I sincerely apologize for keeping you waiting for such a long time.
I’ve been dealing with some personal matters, and while working on the new version, I also faced health issues. Even as I write this, I am still struggling with these challenges.
I felt it wouldn’t be enough to just provide a brief update, so I kindly ask for your understanding as I share this more detailed message.
Since the release of version 2.0, I have been dedicating myself to studying deep learning independently. I don’t have a formal degree, and apart from a modest aptitude for programming, only my background is in the arts. As a result, I lack the mathematical and scientific foundation to achieve significant breakthroughs, given the time and effort I’ve invested. Despite this, the experience of immersing myself in this self-directed study and research has been an invaluable treasure in my life.
Recently, I stumbled upon an idea that could potentially be a significant breakthrough. After reworking hundreds of formulas and methods since version 2.0, I managed to develop a rather intriguing and successful algorithm. The model merging process was based on SDXL1.0 and SD1.5, along with other carefully curated models. These were categorized into five primary classifications: “ANIME,” “REALISM,” “ARTISTIC,” “NSFW,” and “BASE,” and fed into the merging algorithm as datasets. This approach has resulted in some fascinating outcomes.
However, as challenging as the algorithm development was, nothing has been as daunting as the performance testing phase. My physical and mental health deteriorated significantly during this period, to the point where I realized I couldn’t continue this work on my own. This is what ultimately led me to decide to release this version.
And now, I am thrilled to announce the release of the much-anticipated AlbedoBaseXL V3 Mini version. While this model is a smaller-scale merge, it is not limited to any specific area and performs remarkably well across various domains. It has the potential to serve as a new base model for SDXL1.0. (For reference, my merging algorithm is not a “linear merging,” so it can essentially be considered a new fine-tuned model.)
.....(see the log part of main description).....
This model, along with the existing AlbedoBase models, is versatile and surpasses all previous versions in every aspect. (The NSFW content, while not extreme, offers a broader range of expression compared to previous versions like v2.1. A dedicated NSFW merging model will be released in the future.)
On another note, I’ve noticed that many shared models have recently begun to adopt licenses that prohibit merging or external commercialization. This has been a disappointment, as it has prevented me from using some truly excellent models for merging.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the model developers who have provided free licenses, allowing their high-quality models—products of considerable time and effort—to be used for merging.
I’ll be back soon.
I eagerly look forward to your performance tests across a wide range of areas, including ANIME, REALISM, ARTISTIC, 2.5D, 3D, and NSFW.
As model developers, we only plant the seeds. It is ultimately you, the model users and artists, who cultivate them and bring forth the flowers and fruits.
Thank you, as always.
--
For those who wish to support my work with a small financial contribution, please consider using the links below. I am currently unable to secure employment and face an uncertain future regarding my livelihood.
🌱 donate
