Announcing The Platinum Club Plus [Beta] Program
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The other coupon can be used on all DAZ items ecept new items, memberships and gift cards.
As for the rest, I'll stay out of that discussion. :-)
so then why are all the DAZ Original items i view always on sale? right now they are ALL 30% discounted - which renders them invalid for the PC $6 coupon...do you see the catch-22 there?
It doesn't matter if it's on sale. As long as it has a DO icon, but not a PC icon, then use the coupon. You can stack the coupon with a sale. The PC+ coupons, however, can be used on PC items, just not new release ones.
EDIt, answerd nicely by Vaskania
You've said that several times, but there are options for getting content into those applications - though with a need to adjust at least some features of course. FBX, Collada, Alembic (with the exporter), mdd (with AniMate 2) all offer capabilities that basic OBJ lacks. Just this week I saw an example of DS being used (for pre-viz) in creation of an ad http://community.thefoundry.co.uk/discussion/topic.aspx?f=8&t=62008
You've said that several times, but there are options for getting content into those applications - though with a need to adjust at least some features of course. FBX, Collada, Alembic (with the exporter), mdd (with AniMate 2) all offer capabilities that basic OBJ lacks. Just this week I saw an example of DS being used (for pre-viz) in creation of an ad http://community.thefoundry.co.uk/discussion/topic.aspx?f=8&t=62008
Yep and Vue also supports DAZ & Poser figures. It has a interface to Lightwave and other professional animation apps where the entire scene can be sent.
Just the universe's way of saying I didn't really need to buy those anyways.
Just the universe's way of saying I didn't really need to buy those anyways.
Hah. Poke the staff to get it fixed; with any luck it'll bug out and stack for a higher discount and you can snag it then. :P
You've said that several times, but there are options for getting content into those applications - though with a need to adjust at least some features of course. FBX, Collada, Alembic (with the exporter), mdd (with AniMate 2) all offer capabilities that basic OBJ lacks. Just this week I saw an example of DS being used (for pre-viz) in creation of an ad http://community.thefoundry.co.uk/discussion/topic.aspx?f=8&t=62008
Export options are very basic and based on discussions I've read on the Lightwave forum they don't work properly. The Alembic exporter is a paid add-on and is pretty limited atm. I doubt that anyone has the time to troubleshoot exporting DAZ content into other applications under the present circumstances. The only reliable way to use DAZ content in other applications is with Carrara and to a certain extent Poser. The example you gave where DAZ was used to try out poses isn't what I'm referring to - I use DAZ in the same way to set up shots for green screen but that's not importing content into other applications. I've made my point as you say a number of times because I think it needs restating again and again based on the direction other companies such as Adobe and OTOY are developing their products. The strategy seems to be network, integrate, absorb and grow.
I really want DAZ to succeed because I've spent a ton of money on related content and software. Almost everything I own CGI wise is tied up in DAZ so please believe that the more it integrates with everything else I own the more I can get out of it and work with others on different platforms - maybe encourage them to invest in DAZ products too. The last thing I want is for DAZ to go under but trying to make more money out of already existing customers by tinkering with PC is, imo, a short term strategy that can't sustain itself in the long term. DAZ has cut the price of PC, increased the price of PC items after a introductory period, introduced more complex sales but still this doesn't appear to have solved the profitability issue. Maybe PC+ will buck this trend but even if all us PC users, out of some selfless sense of loyalty decided to buy more, I doubt it.
Yep and Vue also supports DAZ & Poser figures. It has a interface to Lightwave and other professional animation apps where the entire scene can be sent.
Unlike Poser files, VUE doesn't import DAZ files directly and then there's the question of how much it costs (at least $500 for the import/export options). As with iClone, the intermediary facilities come at a price - one that could be better spent on more DAZ content if there was compatibility with other platforms built into DS. More importantly there's no Octane Render for VUE unlike Lightwave, DS and many other platforms. I don't imagine that Lightwave owners are going to buy VUE just so they can import DAZ content.
Maybe in days of yore when people were amazed at even basic modelling and FX, CGI creators had time to troubleshoot workarounds but now audiences expect complex modelling and FX so those who create this expect their software to work close to seamlessly - even at the lower end of production.
Agreed. I'm not having any issues with the PC+ either.
Yep and Vue also supports DAZ & Poser figures. It has a interface to Lightwave and other professional animation apps where the entire scene can be sent.
Unlike Poser files, VUE doesn't import DAZ files directly and then there's the question of how much it costs (at least $500 for the import/export options). As with iClone, the intermediary facilities come at a price - one that could be better spent on more DAZ content if there was compatibility with other platforms built into DS. More importantly there's no Octane Render for VUE unlike Lightwave, DS and many other platforms. I don't imagine that Lightwave owners are going to buy VUE just so they can import DAZ content.
Maybe in days of yore when people were amazed at even basic modelling and FX, CGI creators had time to troubleshoot workarounds but now audiences expect complex modelling and FX so those who create this expect their software to work close to seamlessly - even at the lower end of production.
