Initial Reaction to L8?

I prefer that this not be a bashing session. But, at the same time, I am curious what everyone's opinion is on the latest version.

I'll start, but, in all honesty, I am not the best person to do a critique.

So far, being a Logos Now/Connect, or whatever it's called this week subscriber, I was thrilled that for once I was not faced with the decision of having to pay or pass.
Being a subscriber, I understand that I do not get the benefit of not paying and still having the feature sets. At the same time, however, the benefits to being a subscriber: extra books free, and mobile ed rentals. Give up some, but gain something else. In my case, the discount to the Bronze package was an exceptional value. Silver would be a great value, too, just a little more than I could afford this month.

L8 looks a little more sleek on startup. But of course, that really is not a deal maker or breaker. I suppose the new look of the start page will be debated. I'm not thrilled with the look of the Home page. I do like the ability to pull the Library to the Home page. I like how it seems to be more user friendly than in the past. But, in actuality, that will have to be proven to me, as I deal with it.

At the moment, I am having issues with it "Not responding". HOPEFULLY this is a temporary issue that will be fixed relatively quickly. Once open, using the new "Go bar" does work in the blink of an eye fast. I went from Gen 3 to John 3 faster than I could turn my eyes from the "Go bar". That was impressive. From page 1 to page 19 in Divine Healing instantly.

I do like the tabs: Docs, Guides, Tools and esp the shortcuts. The help (triple dots to the right) is rather helpful. An "Explain this screen" feature, and ability to view online videos and help pages and the forum are highlights to this feature. The settings (gears icon) and "+" icon have me baffled at the moment, as to their purpose.

Right now I am cautiously excited about L8. I'm cautiously excited, because every time I get excited, I quickly lose interest, because I find Logos to be more complicated than I care for it to be. Let's face it, it's a shame that I can google a verse faster than my elaborate Bible software can get the verse. All this appears to be changing. With the extremely fast reaction to the "Go bar", I am thinking FINALLY the Bible software I have poured more money into than I care to admit. At the same time, I'm still a bit disappointed that I have the Not Responding lag, that does take it a while to get working. Is that my laptop? My internet connection? The overload at Logos/Faithlife servers, the software being new, needing fixing? I have no idea. Again, I am hoping it is temporary, and will be worked out and soon.

Bottom Line:
If you are fortunate enough to get a deep discount or set of discounts, great! I notice some issues are being reported. I suspect those will be fixed as quickly as possible. Logos is not cheap. But, it is intensive software, that if one is not bogged down and discouraged by it's complexities, can be an awesome tool. And as far as that part goes, it seems they have done a lot to uncomplicate things.
Right now, I am giving this an 85 of 100, but suspect once that pesky "Not responding" issue gets resolved, and I find myself getting excited and actually using the software, that will be raised to 90 or even higher.

Now, for some thoughts from people who have actually been successful at using past versions to share their thoughts on 8; and those of you who might be using 8 as their first version. I personally am very interested in what others think. So, thank you.

UPDATE:
I have discovered earlier this morning that Logos has included an excessive number of ads, that have previously had the ability to block. After spending too much time with a chat support rep, it was explained that at this time they are not able to be disabled.
After playing with the software some more, I am liking it. So, my previous rating would jump to 90. Unfortunately, I am one who finds ads inside my Bible to be disgusting, and outrageous. As a result, that 90 is being dropped to 65, until we are able to remove them.
Jesus was not a happy camper with the greedy action outside and inside the temple. And I follow that here, in the Bible. I take it as very offensive. I implore Bob to do the right thing, once again, and leave the ads to the daily and hourly emails. Where they belong. I really want this to be the version that shines. A few tweaks, and the ability to eradicate the ads will raise the score to 90, and maybe near perfect. A first for me, for Logos.
So, still great job. But, wow, the number of ads is just disgusting. (Of course, 1 is bad enough, but so many is even more sickening).

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Comments

MJ. Smith

I am disappointed that the unfinished features - lectionaries, saints, and daily devotional - hit the liturgical church users considerable more than the others. The same is true of Workflows where dates and multiple passages are not supported.

