3D-Pangel

Will the Cafe continue? I think because Hrvoje commented that it will implies that he will be the one doing it, but it takes more than someone behind the scenes managing the forum software to make the Cafe what it is today. It takes someone with a deep personal commitment to help the Cafe members and the knowledge, time and talent to do so. I think Hrvoje has all but one of those criteria: the time to do so! My sense is that he is pretty busy pushing C4D development to meet our growing demands and that is a full time job for anyone. Nigel was unique in that respect and people like him are few and far between. MAXON does not realize that the C4D community lost a precious resource and unless someone like Nigel steps in (which would be miracle because Nigel was a class act and there are not many like him) there will be gradual shift in the community as a good number of users move away from the program and MAXON will be at a complete loss to understand what is causing it or how to stop it. Dave

I agree with Nigel's decision to move on for the reasons he's given. It is hard to continue supporting a forum for a product that you no longer believe in. I will miss his involvement with C4D but hope that we continue to stay in contact with each other over the years. Nothing prevents that from happening other than letting the old adage of "out of sight, out of mind" take hold. Like Nigel, with each modo release you just see more and more tools being added and then look at C4D and see a development pace that pales by comparison. Couple of things that I need to consider if I were to see MAXON further mismanage C4D's development: Cost of software and plugins, but also time to learn a new platform, time to convert assets to a new platform, cost for new modo tutorials, etc. Plus lost opportunity cost of everything C4D related that I have purchased in the past. Now, this does not mean that I can't still create something in C4D and port it over to modo, but over time there will be a point where R16 will no longer run on a future version of Windows...and at that point, it is game over. modo stability. Okay....love all the new features, but have they made modo more stable in the process? Part of the "stodginess" in the MAXON development cycle probably has to do with one thing: Stability. So it is a double edged sword because you take stability for granted only until you switch to a less stable program. The future of The Foundary: Not sure where The Foundary is going to land in terms of new owner. I would really want to see how that plays out before making a switch. modo interface. Sorry, but I just can't get my head wrapped around their object and material management. I purchased modo 401 (still have it), but regretted it because of the complete lack of tool specific training, training that was given via verbal hot-key descriptions only (very hard to follow unless the instructor talks slow---which they don't). Having the right tool is more important than having a new tool: Computer programs are tools. Evaluate whether or not you need the tool before you purchase it. My interests are more effects related and as such XP3 and TFD suit my needs just fine. Never underestimate the value of intuitive software. We all love shiny new toys and modo marketing is really great at selling the next version of their software. But as you watch the video's, keep asking yourself how long will it take you to grow your skills as proficiently as the people demoing that feature. Will there be enough training available to get you up that learning curve? I have to say, while the tools look cool, they don't look that intuitive to use. Now, don't read too much into what R17 will or will not have based on Nigel's decision. Remember that all the R14 beta testers were completely surprised by sculpting as it was added pretty late in the beta testing cycle. Alas though, I fear that MAXON's approach is to partner with other companies (Allegorithmic, Side Effects, etc.) as a means to add new features rather than develop them internally. This does nothing for the user as we are already paying a premium for C4D but now have to purchase other programs should we desire those features. Not sure what the future of The Cafe really is...but I think more would be done for the C4D community if it was just folded up rather than sold. Why? Well, like every other user out there, I am ripping mad at MAXON management for how they are NOT protecting my investment. I am sure that C4D Cafe has helped promote a number of sales for MAXON and represents a really good sales channel for them. Think about it: if you were interested in C4D, what other site would you go to that provides as much training and guidance as this site does? Threatening to close this site completely may get MAXON's attention and actually force them to listen to the customer, understand their anger and actually do something about it. Unfortunately, we all know that won't happen. One thing that continues to be developed by MAXON over the years is their arrogance. Let me end with a huge thank you to Nigel! While we support your decision, we are sad to see you go! Dave