Logos: How do you prioritize publishing Bibles.

As I watch some the conversations about different foreign language Bibles that are being requested by users, it makes me thankful and a little bit embarrassed that I have such riches available to me in my native tongue. But aside from that I would appreciate it if Logos could educate us as to the process of how they prioritize which Bible translations to publish, as well the processes that need to take place in order for it to happen (Might make an good blog article).

If this isn't something that you would consider doing at this time, or if this resource already exists, I would also appreciate knowing that as well. Big Smile

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Comments

Bohuslav Wojnar

Great suggestion Terry. It would be great to know the list and how far we are from seeing the requested language/Bible translations in Logos. The analogy is with commentaries. It is very helpful to know when the given book in a given series of commentaries will be finished. Usually there is that information available. The same would help if Logos would let us know how it is with all the Bible translations requested or planned to be published in Logos and what we can do to make it happen.

As I said it many times before, publishing modern Bible translation in any language for the first time does more than add just one resource to Logos. It adds possibility to that language group to use just one Bible software in their preparation. Most of us use English resources but we need our own Bible (we preach from) in Logos to copy Bible text etc.

Secondly, it opens whole new group of new potential customers for Logos. I know many pastors who would not buy any Bible software if they not have their Bible translation in it. It is logical. So I believe adding new Bible translations (non-English) to Logos should have very clear strategy from Logos and it would be great to hear about it whether here or by blog article.

Bob Pritchett

We like doing Bibles in many languages, and would like to offer them all. There are many obstacles, though:

1) We don't speak the language. If we don't speak a language, it can be hard for us to find the resource, to key it or proof-read it, to communicate with the copyright holder, etc.

2) No market. The smaller the language group, the less likely that digital files exist. Digital files can be expensive to create (particularly in languages other than English), and if there's no market it makes them financially difficult to justify.

3) Low interest from users. It turns out that users don't actually get very excited about a Bible in a language in which no other resources are available. Even if the files are readily available, if only the Bible is available, Logos Bible Software offers little advantage over a web-based search engine or free Bible software program. Our strength is managing a large library. There are some people who use English resources and just want the Bible in the other language (which is why we try to do it when we can), but not that many. So the "expanding the market" idea doesn't work well either -- the real market is people who want multiple books in their language, not just the Bible. To do that, we need more files, more contracts, and (usually) more ability to communicate in that language ourselves.

4) Inability to communicate. If we do get resources in <language>, we generally don't have the skill to write a web page, send an email, or provide tech support in that language. So fewer people know -- because they're searching for Bible software in their own language, not English -- and we're unable to help any but the bi-lingual users.

5) Rights confusion. Even Bibles can have complicated rights. Sometimes the popular Bible in <language> was a partnership (or a translation from English) with an English publisher. Even the "printing" publisher / ministry may be unclear where the electronic rights are, or they may involve multiple parties. This is even more of a problem with non-Biblical works, often translated and published on paper with limited "ministry-only" sub-rights.

So... we prioritize based on "number of speakers of the language" and "ease of rights / files" and/or "someone here speaks it."

If you want to move a particular Bible translation, or whole group of resources, higher in the priority queue, you're welcome to try and act as a liaison or consultant who helps us track down rights / files / write-a-description for the texts in your language of choice. Often times the "random" languages we seem to offer are simply the result of someone helping answer all the questions in advance.

-- Bob

Terry Poperszky

Thank you Bob.

Rosie Perera

Thanks, Bob. I've added this to the Logos Speaks page on the wiki.

Bohuslav Wojnar

Bob, I really appreciate your explanation. Yes, I knew I will hear all those things, but still, there is hope. I know if it would be easy, you would do it long time ago already.

My question is: do you involve the native publisher in the process of creation of the particular Bible? Speaking about Czech modern translations I know at least 3 of them want their translations to be published in Logos and they have electronic text ready to be implemented (or published already) into the various Bible softwares.

I may be wrong but I do not think that most of the native speakers who want the Bible in their language would use it only if there would be also books in their language in Logos. That might be true about the older generation who do not speak English. Almost all young ministers speaks English and are used to reading in English a lot (not even speaking about students). The important thing for them is to have an access to the best and most modern resources. That is the reason to have Logos over all the freeware Bible softwares. Plus the access to their resources on various platforms, MAC, iPhone etc. Not even speaking about all the superior research power of Logos.

For my personal study I use ESV, NET Bible, original languages and so on. For preaching I use Czech Bible. I always have to open each reference I want to use in my sermon twice. In my study and preparation and then to put it to my notes.

If you want to move a particular Bible translation, or whole group of resources, higher in the priority queue, you're welcome to try and act as a liaison or consultant who helps us track down rights / files / write-a-description for the texts in your language of choice. Often times the "random" languages we seem to offer are simply the result of someone helping answer all the questions in advance.

Yes, I said it already and want to repeat it again. I am willing to help any way possible to get these Bibles into the production.

Thank you again for trying to find the way how to get all those Bibles to Logos. I believe one day all of the European translations will be in Logos (that's the easy part) and also many other languages like Amharic and other [:)]. God bless you.

