But that's why you need to buy the pro version.
Exporters are just one of a number of additional features in the Pro version of SU. They just happen to be the
only feature in which I would be interested; and that one feature alone is not worth $500 to me. For others, the additional features like LayOut, Style_Builder, and the ability to create Dynamic Components constitute added value. They add no value for me (and for many others).
Unless you own stock in Google, I'm not sure where you're coming from with your remark. Basically, I see this as an opportunity to expand the C3D user base and ultimately make C3D an even better product. Obviously, Martin is the one who must make the decision. I'm simply offering a perspective he might not have considered.
The FREE version is a marketing exercise
Nope, I don't think that's entirely correct. I don't think Google expects a high conversion rate from the free version to the Pro version. I think a major impetus behind the free version was (and still is) to get people to generate 3D content for Google Earth, and it's been pretty successful.
that has done wonders for SU
Precisely! SU is quite popular, and if I were the developer of a 3D app, I'd seriously consider supporting the very popular SU file format. Thanks for helping to make my point. :smile:
The main difference is that SU is semi CAD with real measurements for Archvis and engineering use. it's push pull tool and the component aspect allow the user to really explore ideas and build faster than any other app I have seen.
Yes, those are some of SU's strong points. Thanks for describing why so many people find the program useful.
Cheetah on the other hand is a brilliant mesh based modelling tool with lots of very clever additions, that is equally accurate in use and is also one of the best rendering apps around.
Which is precisely why I said SU and C3D complement each other so well. It seems we agree on that. (And don't forget the animation capabilities of C3D which blow SU out of the water!)
Finally, I think it's a bit cheeky to ask a developer for an exporter on a Free app
I don't understand. Who asked for an exporter on a free app? What this thread is about is requesting an
importer so that C3D can read native SU files (as many other modeling apps already do). Google makes an SDK freely available for precisely that purpose. Numerous other software developers have incorporated native SU file support into their apps. I fail to see what's "cheeky" about it.
If Google offered an "intermediate" version of SU that had export capabilities but none of the other "pro" features, I'd consider purchasing it (but not for $500). That said, however, I'd rather send my money to Martin so that he could continue to improve C3D. If C3D could read native SU files, I'd have no need or desire for a SU exporter. (It'd be especially cool if native SU files could be used with Smart Folders in C3D; but I'll settle for just importing them.)
Basically, I see this as a business opportunity; but of course Martin's the one who must decide whether or not it's worth his while to pursue.
-Steve
