 |
FreeHand.Org
FreeHand: sold and buried alive
Many designers worldwide do their best work with the software application known simply as FreeHand (version 1.0 was first released in 1987). They count on it for their livelihoods and object to industry efforts to limit their choices. For many designers and illustrators, the software options forced upon them prove inferior in practice. Despite this fact, in 2005 FreeHand, as part of a larger transaction, was sold to another corporation which callously and summarily announced FreeHand's death, much to the dismay of those who rely on it to practice their trade. No coincidence that this same corporation owns another vector graphics application. FreeHand was, at the time of its purchase and sudden execution, the only superior product and true competition at hand.
FreeHand must live
But now there is meaningful resistance, initiated by the designer and illustrator Thü Hürlimann, known in german speaking countries for his work as the former art director of Macworld and Computerworld Switzerland. In 2009 he came together with a U.S. design firm, specifically Jabez Palmer of Bez Design in Seattle, to found the FreeFreeHand Organization. Within days of launching their activist web site, more than a thousand FreeHand users joined the community in full support. The number of members continues to grow daily.
|
