Faithlife and Logos Bible Software: Here for the long haul!

With the news about BibleWorks going out of business, some users have reached out to ask if their investment in Logos Bible Software is safe.

YES!

Logos Bible Software began in 1991, and we are still actively supporting and developing it today. We started on floppy disks, transitioned to CD-ROMs, expanded to the Mac, built mobile apps for iOS and Android, and then took it to the web at https://app.logos.com.

Over that time the company changed names (Logos Research Systems, Inc. -> Logos Bible Software -> Faithlife) and we've dramatically expanded our offerings (https://faithlife.com/about), but nothing has changed about our mission:

We use technology to equip the Church to grow in the light of the Bible.

Of course we can't predict the future; the Lord's return, a change in His plans for us, or the vicissitudes of life and business could all disrupt our plan.

But I can tell you that the plan is to stay here, serving you and the Church, indefinitely into the future.

My family controls the corporation. We have no plans to sell it. The company is debt-free. Dan (my brother) and I are in our 40s and intend to spend our careers here.

Our team is more than 300 people strong, and our focus on serving you remains as strong as ever. And with the huge size of the Logos user base, even if some unexpected event changed our business dramatically, the user base is big enough to be "worth the effort" to maintain, serve, and upgrade. A "black swan" event that wiped our Faithlife Corporation wouldn't destroy the value that the customers, collectively, would represent to another business.

There is every reason to believe that your investment in digital resources for Logos Bible Software will continue to be a wise one, and that you'll have access to the content and tools indefinitely into the future. And we have 27 years of experience navigating changes in media, operating systems, devices, and platforms. If we all end up 'computing' through voice interfaces and holographic displays, Logos Bible Software will be there. :-)

It is a privilege to serve you, and to be in the business of building tools to help people study God's Word.

And that's one of the reasons we've chosen to serve through the form of a business: it's a form with built-in accountability and sustainability. We only survive by building something you want to buy, and we have pretty immediate and direct feedback from the market when we price wrong, build wrong, or make some other mistake. We know that Logos Bible Software isn't the least expensive tool for Bible study -- there are many nice free tools on the web and in app stores -- but by using this model we believe we are doing the best we can to ensure that the investment you do make will be a good one in the long-term.

I very much appreciate your business, and feel blessed to count so many users as friends. We have both customers and team members who've been with Logos for more than a quarter century, and, Lord willing, I trust some will be with us to celebrate fifty years!

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Comments

Juan Gabriel

Thanks Bob, there is always doubt. God bless you and go ahead.

Small Heath

Thank you Bob, that's comforting to hear. I'm one of the early floppy customers. The last four month's sales have been great. Keep it up. [Y]

Dale Heath

ChelseaFC

Thanks for always talking to us Bob!

Cheers,
ChelseaFC

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980834#Comment_980834

Phew!!! Thanks for posting this! Good to know that our investment is secure, at least for the forseeable future 👍😁👌 Now, to celebrate, you can launch L8 on Monday if you’d like 😜

DAL

Beloved Amodeo

It is a privilege to serve you, and to be in the business of building tools to help people study God's Word.

Thanks Bob,

I've been with Logos since 2001. I am a layman and my study of the Bible has grown with the company. I appreciate your efforts to stay relevant and innovate as well as focus on core competencies. I am part of your base and though there have been issues of tension some which have yet to be resolved, overall I am satisfied with FL and am confident that my considerable investment is safe and has been worthwhile.

Don Awalt

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980837#Comment_980837

Good news and an inspiring hopeful message, thanks!

Daniel Radke

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980837#Comment_980837

I am part of your base and though there have been issues of tension some which have yet to be resolved, overall I am satisfied with FL and am confident that my considerable investment is safe and has been worthwhile.

Beloved said it well. Thank you, Bob, for taking the time so often to speak to us clearly and with great care. I have used Logos for almost a decade and invested thousands of dollars in my library. I cannot quantify the number of hours saved and insights gained through my use of Logos. May the Lord continue to sustain the company for years to come. Stay humble and seeking His guidance for the future.

SineNomine

[Y][Y]

Joseph Turner

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980855#Comment_980855

But...but...what about in the case of a zombie apocalypse?!? Do you have a plan for THAT!?!

