I have used and regularly updated Qimage for at least 12 years, but only used it for printing and, since QU, for downloading files from the memory cards. I still have my old Photoshop for pixel work and I don't see any need for upgrading until a future version of Windows will render PS CS 5 unsupported. But still, I am looking for an alternative to PS in the QU price range that offers masks and curves and retouching toos and - impotant - works on 16bit tiffs - and is a 64bit application. If Mike was to offer that as a stand-alone application I would buy it sight unseen, just to support him.
On the other hand, such programmes are available: The Gimp (open source, no 16bit ability yet but planned for the next major version), Picture Window Pro 6 (7 beta available for testing), a programme I really like (and own), and of course PS elements (at ridiculous discounts), Paint Shop Pro (at least one special sales offer per week in my emails), ACDsee pro 6, 15 ... (80% off for mothers day). That might not be a nice market to enter with a new product at the moment. As I said, count on me as customer if you can compete with PWP and sell for $90. But Mike will need more customers than me.
Cheers Peter
I see Photoline more and more quoted as a good alternative to Photoshop.
Skipping Adobe's CC offer so I might go that route one day after more than 15 years of Designer CS upgrades.
http://www.pl32.com/--
Met vriendelijke groet, Ernst
http://www.pigment-print.com/spectralplots/spectrumviz_1.htmJuly 2013, 500+ inkjet media white spectral plots.