Justifying the expense

This topic has likely been broached before. However, as I look at my physical books and wish they were also in digital form (I really like being able to search books in Logos) I wonder if I should duplicate the expense of buying them again. Has anyone done so? Is it worth it? Please let me know with a post or rambling muse.

K.L.

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Doc B

I wonder if I should duplicate the expense of buying them again.

In my opinion, having done (some of) it, no. I don't regret buying Logos, but I have about 3/5 of my total resources that I never, ever use, and would love to have that money back in my wallet.

JT (alabama24)

Kent - It depends upon the resource. FYI - I sold all of my textbooks back that I could a couple of years ago and was able to purchase most of them back with the proceeds. I'm very glad I did.

Matthew C Jones

This topic has likely been broached before. However, as I look at my physical books and wish they were also in digital form (I really like being able to search books in Logos) I wonder if I should duplicate the expense of buying them again. Has anyone done so? Is it worth it? Please let me know with a post or rambling muse.

K.L.

A "rambling muse" here:

Re-think the idea of duplicating your physical books versus replacing them with electronic books. By disposing of your physical books, once you have them in digital form, you eliminate a lot of negatives associated with a physical library. You don't have to clean them. You won't have to break your back the next time you move. No worries about loss to fire, tornado, or floods. Not even dust mites can ruin your library. You may even finance new Logos e-book acquisitions with funds earned by selling off your physical books. That is about all I will say about it. [:#]

Kent

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495009#Comment_495009

Thanks Alabama, but many of my textbooks are not available in Logos. Some of them I have paid more than a hundred dollars for and the school is offering 10 to buy them back, what a ripoff.

Mark Smith

I have gone through the process of replacing almost all of the paper copies I had of dictionaries and commentaries with Logos versions. I took quite a few years to do so, and then sold the paper versions to recoup a little of the expense. While I would have preferred not to have to have done this, it was a good decision and one I am glad I could make and pay for.

I have added other resources besides dictionaries and commentaries that I had in paper, but those two categories seem to give the greatest payback when available to me in Logos.

Joseph Turner

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495010#Comment_495010

I have had great success selling books that I want to buy in Logos via Amazon.com. I have been pleasantly surprised at how quickly books sell there. I would not be able to keep both digital and paper books, nor would I want to in most cases.

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495015#Comment_495015

I have some duplication between my physical and digital libraries, however I am moving towards a logos only library and am happy about the decision.

I have a number of journals on a shelf. Its a pain if I want to read what a particular journal has to say about a specific topic... find the index journal, find the topic at hand, read the article.

Wheras with Logos a few buttons on the keyboard and viola I've found what I'm looking for.

Also with the linking of the journals to other resources, if one is quoted, a few clicks (assuming I own the quoted resource) takes me to the quote in context.

The same holds true for dictionaries, and so forth. In stead of grabbing each individual book, searching the TOC or Index for what you're looking for, I can simply search across all my dictionaries, or commentaries etc, and view all the results in more or less the same place!

This save more time than I can quantify...

papa_gowgow

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495019#Comment_495019

Between the saving of physical space, the option to recoup via Amazon, Alibris and other websites, and the functionality of the Logos library I'd say it's a no-brainer. Also the recent discussions re a 'send to Kindle' feature coupled with Android apps, means that you have a Martini library - any time, any place, anywhere.

on the keyboard and viola

That's music to my ears... [;)]

Mark Barnes

However, as I look at my physical books and wish they were also in digital form (I really like being able to search books in Logos) I wonder if I should duplicate the expense of buying them again. Has anyone done so? Is it worth it?

Every time one of the print books I own arrives in Logos, I sell the print book via Amazon, and purchase the Logos edition. I rarely cover my costs, but I usually get about 75% of the value of the Logos book covered. I've sold of hundreds of volumes this way. The convenience of Logos makes it a no-brainer for me.

Lee

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495099#Comment_495099

<ramble> I've given away many books, both intentionally (as gifts) and also sometimes to clear the shelf. I think that's an option to consider, if finances are not that tight. </ramble>

Whyndell Grizzard

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495099#Comment_495099

I was going to delve into this but decided to just say "buyer beware" Logos is expensive, do your research you may find you can use other programs or resources side by side without breaking the bank.

I still have a paper library, as well as two other programs I use which has saved me a substantial amount buy not buying them in my Logos.

You control your finances, its your $$'s and your responsibility to use what God has given you wisely. Not about who has the biggest toys.

