renderosity.com/~bryce/newsite/ AgentSmith

humorix (and Agent Smith), 53 and 54 were crossposted with 55. I was responding to 56 as by then you were on to something else. As much as the idea of having catagories kind of puts a 'thud' in my stomach, I can't think of anything better to 'level the field'. You know those who are doing well sometimes forget how hard it is for some of us to get things like upgrades. I thank you for your concern in this regard. As to the idea of talent overriding all obsticles it is true to some degree buteven a talented cave man finger painting pigments made from ochre and water will never accomplish holographic art. This is an exaguration of course, and I concede that the difference in our level of talent is emmence but widening the gap even futher would have served no purpose. Hey let's face it - to truely level the playing field you would have to use deluxe paint, have one eye closed and be using a 3"(7.5cm) monitor.(and you're not the only one either.) But I'm willing to try even given your superior talent not because I think that there is even a remote chance that I can win but inspite of the fact I can't. I hope our discussion has done nothing to lessen our ability to communice effectively with each other and that you think no less of me because of it. like I said at the top of the thread, I'm agreeable to whatever you all come up with, but I felt I had to say what I did. my respects, - TJ

Well so far I've made it as a psychic! With Allen indulging, I might even get to be God of sorts! :-P And with Bryce community helping I might even make it to the X-Files! :-P Hey TJ there is no chance of thinking any less of you. If we, amongst our peers, can't let our hair down here, where else can we? At one level we are all equals...Brycians! And there is no better place to rant..rave and yet be with a whole group of great people! For purely academic reasons my machine configuration is 333Mhz Celeron with 320MB RAM, 15" monitor and no deluxe paint :-(! Avi P.S. Agent Smith...the Gladiator image was after you had taken over as moderator for the month of Aprl-May this year.

As we are on talent speak here...Einstein said "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% prespiration", and Napoleon said "L'audace, tou jour l'audace!" (Audacity, always audacity)...I say "God grant Bryce a quicker render engine!" and Shakespear's "2.b or 0.2.b.." is finally proved to be a question on upgrades! Enjoy!!!! Avi

It seems that %1 takes up 99% of the time. unless you count rendertimes.

"the Gladiator image was after you had taken over as moderator for the month of Aprl-May this year". Dowt! Uh, yeah I got that challenge somewhere....(as i go scrambling)

Michelangelo - "A man paints with his brains and not with his hands."

This one always made me laugh; M. C. Escher - "Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible. I think it's in my basement... let me go upstairs and check."

Humorix - I like the horse - I'd not seen that before. I think the point has been proven now that talent cannot be seen as "an unfair advantage" in a contest. ;) And didn't Micelangelo do well for a dude who use something as cumbersome as a brain to paint with? ;>]

And, I complain, having to paint with a mouse...

Ummm do grey cells paint in greyscale or 32 bit colors? And is painting with brains eco-friendly and bio-degradable? And would restoring Michelangelo's paintings be called neuro-surgery? Hmmmmmmmmm I think I'm better off with my booleans! ;-) And Tuttle, have yet to complete an image with the horse so as to post it...had no intention of posting a WIP, but the involved discussion here got the better of me! ;-)

So what is the rules and when is the Contest?

just my two cents worth about post work ... if the challenge is Bryce.. it should be just that Bryce. Some may just "get by" in Bryce, yet be gods in Photoshop. so they could take that halfazz Bryce scene, import it into Photoshop and make it a "winner". In this case... is the person a Bryce "guru" or a Photoshop "guru". Yes there are some here that could descern that it was "heavily" Photoshopped (sp) but without saying so in their voting... others would think it is a great Bryce image with "some" or no post work. Should the artist fess up with how much post work was done, say that it is 30% Bryce and 70% postwork ? Yes most everyone has some form of "paint" program be it MS Paint, Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro etc. Those with Photoshop would have a great advantage over those with just MS Paint, yet all of us have a version of Bryce, so hence my reasoning for a Bryce only contest, no post work. As to importation of textures... ummm.... all would have the same advantage there, the ability to import a texture. Then again... a "guru" should be able to utilitze and tweek the texture lab to create the texture that they need. In the Rhino forum... we do just that for the Rhino modeling challenges... 100% Rhino for the modeling. You can show a "textured" version, but to enter the challenge, you MUST enter a gray scale image of your model. This shows the modeling skill of the individual, not their ability to texture. The model can be imported into another program to render, but it still must be gray scale image of the model.

