Bible Study Magazine NEEDS to be available in Logos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's been a few days since I received the latest edition of the Bible Study Magazine in the mail. I try to read it within a few days of receiving it, but this edition is VERY DIFFICULT TO READ...the color combinations (words/background/footnotes) made it all but impossible to read any footnotes (in one instance a VERY light grey on a white background (at least that's the color it looked like to me)).

I know that it has mentioned many, many, many times to get BSM into Logos format and has also been answered many, many, many times that it is a magazine that is intended to help the non-computer reader do some Bible Study. (That is all well and good and I hope that they do find the information that they need). I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to read the magazine with it small fonts and color combinations because of the cataracts that are developing in my eyes. I know that others have voiced similar concerns over the past few years and other will probably repeat these same or similar complaints in the coming years, but something needs to change.

One possibility that I thought of was a "Large(r) Print" edition or dare I say, one that was just black and white.

There is too much good material in the magazine to just stop receiving it, however, I already strain my eyes to read what little that I can still read (and it takes me 3 or 4 times as long to read it). Please make it available in Logos so that we can change the font size to make it readable again!!!!!!!!!!!

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

Kevin A. Purcell

It will never happen. They don't want it in Logos. It's a print ad for Logos and not intended for Logos users. They've answered by their failure to give people exactly what they want.

One of the top voted items in User Voice (#8 on list)

https://logos.uservoice.com/forums/42823-logos-bible-software-6/suggestions/2306384-create-a-digital-copy-of-bible-study-magazine

Everett Headley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/820861#Comment_820861

It will never happen. They don't want it in Logos. It's a print ad for Logos and not intended for Logos users. They've answered by their failure to give people exactly what they want.

One of the top voted items in User Voice (#8 on list)

https://logos.uservoice.com/forums/42823-logos-bible-software-6/suggestions/2306384-create-a-digital-copy-of-bible-study-magazine

That's pretty scathing, but when I thought about it, I think you're completely right. I might subscribe if available digital, but the fact that it has been asked about for years and Logos (Bob) not doing it, seems a very clearly "read between the lines". A print ad is just what it is.

Bill Shewmaker

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/820861#Comment_820861

It will never happen. They don't want it in Logos. It's a print ad for Logos and not intended for Logos users. They've answered by their failure to give people exactly what they want.

One of the top voted items in User Voice (#8 on list)

https://logos.uservoice.com/forums/42823-logos-bible-software-6/suggestions/2306384-create-a-digital-copy-of-bible-study-magazine

Kevin, I'm afraid that you are correct. I stand by my request to at least increase the font size (large print edition). After I have the cataracts removed, it might be better, but that is still probably a year or two in the future. I guess that I can archive them and then read them after surgery.

Robert Neely

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/820873#Comment_820873

I don't agree. I find most of the articles of interest and it's nice to have the paper format for reading during my lunch break at work. I pass it on to other people when I am done with it.

Last quarter, I got Bock's NT211 mobile ed course for $99 with the code in BSM plus significant savings on several other resources.

Rob

I stopped reading it several years ago for the same graphic (fad) reasons.

Read this.

https://www.nngroup.com/articles/low-contrast/

Bob Pritchett

Thanks for the feedback. As someone who just recently bought their first pair of reading glasses, I share your concern about font size and contrast. I will continue my advocacy for bigger text and higher contrast in our design work! [:)]

We don't have plans to create a digital edition of BSM at this time.

We do publish some of the content online at http://biblestudymagazine.com/ -- and have been making more available than in the past.

We also have at times collected back issue content into e-book titles; at https://www.logos.com/product/47601/bible-study-magazine-book-bundle you'll find a lot of it.

At this point, it's easier to do this in a big batch for a single price than to do it with each issue and have to update the resource while also working on the magazine. That might change in the future, and I suppose we could make an e-book per year that gets continually updated, but for now we are focusing on doing the best job we can in print, where we use BSM to reach a different audience.

I'm glad you like it, and we'll take this as a reminder to make readability a priority!

James Milne Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/820911#Comment_820911

I live in Malaysia, and it is so useful to have it in a print edition. It gets very well circulated, and when I was in Tokyo recently I saw it being widely used in the church there.

Jim Snowden

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/820939#Comment_820939

Print edition is nice, and very useful to share with others. But for me the postage costs are more than the magazine costs - postage is $22.95, and following the link to the website Bob gave there is a 50% discount on the magazine to $14.95. So the magazine cost would be $37.90 to me here in the UK.

Several other monthly Christian magazines are available optionally online - even just in simple PDF format. For overseas folks that saves postage costs (and is "greener" on the environment than chopping down a tree and flying it several times a month around the world).

