NEW! Novica & Invited Guest Contributors Tips & Product Reviews Pt 6

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Comments

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    I'm assuming it's not a one time use? If not, do multiple orders to benefit the most. :)

  • anikadanikad Posts: 1,919
    edited December 1969

    Yes, I can confirm it is multiple use... I may have made a few orders...

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited March 2015

    I'm not understanding how this works, but putting things in my cart and taking them out to see what gets the most advantage. It gets confusing with the 50% and 10%, then the $20 off the $50. (Edit- removed screenshots as this might be erroneous stacking, see next post.) I can't tell when the $50 is triggered, it's not consistent and I'm wondering if new items are throwing it off. I always make sure to have two new items in the cart (the first two items are MM) to maximize the discounts.

    Post edited by Novica on
  • FirstBastionFirstBastion Posts: 7,219
    edited December 1969

    Just remember these unexpected stacked deep discounts damage the earnings of PAs, who are just regular folks trying to feed their families.

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    So it's not supposed to be stacking? My goodness, I haven't shopped all day and I would expect that by 8pm at night, if it wasn't supposed to be stacking it would have been fixed. It's not a weekend. I haven't surfed the other threads to see if this was discussed. Has it been?

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,552
    edited December 1969

    The store owners are ultimately responsible for the pricing and how things stack. It is too difficult for me to understand what price an item even should be, as I find the math here difficult to discern.

    The language is so ambiguous at the header that I could possible receive up to 70% off of a store if I am PC +

    Which items are these?

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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    Yes, confusing isn't it? I was adding things to the cart and not finding a pattern that made sense. I did go check on other threads and it said the PC stuff (and +) wasn't included, the banner had been changed to reflect that, but I wasn't putting any of that in the cart anyway. I only hope this additional discount (which from what I can tell, is legitimate, not a glitch) wasn't sprung on the vendors without their knowledge. That would be an unpleasant surprise. I don't know how that works but these discounts really can be steep with the right combinations.

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,552
    edited March 2015

    Two sales are being ran at once. If items from one aren't eligible for the other discount they would be omitted. I would say the sale and stacking is intentional, otherwise why run two at the same time?

    Ultimately, I am now unsure whether to go ahead and buy right now or not. I bought the infiltrator outfit, which requires the HD suit which I don't own. I'd like to use the coupon but now I don't know.

    Post edited by Serene Night on
  • anikadanikad Posts: 1,919
    edited December 1969

    Novica said:
    So it's not supposed to be stacking? My goodness, I haven't shopped all day and I would expect that by 8pm at night, if it wasn't supposed to be stacking it would have been fixed. It's not a weekend. I haven't surfed the other threads to see if this was discussed. Has it been?

    It was discussed in another thread and people were posting screenshots of the deep discounts, I thought it would have been reported to Daz because it was likely an indication the store wasn't working properly.

    This discount was being triggered inconsistently, new items had a higher trigger point which was different each time.

    I've said it before but Daz really needs to run a few test carts before sales become active to ensure that the sale is working as expected. I've bought lots of stuff because of Daz's website glitches. I probably will again because at the end of the day it is Daz's responsibility to check that the offer they are giving customers is the one they intended. Customers can only guess the store is glitching during these sales but they don't actually know most of the time. The one time I've known for sure about a glitch I've alerted Daz - bought $100 giftcard and got two codes, both of which redeemed.

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    Yes, I did go surfing and saw the one thread, labeled Problems at Checkout or something like that.

    I hope the vendors get really decent sales from the entire month and that intentionally stacking sales are offset by other sales these past weeks. There have been some really cool products and I have definitely done my share of supporting the wonderful vendors :) Not rendering much this month because in the South, it's time to do yard work before it gets too hot. Also still cataloging. But I'll definitely showcase some of the wonderful things from MM. It's nice to see a variety- we finally got a camel, lol!

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,552
    edited December 1969

    I see the prices are mostly fixed now. I do see that Frastgrab items which are 70% are also getting another discount when added to cart and seem to be affected by MM sales prices.

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited March 2015

    Going through all the stores that are featured, here's a product I didn't explore initially, but it's worth a look. You get two separate items- not only the shoes, but over the knee socks with different patterns. I also think the shoes are cute enough for kids, not only Goth.

