Koudwatervrees

[Tup]

(Koudwatervrees is Dutch for 'fear of cold water' meaning you're afraid to try something new.)

I've been using FontCreator for a very long time now, and as with all software, I've always been a bit cautious upgrading to the newest version. Although there is a very generous upgrade offer of 120 euros, I'm afraid I'll have trouble using the new version because it's too different and complex. Right now I use the pro version 11-something which was a big improvement from version 6 which I had before that.
Both versions have their quirks, but I've learned to work around that and in the end getting to a point where it seems I know what I'm doing. Often with help from Erwin and Bhikkhu in this forum, I should add
But I'm getting older and older and my adaption to new things is getting harder by the day. And moreover, new versions of software are not always as perfect as the makers claim they are. I still use the Adobe CS5 suite from 15 years ago for example: apart from a load of useless crap, it still does the same as the newest versions my kids are 'lucky' enough to be allowed to have a subscription to for a mere couple of thousand of dollars.
So anyhoo, I couldn't afford to keep buying the upgraded FontCreators every time (I'm not only old, but also poor) and now I'm afraid going from 11pro to 15pro will just be too big of a jump for me to manage, and that I'll just give up type design because of that.

[Erwin Denissen]

Dear Tup,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns. I completely understand your hesitation to upgrade—embracing new software can indeed be a bit daunting, especially when you've become so proficient with your current tools. It's fantastic to hear that you've been using FontCreator for such a long time and that you've found ways to work effectively with it.

I wanted to reassure you that FontCreator 15 has been designed with our long-standing users in mind. While it introduces new features and improvements, we've made sure to maintain a familiar interface and workflow so that the transition feels natural rather than overwhelming.

Here are a few reasons why upgrading might be beneficial for you:

• Familiar Yet Improved Interface: Even though we have switched from floating tool windows to panels, we've kept the core layout similar to what you're used to, so you won't have to relearn the basics. The enhancements are there to make your work more efficient, not to complicate it.
• Enhanced Performance: Version 15 offers better stability and speed, which means you can work more smoothly without the quirks that might have been present in earlier versions.
• Support and Resources: This forum is very much active and there are always people ready to help. We've also expanded our tutorials and support materials to assist with any questions you might have.
• One-Time Investment: We understand that continual upgrades can be costly. Upgrading now could be a long-term investment that keeps your tools up-to-date for years to come, much like how you've been using version 11.
• New Features to Explore: While change can be challenging, it can also bring new opportunities. The latest versions includes features that could enhance your type design work, potentially making the process even more enjoyable.

We truly value your contributions to the community and would hate to see you step away from type design. If there's anything specific that's causing concern, please let us know—we're here to help make the transition as smooth as possible for you.

Warm regards,

Erwin Denissen

[Tup]

Hi Erwin,

thanks for your kind and swift reply! I'll wait until the rent is paid for next month and see if I have enough left I had a peek at some images of 15 and it does look very similar. For now I have to finish a couple of fonts that I made in version 11. Including one 'Very very punk font'; very heavy on the ligatures and graphics: 2.74 Mb and 600 glyphs. It even comes with a 89 page booklet! It's mostly illegible so it's more of an art project than a serious font, but hey.
Here a sneak peek of the booklet. Not sure if I remember the way to embed an image. If it works, see you at the other side of this very long image!


...and then there are some fonts that I need to finish. Looking forward to the new version, and thank you again for your reassurance Erwin!

cheers, Tup