Dear Ken,
Great questions. Thanks for posting. This is my recommendation. Start
with the "getting started" tutorial. What you find in here are step by
step procedures for using all the tools and working with portraits and
backgrounds.
What I would post here would be the same thing you find in the
step-by-step tutorials.
We developed these after beta testers asked the exact same questions you
are posing.
If after working with the step-by-step for a few days you are having a
hard time orienting to the program, I will offer private lessons in
Internet Relay Chat.
Keep going for it, there is a learning curve of about a week.
Thanks,
Virginia Sterling
I've been intrigued by the many examples that I've been seeing
over the past many months from the XenoDream beta testers.
After using the program for a very short time, I can see that it
has quite an enormous amount of capabilities. The problem
that I'm facing, and I'm sure many others are as well is, where
do I start?
I know it can be frustrating at first trying to get a "keeper".
It might be a good idea to start with some of the preset holon groupings.
That way you can examine them and see what's been done. That's what we
did, with presets kindly provided by Ginny and Garth. Then just
pick ONE holon, and ONE parameter (for instance, Position). Set the drag
mode to sllooowwww and drag a bit at a time, watching to see how it
changes the resulting fractal. If you drag, you can undo, otherwise you
might note down the beginning positions (or whatever parameter you're
changing).
One of our testers, Bryan, has really done a LOT with noting down numbers
and techniques and I'm hoping he'll put the small tutorials he had for
the beta testers up for everyone now that the program is out. I have some
of them (I think), but they're text and not the web URL's (which I
suspect don't exist anymore) and I couldn't post them without his
permission.
Some example subjects that I
would like to see discussed are:
1) Background creation techniques
2) Manipulation of photographs or images from other
programs
I have to say that these are things I don't do in Xenodream because I
tend to do my composition later in Photoshop. It's great that it's
available, though, for those who don't have the program or who aren't
inclined to do stuff post-render. There are folks among the beta testers
who know a lot about it.
-= s k y =-
At 05:43 PM 7/31/2001 -0500, you wrote:
> >
> > However, there are tutorials supplied
> > by users of other programs that enhance
> > greatly the ability of new users to
> > progress up the learning curve.
>
>Yes, and most of those were created long after the initial release of
>those programs. I am sure that within a matter of weeks, if not days,
>you will begin seeing various tutorials available for those that need
>more assistance.
I wasn't asking for them today. I'm simply making a polite
request of things for the experienced users to think about
based on questions that came to mind from a very short time
of experimenting with the program. I apologize if I've
offended anyone by appearing impatient, as that is not my
intent.
Ken...
Ken Childress wrote:
>
> The problem that I'm facing, and I'm
> sure many others are as well is, where
> do I start?
Did you get the "Starter" files and the "Data" files with your copy??
If so, then these would be a nice place to learn and see what may be
created from the efforts of others. Kind of like taking apart a UPR in
UltraFractal to see how that was made.
>
> However, there are tutorials supplied
> by users of other programs that enhance
> greatly the ability of new users to
> progress up the learning curve.
Yes, and most of those were created long after the initial release of
those programs. I am sure that within a matter of weeks, if not days,
you will begin seeing various tutorials available for those that need
more assistance.
Sincerely,
P.N.L.
--------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.fractalus.com/cgi-bin/theway?ring=fractals&id=43&go
Hi all,
I've been intrigued by the many examples that I've been seeing
over the past many months from the XenoDream beta testers.
After using the program for a very short time, I can see that it
has quite an enormous amount of capabilities. The problem
that I'm facing, and I'm sure many others are as well is, where
do I start?
So, I'd like to encourage the developers and more experienced
users to think about examples and tutorials that could be
posted to illustrate some of the many capabilities of the program.
The two tutorials in the help file are a good start.
Some example subjects that I would like to see discussed are:
1) Background creation techniques
2) Manipulation of photographs or images from other programs
3) Lighting techniques
4) Texturing techniques
5) Coloring techniques
6) Morphing techniques
7) Object creation techniques
8) Any other tips that might be useful to new or other users
I realize that with XenoDream, as with any other program,
experimentation is a key ingredient. However, there are tutorials
supplied by users of other programs that enhance greatly the
ability of new users to progress up the learning curve.
So, any wisdom that can be imparted to the list will be greatly
appreciated by me, and I'm sure by many others.
Thanks for a very interesting program.
Ken...
Thanks Virginia & Skydancer for your help, boy do I feel like a goof
LOL I thought you had to let it render down to 0, like I said this is
a first for me, but I think I got it : )
I have downloaded the program,
looks way cool ! Now I am stuck : (
I have worked with fractals before, but this is so new to me, and I
cannot seem to get past the render process...it just seems to go on,
and on........ it never seems to stop rendering.am I doing something
wrong?
