Loading...
> >

DAZ Content and DRM

24

Comments

  • nightwolf1982nightwolf1982 Posts: 1,169

    I have something like 20-25 different content directories for DS alone, each set up according to content type and generation.  I do this because some older products were not well organized and seperating them out makes finding things easier.  I'm concerned now because it seems like this DAZ Connect doesn't allow this?  I get that already installed products will continue to work, but what about post 4.9 products?  will DAZ Connect work with multi-directory setups like mine?

  • DestinysGardenDestinysGarden Posts: 2,550
    araneldon said:

    Handholding is fine as long as it doesn't constrain those of us who don't need it.

     

    Another +1.

    Guys, I respectfully, and completely disagree with the whole concept. If one more company insists on making my life easier by inter-connecting every aspect of it and micro-managing me...

    I gave the Smart Content a really good solid try. For four months I used it. I couldn't find a darn thing, and I spent so much of that time clicking through unorganized folders in the tree view just so I could get any work done. No one who doesn't live in my head is going to come up with a category system that works for me. I absolutely don't have the time to re-categorize and tag 400 GB's of content.

    DAZ_Jon said:

    To a degree being able to move around files still exist and the methods it used, especially for 3rd party content still works (not going to just do a complete break from it). But more and more we want to introduce new, faster, and more powerful ways to handle your content. As with any new ways, it means a change of what some are currently used to, and for many a decade or more of being used to it, and that is hard. I don't know if you can currently move around user facing files that are downloaded via Daz Connect, you would have to try or get a response from one of the developers to see if it currently works or is on the list of things to work on. However, if you haven't tried the out the new model of how to organize or deal with your content yet, I would encourage that to see if the time savings and convenience is something worth using in some cases.

    I don't want to spark a debate on what the "better" way is as it is all personal experience and completely subjective. But try it out, give us feedback. We do care what you guys think and want to make a product which will be the best experience for as many people as possible, so if you have suggestions for it on things we can do to improve, especially during the beta on such a new thing, please give it. 

    I do understand your point. I'm one of those "old-timers" with years of doing things in a certain way. I did try Smart Content. I do love DIM, even though I was prepared to hate it when it first came out. I'll give this a try, and I will give feedback. Count on it. But, I really don't think there is any method of content installation that can prevent me from opening Windows File Explorer and putting things where I need them to be.

  • AnotherUserNameAnotherUserName Posts: 2,727

    Ok, two points. Since we are talking so much about steam lets talk about the real reason why steam exists. Sure its wrapped up in a pretty package of keeping all your games nice and orderly but that dosent excuse the primary intent which is making sure that we as users are not using pirated software or, more to the point are not software pirates! And if we are going to continuously reference steam then lets not forget about GOG. GOG's primary mission in the video games marketplace has always been DRM free. And, to expand on this argument, lets talk bout GOG's sister studio CD Projekt who after studying the release of their own title, The Witcher 2, I believe it was, determined that the version of that game that contained DRM was actually pirated MORE than the version that contained no DRM code. In fact, if you ever happen to browse the video game forums, you cant help but notice the amount of comments that quickly turn pro-pirated software whenever some new and invasive DRM is announced.

    Secondly, if this is all about easier content installation, well then im sorry but this just highlights a long standing DAZ failure which has been the lack of documentation. Furthermore, how hard is it to drag and drop files?! How hard is it to write instructions for dragging and dropping files?

    Im going to continue. Despite all the claims, DAZ 4.9 will require an internet connection for validation. Sure you can turn the internet off after that validation, but, unless im wrong, im guessing that if there is no validation, there is no DAZ. Which brings up a whole lot of questions.

    1. What happens if the internet connection is poor?

    2. What speed of internet is required for the validation to complete?

    3. Will DAZ require validation for every new item that is installed?

    4. How long is this validation expected to take?

    5. What if (and alot of us who have used steam before may have seen this, I have), what if DAZ returns a failed validation for a legally purchased product?

    6. What if DAZ returns a failed  validation for any reason at all?

    ...will DAZ be banning users for failed validation?

    I can keep going, im hardcore QA...

    I have to admit, this does not seem like a positive step. Right now, it seems like 4.9 may be a deal breaker for me which totally sucks because I was so looking forward to IRAY improvements...