Here's my 2: A guru's contest would be Bryce only. Afterall, it's a Bryce Guru contest, not a Digital Artist Guru Contest or a 3D Guru contest. No imports. Textures might be reused, why not? I use the default textures all the time, I'd hate to have to tweak each one by one point just to satisfy a dumb rule. New works only. Yes, that means you can't pull your favorite model you built for an image a year ago and use it in the entry. But that should be at the judges' discretion. (e.g. if Tatro uses Creepy in an image I think the judges might let it go as part of a series so long as it wasn't just a pic of Creepy) There would be a panel of 3 or 5 judges from the Bryce community (possibly elected by the entrants or the community at large). As for post work, leave that to the judges too. The Guru's theme should be "Made with Bryce" and if someone decides to use post work, it should be left to the judges' discretion if it's acceptable or went too far. I think perhaps post work should be said to be "frowned upon." It's about guru-ship, not about being fair to Bryce beginners. So experience will certainly give you an edge, but beginners are more than welcome to compete. You never know, one may win. Some people learn faster than others. That's it. For prizes, Corel may offer up Painter or Bryce 6 or other procreate products as a prize if they had the rights to use (not own) the final image. (it would be a great way for Corel to advertize Bryce afterall -- especially with v6 in the works) And the publicity probably wouldn't hurt the artist either. With Corel's support, they could advertize it on their site or host it even so all the Brycers would be included, not just 'rosity or 3dcommune or whatever. Corel is of course the one place all Brycers would know about. The only caveat with Corel (or any company) is that I wouldn't let them be the sole sponsor, I think having just one sponsor could end up poorly. Either way, I think the contest would have to be hosted on a third party's server so it's not thought of as a Renderosity only thing. I could volunteer space, but there are many other Bryce pages on the web that may be more appropriate. P.S. I believe the good folks over at delphiforums.com in the Bryce forum are still doing the Golden Torii awards. http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=bryce&msg=7919.1

Purist = Puritan A pox on both yer houses. "I suggest 100% Bryce only. No imports of any kind. Afterall, it is a Bryce contest, right? Show the true power of Bryce!" UM, the power of Bryce also includes importing models including those made by someone else. The power of Bryce also includes importing textures. Why put those capabilities into the program otherwise. IF BRYCE RENDERS IT, IT IS BRYCE. "Some may just "get by" in Bryce, yet be gods in Photoshop. so they could take that halfazz Bryce scene, import it into Photoshop and make it a "winner"." I have news for you, NO postwork will turn a halfazz Bryce scene into a winner. It will just be a halfazz scene with postwork. And, um, if someone imports Vicky that does not make it a winner. How many pictures of Vicky have you seen that are cr*p? I rest my case There is no such thing as an 'unfair advantage' because any two people with the same resources will come up with something totally different. The dragon and horse up there are magnificent and VERY VERY impressive. But can they be incorporated into an equally impressive scene?

OH MY GOD!!!! I had a 3 page post and it didn't show!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!

One year in high school I broke a finger in football practice which put me out for the season so rather than do nothing after school I joined the chess club. All the 'great minds' laughed at first but they got used to my presence after a while. I even won a game occasionally. I bring this up omly because of the way they orginized the 'challenges'. A tiered system of elimination whereby everyone was eligible for the first round, but only the winners would go on to to the next round - the pyrimid continued to its logical conclusion. I hear alot of talk about how its the artist and not the tool - with that and the tiered system in mind here's my sugguestion: three tiers the first no metaballs or anything not possable in B3. choose 10 or so winners from that. only the winners go on to the next round. the second only what is possable in B3 and B4. choose say 5 winners. the third anything possable in B5 goes to determine the final winner. - TJ

So far...this is the basic (supposed) system for voting... Members will do the initial voting on the entries, narrowing it down to a certain number(in whatever catagories). Then the final voting will be done by the "celebrity" judges. Good arguing/discussing everyone, keep it up. It is bringing up things that we've not thought of. POSTING TIP- Right before you click "Post Reply"...select your (3 pages) of text (lol) right click, copy...then try the "post reply". That way...if the posting screws up...you don't lose your text. Just go back and paste your message, try again. AgentSmith