    "Goth Pumps and over the knee socks set for Genesis2 Females.
    2 material options for shoes and 4 material options for socks."

    http://www.daz3d.com/goth-strap-shoes-for-genesis-2-female-s

    Also from featured stores:
    Katherina Boat isn't a new item anymore, if you're into toons. I think the boat could be used other-than-toon frankly, particularly for background shots. Look at the wonderful detail at the back of the boat, where you hoist the smaller boat. (EDIT: Looked it up, release date was January 16th)
    http://www.daz3d.com/katherina-boat

    Another one that has very nice interaction between characters, and could be used as a starting point for other poses requiring close to the ground positioning:
    http://www.daz3d.com/beloved-poses

    Headed back outside for yardwork. There's so many stores I'm going through about 12 at a time when I'm taking breaks. Gorgeous day here, about 65 degrees.

    Post edited by Novica on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    Another item that the thumbnails show more detail and originality. Instead of basic flat pumps, it has really sophisticated edges and different material areas. Quite nice!
    http://www.daz3d.com/flat-pumps-for-genesis-2-female-s

    Check out the color choices! Another one that slipped past me.
    http://www.daz3d.com/divine-wings

    And cool patterns for it.
    http://www.daz3d.com/divine-wings-expansion-pack

    Another one that is no longer a new release (was 1-15)
    http://www.daz3d.com/predatron-poinsettias

    Love the sleekness. Wonder if it can be kit-bashed and used as an underneath layer for other clothing too?
    http://www.daz3d.com/galactic-force-bundle-for-genesis-2

    This is actually very family friendly if you use it as a top. The holes aren't located anywhere "sexy" and I'm thinking kit-bashing with something possibly underneath. Regardless, with pants I think it would be a very pretty outfit.
    http://www.daz3d.com/italian-buca-dress-for-genesis-2-female-s

    The texture set isn't suited for my personal tastes, but you might really like them:
    http://www.daz3d.com/italian-bucca-dress-textures

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,552
    edited March 2015

    Invited Guest Contributor

    Today’s Review is:
    Infiltrator by art-feld
    http://www.daz3d.com/infiltrator-for-g-suit-2-hd

    Other items:
    NJA Ponytail (DAZ Originals) (goldtassel)
    http://www.daz3d.com/nja-ponytail-hair-for-genesis-2-females

    Cassia for Olympia (skin only) (DAZ Originals DemonicaEvilius Silver )
    http://www.daz3d.com/cassia-for-olympia

    Medea Hair for Genesis 2 Females (SWAM)
    http://www.daz3d.com/medea-hair-for-genesis-2-female-s-and-victoria-4

    Infiltrator is an expansion for the G-Suit HD, the successful mutable outfit made by Flipmode. This suit adds a much needed practical sci-fi bodysuit for genesis 2 females. I like sleek look of the suit, which includes a pulse rifle, and a pose. I also really like the badge, and the way the top looks. It has a starship uniform feel, which I’d love to see more of. Perhaps with some shoulder markings and accessories for rank.

    The suit requires g-suit, and applies easily. One thing I like that I seldom see with bodysuits is straight off the bat, I didn’t get any pokethrough anywhere on any character I used it on. That was very nice. I particularly like the nice piping on the gloves and side which have a faint neon look. There are some really nice textures

    The suit renders nicely, and looks good from all angles. I like the fact that it isn’t overtly sexy and is designed to look cool without the stilettos and cleavage windows. This is a stealth outfit really made for stealth.

    There are a few things to note:

    The suit actually looks really nice without the HD morphs applied, so if you want to render a nice sleek Star Fleet bodysuit you can. It will load a less detailed version which still looks nice. But to apply the morphs you must find the parameter dial on the suit itself called Infiltrator. There is no icon with the set that I can find. This may be confusing for some.

    The HD suit, applies a strange groin ridge in my version of Genesis 2 Female which I had to photoshop out in the second image. (you can see it on the turnaround. It is a small detail, but slightly odd looking. Also there is a white patch on one of the boots, that may be intended to be a skull? If you don't like these details, a quick brushup with photoshop will remove them. I removed it in the larger image.

    Overall, I really like infiltrator. I’m sure hoping to see more outfits like this.

    Nice job.

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    Post edited by Serene Night on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    Totally agree on the stealth look- it's very sleek and functional. Great lighting btw- subtle and appropriate for the atmosphere you're creating. Thanks for sharing!

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited March 2015

    FW Cayman HD for Darius 6 (DAZ Originals / Fred Winkler Art / Fisty) (LIGHTS)
    SASE Elize for Belle 6 (Sabby / Seven)
    Xandria Hair (EmmaAndJordi)
    Aether Outfit for Genesis 2 Female(s) (DAZ Originals /DarkStarBurning / Mada)
    Showing On Sale 66% off
    Textures for Aether Outfit (Daz Originals / DarkStarBurning) Showing On Sale 66% off
    Dishy Delight Poses for Genesis 2 Female(s) (Nikisatez)

    http://www.daz3d.com/fw-cayman-hd-for-darius-6
    http://www.daz3d.com/sase-elize-for-belle-6
    http://www.daz3d.com/xandria-hair
    http://www.daz3d.com/aether-outfit-for-genesis-2-female-s
    http://www.daz3d.com/textures-for-aether-outfit
    http://www.daz3d.com/dishy-delight-poses-2-for-genesis-2-female-s

    If you haven't tried the lights which come with Cayman, you might want to give them a try. There's a lower light or brighter light option, this is with the lower light and then adjusted to slightly brighter.

