What I want to see as a recent Logos announcement ...

We have recently completed a serious push to fix a number of bugs and to switch to a more financially viable subscription model. Now it is time to concentrate on some of the features that will make Logos easier to learn, revamp older features to better use contemporary technology, etc. At the same time, we want our users to have confidence that their concerns are being addressed. Therefore, in a six week cycle period, Logos will endeavor to:

fix at least one significant bug reported by the users
enhance, rework, or create at least one feature
produce at least one book from the feedback site
implement at least one small feature request/enhancement from the feedback site

In those activities that are user driven, we (Logos) will endeavor to spread our efforts so that every tradition, theological stream, worship tradition, interpretative tradition . . . sees improvements multiple times a year.

Okay, it is just the announcement I would like to see, not an official announcement ... but perhaps we can pressure them into something similar.

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Christian Alexander

From an academic perspective, the strategic initiative described reflects a commitment to continuous improvement in user-centered design, customer feedback integration, and software development. This approach embodies principles of adaptive software development and aligns with the agile methodology, which emphasizes iterative cycles, responsiveness to user feedback, and regular deployment of improvements. Logos' six-week cycle period mirrors agile sprint cycles where the focus is on incrementally addressing issues while simultaneously rolling out new features or enhancements.

The decision to focus on both bug fixes and feature enhancements highlights the importance of balancing product stability with innovation. Fixing "at least one significant bug" per cycle demonstrates a proactive approach to maintaining user trust and system reliability, a critical factor in sustaining long-term customer satisfaction. From the perspective of logical instructional design and ease of learning, the focus on improving features to "make Logos easier to learn" aligns with research in human-computer interaction. A learning-friendly interface can improve user retention, reduce cognitive load, and enhance usability, particularly in a tool like Logos that serves a diverse set of communal theological and academic traditions.

The inclusive focus on ensuring that "every tradition, theological stream, worship tradition, [and] interpretative tradition" sees improvement speaks to the company's sensitivity to the diverse needs of its audience. This approach supports principles of cultural competence and user inclusivity, ensuring that no single tradition is favored over others, thus promoting equity and a broader sense of community within the user base.

Donovan R. Palmer

Part of the challenge will be making space for user feedback in their strategy. I don't have an insider's view of Logos' culture, but a classic corporate America predisposition is 'we have the usage and market data, and so we know better, and we will give you what you need'. Of course, this has to be profitable at a mass market level, and Cove Hill will insist on seeing a healthy ROI on their investment. This will not all be bad if millions more buy Logos, fulfilling the vision Bill shared the other day in the interview video. With this said, as good as scaling is, this can become an echo chamber and drown out the voices of where innovation and trailblazing need to occur.

In effect, you are suggesting that Logos uses the community as a focus group. If they can make some space in their strategic plan to incorporate some user-driven feedback, create some high-profile visuals of their roadmap and build a community around it, it could be the best of both worlds. The decentralised finance and open source space has some interesting best practices that could be adopted into the Logos' business model whilst continuing to deliver whatever it is that Cove Hill has set out as success factors. I would suggest measuring community engagement levels should be one of these success factors; otherwise, the other success factors will ultimately take priority.

I really appreciate the push to deal with the many bugs. Logos used to be the buggiest software on my Mac. There was no contest. It is now very reliable, and with the rework of the financial model, Logos has a golden opportunity to set DNA for many years of growth. I hope they play their cards wisely.

John

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1313925#Comment_1313925

This will not all be bad if millions more buy Logos

It’s a shrinking market. Where will those millions come from?

Also, they are not trying to “sell” Logos anymore, they want people to rent it.

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1313926#Comment_1313926

It’s a shrinking market. Where will those millions come from?

It is shrinking less in some traditions than others and in some parts of the world less than others. It depends on how Logos plays its cards.