Jim

Simon’s Brother

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/820911#Comment_820911

The problem with this book bundle is that as subscribers to the magazine we have already paid for these articles and then a few years later when you can be bothered to compile them as e-books you charge us for them a second time. No wonder you don't want to do an electronic version, you won't be able to double dip into your customers wallets.

Jan Krohn

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/820942#Comment_820942

On the other hand, the bundle is a good way of getting some content for nonsubscribers.

It's on my wishlist now; I'm waiting for a sale.......

Bill Shewmaker

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/820911#Comment_820911

Thanks for the feedback. As someone who just recently bought their first pair of reading glasses, I share your concern about font size and contrast. I will continue my advocacy for bigger text and higher contrast in our design work!

We don't have plans to create a digital edition of BSM at this time.

We do publish some of the content online at http://biblestudymagazine.com/ -- and have been making more available than in the past.

We also have at times collected back issue content into e-book titles; at https://www.logos.com/product/47601/bible-study-magazine-book-bundle you'll find a lot of it.

At this point, it's easier to do this in a big batch for a single price than to do it with each issue and have to update the resource while also working on the magazine. That might change in the future, and I suppose we could make an e-book per year that gets continually updated, but for now we are focusing on doing the best job we can in print, where we use BSM to reach a different audience.

I'm glad you like it, and we'll take this as a reminder to make readability a priority!

Thank you Bob. The font size and contrast were my main "complaint." Like others have mentioned that there is definite value in the print edition, especially if we are sharing it with others. Thank you again for listening

mike

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/820946#Comment_820946

On the other hand, the bundle is a good way of getting some content for nonsubscribers.

It's on my wishlist now; I'm waiting for a sale.......

It was $5/yr on Black Friday's sale last year...

Brother Mark

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/820911#Comment_820911

Bob,

As an advocate for the visually impaired (being a card-carrying member of that tribe, myself), let me see if I can reinforce a couple of points without my habitual "angry young prophet" voice (since I'm neither angry nor young anymore, propriety should be served).

1. The target market for BSM is, obviously, potential new customers for Logos, and NONE of us oppose a larger customer base, greater ministry opportunity, or larger profits for the company. However, you (and FaithLife/Logos IS you, Bob) can have your cake and eat it too (euphemistically, at any rate) by serving your existing customer base at the same time as publishing a marketing tool for the potential customer. Since the magazine is created digitally, then converted to paper and ink, it is certain that the cost of publishing it for Logos customers is a money maker as well as a ministry opportunity that is kinda squandered currently. As a top User Voice request, it is equally obvious that many, many of your current customers would buy it if it were a Logos resource, thereby reducing overall production costs per issue and enlarging the company's ability to reach an even larger audience with the gospel of Logos (pun!) via pdf mass emailings, free print issues in every waiting room with open magazine space, etc, etc.

2. Allow me to enthusiastically encourage the brave pioneering effort of both publishing some content online and making omnibus compilations available for purchase. Treating BSM like a journal is savvy and I'm hopeful that it will be a valuable addition to many customer's libraries. I further encourage you to make current content available in the same formats.

3. "At this point, it's easier to do this in a big batch for a single price than to do it with each issue and have to update the resource while also working on the magazine." It is probably just the turn of phrase that strikes me as insensitive. We are your customers, and are rarely sympathetic to what is easy for the company to produce. We, after all, do not find it easy nor convenient to support your company (I hope that isn't too shocking for you, dear reader). And, frankly, the assertion that your focus is on doing the best possible job in print somehow is a roadblock to providing BSM in digital format makes me want to giggle. If anyone believes that, it is because they have not analyzed the process of creating a publication digitally, converting it to print media, and delivering it globally Vs. creating it digitally AND delivering it digitally as well as printing/shipping it.

I have enjoyed the free BSM issues that I have received over the past year or so.... with my magnifying glass. But, I reiterate, that I will not subscribe to it until/unless it is made available in my Logos Bible Software.

Bob Pritchett

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/820911#Comment_820911

If we did make it available as a monthly digital subscription, would you prefer:

- an online PDF version that you could page through in a web browser, which might or might not have active hyperlinks / be full-text searchable.

- a full text edition in Logos format, which would be less visually interesting but wouldn't have ads.

David Housholder

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821030#Comment_821030

PDF. Then it's available even if I don't have Logos open.

Ted Hans

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821030#Comment_821030

- a full text edition in Logos format, which would be less visually interesting but wouldn't have ads.

My preferred option.

