Faithlife updated with new features!
Faithlife.com keeps getting better! Today we added
visibility for your Logos reading plans; group reading with Faithlife groups is
coming soon.
Today we also added group associations; edit Group Settings
for a group you're an admin of, and you can associate groups, which will appear
on a group's "Groups" tab. This lets you associate your presentation
team or youth group or small group with your church group.
The new Documents tab lets group admins upload arbitrary
documents (PDF, Word, whatever) to a group for downloading by group members.
Comments
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There is the Logos documents section...which kind are these? Can they be shared now or is this a future feature?
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Philana Crouch said:
There is the Logos documents section...which kind are these? Can they be shared now or is this a future feature?
Seems active now, maybe Faithlife will have the features still missing from the program soon....
Logos 10 - OpenSuse Tumbleweed, Windows 11, Android 16 & Android 14
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Philana Crouch said:
There is the Logos documents section...which kind are these?
Document sharing is very close! Details to follow soon.
(You'll be able to mark documents as shared for copying -- people can take their own "copy" of any of your documents you choose to allow this for. You'll also be able to collaborate with a group on a document in the future, including reading plans, which will support a "newsfeed" of comments about the reading. And privacy is protected; nothing will be shared or exposed without your permission.)
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Looking forward to getting my smallgroup on this.
Jacob Hantla
Pastor/Elder, Grace Bible Church
gbcaz.org0 -
I'm ready and waiting with a document to upload.
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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Can we upload a shared Evernote notebook? Someone could create a lesson study for a small group and keep it updated. This could be a usefull possibility.
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Very nice additions. Now I need to get folks on board.
Pastor, North Park Baptist Church
Bridgeport, CT USA
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Uploading is quick and easy. You can even upload more than one document at a time. I have only tested with pdf files.
Mission: To serve God as He desires.
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I am unable to upload a document from my iPad. Since this is designed to be a mobile app, is this ability coming, or are my troubles isolated and others can do this?
Pastor, North Park Baptist Church
Bridgeport, CT USA
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Mark Smith said:
I am unable to upload a document from my iPad. Since this is designed to be a mobile app, is this ability coming, or are my troubles isolated and others can do this?
Mark - The iPad "sandboxes" files & apps for the safety of users. There are ways for other apps to access some of the data (for example, Apple allows certain apps to have access to the "pictures" folder), but I don't know of a way to upload files from a web based interface.
Out of curiosity, what file type were you trying to upload?
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I was testing this on my android phone, and uploading a document was hard to do because the popup window was never center (most of the time not even visible)
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Alabama
I never got to try because tapping the Upload a document hotspot produces no result. No dialog box opens. Does anyone else get a dialog box?
While there may be reasons this is a challenge, building a mobile app that can't perform a significant function that can be done via the computer seems a bit off. I'm glad it can be done somehow.
My interest would be to upload a file that is in Dropbox.
Pastor, North Park Baptist Church
Bridgeport, CT USA
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My dialog box opens, but it is off the screen. I need to scroll over to the right and down to find it.Mark Smith said:Alabama
I never got to try because tapping the Upload a document hotspot produces no result. No dialog box opens. Does anyone else get a dialog box?
While there may be reasons this is a challenge, building a mobile app that can't perform a significant function that can be done via the computer seems a bit off. I'm glad it can be done somehow.
My interest would be to upload a file that is in Dropbox.
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Mark Smith said:
While there may be reasons this is a challenge, building a mobile app that can't perform a significant function that can be done via the computer seems a bit off. I'm glad it can be done somehow.
Again Mark, this is an iOS issue. For example, instead of using the Faithlife app, try using safari. You will get the same results. While using safari, try using the Dropbox website… it won't work. In the screen shot below, you can see the "upload" box appear, but it won't work. Apple allows for very tightly controlled sharing of data on iOS devices. I am not sure if the Dropbox app even can interact with other apps. If it could, Logos would need to specifically program for that functionality. They would have to do the same for any other file sharing app out there.
Another thing to consider is that the function you are talking about isn't "in the app" but is rather on a website which you have viewed from the app. I guess what I am trying to say is that it isn't like Logos created a "share documents" button for the mobile app and then it didn't work. The "share documents" button is really intended for viewing on your desktop computer.