Hmm.. its on sale for less than that.. (only annual discount opportunity ongoing now). But seems to me you do not want to work to make things work. Its still a time saver and once you hammer out the pipeline process things ,move along. Click some of my links if you care to see how precisely I implement the DAZ figures in any number of render systems. The 3d exchange pipeline does work great BTW, so doe does Collada and and Carrara makes a great exporter too...One hint I can give you is that I use the incredible Untimate Unwrap 3d app to fix any animation, uv or geometry issue in my pipelines. Any incompatibility can be adjusted in a fbx, x, obj or collada file and its rig. Vue's animation (bhv) & collada import capability is excellent.
Greetings,
Please understand, your suggestions are extensive, but they're not to the point.This is not about DAZ making more money. I'm fairly confident DAZ is doing Just Fine(tm).
From what I've read directly and between the lines, this is about the Platinum Club being self-sustaining, and maybe even growing. They are not willing to lose money on the Platinum Club just...to have it, so it needs to find a way to be profitable on its own.
So while your ideas for 'fixing DAZ' (which I'd bet doesn't, financially speaking, need to be fixed) are..your own, and based on your own buying habits and needs, they don't relate to fixing the Platinum Club.
Nor does complaining about DAZ supporting more platforms, or less skimpwear (the PC items have a SHOCKINGLY small amount of that these days, like 2 out of the last 60 items!), or any other broad issues with DAZ-the-company. This is about focus, and figuring out how we can have a buying club that still can obtain excellent top-notch content for club members, while remaining financially feasible for the larger company.
I'm willing to try the beta for a bit, and see how it affects my buying habits. Next Wednesday will be the interesting test. :)
-- Morgan
This. Yes. Especially Point No. 3 -- I have heard so many variations of "I don't wanna" on the PCF issue that I've given up even asking. Products without companion files don't even make it to my wishlist any more, let alone go in the cart. This last sale, Countdown to Summer? What wasn't skimp wear (and what is up with all those boob flaps anyway? If the wind should ever blow, poor Aiko 6 is guilty of a TOS-violating wardrobe malfunction on one side; the other is weighted down with some sort of silly knob that surely can't be armour 'cuz what the heck could it possibly protect?! ) and was of interest to me did not give any indication of being usable in Poser. So I bought nothing, just filled up on the V4/M4 sale items. The rest of my 3d budget for June went to Rendo and I can see myself spending more there if this current trend keeps up. Because at least I know what I buy there will work with a minimum of fussing, be it on Vicky, Mike or either incarnation of Genesis. Sadly I can't say the same about most new products sold here, even using DSON and being able to roll my own PCFs in Studio (sometimes) is no guarantee of success. And with limited resources, I have to consider very carefully before jumping on the next "Latest and Greatest" bandwagon, no matter how big and shiny it may be.
Better products, better compatibility. That will bring more bees to your honeycomb, not all this marketing talk about how sweet it is.
This is not about DAZ making more money. I'm fairly confident DAZ is doing Just Fine(tm).
From what I've read directly and between the lines, this is about the Platinum Club being self-sustaining, and maybe even growing. They are not willing to lose money on the Platinum Club just...to have it, so it needs to find a way to be profitable on its own.
So while your ideas for 'fixing DAZ' (which I'd bet doesn't, financially speaking, need to be fixed) are..your own, and based on your own buying habits and needs, they don't relate to fixing the Platinum Club.
Nor does complaining about DAZ supporting more platforms, or less skimpwear (the PC items have a SHOCKINGLY small amount of that these days, like 2 out of the last 60 items!), or any other broad issues with DAZ-the-company. This is about focus, and figuring out how we can have a buying club that still can obtain excellent top-notch content for club members, while remaining financially feasible for the larger company.
I'm willing to try the beta for a bit, and see how it affects my buying habits. Next Wednesday will be the interesting test. :)
-- Morgan
To me it makes complete sense. He is suggesting means to open the market to reduce growth inhibitors. Focus on skimpware - while it may appeal to the hardcore base, is probably not what may appeal to the broader consumer markets. DAZ made the PC to merchandise sales and promote return visits. It probably was not a profit center, but rather applied as cost of marketing. its only purpose is to attract and engage new customers. The whole model is a pyramid and without growth, it implodes., You cant give away your R&D (DS) and invest in assets that can be resold forever...to the same consumer base. Its cannibalistic.
Add me to the group that doesn't really mind a price increase. I've been expecting it for years, and that it's (almost) inevitable now is really no surprise. I'm happy enough to shell out more money for quality work (and I vote with my wallet on what I find quality).
I do have a question, though. I've read every single page, but there's something I don't think I've seen suggested (and if it's been mentioned already, I apologize).
Has DAZ considered going to a flat monthly fee for being a PC member instead of allowing us to do a yearly renewal? If you made the club cost (I'm picking a number here... it can be adjusted...), say, $9.99 USD a month (period, for everyone with no annual option), DAZ would always know exactly how much money the PC would produce each month. That could possibly be enough to offset a small price increase to say $2.99 per item and possibly allow for nice vouchers and other perks (like the % off DOs and such).