Tes

Superding!

I am amazed
why Mr. Bob did not want to respond to this thread,
instead he responded to another thread at the same time some looks for me a
translator? I don’t understand it, but it makes me uncomfortable. Apart of this
situation I thank every body’s encouragement. http://community.logos.com/forums/p/18222/137264.aspx#137264

Tes

Surprising!

Andreas Holmberg

I agree with Bohuslav. I' don't think Bob's third point is relevant. Most pastors and students of theology whose mothertongue is a small language are very used to reading books and articles in English and (for Europenas) even other languages such as German or French. At seminaries and theological colleges we read loads of books and stuff in English. No big deal. So I don't think the fact that Logos only offers a Bible and no other resources in a specific language would, as such, discourage people from using and investing in the program.

However, I believe that Bob is right in that marketing Logos is a bit more difficult in non-Englishspeaking countries. As suggested by a Dutch fellow in another thread extending the ambassador program to outisde the US could be a first and significant step in spreading Logos further.

Bless!

JimTowler

Firstly, thank you Bob for taking the time to give a clear reply to this matter. It helps us to uderstand.

It seems to me, taking Bob's reply at face value, that if the Right's Holder, or someone working with them, was able to port/import the resource into the new PBB format later this year, complete with a lot of tagging, cross refs, and the like, then most of the "heavy lifting" will be done.

In fact, if the item can be given rather than sold, there is little more to do.

If its to be sold, then I guess there are additional steps, including contracts, licenses etc ...

It feels that what Bob has said about working with the Rights holders, and my words; "... starting with PBBs ...", then this could open up a large number of additional resources.

Mark Barnes

It turns out that users don't actually get very excited about a Bible in a language in which no other resources are available. Even if the files are readily available, if only the Bible is available, Logos Bible Software offers little advantage over a web-based search engine or free Bible software program.

I agree with everything else you've written here, Bob. But this isn't true, at least not in Wales. There's no a man or woman in Wales who can speak Welsh, but not English. Nevertheless, a great many people still prefer to read the Bible in their first language, particularly if it's the one they've been brought up with. Saying "users don't actually get very excited about a Bible in a language in
which no other resources are available" is like saying "users don't need the KJV if they've got the NIV". People want their 'own' Bible.

Therefore in cultures where a lot of people speak English, I'm sure you would still find that non-English Bibles sell well. Surely some non-English Bibles would be more popular than translations such as the GOD'S WORD version, or the ISV.

With that in mind, can I put in a plea for Welsh. Either the 1588 William Morgan Bible (not available anywhere electronically, so the market's wide open), or Y Beibl Cymraeg Newydd (electronic version available from the publisher, but would need permissions - which I'd be confident you'd get because they've given e-Sword permission to distribute it).

A bit of history: William Morgan's 1588 Bible was one of the first translated into the vernacular anywhere in the world. It has had more influence on the Welsh language than even the KJV has had on English.

MJ. Smith

William Morgan's 1588 Bible was one of the first translated into the vernacular anywhere in the world.

While I agree with the intent of your post and agree that Morgan would be a nice addition ... I must question the "one of the first translated ..." portion of your statement:

4th century - Gothic
5th century - Armenian, Syriac, Coptic, Ethiopic, Georgian

I think these six vernaculars are well ahead of Welsh.[:D]

Now wouldn't you have been disappointed in me if I'd failed to come up with the more obscure?[A]

Bob Pritchett

I was, of course, generalizing.. and I see your point. But you make mine, too, at least with the 1588 version that's not available electronically. You wouldn't want me trying to type and proof that, despite my surname's likely history. (Pritchett <= Pritchard <= Prichard <= ap Richard) :-)

We'll see what we can do about the one with files available....

Damian McGrath

4th century - Gothic

5th century - Armenian, Syriac, Coptic, Ethiopic, Georgian

I'm pretty sure that the Septuagint and the Old Latin predate even these....

Bohuslav Wojnar

We'll see what we can do about the one with files available....

Great, Bob. Just to remind you, all Czech modern Bible translations I am speaking about are available as tagged digital files... [:P] Sorry, I couldn't resist. I know it's not new information for you and I appreciate all your hard work to get as many Bibles to Logos as possible. Thanks for that.

Matthew C Jones

We'll see what we can do about the one with files available....

Bob,

I am almost afraid to pose this question;

There is a Libronix version of a Japanese Bible offered in a Greek-Japanese Interlinear package on the Japan Bible Society's web page. Is there possibly a licensing conflict that would prevent North American users from retaining access to this product if they installed it under Logos 4.0? I would hate to buy it only to have it disabled due to my registered home address. Is there any technical reason the Version 3 Libronix Japanese Bible would not run under Logos Version 4.0 & Windows 7 Ultimate (Japanese enabled?)

I have heard of the NIV being disabled for users located outside of North America and the alternate Anglicized NIV not being licensed for use within the USA. . I know you don't get to choose how licensing conflicts are handled. I appreciate the time and headaches you go through researching possibilities.