I've NEVER let a fractal render to zero. In fact, what's
interesting is to stop the rendering at various places and play with
lighting. Sometimes you'll like the lighting effect better on a
partially-rendered one than one that's gotten down into the wee numbers.
Often I save a lit one I like, then click the "render more"
button, let it go for awhile, then light and save the picture again.
later I'll look at the pictures and decide which I like the best.
You must have a very interesting fractal cooking. The render time
various from fractal to fractal. Some are done in minutes. Some I have
let render over night but that is extremely rare.
There is a calculator on the render page on the top left. You will see
the numbers decrease as the fractal fills in. You can generally stop
rendering a fractal when you get down into the 300-400 range.
If you want the maximum amount of detail, let it render down to
zero...but I rarely do.
Wait until you see what it looks like when you light it!
Best of luck, let us know how it is coming along.
Virginia Sterling
> I have downloaded the program, looks way cool ! Now I am stuck : (
> I have worked with fractals before, but this is so new to me, and I
> cannot seem to get past the render process...it just seems to go on,
> and on........ it never seems to stop rendering.am I doing something
> wrong?
>
>
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I have downloaded the program, looks way cool ! Now I am stuck : (
I have worked with fractals before, but this is so new to me, and I
cannot seem to get past the render process...it just seems to go on,
and on........ it never seems to stop rendering.am I doing something
wrong?
A note to all new users who have joined the group:
There are many beta testers on the mailing lists. Don't be shy about
asking questions, the beta testers have done an outstanding job with the
program and a lot can be learned from their experience.
The feedback this morning has all been positive. We have our beta
testers to thank for that!
Virginia Sterling
XenoDream Software
--- In xenodreamers@y..., "Martin Childs" <martin@t...> wrote:
> Being able to rotate the fractals is fasinating. I gave up smoking
> about 8 months ago, and I think that I have now found something to
> take it's place :D
>
> Martin
one door closes and another opens. ain't life grand?
i'm glad you're having fun with xd and am looking forward to seeing
what you do with the program, martin.
-eleny
The key is in the email that you received when you purchased the
program.
Thank you,
Virginia Sterling
> I just purchased this program, where do I find the "key" to start it?
> Will they email it to me?
> Vicki
>
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Being able to rotate the fractals is fasinating. I gave up smoking
about 8 months ago, and I think that I have now found something to
take it's place :D
Martin
--- In xenodreamers@y..., s k y d a n c e r <s2000d@e...> wrote:
> Martin!! Yes, it's a very nifty program, isn't it? Addictive, too!
8-)
-= s k y =-
Hi Virginia,
You will probably get sick of all my progress updates, while I'm
working through all the options ;)
Needless to say, it looks as if plenty of midnight oil is going to be
burnt over the next few weeks.
Kindest Regards,
Martin
http://www.the3dscene.com
--- In xenodreamers@y..., "Virginia" <mcbunny@m...> wrote:
> Dear Martin,
>
> I am glad to hear you love the program. The beta testers really put
us
> though our paces to make the program right. Keep us up to date on
your
> progress and please let us know when you post some pictures.
>
> Thanks
>
> Virginia Sterling
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Well, the money is no longer burning a hole in my pocket :)
> > XenoDream is excellent, and congratulations to everyone
involved...it
> > is even better than I expected.
> > Some sleepless nights ahead!
> >
> > Martin
> >
> > http://www.the3dcene.com
> >
> >
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> >
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> >
> >
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> >
> >
Well, the money is no longer
burning a hole in my pocket :)
XenoDream is excellent, and congratulations to everyone involved...it
is even better than I expected.
Some sleepless nights ahead!
Martin!! Yes, it's a very nifty program, isn't it? Addictive, too!
8-)
Dear Martin,
I am glad to hear you love the program. The beta testers really put us
though our paces to make the program right. Keep us up to date on your
progress and please let us know when you post some pictures.
Thanks
Virginia Sterling
> Well, the money is no longer burning a hole in my pocket :)
> XenoDream is excellent, and congratulations to everyone involved...it
> is even better than I expected.
> Some sleepless nights ahead!
>
> Martin
>
> http://www.the3dcene.com
>
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>
>
Well, the money is no longer burning a hole in my pocket :)
XenoDream is excellent, and congratulations to everyone involved...it
is even better than I expected.
Some sleepless nights ahead!
Martin
http://www.the3dcene.com
The waiting is nearly too much
to bare LOL! If only I could get to
grips with fractal programs as well as yourself...then I would be
very happy.
According to rumor, the program should be available today, but of course
that's barring any unforseen circumstances! 8-) Keep checking
the xenodream site!
