It just seems like the homepage could be sooooo useful. If controlable. A daily BWS?? Daily PG?
Or maps or even BLANK? But this?? Nothing is selected but 2 pages! What is it that they're thinking?
..
Denise, I think you are right it could be much more involving. However I have someone I know who uses Logos and loves opening up that Home Page to see what he has in his Library. So it is not hopeless.
One day you will discover you can open to a saved layout and avoid the Home Page blues. I won't tell you how. [;)]
Denise, I agree with you.
When it first came out I thought "what an awesome feature," but quickly realized that it was designed mostly for advertizing:
my homepage features 36 "articles" most of which are useless to me (over 63%)
What IS useful to me (not in any particular order)
So it appears that 2/3 of MY homepage is programmed for Logos' sake, which drowns useful to me content. I RESENT this. Needless to say, today was the first time in over a year that I looked at Homepage (solely because of Denise's post). As it stands right now it is useless.
I have someone I know who uses Logos and loves opening up that Home Page
you can open to a saved layout and avoid the Home Page blues
Mark, the point is not that it could be avoided. The point is: how to make it USEFUL to the customer.
If you read my post you saw that I agreed with Denise, and I was speaking tongue in cheek about avoiding the Home Page.
I rarely use it as It really isn't much besides eye-candy to me. But as I said in its current configuration I know at least one person who really likes it.
For me, I don't need the 'help' the home page gives me. I come to Logos with a task in mind, not needing to be pointed in some direction. Nevertheless having some other features that pull people into using Logos (rather than just browsing the Home Page) does sound valuable.
Denise, I think you are right it could be much more involving. However I have someone I know who uses Logos and loves opening up that Home Page to see what he has in his Library. So it is not hopeless. One day you will discover you can open to a saved layout and avoid the Home Page blues. I won't tell you how.
One day you will discover you can open to a saved layout and avoid the Home Page blues. I won't tell you how.
Peace! *smile* Actually, I DO open to a saved layout; and likely I will keep on doing so "for the duration."
However, I have everything checked on my HomePage and go over there to visit at least once every day:
I really appreciate my Home Page! *smile*
Denise, you have a point. I seldom go to the Homepage for the very reasons you mention. It would be great if there was a way to control the type of content.
I open the Home Page once in a blue moon--usually following a massive download/indexing to try to figure out "what happened?!?"
I happened to do that today after a huge download yesterday, and just happened to see the "free" prepub offer for the ESV Audio
...so even though I am not a fan of all the advertising--especially because it NEVER is in the context of me as an individual customer whose purchase history Logos should know all about--it just so happened to benefit me today.
Why my homepage became sooo slow. I rarely open because I have no patience to wait. Logos works fast, no problems but homepage is dead slow For both win, and Mac
Denise
Basically, I agree with you. The Home Page has the potential to be very useful, but in its present format, it is just irritating.
You already know all that. What I wanted to point out was that the "Getting Started" block disappears after a few days. Think it took three for me during the beta cycle—We complained then also [8-|]
(me being funny)
Silly Denise, everyone knows that the HomePage is just a silly sales tool for Logos. I especially dislike that the devotional materials there are so small even on a giant screen - gasp.
Enjoyed your spot on post. Keep em coming.
I agree with Denise. I only use the homepage to find out what resources just downloaded. It could be useful, but in its present form, it has no use for me.
Some ideas:
1. Homepage could show the books I have recently opened and have been reading (This could be useful on a tablet device as well as a pc)
2. Homepage could show books from my bookmarks in a newspaper format (this could be useful on tablet devices as well as a pc)
3. Homepage could be a place where I am able to write notes
4. Homepage could be a place where I am able to add link to resources that I wish to have (for whatever reason) on the homepage.
Just some ideas.
