Where did Bob Pritchett (Logos cofounder) go?
It's been a while, so I just thought I'd stop by and say hello. :-)
Logos was the focus of my daily life for more than 30 years, and leaving the business day-to-day was harder than I expected. For 30 years I thought about Logos all day, every day, and I'd gotten onto a never-ending treadmill of email and meetings and being needed -- by employees, users, partners, etc.
I loved it.
I loved the work. I loved the team. I loved building something so many people used. And most of all I loved you, our users, who validated our efforts, gave purpose to our work, and provided endless support and encouragement and feedback.
For a little while I was in withdrawal, from the energy, the pace, and the being needed.
So I threw myself into a new software startup building a legal tech product. AllDrafts is a cloud-based word processor specifically for contracts, with live collaboration and integrated e-signature support.
It's very different than Logos, but there are surprising similarities: the law is text-focused, and much of what I learned about tagging, indexing, searching, and automated text analysis from building Logos has been relevant in the legal space. Now I'm leading a team of six, not hundreds, and I have one scheduled meeting per day that takes around 15 minutes.
And I'm liking it a lot.
I'm working from a low-rent office a few blocks from Logos. We've got no air conditioning and few windows. But I’m sitting at the first desk I bought for Logos in Bellingham (22 years ago!) in the same chair (!), living the startup life again. And I'm working from home (or on the road) whenever I like. I'm enjoying the small team; I'm writing code again; I'm having fun.
But what I still miss is all of you. I knew that an active, engaged, passionate user base was a great blessing, but still failed to appreciate just how amazing the Logos community is. My new customers are lawyers, and they're billing by the hour. They're a little harder to get on a call for product feedback and there's no online community of users. People can appreciate a time-saving tool, but it's just not Logos.
I miss this community of passionate users, and the daily accountability you brought to my job. I know Logos is better because of your engagement.
For what it's worth, I'm still a shareholder at Logos and on the board of directors. I'm still friends with many of the team, and regularly get together with them for lunch or coffee. I am not involved on a day-to-day basis, but I am following the progress and am available to Bill for advice or historical context whenever he needs it.
But he doesn't really need me because he's sharp, passionate about our mission, and has an incredible team, many of whom were there building Logos with me for decades, and who know what to do and how to continue looking out for the best interests of our users.
Logos is different now, but that's okay. I am excited to see where the Lord takes the company in the future, and what happens now that it's free to grow under fresh leadership and new ideas. The guy who shipped the software on floppy disks isn't always the best person to take it into the AI cloud subscription future. :-)
If you happen to be a lawyer, or know one who drafts contracts, you can check out my contract editor. It's not Logos, but I am trying to bring the same product quality, innovation, and customer service standards to it; I only hope I can build a user base half as great as all of you.
You can reach me at bob@alldrafts.com and follow my geeky coding experiments at https://bobpritchett.com/.
Comments
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I am thankful the Lord used you to start this company.
preachertony.com — appletech.tips — facebook.com/tonywalker23 — twitter.com/tonywalker23 — youtube.com/tonywalker23
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Good to hear from you, Bob. Logos changed my life!
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We miss you. And yes, Logos has been a huge help in my own life. Yes, it is not the same but change was bound to happen. Wishing you well.
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Bob, great to hear from you and your exciting new endeavor. Change can be difficult but embracing it can stretch and grow us as individuals and a community.
I want to thank you for all the effort you and the team put into Logos for years as well as the current team. It has been a blessing beyond measure helping me grow in my studies and calling to teach.
I really started to grow with Logos being an Ambassador as it was exciting to get out and meet people who wanted to grow and dig deeper. Miss those days but things change.
Many blessing to you, your family and the Logos family around the world.
In Christ,
Ken
Lenovo Yoga 7 15ITL5 Touch Screen; 11th Gen Intel i7 2.8Ghz; 12Gb RAM; 500Gb SDD;WIN 11
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I echo your appreciation for the community here at Logos. From back in newsgroup days to today I've been able to interact with, learn from, and have a laugh or two with other people who are passionate about knowing God's Word. There's no way to measure how much that's been worth, but I know my appreciation for, passion about, and ability to fruitfully use Logos would not be as great.
I also remember and continue to appreciate your willingness to get on the forums when needed. That doesn't happen in a lot of places. That job gets delegated and someone way down the ladder does it. You always jumped in when you needed to.
It is good to hear you are well, adjusting, and your new endeavor is working out.
