Free software downloads
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I was really into Maya and quite determined to learn it for several years. They had a great download "Maya PLE" which had a fully functioning program, but was missing fur and a few other really neat items. Since Autodesk bought them, the free Maya disappeared and I lost interest. I even went so far as to get some lessons from a pro, and the piracy issue came up in the course of conversation. He said (after attending Siggraph) that the Maya devs know about piracy, and honestly aren't too worried about it. People using hacked copies never really do much with it, and if they do take it seriously, they wind up buying it to use it professionally. It was a two edged sword for Alias (this was before Autodesk gobbled them up); yeah their software was pirated, but that pirated software got people interested in Maya, and the people that got good enough at it became pros and bought the package. But then, Maya isn't one of those apps that can be used conspicuously in such a small industry.
I'd have to say the most pirated app in existence is Photoshop. Too much out there that's been "photoshopped" by complete amateurs who obviously don't have the knowledge or skill to afford or use a $500-$1,000 piece of software. JMO. Luckily, with the free alternatives like Blender, GIMP, Open Office, InkScape, DoubleCAD, Sketchup, Kerkythea...the list goes on and on, there's little reason to grab warez with great apps like this being fully legal and free.
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Thanks for your comments on this issue.
I have decided not to waste my time worrying abut the pirated versions - but rather to continue to concentrate on improving our products and being responsive to our users.
Al Hart
IRender nXt from Render Plus -
@al hart said:
Thanks for your comments on this issue.
I have decided not to waste my time worrying abut the pirated versions - but rather to continue to concentrate on improving our products and being responsive to our users.
congratulations, positive energy is always more well spent.
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