  • DAZ_RawbDAZ_Rawb Posts: 817
    DestinysGarden said:
    araneldon said:

    Handholding is fine as long as it doesn't constrain those of us who don't need it.

     

    Another +1.

    Guys, I respectfully, and completely disagree with the whole concept. If one more company insists on making my life easier by inter-connecting every aspect of it and micro-managing me...

    I gave the Smart Content a really good solid try. For four months I used it. I couldn't find a darn thing, and I spent so much of that time clicking through unorganized folders in the tree view just so I could get any work done. No one who doesn't live in my head is going to come up with a category system that works for me. I absolutely don't have the time to re-categorize and tag 400 GB's of content.

    DAZ_Jon said:

    To a degree being able to move around files still exist and the methods it used, especially for 3rd party content still works (not going to just do a complete break from it). But more and more we want to introduce new, faster, and more powerful ways to handle your content. As with any new ways, it means a change of what some are currently used to, and for many a decade or more of being used to it, and that is hard. I don't know if you can currently move around user facing files that are downloaded via Daz Connect, you would have to try or get a response from one of the developers to see if it currently works or is on the list of things to work on. However, if you haven't tried the out the new model of how to organize or deal with your content yet, I would encourage that to see if the time savings and convenience is something worth using in some cases.

    I don't want to spark a debate on what the "better" way is as it is all personal experience and completely subjective. But try it out, give us feedback. We do care what you guys think and want to make a product which will be the best experience for as many people as possible, so if you have suggestions for it on things we can do to improve, especially during the beta on such a new thing, please give it. 

    I do understand your point. I'm one of those "old-timers" with years of doing things in a certain way. I did try Smart Content. I do love DIM, even though I was prepared to hate it when it first came out. I'll give this a try, and I will give feedback. Count on it. But, I really don't think there is any method of content installation that can prevent me from opening Windows File Explorer and putting things where I need them to be.

    There was a lot of additional work put in to make Smart Content work better. Please give it another shot and let us know if there is anything out there that could make it easier for an "old-timer" like yourself to shuffle files around in database land instead of directly on the filesystem.

  • SassyWenchSassyWench Posts: 602
    nightwolf1982 said:

    I have something like 20-25 different content directories for DS alone, each set up according to content type and generation.  I do this because some older products were not well organized and seperating them out makes finding things easier.  I'm concerned now because it seems like this DAZ Connect doesn't allow this?  I get that already installed products will continue to work, but what about post 4.9 products?  will DAZ Connect work with multi-directory setups like mine?

    The way I'm reading things we won't be able to move files. You have to use catagories. So say for example you buy a new outfit for V7 called Sorceress. You'd make a new catagory called V7. In there you put a folder called Clothing. In there you'd put a folder called Fantasy. And in there you'd browse to the Sorceress folder and drag it into the Fantasy folder. Tada! You have a new catagory. Unless of course, like some outfits now, the clothes are in the clothes folder, the foot pose is in the pose folder, the staff is in the props folder and the tiara is in the accessories folder. In which case you'd have to find it all and drag them all to the Sorceress folder.

    Unless I'm mis-understanding the way things will be done, this is what I've done from the runtime folder. Find a clothing item, making a catagory for it, and then finding the mats and props and whatever else goes with it to get it into the same folder so maybe I'd actually use some of my Poser format stuff.

    So yes, I think you'll be able to do it. But how easy it will be remains to be seen. Though I'm not sure you'll be able to merge it with your existing directories. You may have to move them to catagories too or flip back and forth between pre 4.9 and post 4.9.

    I have over 3600 neatly organized files I may have to try and deal with. LOL I wish us all luck! LOL

  • DAZ_JonDAZ_Jon Posts: 582
    nightwolf1982 said:

    I have something like 20-25 different content directories for DS alone, each set up according to content type and generation.  I do this because some older products were not well organized and seperating them out makes finding things easier.  I'm concerned now because it seems like this DAZ Connect doesn't allow this?  I get that already installed products will continue to work, but what about post 4.9 products?  will DAZ Connect work with multi-directory setups like mine?

    You can still have multiple directories mapped and it all works as it used to in that regard. Daz Connect, in terms of the limitations it imposes, is only applicable to Daz Connect installed products. We think the updates and enhancements that installing content through that method, makes it worthwhile to use it, but we shouldn't have broken anything in regards to how you have things now.

