Coming Soon!!! AniFactory

[dwg]

I have the following error message

[Big Sexy JC]

What were you doing when you got that? Based on the error I'm assuming you double clicked on an .ma file or other Maya related file, but don't have Maya installed so you get that error. There is absolutely nothing within the app that uses Maya for anything so you shouldn't get that error from within the app.

[dwg]

I clicked on the Build button.

[Big Sexy JC]

Ok. I've not seen that and I've built dozens of anis using this. Let me try to replicate it on another system.

[dwg]

I have not looked any further, too much domestic stuff to do, grocery shopping, cutting the grass etc but have been thinking.

Many people picked up the APCD to try to create the courses they play on, not surprising that and not surprising that many gave up.

I think with AniFactory many people will think similarly, how do I create something approaching me, so they have a base model they want to create, like I have a few pounds too many, too many grey hairs and wear glasses.

They know what they wear, so for me it is long trousers, long sleeved shirt and a wide brimmed hat, the skin specialist was rather explicit after cutting out a couple of BCCs.

So the user has the screen up (we already know that there is no real installation) so the question becomes how do they put together their golfer, some of the elements they have to choose are obvious, and remember a lot of Links players may have limited computer skills, I think a lot will look for some basic procedure to follow (a set of steps) to get started with, once they have seen how to create a basic golfer they can go back and look at more options etc. It is getting people over that initial hurdle and mental barrier that can be the most difficult thing, the easier it is to get started the more that people are likely to get involved and use the tool.

At the moment no exist Ani is me, I think the closest I get is Russell2008 from Animasters, so that would be my initial goal, subsequently I might say how can I go back and add some more outfit choices for a bit of variety. For many that may be enough, for others they may care to explore further.

When I look at software I do try to look at it as an inexperienced novice user, if they can use it anyone can.

Yes I have lamented that APCD does not have a shallower learning curve, rather than a cliff, that is one of its biggest failings in my book, cantankerous and recalcitrant probably follow.

[dwg]

I've tried creating another golfer. I tried to keep it simple.

- Selected a Model
- I just added textures to the Base Texture section
- then clicked on the build button

Then got the error "Unable to determine the Maya environment. Please specify the directory above the one containing the Maya executable."

I fully expect I have done something wrong.

Des

[Big Sexy JC]

Des,

Thanks for providing me with that error. This is exactly why I wanted testers before releasing and didn't get any takers. I've made nearly 100 anis with the version you are using and never received that error, BECAUSE I have Maya installed on my system. Evidently, the exporter has a dependency on Maya being installed on your system for it to work even though Maya isn't used at all for the export process. So, I've had to have Andy pull the version I submitted to him for release on LC so I could find a workaround.

Well, I've spent about 12 hours working on it and I have a workaround. I'm in the process testing the new version on a different system and once it passes that test, I will re-bundle it and submit to Andy again.

The good news is that while I've been working on this I've managed to put together a video tutorial set per your request to walk users through using the app. I didn't make this app for me. I can make anis at will using the process I've been using. I made this app for this community so I really want people to feel comfortable using it. I think the videos will go a long way towards that goal.

Thanks again for taking the time to test. It's much appreciated and I'll post here when I have the fixed version sent to Andy.

[dwg]

Glad I could help.

Needing to have a certain environment in place, even if not used, is not unheard of.

It was a thought that occurred to me that you having Maya installed would result in it working for you and hence not getting the error that I see in a "fresh" environment, it certainly fits the symptom, like I said it is not unheard of.

I could see that the target for the utility is your average user, hence approached it as one with my suggestions.

[Andy]

The fixed version is now available for download.

viewtopic.php?t=2565

[Big Sexy JC]

Thanks Andy,

The new zip also contains 5 tutorial videos showing you how to use the app. Now that there are no longer any dependencies (outside of a very small registry entry) I'd like to hear about any issues or enhancements the group has or would like to see.