In all seriousness, thanks for the comforting message. It is helpful that you are willing to interact on the forums.

Dave Thawley

Thanks for this Bob and thanks for the continued effort you and your team put into making logos better on each release. It has been instrumental in my growth in faith so thanks and God bless you.

Leo Wee Fah

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980860#Comment_980860

Thanks Bob [Y]

(‾◡◝)

Very positive and encouraging statement. Thank you.

and we have pretty immediate and direct feedback from the market

Amazing how Mr. Smith's ideas still work today (here and here)!

Bob Pritchett

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980858#Comment_980858

Bellingham suffers a zombie apocalypse annually. Here's video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZchV_omNSc (https://www.bellingham.org/events/thrillingham/)

Faithlife has survived each year. :-)

Small Heath

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980868#Comment_980868

Bob, was that you in the back in the orange suit?

Michael Jackson

Kendall Sholtess

I trust you Bob.

Vincent Chia

Bob, I am also here for the long haul

Jan Krohn

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980868#Comment_980868

Here's one more idea. You're looking for Bible software developers. https://blog.faithlife.com/blog/2018/05/refer-a-software-developer-and-earn-2500-in-logos-credit

A bunch of Bible software developers is likely to become available on the job market very soon.

Bruce Dunning

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980893#Comment_980893

Great words of comfort Bob. Thanks for reminding all of us that our investment in Faithlife is as secure as can be.

Joseph Turner

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980868#Comment_980868

Bellingham suffers a zombie apocalypse annually. Here's video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZchV_omNSc (https://www.bellingham.org/events/thrillingham/)

Faithlife has survived each year. :-)

[:D] Great answer!

Mike Childs

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980916#Comment_980916

I believe it was about 1995 that Logos bought the rights to the old CDWORD program, which I had. I immediately took upgrade offer to Logos Bible Software. So, for more than 20 years I have been a satisfied customer of Logos, which is now Faithlife. I realize that there are people who had a similar long relationship with BibleWorks, and I am sorry for this disappointing news.

However, I have never lost a book that I bought from Logos / Faithlife. I do not believe that I ever will. Their management has earned my confidence. Over the decades I have built a theological and biblical library that I treasure. I could not have done so without Faithlife.

Thanks, Mr. Pritchett.

Bill Moore

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980924#Comment_980924

I believe it was about 1995 that Logos bought the rights to the old CDWORD program, which I had. I immediately took upgrade offer to Logos Bible Software. So, for more than 20 years I have been a satisfied customer of Logos, which is now Faithlife. I realize that there are people who had a similar long relationship with BibleWorks, and I am sorry for this disappointing news.

However, I have never lost a book that I bought from Logos / Faithlife. I do not believe that I ever will. Their management has earned my confidence. Over the decades I have built a theological and biblical library that I treasure. I could not have done so without Faithlife.

Thanks, Mr. Pritchett.

Well said, Michael.

Richard Milbrandt

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980916#Comment_980916

That is great to hear, Bob. Logos Bible Software is a great thing for pastors like me.

Michael Sullivan

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980942#Comment_980942

Thanks for the update, Bob. On another note, Michael Bushell (the creator of Bibleworks) has a post on why they decided to stop producing Bibleworks. It's always good to get information straight from the source. . .

https://www.bibleworks.com/forums/showthread.php?6959-A-note-from-Michael-Bushell-on-the-closure-of-BibleWorks&p=35613#post35613

Mark Barnes

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980893#Comment_980893

Here's one more idea. You're looking for Bible software developers. https://blog.faithlife.com/blog/2018/05/refer-a-software-developer-and-earn-2500-in-logos-credit

A bunch of Bible software developers is likely to become available on the job market very soon.

Bibleworks was pretty much a one-man show. That was part of the problem.

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980945#Comment_980945

... On another note, Michael Bushell (the creator of Bibleworks) has a post on why they decided to stop producing Bibleworks. It's always good to get information straight from the source. . .

https://www.bibleworks.com/forums/showthread.php?6959-A-note-from-Michael-Bushell-on-the-closure-of-BibleWorks&p=35613#post35613

Interesting article; thank you Michael. He lays the problem at the feet of the overall OL market. Christianity Today has a discussion but I didn't read it (subscription). Where's that prepub.

http://www.intrust.org/Magazine/Issues/Spring-2014/Ministers-without-masters-degrees

is about 4 years ago and also interesting. It sort of hints (discussion of the market) at where Logos seems to be going. Which I'd think is a good thing.

