It's that time again. I try and do this once or twice a year to get ideas and suggestions from all of you for this forum. I also have a few ideas I'd like to share and see what everyone thinks. I've been thinking that even though this forum have a decent turn out of members posting that there isn't as much of a "challenge" anymore. What I wantted to know was would this forum be better to stay on that path that it is or change more towards "online classes". With the "online class" idea it would still work in the same aspect as the challenges but what would be different is that this would work more towards learning how to get the best possible results from your tools to get a series of high quality portfolio pieces of art. The "classes" would work in steps, texturing, lighting, layout and design, character creation, set designing, post work and a lot more. Since most here use a wide variety of programs these "classes" would be for general use for any 3D app. There would however be some that might be Poser, Bryce or another program specific. ------------------- Do you guys and gals have any ideas for the forum? Any changes you think should be made or should it stay the way it is? Let me know here. Thanks, GeorgeD

I'm very new to this forum (my first time here is today actually.) so if I'm out of line by posting, please let me know. I'm also very new to digital 3D (although I've used photoshop professionally for years) I'm still new to Bryce and Poser, and I'm just now getting semi-acquainted with Cinema 4D. As an artist, I would love the chance to participate in future challenges. It's one of the first things that caught my eye on the site. As a newbie to the 3D world, a chance to learn more would also be appreciated. Perhaps a bit of both?

I agree. I'm very new and have no idea if I'm ready for any of the Challenges but I do like the idea because it gives me a place to start. I want to try everything...and most of the time I find myself sitting there in front of my computer not knowing where to go or what to do. The challenge would give me something to concentrate on, an idea that gives me a direction to go so to speak. I do like the idea of online classes as well since I am so new. I know I could really use them. So yes a a bit of both! :) Dancineyes (Missy)

If I may add my 2 worth, there should be both. Maybe set a challenge one month, and a learning type the next.. Or make a whole new area for learning..

A good way to integrate the two may be to have concept-based challenges- effects (i.e. specularity), concept (landscape, portrait), technique (making water), etc. Everyone has something they "have a knack for" that they could share. Comparitive discussions would be nice, too- to go along with the challenges- for instance, I like textures. What is the difference between a Moray texture, a Bryce, a 3ds, can they exchange, etc. What are the pros and cons of photo textures as opposed to "built". Then for the challenge- say, "skin: photo vs. procedural" or "Gone fishin'- real water looks" or similar. (I think texture is very underrated, in many cases.)

I have an idea........ I never seen ANIMATION challenge before....... how bout that ?

I think the classroom idea is a good one, but I am not so sure it belongs here. A seperate area would certainly be more appropriate. I believe the challenge are should stay the way it is...IMHO.

I think having both would be a great idea. Why not have challenges and teach how to do some of the techniques in each challenge? For instance if someone submits an image in the challenge that has an unusual lighting effect invite the person who submitted it to teach everyone else here how they achieved the effect. This gives a chance for all the experts to share the wisdom. I'm fairly new and am always looking for a chance to learn more.

I like both ideas! They both are great. I think what you should do is maybe have the classes and at the end of a 'session' have a challenge based on what everyone learned. Then you could apply what you learned to actual images without the help of tutorials