thanks...too late now...hrmmmmmfffdfff

Ok here we go again, cut back from 3 pages though...lol: I have looked at several online challenges from a variety of software and this is what they for the most part hold as their main rules: NO PREMADE OR IMPORTED MODELS: All models must be made unique to the challenge and no models may be imported from other software programs as this will give people with "better" software an unfair advantage. TEXTURES FROM THE WEB OR TEXTURES CREATED FROM A PAINT PROGRAM ARE ALLOWED: Because everyone has internet access and some type of paint program, it is allowable to use jpeg files as textures. Keep in mind that people may recognize downloaded textures and be less impressed with your image. The justification for allowing texture imports is that 90 percent of people have a paint program, whereas maybe only 10 percent have an expensive modeler. POST WORK IS LIMITED TO 10%: Because this is a bryce challenge your entry should illustrate your skills within bryce, which is a 3d application. Photoshop and alike programs are 2d applications, and present a different skill mastery. Minor contrast adjustments and small touch ups are permitted, as long as the image bears a 90% resemblance to the original render. TRANS-MAPPING IMAGES ONTO 2D FACES IS NOT ALLOWED: You may not texture a 2d face with a person and apply transparency and call it a 3d object. This is the same thing as doing a full post-work composite. THE ARTIST MUST BE WILLING TO PROVIDE THE ORIGINAL SCENE FILES UPON REQUEST: This is a stipulation included in contests with any types of prizes. Because the prizes may be of substantial value, it is important to dissuade any uncertainties about a winning submission. I think most would agree that they would feel uncomfortable giving a 1000 dollar prize to an image that they were unsure of. Multiple sponsers are definantly neccessary for the continuity of the contest. There should be somewhere around 5 or 6 sponsors per contest. They each donate some sort of prize. The winner gets one grand prize in addition to one of 2 or more "BIG" prizes PLUS one of 2 or more "SMALLER" prizes PLUS one of 2 or more constant prizes. The constant prizes are small prizes donated by a fixed sponsor that always fills that position. For example, a contsant prize might be a free model from turbosquid or a texture library cd. These are the only prizes that stay the same throughout many consecutive challenges. Keep in mind that one option out of every prize category should be compatible with both Mac and PC operating systems. Second place would recieve the "BIG" prize choice, the "SMALLER" prize choice, and the "CONSTANT" prize choice. The 3rd place entry would recieve the "SMALLER" prize choice and the "CONSTANT" prize choice. The honorable mention would recieve the "CONSTANT" prize choice. The prizes may vary between winning levels. For example, the "BIG" prizes available for first place may be different than the "BIG" prizes available for second place. These rules are designed with the intention of keeping things running smoothly and continuously. We want a good challenge with good prizes, but we don't want it to only happen once because we didn't think things throught the first time. All it takes it one thing to kill a big challenge. For example, the sponsors lose confidence, the prizes are "lame," a group of people get angry, the challenge officials don't enforce the rules....etc. We must be sure to really think this through, or else I can guarantee that the challenge will flop the first time around. Hope this post helps give some perspective as to how other big challenges are run. Oh and BTW, the Golden Tori Awards are still held every year at the bryce forum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/bryce Also, I do like the idea of physical prizes as well (guitars, cookies, trips, etc.)

Lol...yea I got a collection of online contest rules going. My fave so far is 3Dluvr's. Thanks for the time to write this all out again. I would agree though...that if a contestant wanted to render multiple Bryce scenes, then put those onto 2D faces for use in another Bryce scene to render, that would be fine. We need to provide ways for members with older computers to enter larger or more complex scenes without crashing their pc. Which is also one of my main points of allowing post work, with the idea of compositing multiple Bryce scenes together in mind. Yet the whole post-processing thing hasen't been settled yet. It may be set aside for it's own catagory. I believe no matter what one of the rules will be for the artist to be able to supply their files they used for entry. Yes, I know some people make huge Bryce scenes, but as you say, if the sponsors are going to provide very expensive prizes... And, like I said before, lol...prizes will be software. Programs that could be used in conjunction with Bryce. No guitars, lol. Not that I would turn down an expensive guitar as a prize, it's just not what we are looking for. Thanks again - AgentSmith

And what happens to people who want mammary substitues or rubber chicken as prizes??? WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH! :_(( I sincerely weep on tuttle's behalf!

