An online petition that asks Apple to bring back the old version of Final Cut is gathering momentum, as angry filmmakers find little to love about the latest iteration of the editing software.
The new version of the software is called Final Cut Pro X, and has been slammed by moviemaking and editing professionals for losing many features from the previous version, and for being a "prosumer-grade" product that isn't up to the task of pro video chopping.
Not only that, but Apple's replaced the older Final Cut product, so if you're not happy with the new version, there's little you can do. It's also not possible to open and edit projects from older versions of Final Cut in the new software.
The petition says changing the software so radically puts many businesses at risk, and that Apple should bring back the older version, or auction off the source code to Final Cut Pro 7 to a third party by 1 January 2012.
It's a bold request, but it seems fair to us -- so many people rely on the software professionally that radical simplification could be hugely damaging.
"If many had known of the Final Cut Pro X release prior to investing in expensive hardware and software licenses, most, if not all, would have sought alternative solutions," the petition states.
"Many editors have relied on the software since its first release and supported Apple through both the hard and easy times. Apple Inc now has over $75bn in assets and does not need to risk the livelihoods of its professional customers by silently discontinuing Final Cut Pro instead of selling it."
Petition creator Andrew Landini spoke to our American cousins at CNET News.com, saying his three-year-old Apple account had been banned as a result of starting the petition, and that the related discussion thread was shut down without notice. Apple didn't respond to News.com's request for comment.
The petition currently has 3,349 signatures -- will you be adding yours? Let us know in the comments, or on our Facebook wall. In the meantime, enjoy US talkshow host and comedian Conan O'Brien's editors' take on the new software...