Kenneth Neighoff

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821040#Comment_821040

A full text edition.

James Hudson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821041#Comment_821041

Why not offer both options (for more customers and thus maximum cash income)

But it would be Full Text Logos Edition for me too. Thanks.

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821033#Comment_821033

PDF. Then it's available even if I don't have Logos open.

For clarification: You would rather have a PDF version at the expense of being able to read, highlight, search within Logos? I don't get that at all.

I don't get why anyone would want a PDF version... and it isn't in FL's interests to create one (PDF's would be too easy to pass around). On the other hand...

I have a little bit of a background in publication design. I absolutely LOVE ebooks for so many reasons... but they are ugly. I do appreciate good design... but PDFs aren't very versatile. It would be much better to use some other digital format, perhaps in the form of an app.

My order of preference:

Logos (or Vyrso) edition.
A dynamic digital format, perhaps as an "app" (looks good, is interactive, adjusts to different devices [iPhone vs. iPad vs. MacBook])
Print copy
PDF.

Bill Shewmaker

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821030#Comment_821030

If we did make it available as a monthly digital subscription, would you prefer:

- an online PDF version that you could page through in a web browser, which might or might not have active hyperlinks / be full-text searchable.

- a full text edition in Logos format, which would be less visually interesting but wouldn't have ads.

My preference would be a full text edition in Logos format.

James McAdams

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821087#Comment_821087

Honestly, half of the attraction for me is the voucher code offers. For the content, Logos would be my preferred format, but even just being able to access the articles/content by logging into the website would be good for me - it would mean I could avoid paying for international shipping, which is my biggest gripe.

Simon’s Brother

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821074#Comment_821074

PDF. Then it's available even if I don't have Logos open.

For clarification: You would rather have a PDF version at the expense of being able to read, highlight, search within Logos? I don't get that at all.

I don't get why anyone would want a PDF version... and it isn't in FL's interests to create one (PDF's would be too easy to pass around). On the other hand...

I have a little bit of a background in publication design. I absolutely LOVE ebooks for so many reasons... but they are ugly. I do appreciate good design... but PDFs aren't very versatile. It would be much better to use some other digital format, perhaps in the form of an app.

My order of preference:

Logos (or Vyrso) edition.

A dynamic digital format, perhaps as an "app" (looks good, is interactive, adjusts to different devices [iPhone vs. iPad vs. MacBook])

Print copy

PDF.

From what is said here you could only access the PDF version online through a web browser so you would need to have internet access and be signed into an account. It does not indicate we would be able to download the pdf file which if is the case would make this option even more useless.

- an online PDF version that you could page through in a web browser, which might or might not have active hyperlinks / be full-text searchable.

My ony preference would be a Logos edition (not vyrso that would be almost as distasteful as a pdf unreliable links to scripture verses which is what Vyrso gives you would be very unwelcome).

I dont' need another app I already have enough of them and I dont' care for fancy visuals although I think that argument is a read herring. Maybe the layout would be slightly different to a magazine format but no reason visuals could not be included in a Logos resource (Vyrso format again another story and another reason this platform would an undesirable option).

No ads - so what is being said here are things like the BSM deals classed as advertisments and so subscribers to digital would be excluded from these offers or is it a digital + print only subscription offer so you have to wait for the snail mail for the print edition to arrive to get the offer codes ? Other than what is being offered by Logos Bible Software I dont' take any notice of the advertisments - as an international customer they are pretty much irrelevant to me in the majority of instances so if what is being talked about here is the stuff I dont' look at anyway, there is no problem, its only a question of the logos deals being included and once again i think its a Red Herring and an editorial refusal to not include them in a Logos edition - plenty of Logos resources include visuals.

I've had 'magazine' subscriptions in pdf format before and they become as underutilized a resource as do the print magazines. Having them available in Logos in searchable format where notes an highlights can be made and bible references looked up is the only option of any value.

Jesse Blevins

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821115#Comment_821115

Bob,

I think that it would be nice in Logos format.

As for the ads you could put a link in the magazine that could take the reader to a special webpage that would includes that month's coupons and special offers. [:)]

Rev. Michael L. Burns

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821030#Comment_821030

My vote would be for the full text edition in Logos format.

Michael

Erwin Stull, Sr.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821030#Comment_821030

Ideally, I would prefer both formats, such as how Themelios is offered, however, if only one format is offered, I would select the Logos format.

Jan Krohn

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821184#Comment_821184

(I'm just wondering why international shipping for 12 issues of Bible Study Magazine costs $22.95, but shipping of the Start Next Now book costs $47.25...)

