Convince me to upgrade to FF4?

We only know a couple things about version 4 as well. There's plenty of time before the final release so you have tons of time to think about things. I suspect goodness will happen. Of course, 4.0 filters will happen, and you can't use those on older versions. That's already a motivation I think lol.

Yeah... about the filter submissions... it's a lot of free stuff people put up. Most authors just do it for entertainment, for the community, or for the rewards. Honestly, I kinda have some resistance giving away the really good filters. I typically make filters for the sake of the community though. But we basically put up a lot of work for nothing.

With any community effort, there's a point where things subside. It's hard keeping communities up and running for long periods of time. FilterForge has held it up well and I hope it continues that with 4.0.

Honestly, there's no problem not upgrading too! There will always be 3.0 filters to use and enjoy.

I think overall, you should give it some time. We'll see what happens. By the 3rd beta, you should have a really good idea what FilterForge 4 will look like. Until then you should keep your hopes high.

I'm new to Filter Forge and just purchased 3 Basic a couple of weeks ago. I'm a photographer enthusiast and I have been blown away by what some of these amazing filters can do to my photos. Some of Skybase's filters are absolutely incredible and I'm sorry to hear that he/she is hesitant to put their really good filters in the library and make them available to the community. I guess I can understand that though... a lot of hard work only to have someone like me just come in and use them. But I tell you... I GREATLY appreciate the filters that folks make available. They have put a whole new light on my photography and have inspired me to go out and take new and different pictures.

And I'm passing the word along about Filter Forge as often as I can. Yesterday I taught a class at my photo club and introduced them to Filter Forge. They were stunned... and I only showed them the Free Packs! So I'm certain that some of them will be joining in on the fun.

I know this has nothing to do with the OP, but in reading Skybase's comment, I had to chime in.

I am sticking with FF3 for now since everything I read about it seems to indicate that the new features are geared more toward the folks that create the filters. I haven't heard of any difference in the interface nor any engine enhancements that boost the rendering speed so for someone like me, that just has the Basic version and isn't involved in the actual creation process, upgrading right now isn't practical. I'll wait and see what kind of filters come out that require FF4 and maybe upgrade next Christmas (if they have another great sale like they're doing now).

Since I just got FF3, it'll keep me busy for a year I'm sure.

One thing... does anyone know... will EVERY filter that is created in FF4 require FF4, or is there a way for folks to create filters in FF4 and not use the particular features that would make the filter require FF4, thus making it usuable in FF3?

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I'm much more interested in paying for new creative possibilities, such as fractal noise generating nodes, but I don't see any new creative features in the pipeline for v4.

Richard, wait for the next beta of FF4.0. You won't be disappointed.

OK thanks!

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[...] the feature didn't pan out.

Meaning it won't make in into the next beta stage, or it won't make it into the FF4 release?

Yes - User created filter folders are long overdue!

With software, I think the best general approach is "latest is better unless you can't do it." I think with FilterForge there's not as much consequence. The program does improve significantly over time and you won't be missing out on anything for another year or so.

If you can't decide, just get the newest. If you have something that troubles you (like system specs don't match, not enough budget, or crashes like crazy despite updates), don't buy it immediately. Hold off until you can be sure you aren't purchasing things you don't want. <--- general rule for anything software!

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There will be another sale, for sure - sales are offered to generate as much business as possible across time, and they work by generating a sense of urgency - "act now because you'll NEVER get this offer again." kind of thing.

This is true.

Also if I were you I would wait until 4.0 comes out and has a 30 days Trial available. Try that then and see what you think and if you like it, wait for another sale. FF is on sale more than any other software that I buy.
Since I'm not you, I pre purchased the upgrade to 4.0 pro just because I use FF a lot and I know I'll want it.

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Dilla, Richard: sorry, I've jumped the gun -- the feature didn't pan out.

Update: it did pan out. If we don't hit any more obstacles, expect a major addition in the next beta.

oooooo....I can't wait....

OH! I have missed this misterious message from Vladimir

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Vladimir Golovin Update: it did pan out. If we don't hit any more obstacles, expect a major addition in the next beta

Very good news and will be curious to know WHAT it may be

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Waiting for FF4. When is a final version coming? I want to upgrade.

FilterForge typically does a 3-step beta process which basically means FF4 is being worked at as we speak. So the first beta's already out and the next one's expected pretty soon. We don't exactly know when the 3rd one comes out but let's just say it'll be still months ahead. I'd put the upgrade fee aside in the mean time!