Why are you still using old software?!

(Please pardon this hyper rant. I am usually much more constructive in my commentary. This just bugged the heck out of me and I wanted to sound off. -CM)

Why are you still using old software?!
Better yet, why are you making me adapt to your old software?

I'm working with a vendor on a job and they use Illustrator 9. I coughed when I heard that. When asked by they haven't upgraded, they said they hadn't needed to and most of their work is done in Corel (for printing?!! I daren't ask what version that is!) My frustration grew from the amount of labor I had to output to prep production ready art for their system.

Adobe Illustrator 9 is at least 9 years old. When I was a kid, the tooth fairy stopped making visits to pick up lost teeth when my age matched the number of teeth that I lost. Why can't we scream "STANDARDS" when software versions are as old as their release number (or earlier?)

Comparisons...
I work in CS4, released 2009.
They work in v.9, released 2000.

Mine currently costs $400 something.
Theirs currently costs $100 something.

Mine can accommodate theirs by downgrading files when I save them.
Theirs is helpless and cries when asked to open a v.10 file.

My system requirements:
* CPU: 2GHz or faster processor
* Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (Service Pack 3 recommended) or Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise with Service Pack 1 (certified for 32-bit Windows XP and Windows Vista)
* System Memory: 512MB of RAM (1GB recommended)
* Storage: 2GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on flash-based storage devices)
* Monitor: 1,024x768 display (1,280x800 recommended)
* Video Card: 16-bit video card
* Optical Drive: DVD-ROM drive
* QuickTime: Broadband Internet connection required for online services*
* Note: For updates to system requirements, visit: www.adobe.com/products/illustrator/systemreqs

Their system requirements:
* Pentium or faster processor
* Windows 98, 2000, or NT 4.0
* 64 MB RAM
* 105 MB hard drive space
* CD-ROM drive
* Video card that supports 800 x 600 or greater monitor resolution
* Adobe PostScript Level 2 or later (if using PostScript printer)

Price is not a justification for being ridiculously behind the times.

So, you ask, is it a problem for me to create separate art files for production and save them all back to Illustrator 9 .eps files? Nah. No problem. I LOVE doing that. You'll just rot in the shame of the technology age's advancement with every file you download from my FTP submission.

Hey, future vendor partners? Wanna buy a copy, require me to accomodate it and drive me up a wall? Like I'll do business with you if there are alternative sources of product. MY requirements... at least be in the CS generation of Adobe software with a legal copy! Respect the software companies and help them develop better solutions by paying them for their work.

In the mean time, visit Amazon.com for your fresh copy of Illustrator 9 and you can even have it gift wrapped.

Anyone else think I'm justified in my rant? Sound off in the comments of RT on Twitter. Hail Current Technology for Now!

CM

Rest in Peace, King of Pop

As I worked on my logos and mock ups yesterday at my desk, I streamed the Michael Jackson Memorial Celebration in a second window on my screen. Head phones on, I enjoyed the memories and the performances, remembering in my own way what his musical contributions have meant to me.

A performing arts nerd, I'd performed dance routines and marching band shows to Michael Jackson music. Imitating his famous moves, the best my fellow performers and I could do was nothing compared to what he was capable of.

The most touching moment in the service was when his only daughter, Paris-Michael Jackson, spoke at the end, sharing that she had the best father ever. Her difficulty speaking through tears and fighting the fear of speaking in front of a full Staples Center was very touching. I only hope that she doesn't remember that as a scarring event but rather a moving show of love and support of her father.


Photo Credit: AP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS, POOL

That moment made me cry in my cubicle. Wow. Didn't see that coming as I editted text for a housing guide next to the CNN stream. As I did with the Inauguration, I enjoyed the Facebook collaboration and simul-chat, watching real people, strangers, react. Very moving.

Moon walk on, MJ.