Anyway, if the magazine were to be available within Logos (no matter whether Vyrso or Logos format, no matter whether with or without ads), for the same conditions as the print version, I'd subscribe instantly.

PDF has a few advantages, but Logos format has a lot more.

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821189#Comment_821189

(I'm just wondering why international shipping for 12 issues of Bible Study Magazine costs $22.95, but shipping of the Start Next Now book costs $47.25...)

I don't know the answer, but I do know that there are special shipping rates in the states for different kinds of media.

Mattillo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821203#Comment_821203

I agree. I really wish these were in logos as I usually have to scan them in and keep them digitally elsewhere which is a real pain and not helpful to go back and look at later. But as most others heard, Logos has said BSM is mostly for advertising which is a shame.

They could really spice it up with digital videos in their magazine on how-to searches. Usually near the end, they advertise how they found something in Logos. For people like me who aren't the greatest at using the software, it is nice to see how pros do stuff and would be neat if they could make it available digitally.

JessicaL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821030#Comment_821030

- a full text edition in Logos format, which would be less visually interesting but wouldn't have ads.

Since Logos or Verbum is the first program I open when I get on my laptop each day a full-text version for Logos is my preferred method of using the magazine. I actually like the ads in magazines because I often find things of interest to me that would be useful that I might otherwise have not found. However, I just don't have room in my little house for more magazines and books. That is why I prefer ebooks and magazines. I don't have to figure out where to store them. They are all right there on my Kindle or laptop; easy to find and easy to use.

Charlene

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821336#Comment_821336

I also prefer the full text Logos version....that is what I have been asking for for years. If you want to send me the print version, fine...I can pass that around to others....as long as I have access to the full text Logos version.

Veli Voipio

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821074#Comment_821074

A dynamic digital format, perhaps as an "app" (looks good, is interactive, adjusts to different devices [iPhone vs. iPad vs. MacBook])

For the electronic distribution, this kind of new product would be best.

A Facebook-type implementation would be good. I could select friends or groups and like/dislike/comment and so on.

Kevin A. Purcell

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821742#Comment_821742

As critical of this issue as I've been, I do appreciate getting two issues complimentary. In fact the issue on Ruth was very good. One article inspired my Sunday Night message on turning form despair to hope based on Naomi. Great little article and turned into an excellent sermon subject if not an excellent sermon. :-)

Dave Thawley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821030#Comment_821030

If we did make it available as a monthly digital subscription, would you prefer:

- an online PDF version that you could page through in a web browser, which might or might not have active hyperlinks / be full-text searchable.

- a full text edition in Logos format, which would be less visually interesting but wouldn't have ads.

Hi Bob,

Thanks for interacting with us regarding this (and everything else you comment on). I personally would prefer a logos format but a close second is pdf. There are two reasons for me wanting this. The first is plain and simple finance. I live in the UK and the P&P is more than the magazine cost. The second is accessibility - it is easier to carry logos around with me than a magazine but also I am Dyslexic . When my dyslexia is bad I can put different color filters on the screen (although more background colors inside logos would be even more convenient ;-) ), boost font size etc. and I can still read it. In logos I can also take notes which I can read back which strengthens the recall later (my STM and explicit memory is affected and notes really help to allow me to link conscious memories with the stuff I've read which goes into my implicit/deep memory) and linking back from notes to text is superb. Logos is truly a Godsend for people like me because of the smart abilities you have included and it would be great to apply them to the BSM.

Thanks for all you have done Bob, for people like me you have opened up the bible in ways that are impossible without Logos

Dave

Mark Johnson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/820911#Comment_820911

The most important item in the issues of Bible Study Magazine that I have seen (which is not that many) are the graphics. Therefore, I would like a digital format that works best with copying graphics. This might be Logos with its "Visual Copy" but my experience with attempting to copy charts from Logos into Word and PowerPoint is not good.

Debra W Bouey

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821030#Comment_821030

If we did make it available as a monthly digital subscription, would you prefer:...

I'd prefer the "full text edition in Logos format, which would be less visually interesting but wouldn't have ads."

Rich

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821074#Comment_821074

1. Subscribe to BSM.

2. Included on the subscription mailing sticker include a unique password for each subscriber.

3. Log on to LOGOS, go to BSM, enter the unique password and download the BSM.

4. Can't get the unique password without a subscription and the password changes after renewal.

5. Makes everyone happy.

Friedrich

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/820942#Comment_820942

The problem with this book bundle is that as subscribers to the magazine we have already paid for these articles and then a few years later when you can be bothered to compile them as e-books you charge us for them a second time.

this has frustrated me, too.