Everett Headley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495111#Comment_495111

I have for the past few years sold many of my physical books on ebay and then replaced many of them on Logos. You have to make the judgement call if a particular resource is worth replacing if you sell the hardcopy version. For me if I can sell the book for about half of the Logos version, then I will replace it. I am trying to get rid of all my harcopy commentaries first, then dictionaries, then theology. I have went from 10 bookshelves to just 4 in 2 years. I think you will always have some hardcopies, either Logos doesn't carry it or you have some books that have sentimental value (like the Barth commentary on Romans that I spent one summer class reading about a hundred times.)

Bruce Dunning

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495118#Comment_495118

Logos has not been able to replace every book in my library but I'm trying to replace as many as possible. Selling paper versions is one option. Another option is giving them away to bless others.

fgh

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495013#Comment_495013

Some of them I have paid more than a hundred dollars for and the school is offering 10 to buy them back, what a ripoff.

I tend to sell most of my books for more than I bought them for.[:D]

Jack Caviness

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495118#Comment_495118

I think you will always have some hardcopies, either Logos doesn't carry it or you have some books that have sentimental value

Not being a sentimental person, I have no books of this type. Have pretty much given up on dead tree resource because of the hassle of searching for information in them. Just have one or two hardcover books that are not (yet) available in Logos.

Donated almost all of my paper library, as finances were not really an issue (my wife lets me keep most of what I earn from a part-time job, most of which goes to Logos [:D]).

BTW: Older persons like Milford Murray and I enjoy digital resources far more than paper ones [H]

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495111#Comment_495111

I was going to delve into this but decided to just say "buyer beware" Logos is expensive, do your research you may find you can use other programs or resources side by side without breaking the bank.

That reminds me of the old days when I had my kitchen table covered with my Bible, several commentaries, Strong's, and all volumes of the ISBE.

Bruce Dunning

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495222#Comment_495222

That reminds me of the old days when I had my kitchen table covered with my Bible, several commentaries, Strong's, and all volumes of the ISBE.

I am happy to not return to those days! Logos makes study so much easier now and, as a result, I find myself studying even more.

Whyndell Grizzard

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495222#Comment_495222

I was going to delve into this but decided to just say "buyer beware" Logos is expensive, do your research you may find you can use other programs or resources side by side without breaking the bank.

That reminds me of the old days when I had my kitchen table covered with my Bible, several commentaries, Strong's, and all volumes of the ISBE.

I still do that occasionally - but most of the time, dual monitors with Logos and another favorite program, and there is still plenty of room for a couple books.

David Bailey

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495239#Comment_495239

More than 2,000 books fall, brought to you by the Seattle Public Library.

Record setting domino chain reaction (edit: even better link!)

Thank the Lord for my Logos digital library that I can bring with me. Now if only Logos could write an app that allows us to virtually stack our books to create our own domino chains?

David

Kent

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495257#Comment_495257

I appreciate the feedback. I would like to exchange my paper books for digital ones but I fear the future. Software changes, fads, and this guy, www.kevinpurcell.org/5-reasons-to-buy-logos-bible-software/‎

Kent

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495350#Comment_495350

The last post was an attempt at humor but got lost in translation or somewhere else.

Deacon Steve

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495352#Comment_495352

The last post was an attempt at humor but got lost in translation or somewhere else.

Hmmm. Very weird.

Bruce Dunning

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495381#Comment_495381

Hmmm. Very weird.

I was thinking the same thing.[:D]

David Kirk Davis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495257#Comment_495257

I am replacing all my hard copy volumes with Logos. I love having my library on my ipad. It is with me everywhere I go. I have not regretted any money I have spent.

Milford Charles Murray

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495124#Comment_495124

I think you will always have some hardcopies, either Logos doesn't carry it or you have some books that have sentimental value

Not being a sentimental person, I have no books of this type. Have pretty much given up on dead tree resource because of the hassle of searching for information in them. Just have one or two hardcover books that are not (yet) available in Logos.

Donated almost all of my paper library, as finances were not really an issue (my wife lets me keep most of what I earn from a part-time job, most of which goes to Logos ).

BTW: Older persons like Milford Murray and I enjoy digital resources far more than paper ones

Thou speakest truly, Brother Jack! *smile* (Although, I must admit that sometimes I miss the "smell" of a good book, particularly the wonderful aroma of a leather-bound Bible -- especially the King James ???? -- actually not sure about the version -- actually any leather-bound Bible -- )

Peace! *smile*

Milford Charles Murray

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495257#Comment_495257

More than 2,000 books fall, brought to you by the Seattle Public Library.

Record setting domino chain reaction (edit: even better link!)

Thank the Lord for my Logos digital library that I can bring with me. Now if only Logos could write an app that allows us to virtually stack our books to create our own domino chains?

David

Thank you, David! Very much! Very pleasant! *smile* Psalm 29:11

Mitchell

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495257#Comment_495257

I strongly recommend that you make a spreadsheet and do the math. That's what I did before buying a base package. Logos' advertised "worth over $28,000 in print" is meaningless if you don't want or need most of those books.