For now, the homepage is useful to me only to know what resources downloaded. I often will take those new resources and add them to my favorites folders.
my homepage features 36 "articles" most of which are useless to me (over 63%) one of which - "get started with Logos" - I was using Logos for over 10 years and attended both Logos training camps with M Proctor 21 "advertisements" for various resources/bundles Logos has recently updated to version xxx (Release notes are informative, but I can access this information from About Logos page)
The "Get started" section will disappear shortly. The ads and the updates can be turned off.
So it appears that 2/3 of MY homepage is programmed for Logos' sake, which drowns useful to me content. I RESENT this.
If you haven't unchecked things you don't want to see, it seems a bit unfair to blame Logos for showing them to you... Do you expect the software to read your mind?
Complaining about things that can't be removed is another matter, but that doesn't seem to be your issue.
Not to be difficult but I haven't had an option turned on for quite some time. Logos is managing the Home page.
Personally I don't think it's just Marketing ("This IS our software and we're just loaning it to customers. Angry customers buy books! Really angry ones are OUR kind of customers!").
I think the code is bad and has been for 4 years.
But Mark's ideas are great ideas. I especially like the book mark snippets one.
Not to be difficult but I haven't had an option turned on for quite some time.
I guess you didn't read the
Complaining about things that can't be removed is another matter
part...
1. Homepage could show the books I have recently opened and have been reading (This could be useful on a tablet device as well as a pc) [...] 4. Homepage could be a place where I am able to add link to resources that I wish to have (for whatever reason) on the homepage.
[...]
I love these two ideas. Something like the functionality of Chrome's start tab or the Chrome extension I use, "Incredible StartPage".
I also like the idea of tracking a list of refs every time the user does a search or passage/sermon/topic guide and post quotes from those refs. Make it more relevant to me. Ditto with Word studies. Put a word study, word of the day on the page.
But unless it is sped up considerably it is far too cumbersome to check on any regular basis. I used to use it all the time, but I've gotten tired of waiting on it all the time. I guess I'm one of the few that liked having the CP and PrePubs on there and I've purchased quite a bit from clicking through the home page, but I can't use it regularly like it is. There is no valid reason for it to be that slow. I would rather have a simple but fast rss feed on the front page than a fancy but slow page. (8-10s roughly every time it loads or resizes on a modern, fairly fast system, with a fast connection)
I think what's been overlooked a bit in Denise's post is the fact that she only has two items checked to show up on her homepage (as do I) and we're still getting other stuff that we didn't ask for! I only have "Updated Resources" and "Release Notes" checked, but I still get a random Bible passage and the "Book of the Day" at the very least; sometimes far more for no apparent reason.
If users are allowed to customize the homepage, then let user actually customize it the way they want to. Otherwise, just make it clear that it's a starting point for all the latest Logos news and products. Clarity would be helpful here, I think.
many moons ago when L4 came out (which was a paradigm shift in the platform) Bob compared Logos software to a luxury car (I can try and find the exact quote later). Can you imagine Rolls-Royce or even a Porsche designing a car where 66% of it "invites" the driver to buy more parts? Open the glove compartment and you see an AD for tires, start the car and the onboard computer gives you an audible sales-pitch for leather seats THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY INSTALLED.
Actually, I have unchecked all these advertising options before. Not sure if a program update re-enabled them.
Do you expect the software to read your mind?
Actually, I DO! This is called context awareness.If they are going to pitch me new resources, offer me what I want, based on my purchasing history at least.
Regardless of whether a user can opt out of 66% Logos-centric Homepage content or not, this is bad by DESIGN. Logos, you should design features for customers, then they will reward you with repeat business.
I would really like to know Logos' statistics of how many users actually open Homepage for any reason other than marketing.
toughski ... did you enter the recent sweepstakes with the small print of accepting ads? I liked the mini ipad but said no to the ads
What's up with the identical stuff? I know these are from 2 different blogs, but how many times do you need to say something before it becomes nagging?
I have heard marketing people say that a person needs to hear a message 7 times before he/she is willing to act. http://thewordchef.com/2011/12/your-brand-and-the-marketing-rule-of-7/
As a pastor I can't tell you how many times we have printed in the bulletin and newsletter, verbally announced from the platform, decorated a visually stunning bulletin board just to hear people say "I didn't know about that".
I agree that the homepage should allow users to filter out unwanted noise. but I have gained some great resources from some of these blogposts.
I kinda like the new use of enormous color on the homepage - NOT!
“From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?””
(Exodus 17:1–7, NRSV)
I use Logos many times every day; however, I haven't even looked at the "Homepage" in over a year.
This is exactly my point.
I use Logos many times every day; however, I haven't even looked at the "Homepage" in over a year. This is exactly my point.
Peace and Joy to you, Loverly People! Indeed!
As an old retired guy who spends hours a day studying God's Word -- and various "helps" about God's Word, I end up visiting my Home Page 3 or 4 times a day minimum, even though my Logos "starts" with a chosen layout.
I certainly have no objection to well-considered improvements, whatever they might be; however, I do find good and inspiring ideas all the time! I love the splash of colour also! *smile* Obviously I am in the minority. Bob and Logos Thinkers did me a real favour. I even have the Women's Blog "checked" just to see what's going on in that world.
So be it! What is IS! For this happy camper! *smile*
Maybe it's because I'm super fond of serendipity, eh??? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serendipity
I agree. I would switch to another program even though I have invested thousands! in this one! I didn't pay that kind of money to not be able to turn off all the ads! I simply don't want to see those ads!
I simply don't want to see those ads!
Click the "cog" icon in the lower left of the home page, and uncheck anything that shows ads. (You can identify the source of an item on the Home Page by looking at the light grey "byline" below the item's header.)
I'm concluding I have a license to not use the Home page. Unfortunately.
or even BLANK?
The Home Page does not support disabling all content; some items are always on.
We will consider adding the ability for a user to disable all items and generate a completely blank home page in a future release. However, this may introduce some significant programming issues. For example, if there are no items, should the page counter at the bottom right say "0 of 0" or "1 of 1"? Perhaps "1 of 0" as a compromise?
As a workaround, you can choose to open to a Blank Layout in Program Settings. This will have the additional benefit of showing a completely grey screen, rather than the potentially visually unpleasing combination of a light grey column on the left and a large white expanse on the right.
Bradley, I appreciate your replies. I detect a subtle smile in your last reply.
[:)]
I do not understand why you cannot choose to exclude the huge "Getting Started" section, by all means include this by default for new users but fro experienced Logos users it is annoying for 1/4 of the screen to be wasted by a very intrusive section.
I am forced to confess the new scripture reading in bloody red today on the homepage (as an example) is a nice addition.
Someone is trying to make an effort I think. God bless them. Now if we can just entreat them to make the stuff they pull from our devotionals and Bible snippets a little more pronounced and larger - that would be nice. Imagine a front page that actually promotes reading our Bibles and resources rather than wetting our appetite and yearning for even more Logos resources - right?
Mr. Grainger...how about featuring actual Bible sections and devotionals more prominently please....what a welcome addition would be.
Surely someone at Logos can program a way to pull user available devotional materials onto a secondary or primary homepage without us having to make a special layout - that well frankly will not change daily to the next day's devotional, etc.
The homepage is getting better but still needs a lot of work. Mix some larger non-sales items in please. I am more likely to read your sales related items then. Thanks.
I am always surprised unpleasantly by the niche markets Logos is trying to appeal to on the homepage lately.
Enough said.[;)]
Wow...great job guys!
I am always surprised unpleasantly by the niche markets Logos is trying to appeal to on the homepage lately. Enough said.
Enough said.
Perhaps too much said.
Devotionals are a pox--predigested, regurgitated pablum, in my opinion. The last thing I want on my homepage is a devotional. Almost as bad as a pocket New Testament.
Point being, to each his own...and, we should give Logos a break from time to time, they are trying to juggle hundreds of balls at once. We all want what we want and nothing else. More options and more choice is nice...on and off switches are great. But let's not be too harsh to the hand that feeds.