Thanks for all you did to make Logos the amazing product it is. It's nice to know you haven't forgotten about it or us.
Pastor, North Park Baptist Church
Bridgeport, CT USA
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Best of luck in your new endeavors! Yes, it’s different now and it sucked when you left, but that’s part of life changing experience phases we all must go through to give way to new opportunities. Thank you for all the hard work you put in!
DAL
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Thank you for Logos and for all the years for all the Logos
people throughout the years!
Godspeed, DWB
Lenovo P72: Intel 8th Gen i7-8750H 6-core, 32GB RAM, 2TB HDD + 1TB Sata SSD, 17.3" FHD 1920x1080, NVIDIA Quadro P600 4GB, Win 10 Pro
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We'll take you back any time you're ready! [:O] [H]
I know some good lawyer jokes if you ever need one.
Eating a steady diet of government cheese, and living in a van down by the river.
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Thanks for checking in with us, Bob! We miss you!
Myke Harbuck
Lead Pastor, www.ByronCity.Church
Adjunct Professor, Georgia Military College0 -
Glad to hear from you.
Mission: To serve God as He desires.
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It's great to hear from you. A handful of years ago, my wife and I took a tour of the campus and we walked by your office. You were in another meeting (of course 😀), but we often talk about that tour and the reason for our visit in and around Bellingham. Those three days of rest were amazing and unforgettable. Perhaps more significant is how I've been blessed by the end product of your vision and work.
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Bob Pritchett said:
The guy who shipped the software on floppy disks isn't always the best person to take it into the AI cloud subscription future
The best person to take it into any future would be humble, and focused on freeing the team to invest for treasure in heaven.
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Bob Pritchett said:
Logos is different now, but that's okay. I am excited to see where the Lord takes the company in the future, and what happens now that it's free to grow under fresh leadership and new ideas. The guy who shipped the software on floppy disks isn't always the best person to take it into the AI cloud subscription future. :-)
I am so happy for your joy in the new frontier - but understand that some of us will disagree with this humble statement.... As someone who has been around a long time - the difference at this time is not necessarily a good thing! I'd personally take the leadership of the guy who shipped floppy disks and was very customer centric - plus was all about true customer service and support....
Even times that a customer vehemently disagreed with business decisions, you took the time to personally communicate and actually listen and that carries more value and security for the continuity of this company than AI services.... AI and modern tech will attract some but your leadership and customer care is what kept customers.... Today's Logo seems to have flipped the model in may ways....
There are many of us that would love to have you still leading the charge!
Logos 10 - OpenSuse Tumbleweed, Windows 11, Android 16 & Android 14
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Spoiler: This is meant as a joke so save it those of you who have no sense of humor, but….
Look at old Bob breaking the forum guidelines, namely Do not use the forums to:
- advertise yourself, your business…
😂😂😂 Don’t worry, we won’t hold it against you! After all you’ve done, you can get away with pretty much anything you want! 😂😂😂
👍😁👌
DAL
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Thank you Bob for the great job you have done with the Logos Bible software. I miss you a lot!
Blessings in Christ.
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Bob,
How wonderful it is to hear from you! It is so great to learn about what's going on in your life right now. Your words have always been appreciated through the years. Your confidence in Bill, the rest of the Logos team, and the positive view you give of the work they do, only help to increase the confidence I have in what I have seen so far. Like you, I too “am excited to see where the Lord takes the company in the future.”
And thanks so much for all the hard work you have put into Logos through the years; the help I have received from Logos in my ministry is incalculable.
Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. - Colossians 3:14
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Bob Pritchett said:
If you happen to be a lawyer, or know one who drafts contracts, you can check out my contract editor. It's not Logos, but I am trying to bring the same product quality, innovation, and customer service standards to it; I only hope I can build a user base half as great as all of you.
You can reach me at bob@alldrafts.com and follow my geeky coding experiments at https://bobpritchett.com/.Interesting! I'll pass it along to those that I do know
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Frank Sauer said:
Even times that a customer vehemently disagreed with business decisions, you took the time to personally communicate and actually listen and that carries more value and security for the continuity of this company than AI services.... AI and modern tech will attract some but your leadership and customer care is what kept customers.... Today's Logo seems to have flipped the model in may ways....
I strongly disagree with your statement. In my opinion, Logos has demonstrated exceptional commitment to listening and communicating with us. Your concerns have been consistently acknowledged and addressed by the Logos team, who have actively engaged with you and others throughout the process. It's clear that you are not a fan of the subscription model, but that doesn't imply that Logos does not prioritize customer satisfaction. In fact, their efforts to engage with customers and address concerns suggest a genuine commitment to providing excellent customer service.