Copy the list of books in the various base packages from the comparison page into a spreadsheet, then mark the books according to whether you need/want them. I did a 1-2-3 scale, where 1 was "I would never buy this, but I'll probably use it if I have it," 2 was "I want this and might buy it," and 3 was "if I don't get the base package, I will still definitely buy this book." If you wouldn't use it or already own it, leave it blank. Look up the individual prices in Logos, stick them in the spreadsheet, and add them up for each level (the SUMIF function is great for this).

For me, the "need" books included in Platinum added up about $100 less than the cost of the Platinum package. If I included the "want" books, the cost of buying individually was about $500 higher than the cost of the Platinum package.

So yes, I have a lot of books in my library that I don't want or need, but I consider those "freebies." I'm confident that I paid a good price for the set of books that I do want and need, and that's what matters.

Kent

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495622#Comment_495622

Thanks all- the question was, Do I buy the books in the digital format -Logos- that I already have in paper form thus duplicating the expense? One example would be Grudem's Systematic Theology, a book I still have a need for.

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495637#Comment_495637

Do I buy the books in the digital format -Logos- that I already have in paper form thus duplicating the expense? One example would be Grudem's Systematic Theology, a book I still have a need for.

I know that Grudem has been on sale from time to time over the past couple of years. Wait until then.

Kevin Maples

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495647#Comment_495647

What would be a good sale price for Grudem?

Mitchell

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495637#Comment_495637

Thanks all- the question was, Do I buy the books in the digital format -Logos- that I already have in paper form thus duplicating the expense? One example would be Grudem's Systematic Theology, a book I still have a need for.

For something like a Systematic Theology, I wouldn't buy it again if I already have a print copy. Especially Grudem's, but to each his own. [:)]

For a dictionary, encylopedia, or especially an original language resource (lexicon or grammar), I think it would definitely be worth it to repurchase in Logos, and perhaps sell the print copy. A commentary would be somewhere in between for me, but I'd think about it if there was a really good deal.

The question, really, is how much value Logos adds for a particular book. Search-ability is always an advantage, but Google Books search works for finding page numbers when I own a print copy. Quick lookup and integration with the Passage and Exegetical Guides are, to my mind, the biggest advantages of Logos resources over print, and those come into play especially with dictionaries, commentaries, and lexical resources.

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495701#Comment_495701

What would be a good sale price for Grudem?

$27.99 or cheaper. Give sales a call and see if they can do that price now. Read the reviews on the product page to see why you should buy it now.

Sales 800-875-6467 or (360) 685-443

7

Kent

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495863#Comment_495863

Since I cannot take a library with me as I work for a railroad and travel constantly, I guess I will buy the digital books I can (the ones Logos carries). I may also buy a Kindle fire to get the ones Logos does not carry. Amazon provides digital books of most books I need. I am trying to finish my degree which is mostly online and I serve as a Bi-vocational Pastor. My library at home is more of a "trophy case" now anyway.

Edwin Bowden

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495921#Comment_495921

Since I started using Logos about 5 yrs ago, it was a real paradigm shift for my Bible study.

I initially thought that I would not want to duplicate those already on my shelves. I soon realized that I got more use out of titles in Logos. My large print library is now mostly unused. I waited for my favorites to go on sale (or show up in upgrade packages) and then added the electronic versions.

It's a gradual process. Doesn't have to be done immediately.

Bruce Dunning

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495944#Comment_495944

I soon realized that I got more use out of titles in Logos. My large print library is now mostly unused.

My experience exactly.

mab

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/495990#Comment_495990

I've been selling off print volumes more now on an-going basis. I made a major investment in most of them long ago. I physically couldn't possibly do with bound volumes what I do with Logos especially now. Logos is a real blessing.

J Hale

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/496063#Comment_496063

I wouldn’t even think of buying even half of my Logos e-books, in print form. Why? Mostly because space and expense. I bought several commentaries on the Community Pricing section for a fraction of what Logos requests now that it is an e-book, I can’t imagine what the cost would be for the print books. I have a small religious print-book library at home, so that means that I only had to pay twice on a book, only a hand-full of times. I never regret paying twice for the Logos e-book version, just frustrated at buying the book in the first place, just to later see the book offered, in the far superior, Logos e-book version.

Bruce Dunning

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/496080#Comment_496080

I wouldn’t even think of buying even half of my Logos e-books, in print form. Why? Mostly because space and expense.

I can imagine that years ago the book publishing industry was concerned that the new digital age may dramatically reduce their profits but I think the opposite may have resulted. The publishing industry has changed considerably in the last 20 years.

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