That being said, the Notes and the Workflows when completed will meet the needs of liturgical churches - things I've fought for, for 4 or 5 major releases. I can finally say with a straight face that Logos/Verbum has moved beyond thinking primarily of what can a computer do well to thinking about what do humans need in support of their Bible study activities. And the integration makes it easy to slowly teach people what some of the tools can do for them. In that sense I am genuinely excited about this release.

I also firmly believe that the changes to the library, Bible browser, and the search templates (which at the moment are so underpopulated as to be a step backward) are huge steps in making Logos accessible to the average user.

Now I just have to make sure Logos gets its priorities right over the next few releases [;)]

Batman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004277#Comment_1004277

Thank you. You've used this for years. You've also seen my complaints over the years. Some justified, some, justified to me only. Some maybe not justified at all. You have tried to help me get excited about Logos, but underpowered computers, internet, and too extensive of a program that would only be underwhelming has greatly hampered my desire to use the program.
With the few issues that may be already working themselves out, once again, I am getting excited. So, yes, I have to agree and affirm that this is (hopefully) a step forward for us average users.

I'm glad they are listening to you, and that you are constantly offering suggestions. If it weren't for you, and several others, people like me would be constantly frustrated; with no end in sight. At least this early look at 8, I can see things finally beginning to looking good for us.
Thanks MJ, and thanks for your comments.

I am disappointed that the unfinished features - lectionaries, saints, and daily devotional - hit the liturgical church users considerable more than the others. The same is true of Workflows where dates and multiple passages are not supported.

That being said, the Notes and the Workflows when completed will meet the needs of liturgical churches - things I've fought for, for 4 or 5 major released. I can finally say with a straight face that Logos/Verbum has moved beyond thinking primarily of what can a computer do well to thinking about what do humans need in support of their Bible study activities. And the integration makes it easy to slowly teach people what some of the tools can do for them. In that sense I am genuinely excited about this release.

I also firmly believe that the changes to the library, Bible browser, and the search templates (which at the moment are so underpopulated as to be a step backward) are huge steps in making Logos accessible to the average user.

Now I just have to make sure Logos gets its priorities right over the next few releases

Mike Pettit

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004287#Comment_1004287

Logos 8 is definitely a positive development.

The old notes system was almost impossible to use effectively and the choices that you had to make about palates and files were well beyond anyone but an expert. The new system appears to just work. Notes are central to why Logos is a good idea and it is finally fit for purpose.

One thing that I am less keen on was the effort (to quote the intro video) to have a clean fresh interface, I am all for clean but fresh smacks of change for changes sake.

Logos has also never really made its connect subscriptions work. The subscription is actually good value but the whole point of having an evolving interface has been lost due to the marketing necessiity of surprising everyone with new features. The lack of visibility of the subscriptions on the website suggests that Logos does not really know where to go with them.

Batman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004311#Comment_1004311

I think I used Notes a couple times. But, nah, why use it, when I can make my own notes much easier, and access them so much easier elsewhere on the computer.
I agree with you on change for change sake to just change something so you can change. Maybe this is somewhat true here, but, so far I am happy with the direction of some of these changes. Quicker and hopefully easier. I am mixed on the look tho. The homepage or dashboard not so much. The library, I like better (but is there really much of a change?)

And I think you might be right on your assessment on the subscriptions.

Thanks for your input. Maybe I'm not so far off after all. [:D][:P]

Logos 8 is definitely a positive development.

The old notes system was almost impossible to use effectively and the choices that you had to make about palates and files were well beyond anyone but an expert. The new system appears to just work. Notes are central to why Logos is a good idea and it is finally fit for purpose.

One thing that I am less keen on was the effort (to quote the intro video) to have a clean fresh interface, I am all for clean but fresh smacks of change for changes sake.

Logos has also never really made its connect subscriptions work. The subscription is actually good value but the whole point of having an evolving interface has been lost due to the marketing necessiity of surprising everyone with new features. The lack of visibility of the subscriptions on the website suggests that Logos does not really know where to go with them.

Dave Hooton

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004311#Comment_1004311

The lack of visibility of the subscriptions on the website suggests that Logos does not really know where to go with them.

Or Faithlife don't want to push subscription as much with Logos 8?

