Sounds like you are not saving the package file too. You do this from the Content Browser. There's an option in the automatic backup system (lower right in the UI) to auto-backup packages... you might want to turn this on.
supposedly it is scriptable and extensible via C++. And as part of Substance's wider eco-system it should be much more powerful. There was also talk about machine learning - which seems to target upcoming competitors like Artomatix.
Having modular shader makes a lot of sense, giving the user to make it as complex as he needs. The new mental ray shading system is clever like this. Start with a lambert and just layer a spec module and type.
Technically I don´t think I can explain it :) But I know that the Color id system is currently not equipped to handle transparency, so some errors may occur! Happy that you got it working :)
Trouble is there are now a lot of them. Paragon will be entering a very crowded market when it does arrive, and judging by the visuals the system specs will be high. I feel Epic may have shot themselves in the foot with this one.
Zbrush also has a layer system that allows you to add details in a non destructive manner. Take a look at the documentation here for a quick detailing on the controls. http://docs.pixologic.com/reference-guide/tool/polymesh/layers/
If you haven't any graphist, why don't you try to make an abstract looking game, like Darwinia, System Protocol One, Everyday Shooter, etc. I think you will be evaluated on the gameplay, not the graphics.
Im still on a mobile and I still dont understand... I thought it was a legit offer, like Apple did with icloud and iOS devices not long ago. What's the problem with it? Does it spam the referrals system or something?
Lightmass is capable of running on multiple machines at once using the swarm system: http://udn.epicgames.com/Three/Swarm.html This speeds up rendering times immensely and studios like rocksteady will have this setup to work across their network.
there is paypal button on my website =D ! .... you should pay off some of your loan i think ... seriously students shouldn't have to pay for their education who came up with this fucked system D: