Time for a update
 

Hi All
Is it just me or is it time for this site to get a gereral update, the board is getting slower as far as I can see. dont get me wrong I realy do like this site (first one I posted any of my models) tutorial also need updating with more on zbrush, photoshop or premier in the maya work flow............dave

I agree, there needs to be a bit of a kickstart or boost or something. Not sure what exactly, but I think a new challenge couldn't hurt, whether it be user or moderator initiated.

Hi stwert
Im thinking total update, new pages with a lot of 3D graphic paid for with advertising(good products not crap)?, challenges were the winner gets on the gallery if good? Tutorials were the end product is good for a production on (tv,film or magazines) I am sure there are other things that could be improved............dave

Well that's a pretty lofty goal, and I'm not saying it's not something to try for, but smaller steps might be more reasonable at this point, I don't know.
For example, I think there could be more challenge promotion/involvement/shorter turnaround and as you say, incentives like getting into the gallery would be awesome.

Hi again stwert
Im just looking at what other sites are doing, the gallery thing is my idea for some one to have a reason to be in a challenge other than points.........dave

Edit: just looked at what I have posted makes it look like I am saying we should aim for the top end of 3D thats not the case, I think this site has help a lot with poeple new to maya and should allways do so

Last thing tonight if you look up you will see Simplylightwave and Simplymax click on them ...........dave

Not sure what you mean with the other Simply sites... they look pretty much the same as this one, but with fewer visitors... :)

Most of the posts are dead. click on them

how about a new simplymaya logo challenge...

I would like to see some more advanced tutorials around lighting and rendering, different fg and gi settings, shadow settings, more advanced shader set-ups etc. The modelling and general starter tutorials on this site are brilliant, but the lighting and rendering section of the video tutorials list only has two (short) tuts. I think the hard thing really is that, dave, when you mention more tutorials about production quality stuff, most work of that calibre tends to be generated by mulitple bits of software, zbrush, as you mention, PS, Nuke, etc. Under the banner 'simply Maya' I guess that becomes a bit of a contentious area. And tutorials for those other bits of software can be found elsewhere.

I know where you're coming from overall in the overhaul stakes, though.

Dave,

I havent been here long so probably not much in my reply but,

first up stwert I agree, small steps dave, no point giving it all the grunt first time around. Why not a quick easy comp (not necessarily Maya related) with a free tut or something to the winner for a new page outlay, look or ideas for such??? Give it a makeover, cost effective and will make the site appear fresh.

DONT overdo the advertising but mate, the last thing I would want to see is a squillion ads getting in my way, if you know what I mean. I am a member here (creative crash too) but I like this site, it seems simpler and less daunting than the others.

You could also have the gallery noms put up in an area voted by the members as well as mods and prizes that way.

I agree with ben too, more involvment on the other stuff, its all good having modelling tuts but when you do (Im getting there) need the other stuff SM doesnt throw a lot at you. Maybe giving the add ons a better go is a good way ben??

Logo challenge sounds cool, make it simple but effective, new pages etc would be a good and simple start. Like all you Gods keep telling me on modelling, simple first then build from there?

I think the logo one sounds good, a simple one even the noobs can have a go at (nothing godlike) and voted by members. The winner gets a free tut?? gallery for the logo?? T-shirt/stubby holder with the logo on it. A small trophy (real) with the logo on it???

Im watching

Cheers bullet

Maybe a few more 'anatomically' correct organic tuts??? I think hard surface is easier than human faces etc so a few of those??? I dont mean complex, things likes faces/heads, hands and feet etc??

Modeling is pretty much moving away from the big programs like Maya, XSI, MAX and is pretty much all being done in programs like ZB mud box.

Forgive my noobness Kurt, is that just for organic or modelling in general?? and why?? I thought Maya would nearly have it all, though if the other software packs are cheaper then cost as well.

cheers bullet

Z brush can petty much do it all now both organic and hard surface. What is making the big programs loose ground against Z brush is it ability to do things so much faster then say in maya.

Example in Z brush i can create, UV map, texture, and make displacement maps 1000 times faster. Back in maya you have to layout the uv's and hand paint a flat map which in it self took so much time.