John Goodman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004321#Comment_1004321

So far I'm very pleased and see a lot of potential.

I think the web app is coming of age though I wish for 4 columns and a full page library view... with 7000 resources that little box is useless.

The desktop app feels significantly faster.

Notes became useful!

There is a lot in here which I think will help beginners and that is very important but not so much for those of us who know the software well or have established study habits.

GaoLu

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004277#Comment_1004277

Logos/Verbum has moved beyond thinking primarily of what can a computer do well to thinking about what do humans need in support of their Bible study activities. And the integration makes it easy to slowly teach people what some of the tools can do for them.

[Y]

Donovan R. Palmer

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004277#Comment_1004277

I am disappointed that the unfinished features - lectionaries, saints, and daily devotional - hit the liturgical church users considerable more than the others. The same is true of Workflows where dates and multiple passages are not supported.

Could not agree more!!! This was one of the things I was really hoping for in this version! Our time will come, I hope... [:D]

However, a huge shout out on increase of speed. I'll come back after 20 hours of use to say something about stability, but in contrast to some reports on this forum, I have not have to do a force quit on Logos yet. This has improved over the years, particularly since the rodeo that Logos 4 was, so I am cautiously optimistic that the quality control in coding has continued to mature. To me this is the most important thing. Well done Logos.

As far as features goes:

Homepage - I could take it or leave it. I think the tiles look a bit clunky for a dashboard (compare to Tableau or Qlik), but that's really not important. I think the idea of having a dashboard in Bible software could be really developed though. Nice concept.

Workflows - these are cool. Whether I will use them or not, I have not decided, but definitely a good handrail on the stairs to help people move beyond the baffled state that sometimes occur when you don't know where to start with Logos.

Canvas, Documents and Notes - Definitely has evolved and will be useful to help one want to keep all their Biblical research in the Logos ecosystem. I can certainly see this causing me to put more of my work here.

Library Tool - Yes, yes, yes... keep developing this! [Y]

Theology Guide - I like this initially and could see myself using it. Tools that help tap into all the resources that you have, are really useful.

Important Words - An interesting addition to the passage guide. Starting to blur into the purpose of the exegetical guide, but certainly being able to wrap back to commentaries is helpful.

Important Passages - Another potentially very useful tool. Tools to reduce work to harvest in Logos are very useful!

Search Template - kind of like workflows, don't know if I will use this much or not, but certainly good to see this added to assist in using the software.

As far as the bundles this go round, nothing earth shattering for me in terms of value. Part of this is simply because my library has grown to the point I am becoming more selective and now the bundles seem to present me a lot of public domain works. I think what I would like to see at times like this is 'niche products' like the 'Confessional Documents' collection be added to bundles. OK, I am probably a minority that is at the stage where I am looking to fill gaps with good deals on feature expansion datasets.

But all in all, this seems like a very solid release particularly if my impression on speed and stability rings true with time. Software that 'just works', is wonderful to use.

Also, on the back office or company execution part, yesterday on the website I was wondering if there would be a stampede that would grind the website down, but it seem to perform well and the roll out on this from a distance seemed very well done. The launch video coverage was a nice touch.

So all in all, love to see the liturgical support grow... but very pleased with what I see.

Sean

I've not upgraded yet.

I was rather disappointed with L7--it really wasn't much of an upgrade over 6. I thought L8 would take the same incremental approach, so I was fairly indifferent about its imminent arrival.

What I've seen of 8 so far exceeds my expectations. It looks like FL has really taken to heart a lot of requests users made for improved workflow and UI. As a theologian, I'm cautiously optimistic about the Theology Guide tool. And I'm ecstatic about the reports of improvement in performance.

Like I said, I haven't upgraded yet. I had my doubts about doing so; at this point, though, it looks like I'll be (somewhat) gladly spending a fair bit more than I had initially planned. Though perhaps I'll wait until 8.1 rolls out before doing so...

Cynthia in Florida

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004277#Comment_1004277

I can finally say with a straight face that Logos/Verbum has moved beyond thinking primarily of what can a computer do well to thinking about what do humans need in support of their Bible study activities. And the integration makes it easy to slowly teach people what some of the tools can do for them. In that sense I am genuinely excited about this release.