    I have an interesting question. Elize is designed for Belle 6, who I have. In Content Library, when People was opened, under the Genesis 2 Female section that shows all the characters was Elize (Actor) She loaded directly. In other words, I did not load G2F or Belle. So does that mean that the figure that loaded already had everything it needed in place? (Belle?)

    Anyway, I love Elize's eyes. Be sure to click to enlarge/click again as this is a 2000 pixel render. And of course, I like the eyebrows!

    For the hair- first of all, SO many morphs. One thing you'll have to watch for, and I left it for you to see, is the holder for the tails can get a bit distorted. It looks less noticeable further away, but in the first closeup you'll easily see it. The vendor really put a lot of effort into giving you morphs for the hair.

    The Aether outfit was purchased for kitbashing, but I decided to show you it as a standalone. One thing I liked was the necklace, the shape complements the ornamentation in the Xandria Hair. I chose the color for the gems in the Xandria Hair to go with the green in the necklace.
    The outfit and the textures are both on sale for 66% off. (I haven't surfed the site since it changed over an hour ago, I merely did a search to get the links. So don't know why they are on sale, only that they are.)

    Again, be sure and try out those lights, I think you'll really like them. Fast and easy to use with only a few adjustments. :)
    EDIT: Added the poses. It was Dishy Delight.

    CLICK TO ENLARGE, CLICK AGAIN.

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    Post edited by Novica on
  • FistyFisty Posts: 3,416
    edited December 1969

    They're the same lights that come with pretty much every Fred Winkler character, I made them like a year ago and there have been a lot of his characters in bundles so almost everyone should have them, either in the FW Art or the FWSA folder in Lights.

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    They're really nice :) Thank you for providing them!

  • barbultbarbult Posts: 23,049
    edited December 1969

    Fisty said:
    They're the same lights that come with pretty much every Fred Winkler character, I made them like a year ago and there have been a lot of his characters in bundles so almost everyone should have them, either in the FW Art or the FWSA folder in Lights.
    The Oliver lights were my absolute favorite character lights until I moved on to Iray. I hope new characters will start coming with Iray lights.
  • FistyFisty Posts: 3,416
    edited December 1969

    mmhhmmm

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    And I'm hoping vendors realize not everyone is using iray, and continue to offer the standard lights. Would be nice if they have both.
    Looking through the iray threads, the ones I've been impressed with iray are cars and motorcycles, aka metal things. Look so realistic!

  • FistyFisty Posts: 3,416
    edited March 2015

    I posted a nice one (I think) in the iRay thread.. I've spent a lot of time developing the lights and skin shaders.. it's not perfect, I should have made the bump stronger for that character but it was good for the one I originally developed it for (and can't show yet.) I'm still fighting with gemstones big time, I got gems down in 3DL no problem, they're really really annoying in Poser, and iRay has given me nothing but headaches. (Transparent ones, opaque ones are fairly straight forward)

    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/53690/P1380/#793774

    Post edited by Fisty on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    For folks wanting a realistic time period product, check out this vendor. We've discussed Ness before.
    I'm looking at the firefly from Noggins. Anyone got that one?

    http://www.daz3d.com/ness-period-reproductions#

    http://www.daz3d.com/noggin

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,552
    edited December 1969

    I admit, I'm not a huge Iray fan. (yes I know don't hurt me). =-)

    I do like those renders! Nice job Novica. The outfit looks nice and I will certainly test out those lights!

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    Fisty said:
    I posted a nice one (I think) in the iRay thread.. I've spent a lot of time developing the lights and skin shaders.. it's not perfect, I should have made the bump stronger for that character but it was good for the one I originally developed it for (and can't show yet.) I'm still fighting with gemstones big time, I got gems down in 3DL no problem, they're really really annoying in Poser, and iRay has given me nothing but headaches. (Transparent ones, opaque ones are fairly straight forward)

    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/53690/P1380/#793774

    Roisin does look nice, one of the better people renders that I've seen. Very good, totally agree :)
    SereneNight- perhaps you and I will be the only two people not on the iray-bandwagon lol! I don't have time to relearn lighting after two years of getting things the way I want it, and with all the light sets I own it would be a waste not to use them, not to mention the light sets are very good and I WANT to use them. I use UE2 and if I recall from earlier iray threads, those aren't used with iray. Won't give up my UE2. It ranks up there with chocolate.