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Aaron Sauer said:Frank Sauer said:
Even times that a customer vehemently disagreed with business decisions, you took the time to personally communicate and actually listen and that carries more value and security for the continuity of this company than AI services.... AI and modern tech will attract some but your leadership and customer care is what kept customers.... Today's Logo seems to have flipped the model in may ways....
I strongly disagree with your statement. In my opinion, Logos has demonstrated exceptional commitment to listening and communicating with us. Your concerns have been consistently acknowledged and addressed by the Logos team, who have actively engaged with you and others throughout the process. It's clear that you are not a fan of the subscription model, but that doesn't imply that Logos does not prioritize customer satisfaction. In fact, their efforts to engage with customers and address concerns suggest a genuine commitment to providing excellent customer service.
I agree, Aaron. There have been many tweaks made since the initial announcement in the spring. I understand not all want AI but I have been finding some excellent uses for it. As far as the subscription model, I have been doing that for years and have been VERY happy with it.
Macbook Air (2024), Apple M2, 16gb Ram, Mac Sequoia, 1TB storage
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Nice to hear from you Bob. We wish you the best! Thanks for all you did with Logos!
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Aaron Sauer said:Frank Sauer said:
Even times that a customer vehemently disagreed with business decisions, you took the time to personally communicate and actually listen and that carries more value and security for the continuity of this company than AI services.... AI and modern tech will attract some but your leadership and customer care is what kept customers.... Today's Logo seems to have flipped the model in may ways....
I strongly disagree with your statement. In my opinion, Logos has demonstrated exceptional commitment to listening and communicating with us. Your concerns have been consistently acknowledged and addressed by the Logos team, who have actively engaged with you and others throughout the process. It's clear that you are not a fan of the subscription model, but that doesn't imply that Logos does not prioritize customer satisfaction. In fact, their efforts to engage with customers and address concerns suggest a genuine commitment to providing excellent customer service.
You are entitled to your opinion, as I am mine.... What you neglect to acknowledge in your response is that my statement is based on EXPERIENCE not opinion!!! I don't know how long you've been around with Logos, but a few vague responses on the forums and many left unanswered are not the Logos that I started with....
Also as I have stated multiple times and it has continued to be ignored.... As a leader Bob did not wait for or ignore a customer request for personal communication outside of forum posts..... Again, my EXPERIENCE is being contacted by Bob, Dan, or Phil via phone or email when I posted a critique or concern in the forums without request... If I did make a request to communicate whether email or if I requested to speak to one to just cut through the extra time and effort that e-communication can take, not to mention the miscommunication factor - I received requested communication in timely fashion....
I have multiple times requested the same from Mark, they have gone ignored for how many months now????
I have had two conversations with veteran Logos employees that I did appreciate - but as I have posted a lot of the questions they could only give an opinion because, obviously they can't speak for Mark or what he meant by a particular post or response....
You state that my concerns have been consistently acknowledged and addressed by the Logos team and they have actively engaged with me....
Let's be clear - they have selectively engaged and responded, many times with vague responses if any response at all...
Since you seem to know everything about them addressing my concerns.... What are my concerns???? Because I have some questions and concerns that have not been publicly posted - so how can you make such defined statements.... As you also misrepresent my position! So you want to come at me with this indignant and corrective attitude, yet make statements that are based on misrepresenting my views and my experiences....
I have never against the subscription model - I am against the subscription only model! Telling your customer base that the only way to add new features that said customer may be interested in is via subscription only, especially when the response has been clear that many long term customers who have supported your company are against it does not imply that Logos does prioritize customer satisfaction! Oh yeah, they gave us a fallback option.... After how much pushback - so we will give them a point for that - but it IS still a subscription and when some of us asked why we are forced to subscribe if we can own after two years, why not just sell us a "package" that gives us only the ownership qualified features for said two years - the nonsense response was because you will miss out on the subscription benefits - benefits we already stated we did not care about.... Still no answer to that question, still no list of what you will actually own after two years....
So you may like what you see, you may like the service and response, you may not care about the lack of answers, you may like subscribing and any other thing you may like about the process, how it has been handled or the plans for the future...
