Proclaim is now over complex - horrible

Ok we have been a Proclaim user for 2 years now and the changes you folks made to the program are horrid. We chose Proclaim because it WAS user friendly and extremely easy to use. Before the program changes, we could go in make our changes and updates to the presentation and be done within 15 minutes. TODAY it is taking an HOUR!!!

The current interface is now cluttered and confusing. There is just way too much on the screen, what would be ideal is to give users an option between a complex user interface and a friendly user interface (which is just like the old one)

You folks need to take a hard look at the current layout and the old layout. If you don't get it here it is....

THE OLD LAYOUT AND FUNCTIONALITY WAS MORE USER FRIENDLY TO WORSHIP LEADERS WHO ARE ON THE GO!

If the ease of use is not brought back to the program we will not be renewing our subscription to Proclaim.

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

Scott Alexander

I'm sorry to hear the new interface changes aren't making it easier for you to create presentations.

The main change in the latest update was adding the new media browser, a major change in how you select a background for a service item. A video of this feature in action can be found on the blog here.

We try our best to meet our customers' needs so if there's something specific that is confusing or slowing you down please let us know and we'll try to help.

Richard Bonjour

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/610775#Comment_610775

Scott, I very much like the new layout! It's starting to get to the point now where we can make well produced slides. Thanks.

Michael Case

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/610775#Comment_610775

There is way too much on screen for the user work space. Also the way in which slides are now edited is over complex. Like I said a 15 minute presentation build is now taking an hour. Finding backgrounds is not the problem, not even close. Heck it was never a problem. The work space is way too cluttered now. Too many options. There should be a function where we can select what tools we want on screen, there should also be an option for a simple editor (which functions like the old one) and one for expert mode for those that want to be more artistic and have the spare time for it.

Yes the slides look good, but there is no need for the cluttered and now confusing interface. I am not asking for the old version to come back, but I am asking for options for those who enjoyed working with the old interface. The only reason we chose Proclaim was because the old interface was easy to use for all levels of technical skill sets. If a new volunteer came in to help with A/V they could pick it up and run it like a pro. The new interface? Not so much.

Scott Alexander

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/610792#Comment_610792

There is way too much on screen for the user work space. Also the way in which slides are now edited is over complex. Like I said a 15 minute presentation build is now taking an hour. Finding backgrounds is not the problem, not even close. Heck it was never a problem. The work space is way too cluttered now. Too many options. There should be a function where we can select what tools we want on screen, there should also be an option for a simple editor (which functions like the old one) and one for expert mode for those that want to be more artistic and have the spare time for it.

Yes the slides look good, but there is no need for the cluttered and now confusing interface. I am not asking for the old version to come back, but I am asking for options for those who enjoyed working with the old interface. The only reason we chose Proclaim was because the old interface was easy to use for all levels of technical skill sets. If a new volunteer came in to help with A/V they could pick it up and run it like a pro. The new interface? Not so much.

I think I understand now. The May 5 1.22 release moved the customization of service items to the forefront, whereas before it was hidden behind the "Customize" button. I will relay this feedback to our designers, thanks for the reply.

Keith Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/610800#Comment_610800

I personally like it-keep up the good work.

Jared

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/610819#Comment_610819

Software must change in order to improve. We must change in order to keep up with the software. This is with every software, and isn't only Proclaim.

In my opinion, the last update has made Proclaim easier. Much easier.

So, please do not take it back to where it was previously, but continue to push Proclaim even further.

Jared

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/610939#Comment_610939

As far as taking 45 minutes longer to set up. I don't see how that's possible.

Take the time to learn it before actually using it. Also, don't try putting things together right before a service. That's never a great idea.

Michael Case

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/610940#Comment_610940

As far as taking 45 minutes longer to set up. I don't see how that's possible.

Take the time to learn it before actually using it. Also, don't try putting things together right before a service. That's never a great idea.

Who is putting a presentation together before a service? That is just poor form.

Michael Case

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/610939#Comment_610939

Software must change in order to improve. We must change in order to keep up with the software. This is with every software, and isn't only Proclaim.

In my opinion, the last update has made Proclaim easier. Much easier.

So, please do not take it back to where it was previously, but continue to push Proclaim even further.

Lets take a look at professional editing software like Avid's Pro Tools. As an Audio Engineer I know for a fact that I can use Pro Tools 1 or Pro Tools 12 and the user interface will be very similar. Yes there will be changes and different features between the versions but the user interface will not be a cluttered and confusing mess, and I can get the session rolling without a problem. What I am looking for is some consistency. Every new update my worship team freaks because something has changed and I have to retrain them so things can get done.

We are asking for options for those who do not want a cluttered and confusing interface and who enjoyed working with the previous layout. It would be one thing if this was a free program but it is not, we have paid for it. As a paying customer we are allowed to speak up when a change happens and it does not work with us.

Jared

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/610973#Comment_610973

PT 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEh-7Niw8lk)

PT 11 (http://rekkerd.org/img/201307/avid_protools11.jpg)

PT 12 isn't here yet, but as you can see they aren't the same, which is a good thing because it was designed in the early 90s apparently. So, if this is "very similar" then this latest update of Proclaim is even more similar. Way more.

