For many many months I had been searching for the latest version of FE (203b3), and wondering if FE had been abandoned by its creators (you may have seen my previous journal on this topic). Recently I have received not one, but three copies of the software, as well as an 'undocumented' link to the download that works! Additionally, I have also been in contact, via email, with Arthur Sirotinsky, the creator of FE.

When I first received the software from a friend, I began looking through the files that came along with it. It was in the compiler file that I found email addresses for several of the contact people for FE. And so I took a chance and emailed them, asking for any update info they could provide, and to tell them that many people here on dA were still using the software and interested in news about its development. I actually found two email addresses for Mr. Sirotinsky in my searches.

One of Mr. Sirotinsky's emails bounced back immediately as it was a government email address with heavy spam protection, but the others all seemed to go on their merry way. And so I waited...

A short time later, I received an email from Tony Dean, who had a funny story to tell. Tony had no part in the software's actual development. Tony took an interest in the software in 2005, but noticed that the web page on the compiler usage, was written by someone whose English was - "quaint" (I love how Tony phrased this!). And so Tony rewrote the page and sent it to Mr. Sirotinsky. For a while Tony heard nothing, but then received a copy of 203b1 by email reference in late 2005. Much to his surprise, his name was now listed on the compiler page, without a word from Mr. Sirotinsky! Very odd indeed!! It was Tony who pointed me to the undocumented link for the 2.03 download.

Then, about a week ago, I actually received a reply from Mr. Sirotinsky and another copy of the software! In his email, he hinted that work on FE is only 'suspended' for a time, as he has a daughter who takes up all of his free time now. I guess life has stepped in and changed his focus, as it has the habit of doing... However, he did say he was happy to hear his software is still being actively used and thriving. Perhaps this will motivate him to get back to work! Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like it will be any time soon...I have asked him to keep my email address, and to let me know if he takes up torch again!

Mr. Sirotinsky also mentioned that the beta versions of 203 are unstable, and warned that I should not get rid of previous versions, which are more stable. Since running 203, I have found this to be true. I've had to reinstall it a couple of times (what happens for me is that after a few days the "Select Fractal" window does not launch, and the program becomes unresponsive).

In closing, if you would like the link to the beta version, please note me and I will provide it, but you have been warned!

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