I reserve the right to eat humble pie if/when I am shown to be wrong. [:D]
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Alabama, you are undoubtedly correct as I don't know of another program that allows direct file uploads via the iPad.
Pastor, North Park Baptist Church
Bridgeport, CT USA
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I'm still not sure I know what Faithlife is. When I go to the Faithlife.com I'm faced with a 'sign on' screen. If I click on 'What it is', I get one or two sentences that suggest a lot of things but doesn't really spell out what the product is. I realize it is in Beta status but I think more needs to be detailed about what it is, how it works, what it is intended to accomplish, and etc.
I don't want to sign on until I know what i'm getting into. Over the years I have "signed on" without really knowing what I was getting into and I have regretted it enough to learn not to do it again. Also if there is going to be a cost connected with Faithlife be upfront enough to at least mention it.
Is it possible to set up a sample ( not video) but a sample where we can observe Faithlife in use? The videos simply shove information at you before you can figure what it is and how you could/would use it.
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Ed Blough said:
I'm still not sure I know what Faithlife is.
A slight irritation of mine is the way Logos uses terms (although perhaps it is us users who cause the real problem). Faithlife can refer to several things:
- A mobile application
- A collection of resources (created by Logos) including a study bible, videos and info graphics
- A social media website designed to assist religious groups (i.e. churches, sunday schools, small groups, etc).
Ed Blough said:I don't want to sign on until I know what i'm getting into. Over the years I have "signed on" without really knowing what I was getting into and I have regretted it enough to learn not to do it again. Also if there is going to be a cost connected with Faithlife be upfront enough to at least mention it.
Logos HAS been upfront about it, but perhaps the welcome screen needs to be updated. The intention at this point is for Faithlife to become a subscription service. It is currently free (for more than a year), but you must use a code to subscribe.
Ed Blough said:Is it possible to set up a sample ( not video) but a sample where we can observe Faithlife in use?
Since it is in beta, videos would not be of too much use.
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alabama24 said:
A slight irritation of mine is the way Logos uses terms (although perhaps it is us users who cause the real problem). Faithlife can refer to several things:
- A mobile application
- A collection of resources (created by Logos) including a study bible, videos and info graphics
- A social media website designed to assist religious groups (i.e. churches, sunday schools, small groups, etc).
It is Logos' responsibility to make sure that their message is clear and understandable, not the users. This is not the first time where Logos' message has been confusing.
I know the various items Logos is producing, and I first went to the app to check this out; I was confused by their message. They simply need to change the name of the website and/or mobile app. If they don't, users will stay confused.
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tom collinge said:
It is Logos' responsibility to make sure that their message is clear and understandable, not the users.
Agreed.
tom collinge said:They simply need to change the name of the website and/or mobile app. If they don't, users will stay confused.
I am not sure what to think about this. There are good things about synergy, but I agree it can be confusing. The same is true about Vyrso, which can mean:
- A mobile app
- An eBook store
- A "level" or "edition" of resource produced by Logos
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I cant seem to upload a document. The dialog box comes up but nothing happens when I press the upload button. I can push the cancel button and the screen goes away, but nothing happens when I press the upload.
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J.D. Matthews said:
I cant seem to upload a document. The dialog box comes up but nothing happens when I press the upload button. I can push the cancel button and the screen goes away, but nothing happens when I press the upload.
Are you on your computer (Mac or PC) or on a mobile device?
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alabama24 said:
I am not sure what to think about this. There are good things about synergy, but I agree it can be confusing. The same is true about Vyrso, which can mean:
You brought up another one VYSRO????? What is it? I have tried to find out since it has been out. If I go to the website it appears to be a iphone/smartphone/tablet app, yet others seem to suggest they have it on their PC's. Every so often I see a "FREE" book brought to you by Vysro, but when I go to download it to see what will happen I have to enter personal data I don't want on the internet unless it "must" be there. Free to me does not suggest my credit card number. I haven't even been able to find out who Vysro is, is it Logos? Is it another company? If it is another company who are these people that want my credit card number under the promise of a free book.
When it is all said and done I still don't know what VYSRO is and I don't know what Faithlife is all about.
