Is there a best way to update commentary sets in my collection? Should I update whenever a new or updated volume is available, or should I wait until a packaged update is available?
I think that is entirely up to your needs. If, for example you're preaching through Romans, and your favorite set releases a new Romans commentary, yup, get it now. Otherwise, I would personally just wait until either the right special came along or some other trigger.
Should I update whenever a new or updated volume is available, or should I wait until a packaged update is available?
I usually get in on a pre-pub when a new commentary is offered in a series I have. Rarely, but sometimes when there are special Logos sales, some people get it for less than the pre-pub price after it has been released. Generally, the best deals are through pre-pub, so that is the route I go.
As I made a large investment to buy NICOT/NICNT, I've committed to keeping this set up to date, so I got in on the pre-pub update a few months back for new volumes. Otherwise, I'll buy update volumes for my other commentaries (PNTC, NAC, etc.) when I need a particular updated volume, or an attractive special deal comes along.
Since I'm not a pastor or in seminary/bible school at the moment, the definite need for updating my existing sets is not a priority. I have put some on my wishlist, and fit them in when there is a sale or when I have a few extra pennies to spend. If I am deeply studying a topic and would like to see what such and such has to say on it, I may break down prematurely and buy that volume.
It all depends on who you are and how deep your immediate need is to complete a set.
Should I update whenever a new or updated volume is available, or should I wait until a packaged update is available? I usually get in on a pre-pub when a new commentary is offered in a series I have. Rarely, but sometimes when there are special Logos sales, some people get it for less than the pre-pub price after it has been released. Generally, the best deals are through pre-pub, so that is the route I go.
This is especially true if it is one of your priority commentaries. I often skip updates for little used commentaries.
If they are a part of a base pkg, they will likely be updated in the next pkg (in about 3 yrs).
The big uncertain factor are the publishers who have become more unpredictable or rarely go on sale (Baker, Eerdmans, Zondervan).
I use commentaries such as Hermeneia, ICC and BCBC (Believer's Church Bible Commentary) a lot. I have them in Logos but I don't have every volume. I don't desire every volume, neither existing or forthcomming, because:
I often skip updates for little used commentaries.
I don't need a commentary on each and every section of Scripture or other writings
2 Tim 3:16-17