Christian Alexander

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1313932#Comment_1313932

The balance between leveraging market data and listening to the community is crucial. Logos' user base is deeply invested in the platform, not just as consumers but as a learning community. By making space for user feedback and incorporating it into their strategy, Logos can strengthen this relationship, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of innovation or alienation of its core users. This is the key to Logos retention of customer base.

The idea of measuring community engagement as a success factor is essential. Logos’ growth depends not just on scaling but also on nurturing a loyal and active community. This could also serve as a unique advantage over competitors, especially when combined with a well-communicated roadmap that reflects user-driven insights. Logos users have already seen a positive trajectory in terms of software reliability. With the new foundation as a subscription some have reservations. As Donovan noted, Logos has a golden opportunity to create a future-proof business model, and by involving the community, they can turn potential challenges into strengths. I agree wholeheartedly.

Donovan R. Palmer

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1313926#Comment_1313926

It’s a shrinking market. Where will those millions come from?

I don't know what Logos' market reach is. I straddle the Anglican and Eastern Orthodox traditions, and the Anglican Communion is estimated to have a membership of 85 million and Orthodox 260 million. There are of course others. (i.e. Catholics - 1.28+ billion - 4x more than Anglicans and Eastern Orthodox combined)

Now, there are many factors about whether these numbers are accurate, how many are in language bands that Logos has content plans for, etc., but it is easy to imagine there is potential for growth with just these three broad church streams alone, even at fractional percentages of uptake.

Of course, this would also mean creating a product offering, pricing, etc., that would appeal to each of these groups, and their market segmentations. Without starting another lengthy thread on subscriptions, I could imagine this might be one way to open Logos to more markets. (possibly, I can't say for sure)

Fos Zoe

I really like the easier to learn part. I tire of looking for something that I know has to be there in the thousands of resources on this computer only to be told there are no results

Today I searched All Books-All Texts-Romans 11:18 with author:Chrysostom in the search field and found zero results.

So I do it "old school" by opening up my library searching for author:chrysostom and find the book then open it.

I do that a lot. I've watched the videos and take notes but the training seems haphazard. I wish they would do something for Logos something like the Verbum 360 training but in more detail with a cheatsheet handout

This may sound like a rant but its not as I am smiling at what I know is my own ineptness however I want the software to be smart enough to make up the difference.

Fos Zoe

I really like the easier to learn part. I tire of looking for something that I know has to be there in the thousands of resources on this computer only to be told there are no results

Today I searched All Books-All Texts-Romans 11:18 with author:Chrysostom in the search field and found zero results. I wanted some commentary on what the "root" is in that verse ie Christ, Israel, Patriarchs etc.

So I do it "old school" by opening up my library searching for author:chrysostom and find the book then open it.

This may sound like a rant but its not as I am smiling at what I know is my own ineptness however I want the software to be smart enough to make up the difference.

Anderson Abreu

Okay, it is just the announcement I would like to see, not an official announcement ... but perhaps we can pressure them into something similar.

I agree with you!

Anderson Abreu

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1313926#Comment_1313926

It’s a shrinking market. Where will those millions come from?

As far as I know, Logos doesn't even have 1 million users today. Am I wrong?

Andrew Batishko

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1314055#Comment_1314055

Today I searched All Books-All Texts-Romans 11:18 with author:Chrysostom in the search field and found zero results. I wanted some commentary on what the "root" is in that verse ie Christ, Israel, Patriarchs etc.

Here's a tip that might help with future searches...

The search field defines what you are searching for within a book. The mechanism for choosing which book(s) to search is the field that currently says "Your Books" (above the search field). Click that and put author:Chrysostom there and pick the top option that indicates the number of books that match that criteria. This uses the same syntax as what you would use in the Library panel.

Graham Criddle

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1314055#Comment_1314055

Today I searched All Books-All Texts-Romans 11:18 with author:Chrysostom in the search field and found zero results. I wanted some commentary on what the "root" is in that verse ie Christ, Israel, Patriarchs etc.