That doesn't mean we all have to, nor does it mean that your opinion trumps the opinions or experiences of others.... So before you want to jump on another users, actually know what you are talking about
Logos 10 - OpenSuse Tumbleweed, Windows 11, Android 16 & Android 14
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Bob Pritchett said:
It's been a while, so I just thought I'd stop by and say hello. :-)
@Bob - so nice to hear from you! 'Hi' back! It is really great to read an update on what you are up to.
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Frank Sauer said:
I have never against the subscription model - I am against the subscription only model! Telling your customer base that the only way to add new features that said customer may be interested in is via subscription only, especially when the response has been clear that many long term customers who have supported your company are against it does not imply that Logos does prioritize customer satisfaction!
Well, every thread is a chance for active customer communication!
As much as Bob did intervene at key points, the company has 'always' made radical changes when seen as needed. At the L4 change, it was super-rough going. Missing 'features' ... print anyone? Notes? Bob glibly trying to rationalize (notes in your Bibles are short!). Then, molassas-ware. But L5 was a winner; my favorite. And maybe saved the company in the long-run.
Some of the L4 design policies I never signed on to. I'm guessing that 'L11' will be similar. I'm fine ... software works; I stopped updates back in Feb. We'll see. Maybe an 'L5' bunny rabbit is around the corner. But yes, customer communication was and is needed.
"If myth is ideology in narrative form, then scholarship is myth with footnotes." B. Lincolm 1999.
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L4 rollout was...well...let's just say a memory that wont go away. L11 rollout (subscription) just keeps the L4 memory alive.
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DMB said:Frank Sauer said:
I have never against the subscription model - I am against the subscription only model! Telling your customer base that the only way to add new features that said customer may be interested in is via subscription only, especially when the response has been clear that many long term customers who have supported your company are against it does not imply that Logos does prioritize customer satisfaction!
Well, every thread is a chance for active customer communication!
As much as Bob did intervene at key points, the company has 'always' made radical changes when seen as needed. At the L4 change, it was super-rough going. Missing 'features' ... print anyone? Notes? Bob glibly trying to rationalize (notes in your Bibles are short!). Then, molassas-ware. But L5 was a winner; my favorite. And maybe saved the company in the long-run.
Some of the L4 design policies I never signed on to. I'm guessing that 'L11' will be similar. I'm fine ... software works; I stopped updates back in Feb. We'll see. Maybe an 'L5' bunny rabbit is around the corner. But yes, customer communication was and is needed.
Can't disagree - the difference between then and now - Bob and the "OG" team were based in my experience more responsive and better prepared for communication. You may have not liked the results, but at least the customer service was there. Having beta tested L4, it was challenging but primarily from missing features from Libronix use and some technical issues - nothing comparative to what we are dealing with now IMHO - where we're being told that even the company doesn't know what we're gaining for our purchase..... Always knew what I'd be purchasing and that I would own it....
I also don't see, again based on experience the OG team telling customers that a highly desired option to continue to purchase along side subscription and earn as you go fallback licenses is not possible... If I can buy two annual passes and keep specific features - why not offer a third option for those who do not want the "benefits" of subscription (books, AI) - in which you save a few extra bucks (since there is no AI cost or book fee (if that applies)) and you just keep the fallback features? If that would not be offered, which I believe it would - at least we'd get a better answer than your miss out on the subscription benefits that you already said you're not interested in....
Logos 10 - OpenSuse Tumbleweed, Windows 11, Android 16 & Android 14
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Mark said:
L4 rollout was...well...let's just say a memory that wont go away. L11 rollout (subscription) just keeps the L4 memory alive.
L11 rollout and current Logos leadership handling makes me realize that as tough as L4 beta/release was at the time - I'd take that over what we currently have going on....
Logos 10 - OpenSuse Tumbleweed, Windows 11, Android 16 & Android 14
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Frank Sauer said:
I don't know how long you've been around with Logos, but a few vague responses on the forums and many left unanswered are not the Logos that I started with....
I have been with Logos since 2008 (Libronix 3 days).
I think the main issue I have with your complaints is that you're equating not getting immediate answers to all your questions with a lack of customer service. However, Logos has been clear that this is an early release rollout, and they are still working out the details. It's unrealistic to expect them to have all the answers when they are still in the process of finalizing the rollout. The leadership team has assured us that they are reading and listening to all feedback to help shape the official offerings. It seems you're equating not getting your way with a lack of customer service, which I don't think is a fair approach. Logos can't please every single customer with this rollout, but that doesn't mean they're not focused on customer satisfaction.