I have long thought (and said) that Logos is a Bible study tool that does nothing to teach the user how to study the Bible. Like MJ, I believe this release is a step in correcting that, and I too am very excited.

I started with Logos 4 (I think), and to be honest, I found 6 frustrating and as for L7...well I almost quit. I thought everything about L7 was designed without one thought of the average user, and I am an very simple, average user. However, with version 8, I see the attempts to make the program more intuitive and user friendly. Is it perfect? Of course not, but I'm encouraged that it's at least a step in the right direction. If version 8 was more of version 7, I would have been done with spending another penny and cut my losses. However, I truly believe, for the first time in years, that I can recommend L8 to individuals, and with just a little push, they could be using the program out the gate!

For a Bible study teacher of a large women's class, I'm constantly asked where I get "all this information from," and even though I told them, I sent them over to another free software program if they were looking to get their feet wet. Now, I honestly feel I can recommend the program because , at the very least, they could get started with workflows. Further, the search feature, which I understand for the power users feels "unusable and incomplete" is heaven for the likes of us who know nothing about typing out a search with all those funky data operators { = + AND OR WITHIN < > } blah blah blah. I see the search templates as sufficient to get "the little guy" started but has potential to grow for the above average user.

I am hopeful, and as someone who almost lost all hope that I could ever find this program anything less than frustrating, hope is good. It's very, very good!

Pieter J.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004412#Comment_1004412

L8 is Gr8! - Easy to use for both seasoned and unseasoned user. Although I comment on some tools, I truly love this new approach!

The Home-screen is functional. I miss the quick and easy way to choose your preferred Bible, but the prioritization approach makes more sense. Some users like myself sometimes switch between several preferred bibles depending on the approach and reason for study.

I expected L8 to have more in hyperlink capabilities. I thought for instance you would be able to link a Prayer-lists Notes or Answer to a Workflow as it is a natural relationship or even look them up in Notes? When you add a Note to a long Passage it puts an icon at each verse and clutters the screen with colored icons. But, overall the new Notes system is exceptionally easy to work with.

The ability to create Custom Workflows, the new Notes and the Canvas are great and practical additions. For the first time it is possible to accomplish most tasks in Logos itself. I've read every Expository Sermon Preparation book I could find and tried to master it using Logos Guides and Searches - Thanks to Logos all those books are now migrated into a workflow and easy to accomplish.

The Canvas is eye candy. I can almost taste Scriptures as I stare at this beautiful interface. Just one problem. You can't import images from Media. I draw concepts on a Tablet and would like to be able to link my creative hand to L8's Canvas.

Thanks for this awesome upgrade!

Dave Thawley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004433#Comment_1004433

My personal opinion is that L8 is fantastic overall. I think Faithlife have a lot of work still to do in finishing off features but I'm guessing that with such a step change in the program we could have everything finished before a release in 2019 or something a big step up from L7 with faithlife "to do" list they are working though. I am very happy they have released what they have when they have. It is such a step up from L7 as it is. The work flows are going to be great to use and I am already using the canvas :-)

Dave L

I'm thrilled to say the least. I really like the search templates and speed, especially with my new SSDD.[:)][:)][:)]

Dennis Phelps

The "Explore" section of the Home Page seems clunky and a massive promotional billboard rather than a "USA Today" newspaper design. In L7 the user could determine the inclusion of such content on the Home Page. Until this option for the user to edit/manage the Home Page Logos-promo content, the Home Page seems to have lost significant functionality appropriate for each individual user, reflecting their particular interests, skills, and patterns. For the time being, I guess I will simply skip the Home Page content.

Graham Criddle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004528#Comment_1004528

The "Explore" section of the Home Page seems clunky and a massive promotional billboard rather than a "USA Today" newspaper design

Most of what I see in the Explore section at the moment are videos explaining how to use some of the Logos 8 features or cards allowing you so start workflows. As such it seems reasonable - and helpful - to me.

Are you seeing something different? Or is it those you would rather not see?

Graham Owen

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004528#Comment_1004528

Positive

Speed

New features look promising

Negative

Disregard for user experience of existing users

Johnny Faust

I was hoping when searching notes the hits within the note would be highlighted. Been waiting for years.

