Is it possible?

I've asked this in SL but I keep getting different answers. So I thought I'd ask here.

I have some character modals of Sonic characters (wether my mate made em or ripped em from Sonic Heroes, I dunno).
Anyway, there in 3d Studio Max format and available for format conversion... I think.

Now i want to modify one and use it for my avatar/character in SL. Is there anyway to do this or are most users right in thinking it's not?

Any help, tips, suggestions, etc would be greatly appreciated as I'm still getting to grips with SL.

No. You'd need to remake the out of Prims in SL.

It's not just possible to do it out of prims - it's been done!

Err...

The closest that's been accomplished in terms of importing 3D models, that I know of, is my older model importer.

It's a "hack," not a feature, and results in objects that look like the attached. (courtesy of Csven's blog)



The problem is these are commonly several hundred prims, easily surpassing the attachment limit of 255, difficult to use, and not looking all too good, either. It's, simply, better to use prims.


Furthermore, even if this hack of code did work effectively, I wouldn't endorse using a copyrighted model, beyond the "hey isn't that cool?" Given most people turn around and sell avatars that effectively breach copyright, I'm partly thankful my code doesn't work as well as it probably should.

ah hem Copyright Infringement, dont make the avatar unless you want to deal with LL now that you have openly stated your desire to do so in their forums.

Sorry, I should probably have specified the 'do it yourself' aspect of the model to prim conversion. =p

I didn't think it was considered copyright infringement until you went to sell it or the moment you made even 1$L or any RL USD equivilent off of it, until then I think it is covered under the fair use act for personal use. Please correct me if I am wrong, but I thought there was a posting about this somewhere.

Indeed. Unless I make money out of it (of which I ain't interested in) then it's not copyright infringement.

Anyway, I wanted to use the Shadow The Hedgehog modal I have, but modafy it to my own characters designs. Tis indeed a very hard task. ph well. Can't be helped I guess.

Unfortunately, making money isn't a consideration in Trade Mark violations. I have a coke machine I'd like to display, I got it as a freebie, but I can't even place it on my land without the possibility someone will report it and LL will delete it.