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Aaron,
I agree with you. I have been with Logos since CDWord (preLogos). There might have been mistakes along the way but the focus on customer service has always been there.
Often it seems that Logos is slammed no matter what they do. Give early access to information and many complain when it is insufficient or changes. Don't give any early information and many complain because they had no input. The Bible software customer base often seems to be harsh, critical, thinking the worst, and given to name calling. Not sure why that is. I'm all for being direct, but often we could communicate without the edge.
While Logos might get it wrong at times, I have always been impressed with the fairness they show in making it right. For those who might be new to the forums, I think that this is a message that needs to be communicated.
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Aaron Sauer said:
I think the main issue I have with your complaints is that you're equating not getting immediate answers to all your questions with a lack of customer service.
I think the issue with your attitude in this, is that I am not seeking immediate answers, but timely answers - as for the lack of customer service - as stated many times that has to do with common courtesy to take the time to communicate directly with a customer who requests it.... Not just vague forum responses... I have received calls or emails from much larger companies within a couple business days - it has been MONTHS since my first request (not considering the subsequent requests to speak with Mark - NOTHING! That IS lacking Customer Service!
Aaron Sauer said:However, Logos has been clear that this is an early release rollout, and they are still working out the details. It's unrealistic to expect them to have all the answers when they are still in the process of finalizing the rollout.
That is true, but it is also poor planning.... At initial early access announcement, sure they would have less answers.... Where we are today in comparison - still very important questions that remain unanswered.... A huge last chance sale that ends prior to the next launch with questions remaining that have customers wondering whether they should buy now, wait or some combination....
Also, when a number of users have mentioned they will not purchase until they have understanding of everything - there has been a number of sales missed because of the lack of information....
Finally listening to the massive pushback and offering a subscription variation with potential fallback licensing showed some response - the inability to provide even the slightest detail of what will be included with that license shows lack of preparation.... That is a question that should have been known was coming and should have had at least a bit of information available.
Aaron Sauer said:The leadership team has assured us that they are reading and listening to all feedback to help shape the official offerings.
If you and others are willing to take their assurances.... Feel free, that's your choice - some of us are waiting for the current leadership to earn that in regards to their assurances, thus far they have not for some of us - and we shouldn't be condemned, call names or insinuated that we are working for Satan - AS HAS BEEN DONE!
Aaron Sauer said:It seems you're equating not getting your way with a lack of customer service, which I don't think is a fair approach. Logos can't please every single customer with this rollout, but that doesn't mean they're not focused on customer satisfaction.
Nice try.... It's not about getting my way and your depiction of my intent is not a fair approach! Having the traditional purchase option would be what I want, but that has less to do with my concern with the service than the continued vague response and mostly the lack of care to respond to a request for personal communication outside the annoyance of the forums.... I have no problem not spending another dime with Logos if they do not offer what I want for a product, I'd be disappointed, but at that is their choice of business plan.
Now, I don't consider calling out requests that are ignored for months as "getting my way", I expect customer service and that is not asking for something over the top.
Logos 10 - OpenSuse Tumbleweed, Windows 11, Android 16 & Android 14
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Frank, it seems we've reached a point where we won't see eye to eye. I want to share that your approach in these forums often comes across as aggressive and impatient, which might not be helping your case.
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Once again, I'm agreeing with Aaron on this one. Body language speaks reams in personal discussions (when face to face). The tone of words, which specific words used, emotive words, do the same in written communications. Obviously, you have received messages in the past that evoke your emotions. Perhaps you should consider your own writing.
But I guess we have hijacked this thread. On topic: I also would like to express my appreciation for Bob. It is extremely difficult to navigate a company and provide customer sensitivity. I believe you did a great job.
I have yet to see any change in the new strategies. I am very hopeful that the future will be good as well. Especially thanks to Mark for being the point person for what for many might be a difficult change. Since I had already embraced subscription it is not a problem for me. And the company has been great to honor my previous commitment to them.
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Aaron Sauer said:
Frank, it seems we've reached a point where we won't see eye to eye. I want to share that your approach in these forums often comes across as aggressive and impatient, which might not be helping your case.
You're right with that - I will not see eye to eye with people who misrepresent my views, my words or name call - basically anything that a person would not say to my face.
But maybe you need to go back to your initial response to my post on this thread - talk about aggressive... I shared a simple post that was not aggressive nor impatient sharing my view that I miss the leadership that we had under Bob....
