All 32 bit fractal programs, plus some of the old DOS ones, such as Fractint (if the video drivers are configured correctly) run fine on XP. I run XP Pro on a PIII Celeron, using 450mb memory, and I have no problems whatsoever.

Of course, there's a way to coexist. The question I pose is, why compromise? The heart of my first comment came from your use of the word "limit". It's a concept that gives me the screaming heebie-jeebies. Why impose limits? The only reason I can think of is if this is somehow a physically limited forum to begin with, with only a small amount of bandwidth/storage space allotted. If that's so, let us know. Otherwise, it's my personal feeling that this should remain a completely open space, welcoming artwork AND tech talk, with as few restraints as humanly possible. Artists are by definition free spirits, and the concept of limits completely negates what this web site is supposed to be about. Or have I misunderstood the mission of Renderosity?

This is my personal opinion, and my "vote", as it were. All here are free to take aim and fire at will, if they disagree with me. I will not take offense, and my skin is very thick.

I came here to get away from the tech heads. I was hoping this place would be at least partially centered upon artistic content, and comment, somewhat in the way the usenet groups used to be before the UF godz took them all over and pretty much banished all free thinking. If you want math and formulae, there are several fine email lists that have nothing BUT tech talk by fractal experts that have been in the field for many years.

It's my sincere hope that no attempt is made to wall off one of the few remaining (seemingly) open artist's colonies I've found, here at Renderosity. If it happens, I for one will be out of here.

PLEASE remember the ART part of "fractal art"...

An addendum to my previous post: There is a faction among fractalists that insists there is but one (unnamed) program worthy of fractal creation, and all work must take place within the framework of that program. Any addition or alteration by using exterior programs corrupts the fractal and renders it worthless.

I do not subscribe to this theory. My philosophy is not to peek out, not to put a toe out, but to take a running LEAP outside the box at any and all junctures, to enhance, improve, and personalize the work I do. The commonly used phrase is 'fractal art'. I for one will at all times concentrate at least as much upon the ART portion of that phrase as I will the FRACTAL portion. And that, in a nut-and-bolt shell, is the core of what, how, and why I do what I do to make a fractal.

Enjoy the weekend!

I believe that from time to time I've mentioned the various programs and even plug-ins I've used to tweak my images, and I have no qualms about explaining things. In fact, I've even posted a short tutorial on my web site, explaining in a VERY basic way my tweaking technique. So I guess that means I've nutted and bolted pretty well!

The tutorial page is at: http://home.attbi.com/~shessler1/My_Tutorial_Page.htm

Keep in mind it is B A S I C, and doesn't attempt to explain everything in detail.

There's a lot more than that on Paul's site-- he also maintains the Fractal Census, which is a database of who uses what programs within the fractal community, along with links to home pages, etc. It contains years worth of information. http://home.att.net/~Paul.N.Lee/Fractal_Census.html

Have you considered using this basic design as a layout for a playing card for entry into the monthly contest? A little design effort around what you have, and it would be a winner, I'm sure.

Glad to be of soivice! I strongly believe in the "art" part of Fractal Art, and am willing to post-process an image in any way available to make it into something pleasing. Just remember to open your eyes and see the image's POTENTIAL. It can be anything you want it to!

Since the floor has been opened to titling suggestions, how does "Bug On The Windshield" strike you? (Bad "strike" pun intended...) It's a pretty cool work of art, whatever the title!

It's really kinda hard to decide, but since it was originally a fractal, and I just used other programs to process it, I think this gallery will do. They're getting ready to initiate a fractal gallery (RE Micheleh's comment), but I have no idea when it will go online. Once it does, I'm sure all the fractalists (fractoids? fractites? fractishoners?) will be glad to switch to that one.

You can start your own free gallery at Zaffix.com. I have a fairly extensive gallery there myself.

Being a spiral freak, I'd be strongly tempted to zoom in on that beaut in the lower center-left quadrant. There are a lot of fractals begging to be born out of this one-- I hope you don't put the file away and forget it!

Reminds me of a Vega I used to own-- you got the 'rust' coloring just right! (Oops-- did I just date myself a bit there?) Nice pic!

Attached Link: http://home.attbi.com/~shessler1/

Attached Link: http://home.attbi.com/~shessler1/