Myke Harbuck

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004338#Comment_1004338

So far I'm very pleased and see a lot of potential.

Me too! :-)

I think the web app is coming of age though I wish for 4 columns and a full page library view... with 7000 resources that little box is useless.

Did you know you can right click on the Library button and "Open in Panel," which will give you a much larger view?

Did you mean 4 columns for the home page? If so, that is now possible. As for 4 columns in layouts, that's not.

John Goodman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004550#Comment_1004550

Did you know you can right click on the Library button and "Open in Panel," which will give you a much larger view?

You just made my day! Thanks!

With columns I was thinking to have 4 panels open side by side. On the desktop app I have guide, bible, commentary, info.

Batman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004331#Comment_1004331

That's always possible.
It may not be profitable enough?

The lack of visibility of the subscriptions on the website suggests that Logos does not really know where to go with them.

Or Faithlife don't want to push subscription as much with Logos 8?

Mark Batten

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004528#Comment_1004528

I agree. I used to see excerpts of books from my library, titles from my library, and other media but now all I see are resources for sale. Yes, there is the occasional blog or technical post but I really don't like or need all of the marketing on the Home page.

Batman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004338#Comment_1004338

John,

Under the "Gear" icon, there appears to be a column setting. I'm not sure if it works or does anything. But it is there, and may be an indication it is coming soon, if not yet available.

So far I'm very pleased and see a lot of potential.

I think the web app is coming of age though I wish for 4 columns and a full page library view... with 7000 resources that little box is useless.

The desktop app feels significantly faster.

Notes became useful!

There is a lot in here which I think will help beginners and that is very important but not so much for those of us who know the software well or have established study habits.

Batman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004345#Comment_1004345

Donovan

Thank you. I am not well versed in these features, because I've been to frustrated to use most of these. Kind of sad, really. But, unfortunately, rather than being a wonderful tool, Logos had become a huge money sucking pit, with more frustration than an asset. L8 seems to be heading in the right direction; and since the inclusion of more free and helpful tutorials in L7, it's becoming more of an asset.
I appreciate some one who is more understanding of these features adding their thoughts. Thanks.

Mike Childs

This is the first time that I upgraded without a major resource purchase.

I did purchase a package, but the least expensive package I have ever purchased. I had the Logos 7 Portfolio, and I "upgraded" to the Baptist Gold package. It cost me $612, gave me all the features and a some good resources, while staying within my budget. I am happy with the purchase.

It will take me a little time to get used to Logos 8. I am not a subscriber, and I do not intend to become one.

Batman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004412#Comment_1004412

Sean

Sorry to see you scratched the subscription. Now, I don't know if it's worth getting back. [:(]

L7 wasn't much of an upgrade over L4, really. I had a hard enough time with L3. L4 was a huge upgrade (or downgrade, depending on your perspective) over L3. So, in all honesty, even though I personally did not like 4,5,6 or 7 a whole lot (altho, I honestly have tried) this, to me, is a very user friendly version, and what should have been since L1 (not that I know what L1 or 2 was like).

At this point, my biggest gripe came this morning, when I discovered that the Home Page does not allow for us to remove the ads. I do not really appreciate my Bible as being a billboard. That's what the emails are for.

Otherwise, this may be a huge improvement.

I've not upgraded yet.

I was rather disappointed with L7--it really wasn't much of an upgrade over 6. I thought L8 would take the same incremental approach, so I was fairly indifferent about its imminent arrival.

What I've seen of 8 so far exceeds my expectations. It looks like FL has really taken to heart a lot of requests users made for improved workflow and UI. As a theologian, I'm cautiously optimistic about the Theology Guide tool. And I'm ecstatic about the reports of improvement in performance.

Like I said, I haven't upgraded yet. I had my doubts about doing so; at this point, though, it looks like I'll be (somewhat) gladly spending a fair bit more than I had initially planned. Though perhaps I'll wait until 8.1 rolls out before doing so...

Graham Criddle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004604#Comment_1004604

the Home Page does not allow for us to remove the ads

I've seen a number of references to this but I don't understand it!

What ads are you seeing?