lolololol

The only problem I have with allowing post work is that it is an entirely different skill to be able to composite several layers nicely. But if it's by itself in it's own category I have no gripes there. I have a fear though that some people may try to abuse this and may go to far with post work, but then again the ruie that you must submit the scene file if asked takes care of this. In terms of prizes, I agree that they should be mainly software, but I do think we should have some sort of "mystery prize" that is kind of a joke thing. It would lighten the mood a bit I think. Maybe for the honorable mention spot, if there is one, they could get a rubber chicken or somethiing as a joke type of thing. If you've ever played mario-cart racing on N-64 then you know that if you finish in 4th place for a whole grand prix then the bomb chases you around until yopu blow up. This would be kinda the same thing....well...sort of...lol

Ummmmm cld we have a bombshell, prefferably blonde, instead of bomb to blow one up? Definitely wldn't mind being chased by one...even if its for the 4th place! Any silicon (silly cone?) involved here can be attributed to advanced metaballs as against the processor! (People please note not meatballs!) Am I getting too creative here? Hey we seem to be stuck on discussing rules!!! How about prizes???? Let's make a wishlist and the rulz will fall into place I say! ;-)

On a more serious noteI thought we might as well make a start on being creative about what the prizes can be. The thing we need to keep in mind when talking to possible sponsors is that it isnt just Brycers who use only the software, but people who use hardware, read books and magazines, have extended interests etc, and such an event provides sponsors a cost effective means addressing this segment. The bane of most online competition is that it isnt taken too seriously or doesnt enjoy the same status as an off-line one. However, if this was to be worked out properly, this could be a major Bryce community event in its own rights. So here I have created a wish list of sorts and hope people will chip in on this with their own suggestions and creative ideas! Well there are 3 things people desire Recognition Enhancement Monetary benefits Suggestion on Prizes: (as well as possible sponsor list) In terms of recognition, what if the images got published in a few leading Graphic magazines, including Renderosity, CGW, Siggraph publications etc. An illustration contract? A free website with personal url? Or say inclusion in illustrators showcase website..etc. In terms of Enhancement: The Fastest AMD or Intel processor plus Motherboard/ and/or 3D Graphics accelerator card/ a new 19 Monitor. A selection of software (Bryce 6? Poser 5? Rhino? Carrara? Etc) 6 month subscription to Renderosity, Computer Graphics World, New Rider book coupons etc In terms on Monetary benefits: Well its just moolah here, the more the merrier. But at the end of the day its prize money which makes events big and attracts the best talents! Comments? Suggestions? Additions? Folks?

Whomever comes in dead last wins this giant Poser Box.

Agent Smith, Yeah, and where am I gonna put that? - TJ

We're definitely planning on getting this contest into, some way or another, the Rendersotiy Magazine, should be no problem with that. Other mags will be work, but worth it if the higher ups can make it happen. Unfortunately, with prize money, there is always the fact of the IRS and the prize winner, whom will personally be held responsible to pay taxes on all winnings. Someone wins a $1000, goes out and spends it, then later owes the IRS $50-$100 in taxes and is mad not at themselves...but at the contest. I have seen it happen. Also, and really more importantly, here's how you get a sponsor in the first place...you promote their PRODUCT they are donating to your contest. Companies would rather promote their product than the fact they are giving away money. Plus, them donating $500 worth of software is way cheaper to them than donating $500 cash. But, hey...if some big company wants to give us money for prizes, all the better!(I'm sure not against it) Agentsmith

Will a giantsize DAZ Stephanie be inside? ;-)

Cld it be AS that we are looking only at the software company as sponsors. Instead of looking at the sponsors directly, why not look at the community who would be interested in the contest and then look towards sponsors who would like to address this community. This community consists of people who are global, need hardware upgrades, read up on art and graphics, seek education and/or information in this field, are interested in animation, modelling, 3D etc. It is this profile of the community which will attract sponsors. Corel might have less incentive towards the community, for they use Bryce anyway. But Pennwell publications would like to increase reader base. This community needs better render power...so hardware manufacturers. etc. etc. The whole point is if we put our mind to it and package this event properly the whole contest will get to stand out. Also the bit abt IRS..is it applicable to only US or globally as well. In that case why not deduct from the prize-money straight away and pay? Well will post more thoughts as they come along.