YOU Aaron are the one that took this somewhere it didn't need to go! There was nothing in my post that violated Forum Guidelines, nor was it nasty... So check yourself
Logos 10 - OpenSuse Tumbleweed, Windows 11, Android 16 & Android 14
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Danny Parker said:
Once again, I'm agreeing with Aaron on this one. Body language speaks reams in personal discussions (when face to face). The tone of words, which specific words used, emotive words, do the same in written communications. Obviously, you have received messages in the past that evoke your emotions. Perhaps you should consider your own writing.
My response to this is the same as to Aaron - where in my post in this thread was I aggressive??? I'll be the first to admit that I can write "aggressive" when needed - as in the response to Aaron's aggression toward my post - or being insinuated to being Satan/ic in other posts....
Danny Parker said:But I guess we have hijacked this thread. On topic: I also would like to express my appreciation for Bob. It is extremely difficult to navigate a company and provide customer sensitivity. I believe you did a great job.
Exactly the point I was making - I, as a long term customer miss the leadership and experience I had with Bob and the "OG" Logos team - yet some forum users don't like that Mark and Bill have yet to earn that opinion from me.... Bob and team earned that view, including some frustrating decisions that I and many others disagreed with - but they handled it much better than the current Logos.... That is my opinion and I am entitled to it - I respect anyone's opinion on this forums, whether I disagree with them or not - I expect the same and I do expect response to requests for communication from a business that I supported for over 2 decades now.... I do NOT believe that is asking for a lot!
Logos 10 - OpenSuse Tumbleweed, Windows 11, Android 16 & Android 14
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For the record, not sure who insinuated about Frank being satanic in other posts but that certainly was not me.
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Aaron Sauer said:
For the record, not sure who insinuated about Frank being satanic in other posts but that certainly was not me.
Yes, that ignorance was not Aaron!
Logos 10 - OpenSuse Tumbleweed, Windows 11, Android 16 & Android 14
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Danny Parker said:
On topic: I also would like to express my appreciation for Bob. It is extremely difficult to navigate a company and provide customer sensitivity. I believe you did a great job.
100% agreed. It was great to hear from you Bob! Your leadership over the years is very much appreciated.
It is unfortunate that your post was used as a platform to be critical towards the current leadership.
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Aaron Sauer said:
100% agreed. It was great to hear from you Bob! Your leadership over the years is very much appreciated.
It is unfortunate that your post was used as a platform to criticize the current leadership.
And to blow out of proportion a simple and valid opinion of a long time customer! You made a mountain range out of a mole hill and keep going with it! My opinion in the initial post was not in any level of critical that you continue to rant on about - your over the top reaction led to a series of clarifying posts that did get more detailed with my issues pertaining to the current leadership....
You hijacked the thread to vent because you disagree with my views and could have simply not commented on it.
*** All this aside - I do appreciate the work you've put in on the LSB Notes in the other post - I personally rarely use the LSB, but know a few that do and will get great enjoyment out of your work with that document.
Logos 10 - OpenSuse Tumbleweed, Windows 11, Android 16 & Android 14
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Frank Sauer said:
You are entitled to your opinion, as I am mine....
For what it is worth, my experience of the difference between the new and old management's approach to customer goodwill is similar to Frank's. Once, long ago, when I was getting nowhere on an issue with Support, I asked them to escalate it to management, and I got a personal response from Bob himself, including an apology.
Last year, under the new management, I was getting frustrated by a bug and emailed Support about it several times. After a few months of getting boilerplate non-responses, I tried to escalated it to management. Immediately thereafter, I found that my email address had been blacklisted, so that I could no longer contact anyone at Logos by email, and nobody else could even mention me in an email. I had to resort to a forum post to get it resolved.
[quote]
https://community.logos.com/forums/p/216671/1261442.aspx
That apparent retaliation against a frustrated user has affected my goodwill towards the company significantly, so I am not dispassionate on recent events. But my hunch is that they are prioritising profit growth over customer goodwill.
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DAL said:
Look at old Bob breaking the forum guidelines
Well, I was always promoting my business on the forums...
[:D]
FWIW, I ran my post by Bill beforehand, who was kind enough to allow it.
I appreciate so many kind words for Logos in my days -- as well as the reminders of where we missed the mark! That kind of feedback, even when uncomfortable, is what made it such a rewarding job (and is a bit of what I'm missing in my new one!). It's so much better to be working with passionate, engaged users than indifferent customers, or people who just disappear when you mess up.