  • AnotherUserNameAnotherUserName Posts: 2,727
    DAZ_Rawb said:
    DestinysGarden said:
    araneldon said:

    Handholding is fine as long as it doesn't constrain those of us who don't need it.

     

    Another +1.

    Guys, I respectfully, and completely disagree with the whole concept. If one more company insists on making my life easier by inter-connecting every aspect of it and micro-managing me...

    I gave the Smart Content a really good solid try. For four months I used it. I couldn't find a darn thing, and I spent so much of that time clicking through unorganized folders in the tree view just so I could get any work done. No one who doesn't live in my head is going to come up with a category system that works for me. I absolutely don't have the time to re-categorize and tag 400 GB's of content.

    DAZ_Jon said:

    To a degree being able to move around files still exist and the methods it used, especially for 3rd party content still works (not going to just do a complete break from it). But more and more we want to introduce new, faster, and more powerful ways to handle your content. As with any new ways, it means a change of what some are currently used to, and for many a decade or more of being used to it, and that is hard. I don't know if you can currently move around user facing files that are downloaded via Daz Connect, you would have to try or get a response from one of the developers to see if it currently works or is on the list of things to work on. However, if you haven't tried the out the new model of how to organize or deal with your content yet, I would encourage that to see if the time savings and convenience is something worth using in some cases.

    I don't want to spark a debate on what the "better" way is as it is all personal experience and completely subjective. But try it out, give us feedback. We do care what you guys think and want to make a product which will be the best experience for as many people as possible, so if you have suggestions for it on things we can do to improve, especially during the beta on such a new thing, please give it. 

    I do understand your point. I'm one of those "old-timers" with years of doing things in a certain way. I did try Smart Content. I do love DIM, even though I was prepared to hate it when it first came out. I'll give this a try, and I will give feedback. Count on it. But, I really don't think there is any method of content installation that can prevent me from opening Windows File Explorer and putting things where I need them to be.

    There was a lot of additional work put in to make Smart Content work better. Please give it another shot and let us know if there is anything out there that could make it easier for an "old-timer" like yourself to shuffle files around in database land instead of directly on the filesystem.

    I tried "Smart Content" for two minutes back when Genesis 1 arrived and havent touched it since. I have no need for smarter "Smart content" because I organize my files. Because I organize my files there is no chance that I will install anything that may re-organize all the work ive put into my library, nor will I install anything that will not allow me to categorize my files as I see fit.

  • SassyWenchSassyWench Posts: 602

    So Jon, once we're using Connect, I can purchase a file, let it download it and then use Windows to find the folder and re-organize like I've always done?

  • DAZ_RawbDAZ_Rawb Posts: 817
    AnotherUserName said:

    Ok, two points. Since we are talking so much about steam lets talk about the real reason why steam exists. Sure its wrapped up in a pretty package of keeping all your games nice and orderly but that dosent excuse the primary intent which is making sure that we as users are not using pirated software or, more to the point are not software pirates! And if we are going to continuously reference steam then lets not forget about GOG. GOG's primary mission in the video games marketplace has always been DRM free. And, to expand on this argument, lets talk bout GOG's sister studio CD Projekt who after studying the release of their own title, The Witcher 2, I believe it was, determined that the version of that game that contained DRM was actually pirated MORE than the version that contained no DRM code. In fact, if you ever happen to browse the video game forums, you cant help but notice the amount of comments that quickly turn pro-pirated software whenever some new and invasive DRM is announced.

    Secondly, if this is all about easier content installation, well then im sorry but this just highlights a long standing DAZ failure which has been the lack of documentation. Furthermore, how hard is it to drag and drop files?! How hard is it to write instructions for dragging and dropping files?

    Im going to continue. Despite all the claims, DAZ 4.9 will require an internet connection for validation. Sure you can turn the internet off after that validation, but, unless im wrong, im guessing that if there is no validation, there is no DAZ. Which brings up a whole lot of questions.

    1. What happens if the internet connection is poor?

    1. We did select people for the private beta that had connections all the way down to bad dial-up and they were able to authenticate and fetch metadata with the server from there.

    AnotherUserName said:

    2. What speed of internet is required for the validation to complete?

    2. Dial-up works fine, it is just fetching a key and a list of purchased product id's. Less than ~150k for even the most intense collectors.