I do not understand why you cannot choose to exclude the huge "Getting Started" section
I rebooted and the large color scripture on the front page has moved (relocated to top right) and is enormous again.
grrrrrrr.[8-)]
The Getting Started section was added to help new users find the introductory videos. Like most of the Home Page items, it follows a 'fade away' model of starting near the front of the list and moving towards the later pages, and then dropping off. That way if you saw it yesterday, it's available tomorrow, though maybe further down the list.
(Like a newspaper story moving off the front page and back through the paper over the course of a week.)
A different algorithm chooses what gets featured in 'big' corners -- usually something graphical, with an element of randomness in layout to keep it interesting.
We could have turne dof Getting Started (which is new) for all but new users, but thought it wouldn't hurt to show even existing users that those resources were available. It's a one-time annoyance for some, but maybe a benefit for many.
I would not want it completely turned off simply because I use it to find out what resources recently downloaded. There is some use for the homepage. I think some would suggest there are ways to brainstorm and make it more useful.
I'm feeling left out. What am I missing? I am on the beta channel.
With everything unchecked, the only thing that shows is the book of the day. What am I doing wrong?
Lynden ... I thought I'd been fairly clear with the thread title.
You have to have a solid resume of whining in order for it to happen. Clearly, the Logos algorythm has rejected you.
My condolences.
Can you please tell me how to stop the ads that I might have accidentally said "Yes" to and now display on Home Page. My Home Page is often 3 or more pages with only a few wanted items ticked.
I too am annoyed that my software is crammed with unwanted adverts - that stay there for soooo long!
But I do want to know where a series of nice graphics is coming from - e.g. today's page has an eagle with a quote from Is 40 - are they in library, available from Logos?
Thanks
Brian
They were create for the "Verse of the Day" widget at http://biblia.com, and are also used (and available from) http://biblescreen.com.
I too am annoyed that the Home Page Is cluttered & ruined by unwanted, highly repetitive adverts.
If I have accidentally turned them on in a sweepstake or similar, how do I turn them off??? Please!
I do open to a saved layout - but I also want to look at a Home Page each day. I do want a Home Page that loads quickly and is not 3 or more pages long!
However, I do like the graphics that have recently started appearing - e.g. today eagle with Isaiah 40 quote - where do they come from? Are they in library, available for purchase, etc.?
Scary thought that I have paid $1,000's for software that you say I am only hiring!! Strange that I am asked to rate my purchases - should that not read "Rate your books on loan"? When do my loans expire?
I too am annoyed that the Home Page Is cluttered & ruined by unwanted, highly repetitive adverts. If I have accidentally turned them on in a sweepstake or similar, how do I turn them off??? Please! I do open to a saved layout - but I also want to look at a Home Page each day. I do want a Home Page that loads quickly and is not 3 or more pages long! However, I do like the graphics that have recently started appearing - e.g. today eagle with Isaiah 40 quote - where do they come from? Are they in library, available for purchase, etc.? Scary thought that I have paid $1,000's for software that you say I am only hiring!! Strange that I am asked to rate my purchases - should that not read "Rate your books on loan"? When do my loans expire? Thanks Brian
Hopefully you won't need to have this enacted for a long time; however, you can even put ownership of your resources in your will! *smile*
I too am annoyed that the Home Page Is cluttered & ruined by unwanted, highly repetitive adverts
I really don't know why people are getting exercised by what appears on the home page. Read what you want and ignore the rest or start Logos without the home page. What's the problem? Do you get annoyed by the fact that the newspaper has articles which are of no interest to you?
Everybody's in agreement, George ... it's hopeless (not meriting hope). So we should avoid it.
Hi Milford
Thanks for your reply. I am ammending my will as we speak!
Re not owning software: I was giving a tongue in cheek response to a post that read:
"Logos is managing the Home page. Personally I don't think it's just Marketing ("This IS our software and we're just loaning it to customers. Angry customers buy books! Really angry ones are OUR kind of customers!").
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