I know Logos has changed in some ways, as it had to for many reasons, but I'm still close enough to know that the team cares deeply about serving you and everyone who studies the Bible, and I know the Bill is excited to find ways to grow the user base and serve even more people in more affordable ways.
Software is so different today from when Logos started; it's been interesting for me to start from scratch with a completely new product and look at everything from pricing to business model to tech decisions with a clean slate. I am making many of the same choices the Logos team is making now, and which I think are right for today's market and technology. It's just harder (to do, and for users to adjust to) when you're working with a 33 year old (!) product.
I hope you'll continue to give Bill and the team great feedback, and also a bit of patience and grace as they navigate the new realities of the market and technology.
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I thank God for your work with Logos. It has been a tremendous blessing to me for decades now. I pray for you success in your new endeavors. God bless you and your family!
"In all cases, the Church is to be judged by the Scripture, not the Scripture by the Church," John Wesley0 -
Mike Childs said:
I thank God for your work with Logos. It has been a tremendous blessing to me for decades now. I pray for you success in your new endeavors. God bless you and your family!
Blessings in Christ.
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As one who has used Bible software for many years, even other offerings from before Logos, I have known the tremendous help they can be.
I have used Logos pretty much from its beginning. So for many years it have furthered my study of God's word. I cannot put a value to this!
So from a very thankful heart, as one of so very many, I wish you God's very best in anything you put your hand to. With true Christian LOVE, Bob Diebel
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Hi Bill, I hope you are well. Your words are both heartfelt and inspiring, reflecting a deep connection to your journey with Logos and the community that was built around it. It's clear that your passion and dedication have left a lasting impact, not just on the software but on the lives of those who used it and worked alongside you. Transitioning from something that has been such a significant part of your life must have been challenging, yet it’s wonderful to see how you've embraced a new venture with the same enthusiasm and innovation. Your passion for building something meaningful will surely resonate with those who use your product.
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Bob,
I promised myself that I wouldn't respond to your post until I really had something to share with you. It doesn't sound to me as if you're really satisfied with your present endeavor or at least you are in a space of re-evaluation.
I have a suggestion, read this brief blog post and contemplate if it resonates with you and if it does apply the lesson it teaches. Thank you for your years of leadership. Your product has been a dear and meaningful partner on my Christian journey. Be well.
Meanwhile, Jesus kept on growing wiser and more mature, and in favor with God and his fellow man.
International Standard Version. (2011). (Lk 2:52). Yorba Linda, CA: ISV Foundation.
MacBook Pro MacOS Sequoia 15.4 1TB SSD
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Pleasantly surprised to read this. I drop in to lurk from time-to-time, and like Bob, I miss a lot of what was my life for 25 years. Good to get your update Boss. Godspeed.
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Bob Pritchett wrote the following post on Monday, Aug 12, 2024, 1:49 PM:
But what I still miss is all of you. I knew that an active, engaged, passionate user base was a great blessing, but still failed to appreciate just how amazing the Logos community is. My new customers are lawyers, and they're billing by the hour. They're a little harder to get on a call for product feedback, and there's no online community of users. People can appreciate a time-saving tool, but it's just not Logos.
....
Logos is different now, but that's okay. I am excited to see where the Lord takes the company in the future and what happens now that it's free to grow under fresh leadership and new ideas. The guy who shipped the software on floppy disks isn't always the best person to take it into the AI cloud subscription future.....
End Quote
And Bob I (really, in all probability, I ought to say we all) miss you too. However, I know I can't and shouldn't speak for anyone else. Since I re-retired (after being recalled to serve 3 1/2 more years back in the pulpit, post mandatory retirement for age, Mama finally said "No More!"). So, I get some of your issues with such a significant change in your life I've been working on my hobby -- family history and genealogical research. I seem to have missed the notice of your departure from Logos (until I watched a video last night about the upcoming change to the product and the company). Best wishes to you and yours, and may God continue to bless you richly.
And yes, Logos is certainly *VERY* different today. Just moving from floppy disks with two files for every resource on a DOS machine to the Windows version (and then to Libronix) introduced new challenges for your programmers and us (the customers) at every turn. Ultimately, the VERY significant changes to the look and feel of what we did and how we did it over the next several generation(s) as we eventually moved into a front end that was initially most uncomfortable (until I got the hang of it) has been a growth process for all of us.