I think you are wanting to search for the word root in books written by Chrysostom commenting on Romans 11:18. If so, you want the word root in the search field and to restrict the books you are searching by author

Is that more what you were looking for?

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1314081#Comment_1314081

This uses the same syntax as what you would use in the Library panel.

Thank you, Andrew! I've been mytag'ing for years. Also, Graham's example.

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1314075#Comment_1314075

As far as I know, Logos doesn't even have 1 million users today. Am I wrong?

Given that they were suggesting 700,000 users circa 2010, I would expect they have far exceeded 1 million now.

Antony Brennan

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1314094#Comment_1314094

Given that they were suggesting 700,000 users circa 2010, I would expect they have far exceeded 1 million now.

I read somewhere recently that Logos exceeds 1 million users. I just looked for it but couldn't find it again. I think it was in one of those web sites that analyses online business. It puts an interesting perspective on some of the things that are posted here on the forums. Essentially we are hearing from a small handful of people in comparison to the true extent of the user base. I expect that part of the motivation to navigate more significantly into the subscription lane could be that more users than we imagine are already obtaining Logos via subscription.

Fos Zoe

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1314081#Comment_1314081

Thank you for the tip!

Fos Zoe

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1314083#Comment_1314083

Yes that was what I was after. I didn't quite get all the way there I did enter the word root and searched some time after i posted but didn't filter by author. That got me some hits....a few too many

Thanks for the example.

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1314104#Comment_1314104

Essentially we are hearing from a small handful of people in comparison to the true extent of the user base.

Exactly, and as a group we frequently express our personal response as if it were a well-considered response representing all users -- as I deliberately did in that sentence. It drives me nuts that I don't see more "it creates issue 1 for me but I think it is a better approach for group A."

Antony Brennan

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1314108#Comment_1314108

Essentially we are hearing from a small handful of people in comparison to the true extent of the user base.

Exactly, and as a group we frequently express our personal response as if it were a well-considered response representing all users -- as I deliberately did in that sentence. It drives me nuts that I don't see more "it creates issue 1 for me but I think it is a better approach for group A."

On a good day think effective communication is a lot more difficult and demanding than is recognised. On a bad day I can't decide whether the Internet has made me crazy or just revealed my underlying insanity.

danwdoo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1313932#Comment_1313932

It is shrinking less in some traditions than others and in some parts of the world less than others. It depends on how Logos plays its cards.

This is one of the reasons I wish Logos would get very serious about supporting other languages well. There are many people in places where the church is growing that they could not realistically consider using Logos if they wanted to because of the lack of even the Bible in their language. Take Russian that is spoken by several hundred million people, and yet in Logos there is only the one 1950's RST version available. A subscription at a reasonable price point could be attractive to some in these markets to help with the initial cost barrier--assuming the Bibles they actually use are available. I hope we see some movement in this direction in the coming months and years. Publishers will also have to get realistic and more flexible about international markets as well if they want to thrive where the growth is happening.

Anderson Abreu

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1314104#Comment_1314104

Given that they were suggesting 700,000 users circa 2010, I would expect they have far exceeded 1 million now.

I read somewhere recently that Logos exceeds 1 million users.

I had read on the Verbum website in Brazilian Portuguese that it had +536,000 users. As I thought the figure was too high to be just Verbum, I printed it out and saved it so I could look up whether it was just Verbum or Verbum+Logos.

It didn't appear on Logos.com in Portuguese. One day it appeared for me on en.logos.com, but I didn't print it. However, I've now looked at the German Logos site and the same number appears on the page.

This means one of two things: either the previous number released was not from a reliable source or else the number had “users” with accounts created, but without purchasing packages (which makes them not very relevant).
I myself have made test accounts without having purchased a package. I had an account with my wife, without a purchased package, etc. So I imagine that there may be accounts without purchasing resources or inactive purchases without use.
In any case, 536,000 users is the number that appears in these two links (in German and Portuguese).