Searching for a Logos 8 Review that was not written in exchange for a free upgrade
The Logos 8 reviews I have found so far have all been written by folks who got a free upgrade. Anyone have a link to a good review that doesn’t fall into this category?
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Where are you looking that "they" got free upgrades? Yes, it is traditional that certain professional reviewers get early access for reviewing purposes but it is also traditional that if a reviewer did receive a free review copy, they note that. The first few reviews I found via google appeared to have several who bought their own copy.
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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I don’t have any links, sorry. Out of curiosity, why do you want a review? Are you a current Logos user?
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Would you mind linking to these "non-sponsored" reviews that you were able to find. I've searched the phrase "logos 8 review" (and other derivations) through Google and have looked through several pages of search results. While I have been able to find about a dozen "reviews" of Logos 8, every single one of them stated that they had been given a free upgrade in exchange for the review.
I currently run Logos 7, so before I plunk down a couple hundred dollars for a full-feature upgrade, I would like to see in any other paying customers out there (who also upgraded from Logos 7) feel that the upgrade was worth the expense.
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I currently use Logos 7 on a daily basis. I read product reviews all the time before purchasing. But the only Logos 8 reviews I can find are from people who got a free upgrade.
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Matt Doebler said:
I currently run Logos 7, so before I plunk down a couple hundred dollars for a full-feature upgrade, I would like to see in any other paying customers out there (who also upgraded from Logos 7) feel that the upgrade was worth the expense.
Try:
- https://churchtechtoday.com/2018/11/02/logos-8/
- https://outreachmagazine.com/resources/apps-and-software/37072-logos-8-a-review.html
- https://overviewbible.com/logos-bible-software-review/ (posted by a Logos affiliate but he doesn't state that he received a free upgrade)
0 - https://churchtechtoday.com/2018/11/02/logos-8/
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Matt Doebler said:
I currently use Logos 7 on a daily basis. I read product reviews all the time before purchasing. But the only Logos 8 reviews I can find are from people who got a free upgrade.
Reviews are good, but you could get better and faster answers to your questions here. My quick review:
- Performance has improved noticeably over previous versions.
- Library filtering is WOW.
- Web app is much better, if that's your thing.
- The new homepage looks pretty but at the moment is practically useless. Hopefully it won't stay that way.
- The Theology Guide, a major selling point for me, has barely been started. It should not have been sold in its present state. Hopefully it will be improved soon too, but they don't seem to be in a hurry.
Notes has been revamped but I can't comment on that as I don't keep my notes in Logos. Other new features unused by me so far are probably good too. Anglican Silver is nice package for getting the full feature set.
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Hello Matt: I likewise can give a review, and I have received nothing from Logos. And...if it helps you any, you can search some of my previous posts and see that I have often spoken out of the frustrations I experienced with Logos 7. However, I have found Logos 8 to not only fix the majority of issues that surrounded my frustrations from L7 but has also far surpassed my expectations. If you are truly interested in my review, I’m willing to write something up for you. It would help if you let me know what you’re looking for, as a review can take many directions. Are you looking at something general or specific?Sean said:Matt Doebler said:I currently use Logos 7 on a daily basis. I read product reviews all the time before purchasing. But the only Logos 8 reviews I can find are from people who got a free upgrade.
Reviews are good, but you could get better and faster answers to your questions here. My quick review:
- Performance has improved noticeably over previous versions.
- Library filtering is WOW.
- Web app is much better, if that's your thing.
- The new homepage looks pretty but at the moment is practically useless. Hopefully it won't stay that way.
- The Theology Guide, a major selling point for me, has barely been started. It should not have been sold in its present state. Hopefully it will be improved soon too, but they don't seem to be in a hurry.
Notes has been revamped but I can't comment on that as I don't keep my notes in Logos. Other new features unused by me so far are probably good too. Anglican Silver is nice package for getting the full feature set.
Cynthia
Romans 8:28-38
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Matt Doebler said:
I currently use Logos 7 on a daily basis. I read product reviews all the time before purchasing. But the only Logos 8 reviews I can find are from people who got a free upgrade.
