EnigmA Amiga Run 1997 July/EnigmA AMIGA RUN 20 (1997)(G.R. Edizioni)(IT)[!][issue 1997-07 & 08][EAR-CD IV].iso/lightwave/lwmlist/96.lightwave-0401/[e-mail] _Sun Apr 7 19:53:37 1996.msg

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From: [e-mail] (robert hood)
To: [e-mail]
Subject: The Business of BML
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> > It would be even sadder if a great plugin authoring system like BML ceased
> > to exist because Virtual Visions didn't sell enough copies to even pay for
> > their advertising.
[...]
>
> There seems to be a lot of concern for Bob Hood's livleyhood here!
> What do you say Bob?

I'm not sure exactly what you are asking me to say.  Certainly, I am watching
this thread with interest--I think it is among the most interesting I've seen
on this mailing list in quite some time.  However, just because a discussion
includes speculation about me, it does not necessarily follow that it is
appropriate for me to contribute.  However,...

I am certainly among the most visible non-NewTek individuals who develop
LightWave plugins.  I've created and freely released MANY Intel-based Modeler
plugins before I even began working on the BML system.  I think the
commercial move was a natural outcome of that, especially with such a niche
product (BML).

I knew the LightWave market was small when I started, but I had to place
my confidence in the timing.  When NewTek ported to new platforms, they left
a gaping hole where AREXX used to be, and one of the (esoteric) things I
happen to be a whiz at is languages.  It was the right place at the right
time.

Contrary to speculation, BML is not my sole source of income; I and my
children will not be forced onto Welfare if BML is a failure.  I maintain a
"day" job, and have never had the intention of having Virtual Visions
support me and my family exclusively.  Indeed, because I am the sole
source of family income, I had intended to use the BML revenues to
acquire all the neat toys (Pentium, PVR, etc.) I need to do
*professional computer animation*, because I cannot hope to save the
money for these things from my regular job in a reasonable amount of time.
For me, BML is a means to an end, and not the end in itself.

However, I am putting in 100+ hours a week between my "job" and my business,
and sales of BML for Modeler are pathetic.  So, it comes down to the same
question that every small business owner faces, a matter of ratios:  how
much money (toys, incentives, etc.) is enough to keep me from getting fed
up with the excessive effort it takes?

I hope that was what you were interested in hearing, and I apologize for the
bandwidth.

Render me gone,                  |||
Bob                            ^(===)^
----------------------------oOO--(_)--OOo--------------------------------------
(Phone) 1.303.989.4191                                     (FAX) 1.303.727.7555
(Email) [e-mail]             (WWW) http://www.mktplace.net/people/bhood
        [e-mail]           http://www.dimensional.com/~vvisions
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