JohnB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980962#Comment_980962

Which I'd think is a good thing

Thanks for the link Denise. Fascinating. Logos seems to becoming well positioned to help with this trend.

Robert M. Warren

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980945#Comment_980945

Thanks for the update, Bob. On another note, Michael Bushell (the creator of Bibleworks) has a post on why they decided to stop producing Bibleworks. It's always good to get information straight from the source.

FYI: Either my virus protection is paranoid, or BW forums have been compromised somehow:

Jan Krohn

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980984#Comment_980984

According to Kaspersky, it's clean.

Simon’s Brother

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980961#Comment_980961

Here's one more idea. You're looking for Bible software developers. https://blog.faithlife.com/blog/2018/05/refer-a-software-developer-and-earn-2500-in-logos-credit

A bunch of Bible software developers is likely to become available on the job market very soon.

Bibleworks was pretty much a one-man show. That was part of the problem.

Two man show plus support staff with and a very different vision to that of FL. Disappointing for Bibleworks users for sure but at the same time Michael Bushell has remained true to his vision till the end. So kudos to him.

danwdoo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980993#Comment_980993

Thanks, Bob. And I want to express again how your continued listening to customers (such as with the Connect: No Library plan that I am extremely pleased with!) gives me confidence in your products and services to invest for the long haul.

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/980993#Comment_980993

Two man show plus support staff with and a very different vision to that of FL. Disappointing for Bibleworks users for sure but at the same time Michael Bushell has remained true to his vision till the end. So kudos to him.

Strangely, that was one of my bizarre motives for getting a copy. That and a couple of the resources that I want before they disappear.

I still have a big appreciation for people with dreams. The Turbo C guy. The day Jobs and Wozniac decided to include so many unnecessary features in the Apple II. Dreams. And I'd assume the BW guys knew it couldn't go on forever ... they posted warnings on their product page.

I'm glad the ministry and a relaxed retirement is their journey's next joy.

Erwin Stull, Sr.

Thanks Bob; I have no doubt that Faithlife will be around in the near and far future. Not currently a prophet, and definitely not a soothsayer [:)], but just looking at the facts of where Faithlife has come from through the years, and where Faithlife is today. The only worst case I can possibly see occurring at some point, is an occasional downsizing, and with that only being temporary.

Faithlife will meet you where you are now in your studies, and go with you tomorrow, wherever God takes you. From the pre-teen that may just now be discovering that there is more to the Bible than what they may be currently reading, to scholar that is looking very deep into the riches of the Word of God, Logos/Faithlife is there to help with finding the answers.

I have no doubt that Faithlife will survive the occasional storm. My thoughts. [:)]

Michael S.

Hey Bob,

I just had a thought from reading through these comments. Maybe you could make a recognition post- your longest customer, the customer with the most resources, the customer with the most forum posts, etc..

Just a thought.

Thanks for continuing to seek improvement for this program!

-Michael Shelnutt

Kiyah

Aside from the user interface being the most intuitive for me, one of the reasons I chose Logos over Accordance or BibleWorks was that I thought their business model, marketing ability, and them keeping relatively up to date with technology and user trends made Faithlife more sustainable for the future. (Accordance didn't even have an Android app when I purchased Logos, although they do now.) Since we're investing a lot of money in the software and our digital library, it's important to feel like the business won't just up and close. It's good to know that Faithlife intends to keep up with the times and continue to compete in the marketplace. It is sad though that folks have one fewer option for high-powered bible software.

I continue to pray for Faithlife's future stability, vision, and success.

Christopher Johnson

I appreciate this response. Thank you for taking the time to write it.

But with all due respect, the question still remains: what happens to our Logos library in the unlikely event that Logos does go out of business? Do we lose our library?

Thanks,

Erwin Stull, Sr.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/985049#Comment_985049

I appreciate this response. Thank you for taking the time to write it.

But with all due respect, the question still remains: what happens to our Logos library in the unlikely event that Logos does go out of business? Do we lose our library?