    AnotherUserName said:

    3. Will DAZ require validation for every new item that is installed?

    3. When installing any Daz Connect product you need a way to get keys to decrypt the content so you can use it. Once you get the key once you don't need to reconnect until you are trying to use it on a new machine.

    AnotherUserName said:

    4. How long is this validation expected to take?

    4. On a broadband connection it takes about 50ms or so to fetch the product information along with a list of files to download for that product. The other option (which isn't ready for the public yet) is that you can download an offline version of the product and can install them without any online connection (after you have connected at least once via Daz Connect), so I guess that version is only limited by your hard drive speed after you have downloaded that offline version.

    AnotherUserName said:

    5. What if (and alot of us who have used steam before may have seen this, I have), what if DAZ returns a failed validation for a legally purchased product?

    5. The "validation" is linked pretty closely to you account, it fetches a list of what you are allowed to download the same way DIM currently does. If you have any problems our customer service should be able to get it fixed very quickly. 

    AnotherUserName said:

    6. What if DAZ returns a failed  validation for any reason at all?

    6. "Validation" is only performed when you are trying to install a product. If our server doesn't think you own that product it won't give you the keys necessary to install that product. Just like if DIM or your product library thought you didn't own something.

    AnotherUserName said:

    ...will DAZ be banning users for failed validation?

    7. We aren't scanning your installed product list to see if you have things you don't own, nor are we transmitting a list of what is/isn't installed to the server. The "validation" you are asking about is really only asking the server for instructions on how to download a product and if you don't have access to a product it just doesn't send down those instructions.

    AnotherUserName said:

    I can keep going, im hardcore QA...

    I have to admit, this does not seem like a positive step. Right now, it seems like 4.9 may be a deal breaker for me which totally sucks because I was so looking forward to IRAY improvements...

    Give it a try, it is a pretty huge step forward in making smart content more usable and provides an extremely useful way to get to the content you have purchased from the store. The new versions of Iray and 3Delight are just bonuses.

  • jaebeajaebea Posts: 454

    I am waiting for Sassy's last question to be answered.  Personally, I use DIM because I am forced to.  I HATE HATE the whole smart content thing so I don't use it.  I am like Sassy, I use my own categories.  I don't want to be told what is "better".  My own way is better FOR ME!  I not only use "Daz only" content, I have 2 full runtimes from Poser dating back to 2000 (started with P4).  If we can't move things where we prefer them to be, then 4.8 is as far as I go.

  • fixmypcmikefixmypcmike Posts: 19,613
    jaebea said:

    I am waiting for Sassy's last question to be answered.  Personally, I use DIM because I am forced to.  I HATE HATE the whole smart content thing so I don't use it.  I am like Sassy, I use my own categories.  I don't want to be told what is "better".  My own way is better FOR ME!  I not only use "Daz only" content, I have 2 full runtimes from Poser dating back to 2000 (started with P4).  If we can't move things where we prefer them to be, then 4.8 is as far as I go.

    Why are you forced to use DIM?

    You don't need to use Smart Content, and you can use your own categories.

  • DAZ_JonDAZ_Jon Posts: 582
    AnotherUserName said:
    So Jon, once we're using Connect, I can purchase a file, let it download it and then use Windows to find the folder and re-organize like I've always done?

    I honestly don't know. Most user facing files are just references to backend support files, so it might work? That would be a question that DAZ_Rawb might know. If he doesn't know, DAZ_cjones would be he doesn't frequent the forums often. It is something you could easily try out if you download and install the beta to see if it works if you don't want to wait for someone who knows the answer to chime in. One thing to note, if it does work, if you did an update or repair of the product, it would download the missing files again and you would end up with two entries showing up since there is no way for Studio to know you manually moved a file.

  • PotatoHeadPotatoHead Posts: 38

    I create my own DIM zips with an application and files (i.e freebies from other sites), so I can toggle the content at-will from within DAZ Install Manager, instead of mucking around with loose files. Will this still work with the new system in place ?

  • DAZ_JonDAZ_Jon Posts: 582
    PotatoHead said:

    I create my own DIM zips with an application and files (i.e freebies from other sites), so I can toggle the content at-will from within DAZ Install Manager, instead of mucking around with loose files. Will this still work with the new system in place ?

    They should work fine provided the custom made DIM zip doesn't step on anything like conflicting GUIDs or using IDs that are used by other products you own.

