Elliot

Markus

Thanks for the response. I have been working on Lightscape and Viz for 8 years. If you look at the progress they have done with these software it is minimum. Basically there is not much difference on what you can do with the new version vs the old versions of the programs.

With each upgrade there is new hardware requirements in order to make use of the improvements in technology. There is new learning curves... Then the solution to cure the inefficiency of Discreet is to purchase Plug-ins.

I noticed most of us in this forum are small companies. Basically a few employees, in most of cases 1 or 2 employees at the most. Now look at the impact:

1. Almost every year an upgrade.....$$$$$

2. With each software upgrade there is a hardware upgrade needed...$$$$

3. Lately, a million plug-ins. Some of them with complicated licensing gimmicks.... Time $$$$$$

4. Cost of the learning curve because they don't stick to a certain workflow system..... Time $$$$$$$

5. Don't call them for advice. Last time I called Discreet it was about 70 dollars to talk with a kid that knew less than me. She was just asking me questions to me and reading out of a book with pre-made responses. If I would take her out of her sequence, she would leave on the phone for 10 minutes while reseaching for the anwser. Time $$$$$

6. Last time I called Microsoft with a problem with my E Mail and a virus, I spent 250.00 to hear that the solution was to re-format. To top it off they sent to me a questionaire. The guy wanted me to rate him......Time - Frustration $$$$$


Time - Time - Time - $$$$ - $$$$ - $$$$

This new machine that I need will not produce images that much different than what I used to produce with Lightscape in 1997 or 1998.

I think most people have had a similar experiences, I guess we are all hostages to Microsoft and others.

Thanks
Elliot

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Elliot