The big programs are great for animation,and FX but as far as modeling they are really falling behind now.

aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!! !!!!!!! Im only just learning Maya dude........sob...sob LOL.

Oh well I guess if its quicker it helps. Thanks (I think LOL) for the input. God...more money.....more learning.....brain fuse blowing...done.

cheers bullet

P.S I guess a tablet would be handy right now.

Bullet if you want to experience the feeling of 3d sculpting without paying any money (I haven't tried the program myself but sounds promising) check out that sculptrist program if you haven't already, was posted at this link http://srv01.simply3dworld.com/showt...threadid=34104

I haven't been able to try it out since I've been running my computer in linux recently.

There's no chance that learning to model well in maya is wasted effort. Many of the skills are transferable (especially the eye for it) and I really doubt that all modelling will be done with sculpting packages in the near future.

There will always be modeling in Maya and other packages and knowing how to do it is always a plus. All i was bringing up is that the new programs have really trimed off the fat as far as how fast your can produce your work and art.

Yeh Rhet, got it the moment it was posted. I tried it I dont like it? Doesnt feel right somehow just yet. I need a tablet for sculpting I reckon, the mouse is awkward. I havent done any organic so I would try with that, it seems to simplify just a different way of thinking.

Nah Kurt I know what you are on about, its just another tool in the kit. It would be faster once you learnt to use it at its fullest. But like GPS Surveying equipment/software it will have limits and thats when you drop back to Maya etc. They will all have their niche, so to speak.

Yeh stwert, some things are good for basics. Like Surveying, you can have 4 million dollar software but not having 'the eye' for it means its useless.

chhers bullet

P.S Kurt, if they get the brain comms direct to the PC soon, you wont even need a tablet.....LOL...just think of the model and it will materialise for you on the screen.

Hi All
When I talk about advertizing it was to pay for updating the site, another thought free advertizing on this site for discount for members, Im only look to increase involved membership. At this moment in time on this post zbrush has been advertized by us about 8 times, photoshop about 3 times..........dave

I agree LOL dave BUT also have a look so far who has responded? give it a few days to a week and see how many hits it gets dave. Why dont you make it a poll???

Ads dave, contractual or sponsors?? which is the way you would want to go there?

What about online tutoring/short courses dave? do you have the resources for that??? That would increase members I would think. If thats also the way you want to go?


cheers bullet

I mean really short courses that can be accredited to Uni mods or TAFE mods?

Hi Bullet
I have no power to do any thing, its upto the powers that be. I would like to here peoples idears any idears................dave

Is SM in the Facebook/Twitter etc area?? that might be a way to boost interest and members?? Get it out in the public arena for free, ad comps in those areas with some simple prizes etc (cost is the problem).

cheers bullet

i totally agree the site needs to be "rebranded"

Start the movement dave

Change can be good, but as already mentioned, in this case, change costs money. Planting ads on the site is tricky to a degree, because it can turn people off and how much is too much before the page starts looking "too busy"? I don't want to log in and get bombarded by ads for dating sites and boner pills.

I think they should merge the boards already, simplyMax is as dead as a doornail. Host some challenges (even mini ones) that get front page promo instead of being tucked away in the corner along with the rest of what is going on in the community, pick up some more traffic in those lounges. Maybe the winning piece(s) can get a few days on the frontpage (assuming that there are rules for defining "finished" work) or even just for fist bumps and high fives, give people more incentive to not only join but to finish and actually stick around. And just to pretty much let people know that there's stuff happening here, it might bring some lurkers out, might turn the "hit & dips" into regular visitors.

The current medal idea is good but what do they mean when there is a challenge only every once in a blue moon (probably why the size of those medals didn't become a problem yet).

Speaking of lounges, I can understand the need for "Announcments" right down to "Battle Arena" with the exception of the newbie lounge because frankly, everyone is using it as a general lounge. Anyways, I don't see why Polys and Nurbs are separate, same goes for "Lighting, Camera & Rendering" and "Mental Ray". Maybe "Animation" and "Dynamics & Special Effects" should be one as well.