Thanks,

If I may add a reply to this. There is an extensive conversation on this subject somewhere on the forum, but I don't remember where. I'm not sure of the details, however, I tested Logos by disconnecting internet access, and still was able to use Logos with my entire library. The functions that relied on internet access did not work, of course. So, I'm thinking that, if something catastrophic were to happen to the Faithlife business infrastructure, most of the Logos desktop would function, and your library would still be available to read.

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/985049#Comment_985049

I appreciate this response. Thank you for taking the time to write it.

But with all due respect, the question still remains: what happens to our Logos library in the unlikely event that Logos does go out of business? Do we lose our library?

Thanks,

I'd think your answer is simply in observing Bibleworks. Your investment is as good as a system that can run it. The BW guy plans to update BW as long as he can. But the system itself is your limiter (Windows or Mac).

Bob (the Faithlife CEO) argues, the Logos customer base is so large, somebody will pick up the pieces ... likely some folks at FL. I'd assume that's relative to the same issue at BW ... licenses and contracts.

Mark Barnes

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/985049#Comment_985049

I appreciate this response. Thank you for taking the time to write it.

But with all due respect, the question still remains: what happens to our Logos library in the unlikely event that Logos does go out of business? Do we lose our library?

Thanks,

You would still be able to use the software you had installed. You wouldn’t be able to easily install the software on a new computer, though. However, should zlogos go out of business, it’s assets would almost certainly be picked up by someone else, who would keep the essential servers alive to ensure — at least — we could reinstall. If that didn’t happen, you’d have hundreds of thousands of users motivated to discover how this process worked, and together, we’d find a way of hacking things to ensure we could carry on.

So while there are no guarantees with digital (just as there are no guarantees your paper library won’t be burned or eaten by moths, or that you won’t become blind and unable to read it), then the size of Logos is a reasonable insurance policy against our copies becoming unusable.

Christopher Johnson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/985064#Comment_985064

Ok thanks everyone for your helpful responses!

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/985097#Comment_985097

what happens to our Logos library in the unlikely event that Logos does go out of business? Do we lose our library?

You would still be able to use the software you had installed. You wouldn’t be able to easily install the software on a new computer, though.

Depends on existing and new computer whether easy to clone offline or not. Concur cloning of Windows has technical challenges. In contrast, have used macOS to quickly clone an existing installation from one of my Mac's to another (copied two folders OR used Disk Utility to clone entire macOS partition). The application bundle on macOS is self-contained. In contrast, Windows uses a setup program to check/install pre-requisites on one of your computers followed by installing application.

Keep Smiling [:)]

Ted Weis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/985667#Comment_985667

I've been a user for over a dozen years and I'm grateful for all the great resources. We are truly living in a unique and privileged time to study the Scriptures!

Veli Voipio

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/985687#Comment_985687

I just checked me Community Pricing list, and got the feeling CP is a long term project, a sign that Logos Bible Software aims to be there for there the long haul...

Christian Wagner

The long-term upgrade history of Logos is the main reason I decided to go with Logos rather than another platform. While past performance does not guarantee long-term support, it is a pretty good indicator at least for the next five to ten years.

The main problems I see with eBooks in general is that there is still a lot of proprietary DRM being used and transferring books you own to other platforms can be difficult to impossible. Bible related eBooks are even more proprietary than Kindle (for example) and are usually bound to the original application.

Moving books and resources to the cloud is another trend which makes it more likely, that books will become unusable in the future. Logos desktop can still be run in a VM in ten years time, just like Bibleworks, but Logos on iOS would likely stop working if the servers are not maintained. Removing DRM (just like the music industry has done) and providing fully offline modes for all applications would improve long-term viability for the books. Standardizing on extensible open file formats would be even better.

Even Microsoft discontinued two eBook Platforms, leaving customers stranded in the process. The DRM kept LIT files locked-up in 2011, and the shutdown of the eBook cloud service in July 2019 will cause the books to disappear, prompting Microsoft to refund the full purchase price.

I still have readable books and Bibles from my grandparents which are more than 100 years old. I very much doubt, that proprietary DRM based eBooks and Bibles which are dependent on licensing servers will still be usable in a 100 years, while DRM-free PDF, ePub and MP3 will likely continue to be readable.