Thankyou Eleny,
The waiting is nearly too much to bare LOL! If only I could get to
grips with fractal programs as well as yourself...then I would be
very happy.
Thanks for taking the time to visit, and I'm glad that you enjoyed
yourself while you was there :)
Kindest regards,
Martin
http://www.the3dscene.com
--- In xenodreamers@y..., elenyte@h... wrote:
> Hi Martin,
>
> I've just been visiting your galleries. Your underwater scene is
> terrific. I enjoyed the visit and can hardly wait to see what
you'll
> accomplish with XenoDream.
>
> best regards,
> Eleny
> Incurable Art
> www.incurableart.com
>
> --- In xenodreamers@y..., "Martin Childs" <martin@t...> wrote:
> > Hi everyone,
> > Well, listening to all you beta testers, and looking at the
images
> at
> > the respective sites for the past few months has been getting too
> > much...this money I have put aside has been burning a big hole in
> my
> > pocket :D
> > I just wanted to wish everyone involved all the very best for the
> > release, and also that I can't wait to get my hands on it!!
> > Regards,
> > Martin
> >
> > http://www.the3dscene.com
Hi Martin,
I've just been visiting your galleries. Your underwater scene is
terrific. I enjoyed the visit and can hardly wait to see what you'll
accomplish with XenoDream.
best regards,
Eleny
Incurable Art
www.incurableart.com
--- In xenodreamers@y..., "Martin Childs" <martin@t...> wrote:
> Hi everyone,
> Well, listening to all you beta testers, and looking at the images
at
> the respective sites for the past few months has been getting too
> much...this money I have put aside has been burning a big hole in
my
> pocket :D
> I just wanted to wish everyone involved all the very best for the
> release, and also that I can't wait to get my hands on it!!
> Regards,
> Martin
>
> http://www.the3dscene.com
Hi everyone,
Well, listening to all you beta testers, and looking at the images at
the respective sites for the past few months has been getting too
much...this money I have put aside has been burning a big hole in my
pocket :D
I just wanted to wish everyone involved all the very best for the
release, and also that I can't wait to get my hands on it!!
Regards,
Martin
http://www.the3dscene.com
Oh well, I do this every year, it's a royal pain in the wazoo, and
there's no pay because my friend's business is STILL in the red after
nearly 5 years. If I were getting pay for this annual headache I'd
probably be able to stop worrying about survival. 8-)
I
have to tell you that the stats from our website indicate that about 25
percent of our visitors are coming from your site. I think that is a
great testament to your art work :)
Kewl beans! Maybe I should advertise my digital prints on that page.
LOL!!! I must not be doing prints of what people want.
Thank
you for the link, it is most
appreciated.
anytime!
- s k y d a n c e r - http://www.skydancers.com
"I am always doing that which I can not do, in
order that I may learn how to do it." -- Pablo Picasso:
I have to tell you that the stats from our website indicate that about 25 percent of our visitors are coming from your site. I think that is a great testament to your art work :)
Thank you for the link, it is most appreciated.
Ginny
Yes, I think Bryan worked that program about as hard as anyone, and some of the results were fantastic!
I'm in the throes of trying to get images for a friend's catalog done, so don't have time to create anything new. I have posted the link to my FractalMania gallery, though, which only has XenoDream in it. http://www.skydancers.com/fractalmania/_xenodream_main.html
- s k y d a n c e r - http://www.skydancers.com "I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it." -- Pablo Picasso:
Unsubscribe: email to xenodreamers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Thank you! I am also encouraging everyone to take a trip to your
website. I was there this morning and it is most impressive. We were
lucky to get you putting the program through the
paces.
Yes, I think Bryan worked that program about as hard as anyone, and some
of the results were fantastic!
I'm in the throes of trying to get images for a friend's catalog done, so
don't have time to create anything new. I have posted the link to my
FractalMania gallery, though, which only has XenoDream in it.
http://www.skydancers.com/fractalmania/_xenodream_main.html
- s k y d a n c e r - http://www.skydancers.com
"I am always doing that which I can not do, in
order that I may learn how to do it." -- Pablo Picasso:
Dear Bryan,
Thank you! I am also encouraging everyone to take a trip to your
website. I was there this morning and it is most impressive. We were
lucky to get you putting the program through the paces.
Ginny
> Garth/Ginny:
>
> Good luck with the launch...the site looks good...and for anyone else
> coming upon this post, here's a URL that I use/used to post some of my
> better beta work with XD:
>
> http://www.renderosity.com/gallery.ez?ByArtist=Yes&Artist=smithgiant
>
> Ciao
>
> Bryan
>
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And wondering why this group hasn't appeared in the directory yet.
Garth Thornton
Imagicosm, Sterling Thornton - Creator of XenoDream
http://xenodream.com