Perhaps it is me, but clear your mind of all knowledge of VYSRO or FaithLife and go to the websites. You know nothing but what is told to you on the the respective websites.. Click the help screens, watch the videos, click on every available link and when you finish using only what you have learned tell me what either VYSRO or Faithlife really is.
I say it can't be done or I have missed something, somewhere like basic English comprehension. Both these sites read like something that came out of a advertising shop. A lot like these new ads on TV that after they are finished you look at your spouse and say what was that????? In fact they are almost identical to the new drug ads, that show smiling faces and happy people doing wonderful and exciting things, then they read a list warnings may cause cancer, heart disease, lost of lost of memory, loss of sight, loss of mobility and etc. but no where did they ever mention what the original problem the drug was for to start with. Lots of hype, lots of promise, lots of suggestions but no real information. One thing you are sure is after hearing all the side effects you don't want any part of that drug.
That to me is exactly how both these products are being presented lots of smiling faces, lots of promise, lots of (to me) useless information but no real 'this is what it is and this is what it does and this is how we believe it will make your Bible Study, your church, or whatever better.'
End result I have never used VYSRO and though I have downloaded the Faithlife Bible I really don't know much more about it. In another thread I mentioned this and Bob said I needed to go to the videos and help. I have and instead of saying this is what the product is, this is the system requirements to run it, this is the expected benefits you will receive from using it. I see screenshots of smiling people and bits and pieces of information. Go to the VYSRO site and it is the same thing all it talks about is apps. But are those apps for PC's and/or mobile devices or what???????
It should be very easy to explain clearly and concisely what VYSRO and Faithlife is. If it can't be done then I suspect I'm not being told the "rest of the story." and that makes me suspicious.
And no I'm not against smiling faces!!!
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Ed Blough said:
You brought up another one VYSRO????? What is it? I have tried to find out since it has been out. If I go to the website it appears to be a iphone/smartphone/tablet app, yet others seem to suggest they have it on their PC's.
Vyrso can refer to several things:
- A "trade" e-Book store from Logos. (Trade books vs. "academic" ones. Think of your local evangelical "christian" book store. Amish Romance Novels along side of "christian living" titles).
- A resource "edition" compatible with Logos software (L4, Biblia & Mobile apps). They are bare bones eBooks, which have been put through an automation process to add Scripture hyperlinking. They are not linked like "logos" editions.
- A mobile app (it is basically the Logos mobile app with less features… more designed for just reading i.e. not word studies, etc.)
Ed Blough said:Every so often I see a "FREE" book brought to you by Vysro, but when I go to download it to see what will happen I have to enter personal data I don't want on the internet unless it "must" be there. Free to me does not suggest my credit card number.
There are 20+ Free books each month, plus other special discounts. Many of the freebies are offered as a "one day only" deal extended by the publisher and made accessible through Vyrso/Logos.
As for the personal data/credit card - that is standard fare. Once you log in with your Logos account, I don't think you have to re-enter any credit card info. If you don't like the idea of the credit card, you can get a burner one from Walmart. Free books are just that - free. You must have a paid account. This policy is true with Amazon & iTunes as well, for example.
Ed Blough said:I haven't even been able to find out who Vysro is, is it Logos? Is it another company? If it is another company who are these people that want my credit card number under the promise of a free book.
Vyrso is owned and operated by Logos. I am not sure if it is technically another company or not (for legal reasons), but it is owned and run by the same people.
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J.D. Matthews said:
I cant seem to upload a document. The dialog box comes up but nothing happens when I press the upload button. I can push the cancel button and the screen goes away, but nothing happens when I press the upload.
If you are using IE 9 on Windows then this is a known tracked issue that we're working on fixing. If not, please let us know the browser and OS you are using. Thanks and sorry for the file upload problems.
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alabama24 said:Ed Blough said:
You brought up another one VYSRO????? What is it? I have tried to find out since it has been out. If I go to the website it appears to be a iphone/smartphone/tablet app, yet others seem to suggest they have it on their PC's.
Vyrso can refer to several things:
- A "trade" e-Book store from Logos. (Trade books vs. "academic" ones. Think of your local evangelical "christian" book store. Amish Romance Novels along side of "christian living" titles).
- A resource "edition" compatible with Logos software (L4, Biblia & Mobile apps). They are bare bones eBooks, which have been put through an automation process to add Scripture hyperlinking. They are not linked like "logos" editions.