  • DAZ_RawbDAZ_Rawb Posts: 817
    jaebea said:

    I am waiting for Sassy's last question to be answered.  Personally, I use DIM because I am forced to.  I HATE HATE the whole smart content thing so I don't use it.  I am like Sassy, I use my own categories.  I don't want to be told what is "better".  My own way is better FOR ME!  I not only use "Daz only" content, I have 2 full runtimes from Poser dating back to 2000 (started with P4).  If we can't move things where we prefer them to be, then 4.8 is as far as I go.

    Using your own categories is what smart content is all about. If you manually move content about on the disk you can only ever have something in one directory and getting updates to that user facing file means that you have to figure out where you put it and you have to remember to replace it. With a database driven organization system you can have those files in as many locations as you want. Have a pose that's a little bit Country and a little bit Rock and Roll, not a problem in smart content, just throw it in both of those categories, not so easy moving files around on your hard drive.

  • jpb06tjpb06t Posts: 272
    edited October 2015
    DAZ_Rawb said:

    Please give 4.9 a try and see how much easier and nicer it is compared to the previous ways to get content loaded in. Let me know if there is anything you think that could be improved in the new workflow.

    There is nothing to give a try: Studio is being closed (b.t.w. when are you going to remove exports? because if you leave them DRM is trivially avoidable) and I don't want to go that way. The only bright side is that I can use otherwise the money I planned to spend around the end of the year to finally jump on the Studio/G2/G3 wagon. Finding something as good won't be easy but now the strategy to substitute Poser with Studio is completely out of question. B.t.w., with this move you might even save Poser neck at the last minute <shakes head>.

    Post edited by jpb06t on
  • jakibluejakiblue Posts: 7,281

    Ok, just to clarify this bit, as this really has me worried. 

    Are we still able to MANUALLY install things? And what happens if we MANUALLY install a DAZ product that was NOT purchased in the store - as in, the vendor has given the product to me as a gift OR to do promotional art with it? What happens in those instances? I - and many other people - receive products from the vendor who created them, sometimes as gifts cos they are friends, sometimes to do art with it and post that art everywhere for promotional purposes, sometimes as competition prizes. And a lot of the time, the products are in final DIM format. 

    So what happens then? If I manually install this product, is this o so smart Connect thingy going to pick up on a product we have installed, and say "Hey, you didn't purchase this - I don't care that it was legitimatly GIVEN to you by the creator so I'm going to make sure you can't use it."

    DAZ_Rawb said:
    AnotherUserName said:

    6. What if DAZ returns a failed  validation for any reason at all?

    6. "Validation" is only performed when you are trying to install a product. If our server doesn't think you own that product it won't give you the keys necessary to install that product. Just like if DIM or your product library thought you didn't own something.

    AnotherUserName said:

    ...will DAZ be banning users for failed validation?

    7. We aren't scanning your installed product list to see if you have things you don't own, nor are we transmitting a list of what is/isn't installed to the server. The "validation" you are asking about is really only asking the server for instructions on how to download a product and if you don't have access to a product it just doesn't send down those instructions.

    AnotherUserName said:

     

  • jpb06tjpb06t Posts: 272

    Messy editor which prevents erroneous posts from being deleted.

  • jaebeajaebea Posts: 454

    Fixmypc, a number of items that I have purchased have said they were only accessable through DIM.  I had to get them that way if I wanted the product I just purchased.

  • fixmypcmikefixmypcmike Posts: 19,613
    jakiblue said:

    Ok, just to clarify this bit, as this really has me worried. 

    Are we still able to MANUALLY install things? And what happens if we MANUALLY install a DAZ product that was NOT purchased in the store - as in, the vendor has given the product to me as a gift OR to do promotional art with it? What happens in those instances? I - and many other people - receive products from the vendor who created them, sometimes as gifts cos they are friends, sometimes to do art with it and post that art everywhere for promotional purposes, sometimes as competition prizes. And a lot of the time, the products are in final DIM format. 

    So what happens then? If I manually install this product, is this o so smart Connect thingy going to pick up on a product we have installed, and say "Hey, you didn't purchase this - I don't care that it was legitimatly GIVEN to you by the creator so I'm going to make sure you can't use it."

    No, if the vendor gives you a zip that will still work the same as always.  Just like currently, if the vendor gives you a zip instead of having it added to your account, you can't download it using DIM or your Product Library, but you can still install and use it.