  • FistyFisty Posts: 3,416
    edited December 1969

    Adding an image in for the HDRI in iRay is effectively the same as using UE2 with an image (like all FW lights do) and adding an environment sphere around the scene. I chose not to have it visible in the renders in either case, just in reflections. The image I used in the pic of Roisin is the same one from all FW lights, it's very diffused kinda greyscale gradient so it's quite subtle. I had switch from distance lights to spot lights with the iRay lights but other than that they're very similar setups. Overall, though, I could have set up and rendered that image of her in 1/10 the time in 3DL and it would have looked almost exactly the same... the difference comes if I had something in the scene that iRay really excels at that 3DL is only okay at like a car or a glass of wine or something.

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,552
    edited December 1969

    Nicely done with Roisin. =-)

    Yes Novica, you and I will still be using 3d delight. Which reminds me, I should make sure to back up my older copies of DAZ! Someday it may be gone.

    Oh, and the coupons are available now, so if you want to buy today with the coupons.... You can take advantage of the savings.

    And, I used Cayman lights in that last test render I did in my thread. Very nice. =-)

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited March 2015

    And that render looked extremely nice. I liked those outfits too.

    Okay, I am only now starting to go through every single store and will post things I find interesting- but only things I don't have already. (So that will leave out thousands of items.) I don't have time to go through all the things.

    First, (and I've already told DAZ) Abraham's store is 404 error.

    http://www.daz3d.com/2001-eu-auto
    A cute VW and it shows the interior. You need a small car, take a peek at this one.

    I'm sure it's been mentioned before- but this referee looks like Ricardo Montalban
    http://www.daz3d.com/boxing-gym-referee-poses

    Will add stuff here as I find it.

    ADDED:
    http://www.daz3d.com/harem-poses-for-genesis-2-female-s
    Has props, not only poses!
    Back Cushion Bolster 3 Carpets Chicha Glass Jug Mandolin 4 Pillows Plate 3 Pillow Seats
    And many material options!

    http://www.daz3d.com/boxing-gym-referee-poses
    Great variety, and it's not only the referee! There is a bundle too with male and female fight poses, that also includes this product.
    http://www.daz3d.com/boxing-gym-bundle-fight-poses

    http://www.daz3d.com/buddha-statues
    Add some flair to your Eastern scenes

    404 Stores Not Found
    http://www.daz3d.com/jip
    http://www.daz3d.com/kymj
    http://www.daz3d.com/lise
    http://www.daz3d.com/moochie
    http://www.daz3d.com/pixel-delights
    http://www.daz3d.com/shesa
    http://www.daz3d.com/sirmacman
    http://www.daz3d.com/stormi

    Added:
    http://www.daz3d.com/tonitech
    http://www.daz3d.com/zerodays
    http://www.daz3d.com/cwshorty
    http://www.daz3d.com/darkspartan
    http://www.daz3d.com/discobob

    Added:
    http://www.daz3d.com/idaroller
    http://www.daz3d.com/kandace-wright
    http://www.daz3d.com/keith-wade
    http://www.daz3d.com/luciferinoorietta
    and lots more.

    http://www.daz3d.com/catgirl-genesis
    looks like fun!

    http://www.daz3d.com/dewmyst-for-sadie-fae

    Post edited by Novica on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    Wow, for once Daz was right on time. The stroke of midnight and pow, the discounts were gone. I checked out about 15 minutes ago, had to keep whittlin' my cart down.

    MORE Expressions for Genesis 2 Male(s)
    MORE Expressions for Genesis 2 Female(s)

    Regency Dining Room
    Regency Dining Furniture

    i13 Getting Ready - Room and Makeup
    i13 Getting Ready - Poses

    ARTYficial-BedroomFurniture
    2001 EU Auto

    Izarra for Genesis 2 Female(s)
    FW Simona HD for Genesis 2 Female(s)
    LYFW Sherri HD for Victoria 6
    Ingenue Desdemona
    Manly for Gianni 6

    Freediver and Accessories for Genesis 2 Female(s)

    What interested you folks?

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    Getting some sleep (it's 4am) but I started a render with:
    LYFW Sherri, i13 Getting Ready - Room and Makeup, Unicorn Princess Hair, Relax and Fun poses, Ciao Bella Outfit, and More Expressions for G2F. Will post sometime later today.

This discussion has been closed.