- A mobile app (it is basically the Logos mobile app with less features… more designed for just reading i.e. not word studies, etc.)
I think I understand but your answer used terms that perhaps carried a clear meaning to you but to me was a little confusing.
Here is what I think you are saying.
VYRSO is a venue developed by Logos to make personal entertainment Christian resources available in electronic form. VYRSO resources/books are able to be read by Logos on PC's and Mac's and also by the free VYROS app developed for mobile devices. However remember VYRSO books are not indexed for concordance type searches as are Logos resources, but they are hyperlinked to scripture (will show the Bible verse) when a Bible verse reference is made.
Does that basically sum it up in a few words or am I still missing something?
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Ed Blough said:
Does that basically sum it up in a few words or am I still missing something?
Mostly. [:)] One minor correction:
Ed Blough said:VYRSO is a venue developed by Logos to make personal entertainment Christian resources available in electronic form.
Vyrso books include both fiction and non-fiction. You will have books such as Amish Romance Novels, Spiritual Disciplines, and family life (marriage, parenting, etc) all thrown in together. Typically these are not "academic" books (although some have been), but they are not all "entertainment" books either.
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Ed Blough said:alabama24 said:Ed Blough said:
You brought up another one VYSRO????? What is it? I have tried to find out since it has been out. If I go to the website it appears to be a iphone/smartphone/tablet app, yet others seem to suggest they have it on their PC's.
Vyrso can refer to several things:
- A "trade" e-Book store from Logos. (Trade books vs. "academic" ones. Think of your local evangelical "christian" book store. Amish Romance Novels along side of "christian living" titles).
- A resource "edition" compatible with Logos software (L4, Biblia & Mobile apps). They are bare bones eBooks, which have been put through an automation process to add Scripture hyperlinking. They are not linked like "logos" editions.
- A mobile app (it is basically the Logos mobile app with less features… more designed for just reading i.e. not word studies, etc.)
I think I understand but your answer used terms that perhaps carried a clear meaning to you but to me was a little confusing.
Here is what I think you are saying.
VYRSO is a venue developed by Logos to make personal entertainment Christian resources available in electronic form. VYRSO resources/books are able to be read by Logos on PC's and Mac's and also by the free VYROS app developed for mobile devices. However remember VYRSO books are not indexed for concordance type searches as are Logos resources, but they are hyperlinked to scripture (will show the Bible verse) when a Bible verse reference is made.
Does that basically sum it up in a few words or am I still missing something?
They are indexed, you can search them, but they are not intensively tagged (Greek, Hebrew ect.). They also are not just Christian entertainment books. They also include books on ministry and leadership (they just added a ton of titles from Zondervan). But they are the type of books you would purchase at say Family Christian Stores and not purchase at a local seminary bookstore. Logos is more like a digital seminary bookstore, Vyrso is like Berean or Family Christian or Lifeway ect.
Maybe this might help with Faithlife.
Faithlife Study Bible (FSB) is a digital study Bible that will be constantly update with new content. It has videos, study notes, photos, and infographics. Included in the Faithlife Study Bible app is a mobile way to access Faithlife.com (a community or small group website). You are able to access Faithlife.com on the web as well, this is just a mobile way to access.
Included with the FSB is the Lexham Bible Dictionary (its very good) and layers of study notes (the third layer is links to relevant Logos resources for those who own them).
With Faithlife.com users or churches can create small groups for study or discussion. These can be accessed from with in the FSB app. Currently we can share documents (Lessons) and upload on the website (you download on an iPad but not upload due to Apples file structure). In the near future we will be able to create shared group reading plans (the Bible or a book from say Vyrso) and share our note and highlighting documents with each other.
Groups can be open, require permission to join, or invite only (great for accountability groups). Group members can then take what are called Community Notes (they show up in the text) and can specify whether to share it publicly or with their group. You can for example study Philippians 2 as a group and as you are reading see group members notes and insights. Soon you can read the Bible or a book together and comment on each days reading.
Does this help at all? If not let me know.
Blessings,
Philana
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Yes IE9
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Philana Crouch said:Ed Blough said:alabama24 said:Ed Blough said:
You brought up another one VYSRO????? What is it? I have tried to find out since it has been out. If I go to the website it appears to be a iphone/smartphone/tablet app, yet others seem to suggest they have it on their PC's.