I think that the rules madmax outlined look okay. There are two things, tho'. About the textures, somebody upthread suggested using only the textures you make yourself. Well, okay, if the texture is made in a paint program. But I'd say no for the rule that you are only allowed to use photo textures you photographed yourself. Not all of us have a digital camera (or an other kind), so it would be a pretty big advantage for people who do. About the models, I can live with not being allowed to use pre-made models. But what about importing models, doing a distance or altitude render and then creating a terrain or lattice? Is it still Bryce? Is it under the 10% rule for post-work? On the other hand, I'd be for allowing the use of Poser characters. I do have Poser 3 I got for free. :-) Hmmm, OTOH, it creates problems, because those with Poser 4 can have clothes, and the others would have to have imported models. Poser 5 owners would have the styled hair. OTST, better not use Poser, or create a separate category. Finally, I'd think that sponsors would be more willing to donate programs and similar stuff than money. Costs them much less and they get to enlarge their customer base. But Recognition and software would be quite nice. And I wouldn't say no to a P4 2.8 GHz computer with 2 gigs of memory and a 19" monitor. :-)

I know that sponsors would like to place their product, for it would be just opportunity cost for them and not a cash outflow, but if you were to draw up proper cost analysis of the whole event and on the basis of that seek sponsorship in both cash and kind, you might find it easier to negotiate deal. You can not only offer exposure, but also creation of mini sites, promotions, display space etc. If this event was to span across all the graphics communities and for all Bryce users, I don't think sponsors would shy away from associating themselves with this event. The trick will be to hi-light the user base of Bryce. How popular and prestigious Photoshop Guru Award has become, thus the inherent potential in a similiar event and the benefits they'll specifically accrue as a sponsor. The team backing the event (in this case Renderosity) and their track record and credentials. Special efforts being made to organise and market the whole event. I would suggest that a list of all possible sponsors be made who would like to address this community. An action plan drawn as to what can be offered to them (promotions, mini sites etc). Detail all possible costs and what media real estate can be offered to sponsors. Then device out a package and make the presentations to probable sponsors. Does this make sense?

As for the textures: I meant that it was ok to make textures in other programs. Like I said this thing was about twice as long and I had to repost it and I left some stuff out. As for using lattices, that is fine, as it is a native tool for bryce, and creating a grayscale image is similar to creating a texture, which is allowed. I do not think poser should be allowed. A substantial amount of people do not have poser and I feel that if you center in on one subject then it starts to not be bryce work, and becomes more of a "render an imported model" type thing. And AgentSmith, about the post work; Where do you draw the line? We know you've included compositing several different renders, but are things such as lens flares, noise filters, paint effects, and glow effects allowed as well? If you are going to include post work you'll need some very clear cut rules as to what is and what is not acceptable.

I've been reading all kinds of stuff about postwork and no-postwork. And I think that everyone forgets the most simple solution: Make a category that allows postwork for the people who need postwork to get the image the way they want it. And make a category that doesn't allow postwork for the people that have the opinion that a Bryce Guru's contest should be 100% bryce and 0% postwork.

Restrictive rules are okay. What I think is silly is some of the reasons for the rules. I propose that nobody with talent should be allowed to enter. That way there is no unfair advantage at all! :)

Renderosity cannot be responsible for taxes incurred with prize money, FAR too much room for something to go wrong. I don't know about global tax laws, but Renderosity (bondware) is located within the U.S., so I can almost guarantee you that's the law/rule they would stick with. Oh...(kinda stupid of me), I have forgotten that I keep meaning to mention as far as prizes...other than software, that pc hardware would rock, as would books pertaining to 3D CGI, etc. That stuffs was always on my list, I just wanted to quell the guitar thing. But, hey...like I said nothing would be turned down as a prize for you guys! "But I'd say NO for the rule that you are only allowed to use photo textures you photographed yourself" - most photo's on the internet are copyrighted...so are most meshes, oh, they're free for personal use, but once you win something with it...the original author is going to want something. "importing models, doing a distance or altitude render and then creating a terrain or lattice" - No. See above. Yes, it still applies, you are winning with the work of someone else. It would (sorta) be like making a rough tape of a Linkin Park CD and then calling the tape your own work. Poser Characters - I think this may have to be a catagory of its own, or perhaps a general "mesh import" catagory. Can't help with the Poser 3 vs. poser 5 thing, we have gone through that same discussion with Bryce 3 vs. Bryce 5. humorix - your post #100...We're way ahead of ya on that. ;o) Keep pumping that brain of yers, though, we're on the same page... Most of the what's allowed in mesh imports, texture imports, and post-work will be solved by the catagories. AgentSmith

Heh...maybe we should start a new thread.

I want this thread so big it makes the Internet itself sink to the right.

Post on rules, judging and prize winning follows! ;-)

Hehe...you mean my shear quanum displacement isn't altering the fragile balance in silicon networks that make up the internet? I better put on a few pounds then.