I would not get caught up in the hoopla. The SOFTWARE continues to make advancements, but is ultimately free. Of course you should update to L8 when the free engine becomes available. The FEATURES you have to pay for, and the he question becomes “how do I acquire them.” I believe Faithlife Connect is a good deal, but you would lose the features when you stop subscribing. The big question is do you want add a new Library to your collection. No review will help you with that. If you were brand new to the platform, a review would be helpful. Hence my question earlier.
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The Faithlife Connect trial would be a good way to trial out L8 for a few days, to help you decide.
If you have already had a trial, then create a brand new account just for testing and trial purposes. After the trial expires, just delete that account again.
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Cynthia, thanks for the offer. I have a fairly extensive Logos library (Lutheran Platinum + additional purchases). Therefore, one of the key questions that I have is how the new Logos 8 compares to Logos 7 in how it allows me to search through and organize resources. I've been quite disappointed with some of the "clunkiness" of the search tools in Logos. For example, the Passage Guide tool is slow and labor intensive to sort through when studying a given passage of scripture. I tend to have twenty or so "go-to" resources that I use consistently when studying scripture, so I want a reliable way to search those resources en masse, but I also don't want to miss out of discovering helps in other resources that I don't use that often.
I would also like to get your feedback on the notes capabilities of Logos 8 (compared to 7). This has been a much-touted feature, but most of the reviews of this particular upgrade seem to simply talk about the new notes capabilities rather than really comment on how they personally have found them to be especially practical and valuable.
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Sean, can you give me more specifics on the library filtering? Why is it "WOW" with Logos 8 (compared to 7).
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Matt, I don't use notes. And I 'watch' L8 in-process; my L7's here for the duration. Worth scanning:
https://faithlife.com/logos-notes/activity
And fixes they have planned (near bottom, after FAQs):
"If myth is ideology in narrative form, then scholarship is myth with footnotes." B. Lincolm 1999.
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Matt Doebler said:
... can you give me more specifics on the library filtering? Why is it "WOW" with Logos 8 (compared to 7).
One WOW is opening more than one Library Tab. Another WOW is facet filtering, which can be different in Library Tabs:
Screen shot shows two Library Tabs: one has Last Added filter (can be used for tagging recent purchases since Last Added has maximum of 30 days).
Disclaimer: personally paid for Logos 8 Ultimate upgrade plus a bilingual base package (so my order history now totals a bit more than house purchase 1.6 years ago)
Keep Smiling [:)]
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I have no official review 8 was IMHO far to buggy to have been released. Others have noticed a significant speed increase. I personally have only noticed minor speed increases, but then I did not find it overly slow before except in start up. Logos 7 on my computer took 37 seconds to start up to populated homepage (this is my test account Logos/Verbum basic plus several free add ons). Logos 8 took 57 seconds to start up to populated homepage. Both are the latest release version. I am not the biggest fan of the new HP but i do understand it will evolve and get better the ability added in 8.1 to do some customization is a good start. Over all if you want some of the new features I would say it is likely worth the upgrade but over all if you are happy with 7 I would say wait for the free upgrade of the basic engine. This is based on my daily use which is usually simple library searches and passage guide studies. I make no claim to be be a power user using not even 1/4 of the features in the Logos/Verbum experience.
-dan
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Hi Matt:
I can comment on some of your inquiries.
Notes: Long time ago I read some power user complaining that too many notes makes search real slow. That was before, even though I asked, no one actually validated the issue or refuted it.
I am not sure if that problem has been solved.
Then there was a complain that unauthorized persons (different from the creator of the notes person) were accessing them and taking action according to it's content (to the point of someone saying that lost their job for what was in the notes created). That was not clarified either.
I hope that last part has been solved also (if it was true).
Maybe creating a Personal Book with the notes can help in that respect, as the book would only be in your system if you do not upload it. The bad part is that you would have to rebuild it every time you modify the note.