No wonder you don't want to do an electronic version, you won't be able to double dip into your customers wallets.

That is wayyy to snarky, don't ya think?

Dave Thawley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/822500#Comment_822500

1. Subscribe to BSM.

2. Included on the subscription mailing sticker include a unique password for each subscriber.

3. Log on to LOGOS, go to BSM, enter the unique password and download the BSM.

4. Can't get the unique password without a subscription and the password changes after renewal.

5. Makes everyone happy.

Good idea, they can even be password protected if they come in .pdf form

lostlogik

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821074#Comment_821074

Wow, can't believe this is actually being thought about now. For years I've wanted it in Logos format, so yes please, Full Text Logos Edition please. I'd then renew my subs. (As a UK customer, the postage costing more than the subs means I only get it occasionally.)

Simon’s Brother

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/822530#Comment_822530

1. Subscribe to BSM.

2. Included on the subscription mailing sticker include a unique password for each subscriber.

3. Log on to LOGOS, go to BSM, enter the unique password and download the BSM.

4. Can't get the unique password without a subscription and the password changes after renewal.

5. Makes everyone happy.

Good idea, they can even be password protected if they come in .pdf form

PDF is not an a good solution, it needs to be in Logos or its jus as useless as the paper copy. And mailing out the passwor is not much better for internatioal subscribers. Doesn't solve the problem of snail mai. All the licensing can be handled within the Logos Software, every subscriber gets access to the magazine at the same time and you get to make notes, lookup scripture references and search the magazine like any other resource. Full colour graphics are already handled by the software. A pdf will be read, archived and forgotten about just like the paper copy.

Jan Krohn

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/822534#Comment_822534

PDF is not an a good solution, it needs to be in Logos or its jus as useless as the paper copy.

Agreed, however a pdf version would kill fewer trees (unless folks decide to print everything...)

Simon’s Brother

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/822535#Comment_822535

PDF is not an a good solution, it needs to be in Logos or its jus as useless as the paper copy.

Agreed, however a pdf version would kill fewer trees (unless folks decide to print everything...)

Agreed PDF would leave the trees happy but not us, so lets get it in Logos format so we can be both kind to the trees and kind to ourselves.

Brother Mark

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821030#Comment_821030

If we did make it available as a monthly digital subscription, would you prefer:

- an online PDF version that you could page through in a web browser, which might or might not have active hyperlinks / be full-text searchable.

- a full text edition in Logos format, which would be less visually interesting but wouldn't have ads.

Thanks for keeping this on your dashboard Bob. Listening, and adjusting your business plan to accommodate your customer's needs is commendable and appreciated! My preference is a full text Logos edition, however... I am open to a subscription deal that puts BSM into my library AND (at an additional cost) in PDF format, or links in my text edition that lets me click through to a web enabled pretty-fied graphics enabled version (because we all love us some pretty graphics, scan codes, etc., etc).

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821030#Comment_821030

If we did make it available as a monthly digital subscription, would you prefer:

- an online PDF version that you could page through in a web browser, which might or might not have active hyperlinks / be full-text searchable.

Web Browser potential attraction for Now and Cloud subscribers.

- a full text edition in Logos format, which would be less visually interesting but wouldn't have ads.

+1 [Y] along with possible Journal bundling.

Keep Smiling [:)]

Dave Thawley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/822742#Comment_822742

+1 along with possible Journal bundling.

Keep Smiling

great idea :-)

Jim Waddell

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/821030#Comment_821030

Full text version in Logos format which was fully searchable and brought up leads on passage searches Etc.

NB.Mick

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/909134#Comment_909134

just wanted to update this thread (there are probably some more, but this seems to be very prominent and the last post is quite recent): Yes, as of 2018 BSM is available in Logos.

Current edition: https://www.logos.com/product/150251/bible-study-magazine-volume-10 (available for purchase and delivered as the issues are forthcoming, shipped for the first time as part of the Faithlife Connect subscription)

Back issues since the beginning of BSM: https://www.logos.com/product/145946/bible-study-magazine-logos-ed-2008-2017 (PrePub, current status "in development")

I think that those who voted on uservoice (a very popular feature suggestion) can celebrate that their request has been granted and use their votes for other helpful ideas.

Jim Snowden

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/974238#Comment_974238

Thanks for that update! I didn't realise there was an electronic version available - and that it is supplied as part of the Faithlife Connect subscription. That is great. I just checked my Logos library and indeed the current magazines in Volume 10 are there.

Jan Krohn

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/974945#Comment_974945

Hopefully the next BSM Christmas sale will cover the digital edition as well...