Batman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004420#Comment_1004420

Here's the problem I have had since my first day:
I can Google a reference much faster than I could ever in Logos. I can even find a passage in hard copy faster.
Now, that is sad. So, for 9 to 10 years, I have pretty much done the exact opposite of what Logos was supposed to do. I decreased my Bible usage. Tremendously. Sadly, I had other software that was so simple to use, that using Logos was a drudgery. Sure, I could have spent another $450 to take Morris' DVD courses, or spend even more to go to a not so local seminar. But, WHY? I find that entire thing an abomination. If the software is so difficult to use that it requires a $450 seminar, to even be able to use a $600-10,000 Bible software program, there is a serious flaw. And, if one can find a Bible passage faster manually, in a hard copy of the Bible, in hand, there's a huge problem. (Kudos to those who are able to use the software, but, I cannot see a Bible that is more complicated than Logos is).

I am extremely pleased that L8 brings up passages extremely fast. Instantaneously, really. And with the inclusion of more free videos that started appearing in L7, I am beginning to get excited that I might actually enjoy my Bible, once again. And might actually use it.

If only they allow us to dump the pollution of the ads.

Good luck with L8.

I have long thought (and said) that Logos is a Bible study tool that does nothing to teach the user how to study the Bible. Like MJ, I believe this release is a step in correcting that, and I too am very excited.

I started with Logos 4 (I think), and to be honest, I found 6 frustrating and as for L7...well I almost quit. I thought everything about L7 was designed without one thought of the average user, and I am an very simple, average user. However, with version 8, I see the attempts to make the program more intuitive and user friendly. Is it perfect? Of course not, but I'm encouraged that it's at least a step in the right direction. If version 8 was more of version 7, I would have been done with spending another penny and cut my losses. However, I truly believe, for the first time in years, that I can recommend L8 to individuals, and with just a little push, they could be using the program out the gate!

For a Bible study teacher of a large women's class, I'm constantly asked where I get "all this information from," and even though I told them, I sent them over to another free software program if they were looking to get their feet wet. Now, I honestly feel I can recommend the program because , at the very least, they could get started with workflows. Further, the search feature, which I understand for the power users feels "unusable and incomplete" is heaven for the likes of us who know nothing about typing out a search with all those funky data operators { = + AND OR WITHIN < > } blah blah blah. I see the search templates as sufficient to get "the little guy" started but has potential to grow for the above average user.

I am hopeful, and as someone who almost lost all hope that I could ever find this program anything less than frustrating, hope is good. It's very, very good!

Batman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004499#Comment_1004499

Dave,

From what I (mis)understand, this is an early release, and Nov. 5th they'll roll out the full project. Not sure if that is still the case or what. But, I do hope some more tweaks will be rolled out for everyone.

Graham Criddle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004632#Comment_1004632

From what I (mis)understand, this is an early release, and Nov. 5th they'll roll out the full project. Not sure if that is still the case or what. But, I do hope some more tweaks will be rolled out for everyone.

No that isn't the case.

There is an option for Faithlife Connect users to "hold back" on doing the upgrade until Nov 5th to consider options but the software that is available to purchase today is the full Logos 8.0 product.

There will be 8.1 (etc) on six week release cycles but that's different

Batman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004528#Comment_1004528

Dennis
I just discovered that this morning. Well, that we cannot zap the ads.
Yet.
At least I am hoping this is a "yet". The last thing I need in my Bible is a barrage of freeway billboards flying at me at every turn. I realize some may appreciate them. That's fine for them. Me, I find it disgusting, and we should have the option to eliminate them.

The "Explore" section of the Home Page seems clunky and a massive promotional billboard rather than a "USA Today" newspaper design. In L7 the user could determine the inclusion of such content on the Home Page. Until this option for the user to edit/manage the Home Page Logos-promo content, the Home Page seems to have lost significant functionality appropriate for each individual user, reflecting their particular interests, skills, and patterns. For the time being, I guess I will simply skip the Home Page content.