Last night, I looked at the purchases in my Logos account, which dates back to 2001 when I abandoned your major competitor (before it eventually died on the vine, only to have a new iteration of its own). Bob, I don't regret a single purchase over the past 23 plus years. That Logos had the new(er/est) commentaries with the latest scholarship was the biggest selling point for my transition. My financial investment in Logos resources over the years would make a *VERY* nice down payment on a house. But I have been so mightily blessed, year after year, as I have crafted such an ecumenical library that even the sales folks at Billingham haven't figured out where to "stick" me when trying to help me find more resources in which I might be interested.
Grüß dich Gott
Dale
Bob Pritchett wrote the following post at M Aug 12 2024 1:49 PM:
It's been a while, so I just thought I'd stop by and say hello. :-)
Logos was the focus of my daily life for more than 30 years, and leaving the business day-to-day was harder than I expected. For 30 years I thought about Logos all day, every day, and I'd gotten onto a never-ending treadmill of email and meetings and being needed -- by employees, users, partners, etc.
I loved it.
I loved the work. I loved the team. I loved building something so many people used. And most of all I loved you, our users, who validated our efforts, gave purpose to our work, and provided endless support and encouragement and feedback.
For a little while I was in withdrawal, from the energy, the pace, and the being needed.
So I threw myself into a new software startup building a legal tech product. AllDrafts is a cloud-based word processor specifically for contracts, with live collaboration and integrated e-signature support.
It's very different than Logos, but there are surprising similarities: the law is text-focused, and much of what I learned about tagging, indexing, searching, and automated text analysis from building Logos has been relevant in the legal space. Now I'm leading a team of six, not hundreds, and I have one scheduled meeting per day that takes around 15 minutes.
And I'm liking it a lot.
I'm working from a low-rent office a few blocks from Logos. We've got no air conditioning and few windows. But I’m sitting at the first desk I bought for Logos in Bellingham (22 years ago!) in the same chair (!), living the startup life again. And I'm working from home (or on the road) whenever I like. I'm enjoying the small team; I'm writing code again; I'm having fun.
But what I still miss is all of you. I knew that an active, engaged, passionate user base was a great blessing, but still failed to appreciate just how amazing the Logos community is. My new customers are lawyers, and they're billing by the hour. They're a little harder to get on a call for product feedback and there's no online community of users. People can appreciate a time-saving tool, but it's just not Logos.
I miss this community of passionate users, and the daily accountability you brought to my job. I know Logos is better because of your engagement.
For what it's worth, I'm still a shareholder at Logos and on the board of directors. I'm still friends with many of the team, and regularly get together with them for lunch or coffee. I am not involved on a day-to-day basis, but I am following the progress and am available to Bill for advice or historical context whenever he needs it.
But he doesn't really need me because he's sharp, passionate about our mission, and has an incredible team, many of whom were there building Logos with me for decades, and who know what to do and how to continue looking out for the best interests of our users.
Logos is different now, but that's okay. I am excited to see where the Lord takes the company in the future, and what happens now that it's free to grow under fresh leadership and new ideas. The guy who shipped the software on floppy disks isn't always the best person to take it into the AI cloud subscription future. :-)
If you happen to be a lawyer, or know one who drafts contracts, you can check out my contract editor. It's not Logos, but I am trying to bring the same product quality, innovation, and customer service standards to it; I only hope I can build a user base half as great as all of you.
You can reach me at bob@alldrafts.com and follow my geeky coding experiments at https://bobpritchett.com/.
QuoteDale Durnell
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Legend.
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Bob,
I am blessed to be retired from the profession your new startup serves (after practicing law for 43 years!), as retirement has permitted me to devote myself to the reading life I never had while I read under stress and pressure for a living. And having used legal software products that are pretty sophisticated (e.g., NetDocuments, various Litera products, and of course MS Office), I have from the start of my use of Logos simply been dazzled by it. I use it most heavily in my reading of scripture, but I also read whole books (aside from scripture) in it - my rule being, I purchase a book for the Kindle only if it's not available on Logos. Links between resources in my library, link sets, and so many other features make my study and reading time so rich! The only IRL book - meaning ink, paper, signatures and stuff - I ever read is the Bible, which I do read in actual hold-it-in-my-hands book form. But my Logos Bible reading layout is always open when I'm doing that.
Thank you for bringing Logos this far! I'd be more excited about its future if it didn't already do everything I can imagine needing, and I've subscribed (at the Premium level, which is perfect for retired-perpetual-student me) just to see what happens next.
Best wishes on the contracts software. I am more delighted than I can express to have no professional reason ever to look at it!
Blessings,Tom
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