sfarted trying to use this on my iPad but quickly discovered it wants to link to anchor Yale bible dictionary (expensive, do not own) for further information instead of its own Lexam bible dictionary. very unfortunate.
Two things I would say. The first is that maybe the particular entry was not available in the LBD, so they linked to AYBD instead, but the second is that a major purpose of Faithlife Study Bible is to get people interested in other resources. It is a great free resource, but at the end of the day, Faithlife is a complany that wants to sell resources. Concerning the first, I would not want them to limit the extra information only to what can be found in the LBD. Concerning the second, I thing it is a great free resource and it helps to transition people to scholarly resources.
Good points so I checked and yes 'prophecy' is in the LBD wouldn't you know. As for the second point, i understand the constant desire to sell more stuff just like every other business. However given that I have a nice library now it would have been nice if I this resource was fully usable. As such it is more of bait and switch type of thing so I shall most likely remove it from view.
Good points so I checked and yes 'prophecy' is in the LBD wouldn't you know. As for the second point, i understand the constant desire to sell more stuff just like every other business.
The linking is more so a choice to highlight another article that is of specific interest, either because it is the best, it is a good summary, it mentions a certain perspective others might not, etc, I don't find the "trying to sell resources" idea to be convincing here. They are also simply suggestive, meaning if you already have a large library, but not the resource which is being linked to, then just find a similar article in a resource you do have. There's no reason to be upset about them linking to "locked" resources, especially since many of those resources are owned by a considerable amount of their users, because they are fairly standard resources in academia. I don't think their intentions are as greedy as is being portrayed
Good points so I checked and yes 'prophecy' is in the LBD wouldn't you know. As for the second point, i understand the constant desire to sell more stuff just like every other business. The linking is more so a choice to highlight another article that is of specific interest, either because it is the best, it is a good summary, it mentions a certain perspective others might not, etc, I don't find the "trying to sell resources" idea to be convincing here. They are also simply suggestive, meaning if you already have a large library, but not the resource which is being linked to, then just find a similar article in a resource you do have. There's no reason to be upset about them linking to "locked" resources, especially since many of those resources are owned by a considerable amount of their users, because they are fairly standard resources in academia. I don't think their intentions are as greedy as is being portrayed
Just for the record, I wasn't calling Faithlife greedy, but to think that they don't expect that people will make purchases based on some of the links in the FSB is not very realistic. That's not greed; it's good business. They are providing a useful service free of charge, which has suggestions that will likely lead at least some to purchase resources that will help them dig deeper. The Lexham guides are the same, as well as the Mobile Ed courses (these aren't free of course, but they offer a service that suggests resources that might be helpful). I welcome the suggestions and often purchase resources from those suggested readings.
I do agree that the resources are picked by which ones have the best article on a specific subject, and I think that is the most responsible thing to do. I wouldn't want suggestions to sub-par resources simply because they are cheaper. I expect suggestions to go to the best possible source, so that I can purchase it If necessary.
However given that I have a nice library now it would have been nice if I this resource was fully usable.
Remember that when you read a similar book in a traditional format, you would never expect the bibliography at the end of each article to be limited to what you own. Here is a shot of the top resources linked to in the FSB
you would never expect the bibliography at the end of each article to be limited to what you own
Yes good point MJ, although logos links are much more than reference to source material. More like links to further detail. But I see your point.
I do not recall calling logos greedy either. But let's be honest they are in this to make money and that is not a bad thing.
Just for the record, I wasn't calling Faithlife greedy, but to think that they don't expect that people will make purchases based on some of the links in the FSB is not very realistic.
I agree with you Joseph on this. I wasn't referring to you by my comment but to Stephen's comment "As such it is more of bait and switch type of thing".
I do not recall calling logos greedy either.
DEFINITION of 'Bait And Switch' A dishonest marketing tactic in which a marketer advertises a very attractive price/rate/term that is really a teaser rate meant to attract customers.
I interpreted this to mean that they were doing something "dishonest" to get more money (greed). If that's not what you meant, then I apologize for assuming so
I agree with most thoughts here but at the same time disagree this is not a marketing move by FL. However you want to paint the picture this is marketing 101 - Create a perceived need in the eyes of the customer, in the case of FSB the need being created is that these are articles you need to read on this topic Of course is up to the individual to choose whether they take the bait or not, but it is marketing all the same no matter how you want to dress it up. And the other point to keep in mind is they are only the editors opinion on what is best to read on a given topic, for me personally I don't always agree they are actually useful articles.
For any person, like the OP, I would assess whether you are getting any value from the free material, and there is a lot of it, as the deciding factor in whether or not to keep a resource like FSB.
My brain is likely wrong, but I seem to remember Bob saying the resource had paid for itself, well within targets. Meaning, no hidden motives.
Also, some users encouraged the links to indeed consider adding to their libraries. A customer convenience.
Me, personally, I kept the LBD and unloaded FSB.
I enjoy the fsb here and there and it does have some great infographics.
I haven't read the entire fsb but it does heavily rely on the aybd from the little I've seen
Available Now
Build your biblical library with a new trusted commentary or resource every month. Yours to keep forever.