As far as searching, I find that creating a quick collection using type, subject, etc. allows to pinpoint info quicker. You can also use Louw nida in the search...
https://blog.logos.com/2015/02/logos-6-create-quick-collections-to-improve-searching/
https://blog.logos.com/?s=search+louw+nida++reference
As far as application goes:
https://blog.logos.com/2014/06/how-do-you-use-logos-dave-moser/
Your decision to upgrade has to depend on what you are trying to do.
For me, even though I upgraded, I still want to use Canvas for making mind map like indexes, where I can group related information in areas and have links that take me to particular places within the resources.
Not sure if they have enabled Canvas to have particular location links within a resource much a la Favorites.
Hope this helps.
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Hi KS4J:
Just curious, since you have Ultimate, what is the area you most use it for?
teaching, lesson prep, discipleship, sermon prep, ministry, worship plan, socioeconomic innovative initiatives in civic action, planting, evangelism, application, church admin, spiritual war, intercessory prayer strat, truth finding, all of the above, none of the above, undetermined?
My question is because after you get such large library, without focus then is hard to concentrate in something specific unless there is an immediate compelling need, or a well thought out plan...
Hope you can share your experience in this.
Blessings.
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Hamilton Ramos said:
Hi KS4J:
Just curious, since you have Ultimate, what is the area you most use it for?
Thankful for many friendly forum discussions: have learned a lot plus have a lot to learn. Having a library with resources in many base packages allows search examples to usually have relevant results. FYI: a number of forum participants have a library substantially larger than mine.
Thankful for digital resources who are not people in my living room, which avoids some passionate discussions while can consider their perspectives.
Thankful for God guiding me toward prison chaplaincy so anticipating increase for ministerial/counseling use. Thankful for Prison Fellowship focus on Love God first with everything so can Love One Another the way God does (instead of focusing on minors that divide).
Keep Smiling [:)]
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Matt Doebler said:
Cynthia, thanks for the offer. I have a fairly extensive Logos library (Lutheran Platinum + additional purchases). Therefore, one of the key questions that I have is how the new Logos 8 compares to Logos 7 in how it allows me to search through and organize resources. I've been quite disappointed with some of the "clunkiness" of the search tools in Logos. For example, the Passage Guide tool is slow and labor intensive to sort through when studying a given passage of scripture. I tend to have twenty or so "go-to" resources that I use consistently when studying scripture, so I want a reliable way to search those resources en masse, but I also don't want to miss out of discovering helps in other resources that I don't use that often.
I would also like to get your feedback on the notes capabilities of Logos 8 (compared to 7). This has been a much-touted feature, but most of the reviews of this particular upgrade seem to simply talk about the new notes capabilities rather than really comment on how they personally have found them to be especially practical and valuable.
Hello Matt: Okay, let me say that concerning the Library, searching and organizing it, I LOVE IT! I mean I really really love it. It is one of my very favorite upgrades in L8. I got to a place with L7 where I didn’t want to buy any more resources because I couldn’t find my them. I can’t tell you how many times I would find a resource AFTER I didn’t need it anymore. Anyway, the way the new library “filters down” to what you need is really rather awesome. I recommend you watch a video or two that shows this feature in action. I found this one. Information on Library starts at minute 2. [View:
https://youtu.be/H6bZWVUmCS8:550:0] Perhaps someone else knows of a better one.Now, when it comes to SEARCHING for information IN your resources, I love the changes they have made and really pushed for a change over L7, which I felt you needed a Ph.D. to figure out. They are really headed in the right direction with these “search templates.” I’m hoping maybe someone can point to an information resource that shows it in action. After the workflows, the new search feature is my next favorite change in L8.