As Raphael mentioned, SM might need a rebranding, workflows have changed and if the site is offering tuts featuring said workflows then it might need that overhaul.

Hi Genny
I would only want adds for 3D stuff. I think you are wright in merging a lot of the board then things like wip could have photo shop stuff or mudbox, would this be end of simplymaya possible yes and no, the start of a wide 3D forume that reflects how the work flow is done but keeps the freindly side of SM.............dave

I'll be completely honest here and say what I think about this site. This site for me has an awesome community with great members, and the best I've come across. I've heard this from many others too. So the forum is a very strong part of the site, in terms of a quick way to find answers to problems, a fun place to take part in challenges, and a helpful way to get good feedback on projects.
I personally don't use this site for tutorials as much, though I have watched some in the past (other resource types and places are more cost effective and well-rounded for me I think). It is challenging and expensive to provide a large selection of tutorials on all topics that people want.

So, I think this site should focus on the areas in which it excels, and maybe re-think some other areas. If simplymaya wants to branch out into a wider array of tutorials, that's fine, but I think directing energy into more community-based areas could be beneficial. Also, as mentioned, exposure on social networking sites could be a big plus.
My $0.02.

Hi stwert
At the moment I am not talking about branching out to new areas of tutorial but thing that are done already by stuidios and members like (maya, zbrush, maya,photoshop, maya to nuke) but good quality models that would stand up in a production. I dont think we have a problem with people joining the site as I see each day people joining to get the tutorials but they do not seem to stop why? I think the site looks dull as simple as that. A lot of good work has been done on this site but it is hiden away?..........I know I started this post but this should be for the members to let know how they feel.............dave

To echo Stwerts sentiments, this forum is the best of it's type on the net in terms of it's community, I find. I have tried to get 'into' Zbrush central without much success (though I largely suck at zbrush)and have often been ignored on cgsociety and a couple of other forums, I think most other forums are very cliquey in that you dont get 'accepted' unless you produce a certain standard of work, and that is why SM is so good is that it is not up it's own '...' . What I love most about Sm is it's solid foundation of regular friendly members. As long as that remains, thats the most important thing.

Gen spot on, good points.

stwert, again we agree. Dave there is something (dont know what) alien about this site, as stwert said it has a 'family' feel about it. It is fun to interact, the members are outrageously helpful and yeh, just plain old good and stwert hit the nail on the head with those comments.

Providing a large range of tuts as stated is a challenge, costs man, they lurk everywhere. As said Im a memeber of a couple of other mobs but SM gets me because its freindly etc etc

Why people arent stopping is a puzzle dave?? as you said there are a squillion members (look at the members serach), why they dont stick is weird.

I have learnt in the construction industry lots of things and if you have dead wood, get rid of it to start with. If SL and SMAX are dead, remover them or incorporate them in some way as an add on in the new look.

cheers bullet

Gen, whats wrong with boner pills??? Old fellas like me might enjoy such innocuous ads!! LOL

:beer:

Ive said this one before dave, hot tips for the week as part of it where anyone can contribute to an archive edited by the mods. You know shortcuts etc etc hotkeys etc etc tricks and stuff. Hey theres the name 'Tricks and Stuff'.

Hi Ben
Sorry I do agree with you, Bullet and stwert on that but if this site does not get moving it will be like simplymax,lightwave dead in the water, I dont want to see that.............dave

Bullet has Gen got a problem with a dog to need boner piles?

Exactly ben!!!!! Thats the reason Im still here too. Im a noob and going to other sites you are right ben!! We call it FIFO here in Oz 'Fit in or F..k off' attitude. They are kinda up themselves and thats where SM beats the crap out of them. This really is the most freindly site I have been too.

The fact (me even as a noob) people help around here without even so much as a glance at your capabilities/skill Gods or Noobs is the most important thing.

No I dont know what Gen is on about...bahahahaha LOL dave. God its only 0545 and I had visions of Aunties Poodle doing the wild thing on a leg after that comment dave.....................;)

they should do the simply3dworld idea and make it include lightwave, max, blender, and even a few others, get every program in one. You can make the forums have a general 3d section, and then have a max section, lightwave section, blender section... and so on. Of course you'd need moderators that know their stuff in whichever program they are moderating for.