  • DAZ_JonDAZ_Jon Posts: 582
    jakiblue said:

    Ok, just to clarify this bit, as this really has me worried. 

    Are we still able to MANUALLY install things? And what happens if we MANUALLY install a DAZ product that was NOT purchased in the store - as in, the vendor has given the product to me as a gift OR to do promotional art with it? What happens in those instances? I - and many other people - receive products from the vendor who created them, sometimes as gifts cos they are friends, sometimes to do art with it and post that art everywhere for promotional purposes, sometimes as competition prizes. And a lot of the time, the products are in final DIM format. 

    So what happens then? If I manually install this product, is this o so smart Connect thingy going to pick up on a product we have installed, and say "Hey, you didn't purchase this - I don't care that it was legitimatly GIVEN to you by the creator so I'm going to make sure you can't use it."

    DAZ_Rawb said:
    AnotherUserName said:

    6. What if DAZ returns a failed  validation for any reason at all?

    6. "Validation" is only performed when you are trying to install a product. If our server doesn't think you own that product it won't give you the keys necessary to install that product. Just like if DIM or your product library thought you didn't own something.

    AnotherUserName said:

    ...will DAZ be banning users for failed validation?

    7. We aren't scanning your installed product list to see if you have things you don't own, nor are we transmitting a list of what is/isn't installed to the server. The "validation" you are asking about is really only asking the server for instructions on how to download a product and if you don't have access to a product it just doesn't send down those instructions.

    AnotherUserName said:

     

    There is something nice coming with this for vendors and situations like that. We have a system for vendors which will launch at the same time as the public release (if not a little sooner) which will allow them to gift products through the store. So you can install / update / have the product legitimately with all the features and niceties of as if you purchased it.

  • jakibluejakiblue Posts: 7,281
    edited October 2015

    Gotta disagree with this. Manually moving files to where I WANT them means I know EXACTLY where everything is. I don't forget where something is, because I have spent time moving and organizing them MYSELF, to the state that I want them and that works best for my organizing mind.  

     

    edit: cos really bad typo...oops, sorry to anyone who saw that. blush

    DAZ_Rawb said:
    jaebea said:

    I am waiting for Sassy's last question to be answered.  Personally, I use DIM because I am forced to.  I HATE HATE the whole smart content thing so I don't use it.  I am like Sassy, I use my own categories.  I don't want to be told what is "better".  My own way is better FOR ME!  I not only use "Daz only" content, I have 2 full runtimes from Poser dating back to 2000 (started with P4).  If we can't move things where we prefer them to be, then 4.8 is as far as I go.

    Using your own categories is what smart content is all about. If you manually move content about on the disk you can only ever have something in one directory and getting updates to that user facing file means that you have to figure out where you put it and you have to remember to replace it. With a database driven organization system you can have those files in as many locations as you want. Have a pose that's a little bit Country and a little bit Rock and Roll, not a problem in smart content, just throw it in both of those categories, not so easy moving files around on your hard drive.

     

    Post edited by jakiblue on
  • fixmypcmikefixmypcmike Posts: 19,613
    jaebea said:

    Fixmypc, a number of items that I have purchased have said they were only accessable through DIM.  I had to get them that way if I wanted the product I just purchased.

    Huh, the only things I know that MUST be downloaded with DIM are the DS and Carrara betas.

  • jakibluejakiblue Posts: 7,281

    Even if it's a final DIM ready zip?  

    Fixmypcmike said:
    jakiblue said:

    Ok, just to clarify this bit, as this really has me worried. 

    Are we still able to MANUALLY install things? And what happens if we MANUALLY install a DAZ product that was NOT purchased in the store - as in, the vendor has given the product to me as a gift OR to do promotional art with it? What happens in those instances? I - and many other people - receive products from the vendor who created them, sometimes as gifts cos they are friends, sometimes to do art with it and post that art everywhere for promotional purposes, sometimes as competition prizes. And a lot of the time, the products are in final DIM format. 

    So what happens then? If I manually install this product, is this o so smart Connect thingy going to pick up on a product we have installed, and say "Hey, you didn't purchase this - I don't care that it was legitimatly GIVEN to you by the creator so I'm going to make sure you can't use it."

    No, if the vendor gives you a zip that will still work the same as always.  Just like currently, if the vendor gives you a zip instead of having it added to your account, you can't download it using DIM or your Product Library, but you can still install and use it.