Vyrso can refer to several things:
- A "trade" e-Book store from Logos. (Trade books vs. "academic" ones. Think of your local evangelical "christian" book store. Amish Romance Novels along side of "christian living" titles).
- A resource "edition" compatible with Logos software (L4, Biblia & Mobile apps). They are bare bones eBooks, which have been put through an automation process to add Scripture hyperlinking. They are not linked like "logos" editions.
- A mobile app (it is basically the Logos mobile app with less features… more designed for just reading i.e. not word studies, etc.)
I think I understand but your answer used terms that perhaps carried a clear meaning to you but to me was a little confusing.
Here is what I think you are saying.
VYRSO is a venue developed by Logos to make personal entertainment Christian resources available in electronic form. VYRSO resources/books are able to be read by Logos on PC's and Mac's and also by the free VYROS app developed for mobile devices. However remember VYRSO books are not indexed for concordance type searches as are Logos resources, but they are hyperlinked to scripture (will show the Bible verse) when a Bible verse reference is made.
Does that basically sum it up in a few words or am I still missing something?
They are indexed, you can search them, but they are not intensively tagged (Greek, Hebrew ect.). They also are not just Christian entertainment books. They also include books on ministry and leadership (they just added a ton of titles from Zondervan). But they are the type of books you would purchase at say Family Christian Stores and not purchase at a local seminary bookstore. Logos is more like a digital seminary bookstore, Vyrso is like Berean or Family Christian or Lifeway ect.
Maybe this might help with Faithlife.
Faithlife Study Bible (FSB) is a digital study Bible that will be constantly update with new content. It has videos, study notes, photos, and infographics. Included in the Faithlife Study Bible app is a mobile way to access Faithlife.com (a community or small group website). You are able to access Faithlife.com on the web as well, this is just a mobile way to access.
Included with the FSB is the Lexham Bible Dictionary (its very good) and layers of study notes (the third layer is links to relevant Logos resources for those who own them).
With Faithlife.com users or churches can create small groups for study or discussion. These can be accessed from with in the FSB app. Currently we can share documents (Lessons) and upload on the website (you download on an iPad but not upload due to Apples file structure). In the near future we will be able to create shared group reading plans (the Bible or a book from say Vyrso) and share our note and highlighting documents with each other.
Groups can be open, require permission to join, or invite only (great for accountability groups). Group members can then take what are called Community Notes (they show up in the text) and can specify whether to share it publicly or with their group. You can for example study Philippians 2 as a group and as you are reading see group members notes and insights. Soon you can read the Bible or a book together and comment on each days reading.
Does this help at all? If not let me know.
Blessings,
Philana
Thanks!
Here is what I think I'm hearing. Faithlife is really two distinct projects; one the Faithlife Bible which appears to be an ever growing all in one resource for Bible Study. Is that correct?
The second the Faithlife Community. This community can be accessed by PC's or Mac's by simply joining at Faithlife.com and by mobile devices using the Faithlife App.
Is that basically correct? If it is I have another question.
My question then becomes how is Faithlife.com different from setting up a group on Facebook? Last Summer the ladies of our church did a number of Bible studies using a closed group on facebook. The group was set up and each lady had to request entrance or be invited into the group, once it was granted they could see everyone's comments on the day's study. It was patterned after a project by another church call, "Good Morning Ladies". The facilitator would post the day's passage for study and each member had an opportunity to comment on it while reading any previous comments. At the end of the study they had a complete day by day record of everything that was discussed and comments they had made.
What is the expected results of all of this?
When we did the "Good Morning Ladies" bible study participation was marginal even though it was totally free.
Many objected to being on a network where they themselves could not control who would hear what they said. Unlike a class setting where everyone can see everyone and you know exactly who is going to hear what you say and you can see their reactions as you speak.
Others didn't have time between work, family and other church functions. It almost became like "homework" to some. Others enjoyed the interaction but many felt it was a burden to them. Those that felt it was a burden almost all said they preferred a class room setting instead.
Still others felt uncomfortable expressing their thoughts. And since this was online no one knew when they were actually participating which made it impossible to draw them in by asking direct question until they felt comfortable to do it on their own.
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