Ribbon emmiter on a sword

Ok I need help

I am putting a ribbon emmiter on my sword using Max 4.2 and Art tools
the effect I am hoping for is a trail affecting the whole swords length when it moves like the blademaster , however,

The emitter only glows horizontally not vertically! No matter how I rotate or turn the ribbon emitter in Max the result is the same.

Any pro modelers pls help me... Oinwinkle?

I'm not sure if this is the best way, but this is what I figured out...

• Create your ribbon emitter. Do not rotate it.
• Create a Point helper where the emitter meets whatever you want the emitter to follow.
• Link the helper to the object you want the emitter to follow (sword?).
• Link the ribbon to the helper.
• In animation mode, rotate the helper at the beginning and end of each animation so that the ribbon (which should rotate with the helper) lines up with the sword.

An example is here.