I've been doing monthly membership for almost two years now. (unless you mean something else and I just dont understand lol)
Some people's budgets can accommodate an annual fee better than a monthly one. And $120/year (I realize it's a random number) would knock me out of the PC.
I don't think knowing how much dues income is going to be each month is an issue -- I'm sure that portion is quite predictable, and having an annual option makes it MORE certain than monthly, which can be cancelled at any time.
Eh. Variable income can be... variable, so stabilizing as much revenue generation as possible is not a bad thing. It was just a thought. :)
And no matter what they decide to do, if prices are raised (it doesn't matter how much or how little they raise them), someone is going to be priced out of the club. It sucks, but it is what it is, unfortunately. :(
I don't have any hard data, but I have my doubts about the hypothesis that the predominance of skimpy program is a result of trying to appeal to the hardcore base rather than growing the market. It's the long-term customers who complain about "yet another X". My impression is that DAZ 3D is bringing in new customers at a tremendous rate.
Some people's budgets can accommodate an annual fee better than a monthly one. And $120/year (I realize it's a random number) would knock me out of the PC.
I think it's $79.00 annually! People on budgets should find the extra cash to do this. Look at this way, you either buy allot less and have to pass up stuff that would, even on sale, be too much for a budget or find the cash to renew once a year and get stuff you want and need for your projects at a greatly reduced price. It's a no brainer for me and I AM on a budget. Remember, I'm a POZ and work only part time. I make it work because I want it to work FOR me not AGAINST me!
Peace
I don't have any hard data, but I have my doubts about the hypothesis that the predominance of skimpy program is a result of trying to appeal to the hardcore base rather than growing the market. It's the long-term customers who complain about "yet another X". My impression is that DAZ 3D is bringing in new customers at a tremendous rate.
No doubt that DS and DAZ marketing is bringing new users, however I think the focus has always been the hobby cg user, or pin up image creator and that the market is so much more potential. I am suggesting to go after non artist/cg markets. Think about Facebook... while you do see cg renders, however the its no reflection like we see in the gallerys or DevientArt where many long term users display. I think that's because the renders do not reflect their social outlets, because the are hobby artists. I am suggesting that the 3d content and DAZ can be used to make media scenes more akin to FarmVille plots, or thier last sundays barbq in the back yard. The virtual home, the virtual garden,,, virtual vacation, drop and click 3d postcards yada yada. Can you imagine if 7 billion users were in the PC?? Thats how many are in one small social game that generates 10X the revenue. Hello does anybody get this??
I think it's $79.00 annually! People on budgets should find the extra cash to do this. Look at this way, you either buy allot less and have to pass up stuff that would, even on sale, be too much for a budget or find the cash to renew once a year and get stuff you want and need for your projects at a greatly reduced price. It's a no brainer for me and I AM on a budget. Remember, I'm a POZ and work only part time. I make it work because I want it to work FOR me not AGAINST me!
Peace
Don't need the lecture on budgeting, thanks. What works for you may not work for everyone else. The way our Family budget is set up, $70 once a year works, $10/ month does not.
Besides, The $120 was an extrapolation from Saba Taru's hypothetical $10/month.
A extra dollar or 2 on each PC item is say for example an extra $5-$6 a week. That's much more do-able than going from finding $70 once a year to finding $120 a year (as the example). For me at least.
+1
You CAN use Daz/Poser content in those apps you mention. I use Daz/Poser content directly in After Effects (I'm talking about importing models, not just image sequence), you can use them in C4D with exported animation. You should have no problem with Hitfilm or LW imports either.
In most cases it may require a plug-in, but it does work and makes compositing (in AE) much easier with live action or other CG elements.
-AniMajik
I converted my PC account to PC+ and received my two $6 coupons in my Platinum Club tab. I selected four models, three of which were now $1.39 each and the other was $2.09 then used one of my $6 coupons. I had to pay $0.54. These were all formally $1.99 type models. Then from my wish list I took another item which was the Genesis 2 Female morph package which already was 30% off and added the other $6 coupon to it. My experience so far looks really good right now for PC+.
If membership be it annual, quarterly or monthly sustained the PC then we wouldn't even be having this debate.
I still do not see why DAZ didn't raise PC pricing by increments over the years. If they had been honest and stated that in order to keep the PC as it is, we have to increase the price of PC items to $2.50 from $1.99. There would have been some screaming an crying and even some cancellations but in the end, most members would have accepted it as the way of things. When things went to hades in a handcart, they again could have calmly and honestly told PC members that the current financial situation requires another price hike. More gnashing of teeth and stomping of feet but most of us would have sighed and saw it as it was.
I keep hearing about large environments costs vs pose pack costs. What "large" environment and what pose pack? I would really like to see examples of this logic as opposed to nebulous statements. I guess I'm the hard data type of person.