I check this forum every day, it's the first one I found when I first got into Maya and I love this place, the tutorials are great, they got me started. I use the one's I've downloaded as references for other things. The haunted house to give me a reference for creating a house. The BMW to use as reference when modeling any car. Sea creature when I created my "Champy" monster, and so on. I love this forum and the people in it, great community and great tutorials.

I definitely do agree there needs to be more in the tutorials, along the lines of lighting and rendering using mental ray. Even more in animation and dynamics and particles and cloth. I'd rather spend what little money I have lately on simply maya than digital tutors or gnomon... although I have had to go to them for some stuff that I needed... it would be great to have it all here in this one little site. Like to support this place because I'd hate to see it go anywhere. It's been very helpful and everyone here has been very friendly. Never see out of control arguments from people on this forum. No one puts down anyone's work, only give positive criticism with ideas on how to make it better instead of saying "you need more practice, this sucks" which I've seen on other forums.

I'm not really keen on the all software integration, at least on an official level, as you'd have people asking about max or lightwave, and maybe wouldn't get an answer, depending on how many knowledgeable people were actually on the forums. There's quite a few Maya gurus here, so I think the site should stick to it's strength in that way. Of course people ask about zb and photoshop now and again, but there's no expectation that someone must have the answer.

I agree stwert, too many applications will make it more difficult to manage. SimplyMaya is just that, simply Maya.

Im as you are Rhet, this is the first site I came to 5 months or so ago when I started. The attitudes here ARE positive even when critique is applied, the arguments are mature and not personal. I too have been to other sites that really havent got a patch on this mob when it comes to etiquette.

SM dave either starts going commercial and loses its identity or SOFTLY changes even just its look and outlay. Maybe things could be catalogued in their respective boxes a bit better ie Poly tuts = vehicles, biuldings, landscapes etc same as the gallery needs it too.

Dont get me wrong SM should have small branches of the other apps but not commit fully, logistically it would be difficult. The trouble with being a specialist is extinction is inevitable BUT the same goes for overkill on multiplatform bases.

cheers bullet

Lol @ the boner pills :p. I don't think a merge would be the end of the SM atmosphere as we know it, there will be more members, more work, more questions, more people in challenges etc. Makes no sense for simply3Dworld to try make tuts/boards for a 100 packages, there are already sites like that and personally I don't really like any of them. The Maya + LW + Max merge will do. Inside those 3 lounges, I think it's better to stick with the task related way of labeling lounges instead of software specific because if you have a Photoshop and After Effects lounge you might as well have a Painter or Nuke or Toxik lounge and so on when you could've just used "Digital Painting & Compositing".

I completely agree with you Ben, the community here is pretty hard to beat, on other sites there is the heavy stench of elitism and its just generally cold. With that being said, the frontpage kinda plays down the community to the point where it seems like an afterthought.

As far as people not staying, I think ..
1. We have a fair share of lurkers, no problem, some people are shy, whatever.
2.For some reason people tend to gravitate towards the obnoxious and the snobby, anything simple and laid back tends to get thrown under the bus.

A lot of the the ideas you have been talking about where in the works at one point.. Just never got implemented..

Hopefully things will get going for you guys...

LOL Gen, I still have the poodle image in my bloody head...bahahah

You are right, there are lurkers etc but why they dont jump in I dont know.

As a noob I found this site good for me, as you said Gen the elitism and basic coldness of the other sites is bad for noobs and people in general.

I get disheartened quite a bit with my noob skills, especially as I have good background on Survey modeeling, I thought the transition would be easy, its not. That said when I have been to the others, I get discouraged and tend to close up and not want to do it. At SM there is none of that, critiques are funny, tongue in cheek, serious and helpful.

Yes the front page and pages there-in need a spruce, definitley. Your #2 is again spot on...why do people think champagne society is any better??? Sometimes I think folks like difficulty???

Lets hope something comes of this eh?

cheers bullet