quote: Original post by digisoap
Just so everyone knows, and because I''ve seen it being mentioned more and more in here - especially in relation to 3D programs - I don''t tolerate software piracy, and I don''t tolerate software piracy being spoken of. If you''ve done so, shame on you. Don''t mention it. One mention, and you''re on probation. Another, and then I''ll be forced to have you banned, and I may also be to forced provide your information to the company whose software you''ve pirated.

Zero-tolerance policy is IN EFFECT.

So, just making sure I''m correct, if I mention piracy I''m on probation? Just cause I say something about piracy? I don''t contribute nor do I approve of it, but at the same time why is it bad to TALK about it? Maybe I''m clueless? And to be banned?

Your Zero-Tolereance policy sounds just as bad as my school''s one on fighting. According to them, person A can go down the hallway and hit any random person and both are suspended. Why? Cause person b got hit now he is suspended? Its not like he likes fighting or did anything to provoke it...

Now if someone was contributing to it, or saying he does pirate, I understand totally... But just to have a discussion on it and to be potentially banned, makes no sense.

Oh well just my 2 cents, won''t affect me anyhow.



Mark Drake
I M A G I N E

quote: Original post by ToohrVyk
By following your logic, Raduprv, I could steal a car, because I could never pay for it if I had to.

If someone would CLONE my car, then steal that cloned instance, I couldn''t care less.

quote:
To your question, "If I can use Bryce, can I use 3DS Max?", I''ll answer simply: if you know how to create models using simple steps, then download a learning version of 3DS Max, learn how to do these steps, and you''ll know how to use 3DS Max.

That''s like saying: "if you know pseudocode you will be a good C programmer in a few hours".



Height Map Editor | Eternal Lands | Fast User Directory

No. If you know how to program, and I give you a C interpreter, then you''ll be able to code in C. ("Whisper words of wisdom... code in C....")

quote: Original post by Raduprv

Free learning editions where you can''t even save your work. very cool and useful.

The only learning edition that I have used is Gmax and it serves its purpose. If the free learning editions don''t suit you, save up the money to buy the educational versions. Most of these have all the functionality of the full version, but with a restricted EULA.

Then with the open source software you can create just about anything that you can with commercial software, it just might take you longer.

quote:
So if you know how to use Bryce you can use 3D Max?

I haven''t used Bryce so I don''t know. I do know that 3D techniques are the same, wherever you use them. Its just a matter of learning the way the way another programs implements them.

quote:
Sure, it will always be.

I''m sure that it will, but there is no justication for it.

quote:
So whatever is illegal is wrong?

Murder is wrong; rape is wrong; armed robbery is wrong, at least to most civilized people. All of these crimes are problems, should society accept these crimes? No. I''m not trying to equate software piracy with murder, but both are crimes that harm society.

Piracy is digitial theft. You think that it doesn''t harm anyone physcially so its ok. Without the possiblity of being paid, 3D Max, Maya, etc. would have never been developed. Software companies make money by selling software, if everyone started stealing it, commercial software would die. That would be bad for the entire software landscape, including open source projects.

In the end using XSI or Lightwave isn''t going to make you a better artist. These apps do save time, but an artist with talent can create great works with lower end software.

The issue is that these companies sponsor some of the events here. And to keep this site going, I think it''s a definate to stop anything that may even seem like a piracy thread.

For anyone learnign these applcations, there are FREE versions from the companies with few limitations.

And if you want to get into game art, then get Wings 3D and that UV mapping application (25 bucks).

Lamont G.
CG Artist
Chula Vista CA
http://www.digitalweapon.net

quote: and that UV mapping application (25 bucks).

Which application is that? I''ve been looking for a good UV mapper. And I don''t mind paying .

Yeah, like most others replying to this thread, I have to say that if someone is saying "I downloaded ''random application'' from this site ''random url''" then sure... bring your LAW into effect...

I agree that piracy harms the industry. I believe it isn''t right. But I also believe that banning someone from learning because they say they have 3dmax when you think they pirated it is silly. Hell, a lot of these people are young and wanting to learn. I personally don''t see ANY damage coming from people using pirated versions of applications that they aren''t making money with, especially if they''re 16-year olds that wouldn''t buy the product in the first place. Yes I agree that learning editions or educational versions should be used, but sometimes that simply isn''t applicable.

Ok, so now we have made it clear that Piracy is bad. Now let''s hear a good gameplan to get legal copies for less and write it off on your taxes as a business expense.

digisoap : wow, so you *do* post !
Glad to see you are watching.
Maybe you could do something about the FAQ then ?
I am tired of reading the same questions about, oh, let's say Photoshop transparency (since I just saw that one *again*) and not being able to point out people to the FAQ. (of course, there are plenty of helpful people around who answers too, but since I like to help and have done it on numerous occasion, I find it frustrating not to be able to have a FAQ)

Anyway...

oh yeah, Piracy BAD. Bad boys, baaaad ! Whatever.

Sancte Isidore ora pro nobis !

[edited by - ahw on August 23, 2003 6:57:19 AM]

I have been doing research about the "Free" editions of software. While they are almost full-featured, portions of the software have been removed, so someone with the SDK can''t say for instance, write a plug-in to export to a game engine. Maya and Softimage are like this. To get access to the gMax SDK is $25,000 USD and if you write an export plug-in with MaxScript, there is a good chance it will not work. Lightwave will only alow 400 points per layer.

So what is the best solution? I know Softimage will negotiate a price/payment plan. Alias will not. Discreet is just a money hungry monster, and Newtek won''t budge from $1,500.

If you ever come across $3000 USD, then buy Maya and Lightwave. Personaly I say screw XSI and 3DS Max. XSI for clumsyness (hard to get into) and 3DS Max for price.

Go here to see a pretty good list of free 3D apps.

http://www.cgchat.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15279

You can''t really "write off" 3D applications, there''s tons of rules and regulations. Last thing you need is a fat IRS bill.

Raduprv, all the free learning editions let you save your work. Just there are limitations.

Some of you are students. You can get Lightwave for 400USD full version, 3DS Max for 600USD a whole suite of Adobe products for 600USD.. ect to infinum.

My first 3D app was Pixels 3D.. I negotiated a price to like 200USD.

There is a 3D app within the price range of everyone.

Lamont G.
CG Artist
Chula Vista CA
http://www.digitalweapon.net