Batman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004619#Comment_1004619

Graham

Every pitch to sell a book, collection, etc. on the Home page.
On my "Home Page" it starts out with the 10 Day Reading Plan. I think that is ok, and not an ad. Then the Morris tidbit tutorial videos. Definitely helpful. Then an option to download the app (technically an ad, but, maybe acceptable). Then a slew of Prepub, Community Pricing ads,An offer to browse the Christian Ebooks on Leadership & Finances, A Proclaim Blog, pretending to be a blog, but looks to be another item to suck more money, ie, ad,2 more prepub ads, a Lexham Press New Release ad, several community pricing ads, a John McArthur sermon sell (which I have very little respect for, knowing his priority is raising funds. A friend of mine graduated from his college, and they actually did an offering collection. But I won't trash him more than that here). There's more prepub and CP offers, and a Faithlife TV ad. One is actually an ad, while another is a video; that I am not referring. And sadly, I am just about a third to 40% of the way through. It's sickening and disgusting to me, and a huge chunk of everything I have hated about Logos over the past decade, all crammed into my Home Page, with (at this point) NO option to annihilate them.

If you are not receiving them, PLEASE let us know how this was done. Support says that at this time there is nothing that can be done. Even more disgusting, because for all the flaws of previous versions, we were at least able to disable them.

the Home Page does not allow for us to remove the ads

I've seen a number of references to this but I don't understand it!

What ads are you seeing?

Batman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004639#Comment_1004639

Ok, so, then I did misunderstand?
In that case, I do hope 8.1 fixes some of the things people are needing fixed and the ability to remove the ads.

From what I (mis)understand, this is an early release, and Nov. 5th they'll roll out the full project. Not sure if that is still the case or what. But, I do hope some more tweaks will be rolled out for everyone.

No that isn't the case.

There is an option for Faithlife Connect users to "hold back" on doing the upgrade until Nov 5th to consider options but the software that is available to purchase today is the full Logos 8.0 product.

There will be 8.1 (etc) on six week release cycles but that's different

Dennis Phelps

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004535#Comment_1004535

To Graham Criddle:

Q: "Are you seeing something different? Or is it those you would rather not see?"

A: I am seeing something very different. Multiple Logos ads promoting products, as well as links to blogs, sales, etc. Many screens worth of promotion.

Sean Boisen

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004670#Comment_1004670

Every pitch to sell a book, collection, etc. on the Home page.
On my "Home Page" it starts out with the 10 Day Reading Plan. I think that is ok, and not an ad. Then the Morris tidbit tutorial videos. Definitely helpful. Then an option to download the app (technically an ad, but, maybe acceptable). Then a slew of Prepub, Community Pricing ads,An offer to browse the Christian Ebooks on Leadership & Finances, A Proclaim Blog, pretending to be a blog, but looks to be another item to suck more money, ie, ad,2 more prepub ads, a Lexham Press New Release ad, several community pricing ads, a John McArthur sermon sell (which I have very little respect for, knowing his priority is raising funds. A friend of mine graduated from his college, and they actually did an offering collection. But I won't trash him more than that here). There's more prepub and CP offers, and a Faithlife TV ad. One is actually an ad, while another is a video; that I am not referring. And sadly, I am just about a third to 40% of the way through. It's sickening and disgusting to me, and a huge chunk of everything I have hated about Logos over the past decade, all crammed into my Home Page, with (at this point) NO option to annihilate them.
</snip>

As explained here we hope to provide customization of the Explore section of the Home Page with the 8.1 release.

Graham Criddle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004676#Comment_1004676

Q: "Are you seeing something different? Or is it those you would rather not see?"

A: I am seeing something very different. Multiple Logos ads promoting products, as well as links to blogs, sales, etc. Many screens worth of promotion.

Thanks Dennis

As Sean points out there are plans to address this in 8.1

To explain why I was asking the question all I see in the Explore section of my homepage is as shown below

PetahChristian

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004725#Comment_1004725

To explain why I was asking the question all I see in the Explore section of my homepage is as shown below

Interesting, Graham. I wish my Explore section would show all those videos.

(Is there a web page that lists all the L8 videos? I looked at Logos Pro but couldn't find them there.)

Graham Criddle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004786#Comment_1004786

(Is there a web page that lists all the L8 videos? I looked at Logos Pro but couldn't find them there.)

https://support.logos.com/hc/en-us/categories/360000675231 could be a good place to start.