Regarding notes: Well Matt, you asked for my honest opinion, and I’m going to give it. I’m still struggling with the notes. I understand it’s completely revamped and I can see how it’s better for those who ”get it,” but for me, it hasn’t clicked yet. Terminology they use like “notebook” isn’t really a “notebook” per se. Turns out, “favorites“ is actually what I consider a “notebook.” And how notebooks become visual filters, (or something like that), just doesn’t make sense to me, no matter how hard I try. Some of it is my ignorance, but I’m an average user of average intelligence, so I’m thinking that as of yet, it’s not designed for the average user. If you want to see more about my struggles with the notes feature, you can find a rather lengthy discussion here. https://community.logos.com/forums/t/174697.aspx It appears I’m not alone with the struggles with the new notes feature, but I’m believing that they will continue to tweak it as people make suggestions, as they did with so many other features.
Matt, all I can tell you is that I couldn’t stand L7. Honestly...search my name. I was so fed up with it that I almost threw in the towel on Logos. However, the changes to L8 are by far the very best upgrades they’ve ever made, in my humble opinion. Just the workflows, library filter, and search feature alone are enough to make the switch, but there’s SO much more. I wouldn’t let what I feel lacks in the notes deter you from the upgrade.
If I can answer any other questions, feel free to ask, but keep in mind that I am, as I said, an average user of average intelligence.
Cynthia
Romans 8:28-38
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Yes KS4J, do not get me wrong, I have one of those very large multilingual library, but as a newbie, I am overwhelmed. I asked, because you usually are very methodical.
I am reading Mobile Ed PC 171, and doing some research about some concepts.
From:
From a pdf:
[source info]: Significance of Chaplaincy Research. George Fitchett, DMin, PhD, BCC
Department of Religion, Health and Human Values Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
george_fitchett@rush.edu
Following interesting info:
Susan in another thread referred to an index to a journal available in L8 that I consider very helpful:
https://www.myhopeforaddiction.com/blog/journal-biblical-counseling-2017-archive/
click in the spreadsheet to download from the above page.
When younger I was an EMT. I took some Red Cross disaster courses. So logically I am attracted to the disaster and hospital chaplaincy.
I studied in a semi military college so military chaplaincy is of interest to me. I like the army manual that says that the military chaplain as part of the staff, inputs the commander on ethical implications of various courses of action. The Chaplain acts in support role like the moral conscience of the unit.
Because of my civilian job, I can relate the above to corporate chaplaincy. Many times management is not operating in an immoral way (although many perceive them to at times), they are actually moving in an amoral way which means that they do not take certain ethical principles into account, (more so those that are not covered under compliance) so ombudsman type intervention would be great.
Also because of my martial arts, swimming and other exercise experience, I am also attracted to sports chaplaincy.
Finally, I saw what Baptist theorize very well on benefits in Community health evangelism efforts, which seems to be good. So community chaplaincy also interests me, where one could teach families to develop aquaponic initiatives, to assure food security, should some problems develop.
Only God knows where He wants me and for what purpose. I will just follow His lead. Having a large library does help to understand the conceptual framework of much of particular ministries.
All that is needed then, is power from above (H.S.), and the opportunity to serve.
Hope some of the info above is helpful to you.
Blessings.
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Hi Cynthia:
Off topic: I did answer you by email. Just in case you did not receive it:
You said you had some questions in another thread, feel free to ask. Just remember I am not an expert, more of a regular sheep with some God given research abilities.
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Thank you very much for the review. It was very helpful.
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I agree with much of what has been said above, positive and negative points. A couple additional comments:
1. One of the key UI improvements in L8 is faceted searching. You can open a panel in many resources/tools that allows you to select criteria to find what you want. If you've had the Concordance and Bible Browser in L7, you know how that works. Now you can do this in the library, notes, etc.
2. Speed is overall better imo. However, there are still autopopulating lists delays.
3. Concerning the Notes Tool. In L7, notes were individual documents. In L8 one interface allows you to interact with your entire library of notes. What was previously known as an annotation file is now called a notebook. This, combined with faceted searching, allows the user to find and interact with notes, even interconnect them at a superior level compared to L8. Again, a limited analogy would be the Bible browser. Imagine that what you are searching is not the Bible but your notes and that you have all kinds of useful criteria you can select to find notes that qualify. For instance, all notes on Isaiah across your notebooks.
I hope this helps.
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