     

  • rory7411rory7411 Posts: 111

    I haven't installed 4.8 on my new machine. How do I avoid installing 4.9 when I DL because these "features"  are not acceptable to me? I don't want to be told where I have to store things and I don't want to constantly have to go online to make sure what I want to use works. Do I have to manually download all my content and make sure it's saved to hard drive or will my existing zips still remain in the product library so that I can download them manually as needed?

  • DAZ_RawbDAZ_Rawb Posts: 817
    rory7411 said:

    I haven't installed 4.8 on my new machine. How do I avoid installing 4.9 when I DL because these "features"  are not acceptable to me? I don't want to be told where I have to store things and I don't want to constantly have to go online to make sure what I want to use works. Do I have to manually download all my content and make sure it's saved to hard drive or will my existing zips still remain in the product library so that I can download them manually as needed?

    After your machine connects once your local encryption key never expires, so no worries about not being able to get some art done because your internet is flakey.

     

    All of the products you currently own will still be available via product library or DIM. Offline packages to install directly in Studio via the offline portions of "Daz Connect" will be available soon (before the final release of 4.9).

  • Velvet GoblinVelvet Goblin Posts: 532
    edited October 2015

    RE: The comparison with Steam

    I am confused by this. With Steam, at least with some games, the 3d assets are sitting on my harddrive. I can load them into other applications and change them, change the names, change the formats, load them into Daz Studio, if I want, to render them, change them back or cut them into pieces and reassemble them, and load them into the game. I can back them up to other drives or to DVD, if that's what floats my boat.This is how mods are done. But it sounds as though the 3d assets downloaded via Daz Connect will not actually exist on our harddrives independent of Daz Studio, meaning they can only be used -- and modified -- in Daz Studio (or apps with an official bridge). Is this correct? If so, it's not much like Steam -- at least as I know it -- at all.

    Post edited by Velvet Goblin on
  • DAZ_RawbDAZ_Rawb Posts: 817
    jakiblue said:

    Even if it's a final DIM ready zip?  

    Fixmypcmike said:
    jakiblue said:

    Ok, just to clarify this bit, as this really has me worried. 

    Are we still able to MANUALLY install things? And what happens if we MANUALLY install a DAZ product that was NOT purchased in the store - as in, the vendor has given the product to me as a gift OR to do promotional art with it? What happens in those instances? I - and many other people - receive products from the vendor who created them, sometimes as gifts cos they are friends, sometimes to do art with it and post that art everywhere for promotional purposes, sometimes as competition prizes. And a lot of the time, the products are in final DIM format. 

    So what happens then? If I manually install this product, is this o so smart Connect thingy going to pick up on a product we have installed, and say "Hey, you didn't purchase this - I don't care that it was legitimatly GIVEN to you by the creator so I'm going to make sure you can't use it."

    No, if the vendor gives you a zip that will still work the same as always.  Just like currently, if the vendor gives you a zip instead of having it added to your account, you can't download it using DIM or your Product Library, but you can still install and use it.

     

    Daz Connect doesn't scan your drive to see what you should or shoudn't have. If it isn't a product that you own according to the store then you won't be given the option to download updates through Daz Connect. At no time does the Daz Connect system send a list of installed products to any Daz server.

  • caravellecaravelle Posts: 2,503
    edited October 2015

    "While the main intent of DRM is to prevent unauthorized copies of a product, there are mathematical models that suggest that DRM can fail to do their job on multiple levels … Ironically, the biggest failure that can result from DRM is that they have a potential to increase the piracy of a product. This goes against the held belief that DRM can always reduce piracy. There also seems to be evidence that DRM will reduce profits." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_rights_management)

    In the Music industry as the most piracy-affected one, DRM flopped totally. Maybe this is different with software.

    I didn't read all of the English Wikipedia article, but the German version makes a lot of reservations against the use of DRM:

    https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digitale_Rechteverwaltung#Datensicherung

    I hope that there will still be a manual download in 4.9.
    I refuse any form of cloud.

    @DestinysGarden: Fully agree with you!

    Post edited by caravelle on
  • WilmapWilmap Posts: 2,917

    If I stay with 4.8 and DIM will I still be able to download new content once 4.9 goes live?

    I don't wish to use this Cloud thingy, so if I can't use new content with 4.8 what is the future of Daz for me?

This discussion has been closed.