Hi all,
I apologize ahead of time if these features were already mentioned but with over 23 pages of responses it would have taken all day to check.
First, my background. I explain my background because my feature requests are based on my experience with other software and with ASPro. I am not an expert by any means, far from it, but a serious hobbyist. I used Moho in the day when I was also learning 3D animation with Hash's Animation Master (v8). I then went on to take one of the online character animation programs to learn Maya and how to animate. Money well spent IMO.
I own a small business and part of my job involves being a professional lecturer and beta tester. I use After Effects and Motion (certified instructor) to create compelling graphics. I have used TBStudio (v8.1) ever since version 6. I played around with TBA Pro2 and TBA3. I have used Flash and Illustrator. I turned to 2D animation (from 3D) after deciding if was more rewarding for me. I then took a year and a half off of all software and carried around a sketchbook and just drew.
For me, ASPro's animation system (bones, motion graph, etc...) is far beyond other competing products like TBS, TBA, and even Harmony(to a degree). Flash can't compare for animation when compared to ASPro and that is why a lot of Flash animators have turned to TB. Guys like Dermot O Connor and Adam Phillips. There are two main features, to me, that prevents ASPro adoption by the commercial masses - 1-Drawing tools and 2-GUI. Let me explain.
Thou the drawing tools in ASPro are ok, they can be much easier and better. Boy would I love for masking to be done with things like a simple "draw inside" button! I am currently using Affinity Designer to replace Illustrator and its' toolset is just what ASPro needs. I even prefer Flash tools for design work over ASPro (take a look at Justin Dike's work and tutorials at CartoonSmart). Now yes, you can import but I believe (and I could be wrong) but it is much better to draw inside the program you animate in for compatibility issues can occur. A toolset of boolean operations like the "pathfinder" dialog would be great. Even just a "draw top layer" function like in TBS would enable one to create characters more easily. I guess I could go on......
The GUI. Thou I don't mind it at all, many "pros" (and I quote that sarcastically...lol) judge ASPro by the GUI (and price). I am no programmer but I would think this is not that hard to change vs. add new features. A cleaner GUI, better icons (i.e. flat design), etc..., would be a very welcome addition. I saw someone didn't like the frame "0" thing to draw. I can't disagree. How about a 3 tab program where one is labelled "Create" another "Rig", and the third "Animate"? Separating the toolsets would be nice as far as appearance. These tabs would of course communicate and update one another. For studios, you would have to incorporate a networking feature of course.
Lastly, I say this as a 24+ year business owner who has changed the biz model many times to stay up with the changes. You guys (and gals) first need decide who you want your audience to be, and please don't limit yourself. Setting short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals is paramount. Identify your target and sub-target audiences. Develop ways to get your message out there. Embrace people out there that have "influence". Like the ones I have mentioned. The talent I see on the forum - people like Victor, Furpuss, etc... should be spotlighted and not just in the Lost Marble forums. Yes this all requires resources, but I think it is fair to say everyone on this forum would love ASPro to truly go "Pro" and would gladly help. I have often participated in Roundtable meetings where we saw upcoming products, used them, gave feedback, etc... We even evaluated marketing direction! From these meetings every company prospered and succeeded their competitors. Food for thought
In closing, you all are doing a great job with this app and I (we) salute you. I think you are so close. I look forward to seeing ASPro grow!
Best of luck, you have my business!