I use Final Cut and when X came out that was a dramatic change. I took the time to learn it and to be honest I like it much better than the 7 and down, but it was like learning a whole new software. Apple needed to change the UI..the previous one was designed back in the late 90s. In a funny way it's like saying Saved by the Bell's intro graphics are still cool and will work for today's audience

Regardless, you have the option to update or not to update.

Michael Case

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/610978#Comment_610978

PT 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEh-7Niw8lk)

PT 11 (http://rekkerd.org/img/201307/avid_protools11.jpg)

PT 12 isn't here yet, but as you can see they aren't the same, which is a good thing because it was designed in the early 90s apparently. So, if this is "very similar" then this latest update of Proclaim is even more similar. Way more.

I use Final Cut and when X came out that was a dramatic change. I took the time to learn it and to be honest I like it much better than the 7 and down, but it was like learning a whole new software. Apple needed to change the UI..the previous one was designed back in the late 90s. In a funny way it's like saying Saved by the Bell's intro graphics are still cool and will work for today's audience

Regardless, you have the option to update or not to update.

Jared,

You missed the point of what I was saying. Both Digi Design and Avid made it a point to update their program over the years. Each update complimented the other in a way where the user could find their way around the program with minimal confusion. It was a smooth transition update to update. I am deeply sorry you feel the need to sling insults in my direction.

The initial posts in this thread were from the folks on the worship team. I admin Proclaim for them, and was relaying the words that came from their mouths. I assume you do not work for the Proclaim team, so please spare us from any further replies. We fully understand your point of view and love for Saved By The Bell.

Aaron Linne

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/610978#Comment_610978

Michael -

Thanks for taking the time to reach out and let us know how you feel about the update. We're always trying enhance the productivity of Proclaim while keeping it as streamlined and simple as possible. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us as we try to discern how feature-rich to make the application.

We've also had a lot of positive feedback about the changes we've made, as they resolve a lot of outstanding requests people have had. How can we make this better for you - more training videos? Webinars?

Michael Case

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611003#Comment_611003

Michael -

Thanks for taking the time to reach out and let us know how you feel about the update. We're always trying enhance the productivity of Proclaim while keeping it as streamlined and simple as possible. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us as we try to discern how feature-rich to make the application.

We've also had a lot of positive feedback about the changes we've made, as they resolve a lot of outstanding requests people have had. How can we make this better for you - more training videos? Webinars?

Aaron,

Thank you for the reply. After speaking with our worship team their main concern is consistency. Every one of them are volunteers with full time jobs. Some work in broadcasting, some are teachers, some are engineers, and some are builders and mechanics. Needless to say time is tight for every one of them. For me, I personally do not have a problem working with your software, but it has indeed become cluttered and can be confusing when running the event on air. We are not asking to roll back the clock, we are asking for some functionality for those who do not want so many things taking up space on their interface. I for one am glad you all are trying to make the best product and improve it where possible. Thanks for your time.

Ben Schoffmann

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611014#Comment_611014

Amen. I too am worried that my volunteers will find more "functionality" to be less user friendly. I am fortunate to have consistency in projection with a church plant. I love Proclaim's options to create a great presentation, but running things on Sunday needs to be very simple.

Regards,
Ben

Arild Foslien

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/612151#Comment_612151

The discussion seems to be completed. But let me add a few comments about screen organizing and screen resolution.

In plain Edit mode the work space seems well organized in colums.

In plain On Air mode the screen is OK, but might be adjusted. You may consider reducing the size of the current slide. Use the extra space for expanding the queue of slides - now in one bottom line - to multiple horizontal lines. As a result it might be easier to present songs with a lot of verses/slides.

In combined mode, Edit while On Air, I think the work space is too cluttered. If we use a budget laptop computer with a HD Ready (1366x768) screen resolution there are just too few vertical dots. The field for editing the song texts just disappears. Please consider reorganizing the Edit while On Air screen.

Spencer McKimson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/612519#Comment_612519

Arild,

Thank you for these suggestions, I will pass them on to development.

Robert L. McLellan

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/612151#Comment_612151

It is too complicated. I do presentations on a regular basis and proclaim has become a burden. Losing words, backgrounds, proclaim backgrounds won't show, lyrics slides after the initial are blank, loss of content. Initially Proclaim was fairly simple. Put slides together and show them. Now, updated "features" have made the overall experience too complex for me as a weekly user and definately too complex for the 1x/month volunteer.

Suggestion... go back to the older, simpler version for the standard. Then, use the complicated better version for pro-media subscribers.

I WILL CANCEL our subscription if it is not resolved soon. Thanks.

Robby McLellan Dripping Spring Baptist Church

Scott Alexander

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/620964#Comment_620964

I'm sorry to hear that Proclaim has become frustrating for you to use.

Losing words, backgrounds, proclaim backgrounds won't show, lyrics slides after the initial are blank, loss of content.

These things sound like bugs rather than feature changes. Can you provide a little more information on what you mean by "Losing words"? We really want Proclaim to continue to be simple to use and your feedback is appreciated.