Mark Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004786#Comment_1004786

Seventeen of the first 41 tiles in my Explore panel were advertising. I will turn those streams off first when customization comes to the Home Page.

scooter

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004707#Comment_1004707

As explained here we hope to provide customization of the Explore section of the Home Page with the 8.1 release.

Home is way, way too overwhelming, with far too many squares of information. I'm sure glad FL will allow us to customize; I can thus remove the coloured noise.

Brad

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004803#Comment_1004803

Can't speak highly of it enough. I know I am not as "well-versed" in Logos as many of you, but for my daily use it is amazing. A huge improvement from Logos 7.

If nothing else, the software itself has improved drastically, with quicker load times and smoother animations.

Bruce Dunning

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004818#Comment_1004818

I think most people would totally agree with you. Thanks for expressing this.

David Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004897#Comment_1004897

This time Collector's doesn't have much of anything in it that has me salivating. My price is not too bad ($2100ish), but I am entirely lacking a sense of "MUST" this time around. They did include a smattering of the things I was lacking and hoped would be included, but they don't reach a critical mass for me, unfortunately. I'd like to see what's been done with Notes, but I'm almost afraid to, since I'm about 99.99% sure it won't be what I've needed and requested in order to lay L3 to rest for good.

[*-)]

David Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004925#Comment_1004925

After making a second pass through the "New to Me" selections, I found something that I had overlooked, so I will probably go ahead and bite the hook in a month or so, once my previous CE is paid off. Hope I'm wrong about Notes.

Michael S.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004925#Comment_1004925

in order to lay L3 to rest for good.

Do I understand you correctly- you are still using L3?

Randy W. Sims

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004725#Comment_1004725

Q: "Are you seeing something different? Or is it those you would rather not see?"

A: I am seeing something very different. Multiple Logos ads promoting products, as well as links to blogs, sales, etc. Many screens worth of promotion.

Thanks Dennis

As Sean points out there are plans to address this in 8.1

To explain why I was asking the question all I see in the Explore section of my homepage is as shown below

They talked one time about trying to get it to respect your L7 prefs in time for launch. Is that what this is? Did you have all pre-pub, community, etc disabled in L7? Or is something else going on?

Graham Criddle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1005012#Comment_1005012

Did you have all pre-pub, community, etc disabled in L7? Or is something else going on?

I had a number of things disabled - but I still got information about prepubs and Logos messages so I don't think that's the explanation.

GaoLu

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1005015#Comment_1005015

Chris Galloway

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1005048#Comment_1005048

So, I must confess that I'm hardly a neutral reviewer. Logos release week is sooooooo fun for me! There are so many new books to use and tools to explore. I'm like a little kid on Christmas who can't decide what toy to play with first. My wallet could never handle it....but, I think every day should be Logos "Release Day."

And, after a "whole" one day of use, I am VERY impressed with Logos 8. For me, the Methodist Platinum package was packed with just the right sets of books! I am having a blast playing around with the new features. And, I think both the upgraded notes and canvas features are going to be home runs.

I know several have had concerns about the homepage but that doesn't affect me much since I haven't used it in years. The only "issue" I've had is learning that Canvas and Hebrew text don't play well together. But, I if that is the only glitch I find in a major software release, I'll be a very happy camper!

SineNomine

My initial reaction, in brief, is that I'm looking forward to 8.1 being what I would have liked 8.0 to be... but c'est la vie. 8.1 will be a real improvement for me over 7.x.

Simon

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1004628#Comment_1004628

Absolutely agree.

Having to pay to suck eggs is indicative of a product that has lost the point and purpose of its existence, to make biblical studies enjoyable, quick and productive.

These days I use Logos for referencing large data sets but the joy has long gone in Sermon notes that are cumbersome rather than intuitive. Notes that are just a pain but I persist in the vain hope of something better. And still no capability in the iOS app for preparing and editing Sermon notes (unless I missed something in the last update).

As Cynthia comments,

I started with Logos 4 (I think), and to be honest, I found 6 frustrating and as for L7...well I almost quit. I thought everything about L7 was designed without one thought of the average user,

I still think back to the days of Olive Tree Bible Software running on Palm OS on a Palm Tungsten T3. Fast, intuitive, productive.