Has Faithlife stated a policy on The Future, Discontinuing Books, Wokeness, Etc?

Regarding 'hate speech':  The definition is intentionally fluid. Tyrants typically hijack language first. We Yanks could be on the precipice of the 'Cole Porter' stage of Constitutional evolution ('anything goes').

Regarding stealth edits of electronic books:  There is a recent precedent. While we know FaithLife isn't Amazon, some might remember when (now former) Baptist author Beth Moore decided to be Winston Smith For A Day and edit the Kindle version of a book she had written several years earlier. My understanding is the action was taken without any notification to current licensees.

I have had many books edited and some books removed from my Amazon account. Amazon is supposed to offer a refund for the books removed, but that does not always happen. I purchase from Faithlife with the understanding that is likely to happen with them also at some point, and maybe that it already has happened.

One thing I have realized over time is that when a feared thing happens, that feared thing does not happen in isolation of other changes. Often the feared thing does occur, but I often don't care because so much else changed in my life at the same time. That feared thing is often irrelevant or no longer needed, and almost always insignificant in comparison to the other changes.

By the time Faithlife falls apart, basic access to wifi and control over our computers will likely be a bigger issue for us. Many of us will no longer have a way to access whatever is left in our Faithlife accounts. And we will be living different lives that revolve around a changed internet and different kinds of devices designed to connect to that changed internet.

God is in control. He does not burden us with knowledge of the future that we cannot bear, and we can trust our daddy to prepare us for that time without fully disclosing what is going to happen to us. The Bible warns us to live for today and not to hoard or worry about the future.

I have realized that I only need access to my Faithlife account when I am living a lifestyle that is like running on a hamster wheel. When I get thrown off my wheel and start living a less sheltered and caged life, I have all that I need for that time. God keeps me supplied with the tools for each task He assigns.

I just made another cross country move and my life is in upheaval and I am just watching God do what He does. He is setting me up for my next task. I have lost old tools and I am being gifted new ones. Nothing entrusted to us is ours. It all belongs to God and He will distribute those items and access and opportunities where He thinks they are most needed. 

Pharaoh demanded that the Israelite slaves make bricks without supplying the needed straw. Jesus told us that His burden is light, and it is. His burden only feels heavy when we are trying to complete tasks that were never assigned to us. We can trust that the necessary tools will always be supplied for the tasks assigned.

DMB said:

But a new owner would be a new equation.  It's like getting new neighbors ... that own your house

Good one, Denise.  This is my major concern.  New owner might want to institute a mandatory monthly rental fee, for example.

Hello everyone,

I appreciate the insights shared in this discussion and wanted to bring attention to some recent developments at Faithlife that might further contextualize our concerns.

1. Leadership Change: As some of you might already know, there has been a significant leadership change at Faithlife. Co-founder Bob Pritchett has transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman, and Vik Rajagopal has been appointed as the new CEO​​. Moreover, the majority shares of Faithlife are now owned by Cove Hill Partners​ (Information source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faithlife_Corporation, and https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Faithlife-EI_IE888280.11,20.htmr)​.

2. Permanency of Licenses: This discussion has raised valid points regarding the permanency of our licenses, especially in light of the recent leadership change. It's comforting to know that our books are stored locally, as mentioned in a previous discussion on this forum​3​.

3. Contingency Plans: The concerns regarding what might happen to our libraries and licenses if Faithlife were to face operational challenges are indeed pertinent. It's a reality we've seen with other platforms in the past, and having a clear understanding of Faithlife's contingency plans would be reassuring.

4. Engagement with the User Community: The engagement and communication between Faithlife and the user community are crucial, especially during times of change. It would be beneficial to have more transparent and open communication regarding any strategic shifts that might impact us as users.

5. Diversifying Platforms: Given the evolving nature of digital platforms, it might be wise to consider diversifying our digital libraries across different platforms such as Kindle and Accordance. This could provide a level of security and flexibility, ensuring continuous access to our resources regardless of the changes in a single platform.

6. Future Direction: Understanding the strategic direction Faithlife and Logos will be taking under the new leadership would also help in alleviating some concerns. Open discussions and official communications from Faithlife on this would be much appreciated.

This is a time of change, and having clarity on these aspects can help us make informed decisions regarding our investments in digital resources. I am keen to hear your thoughts on these matters and any additional information or insights you might have come across.

Thank you for engaging in this important discussion.

This why it is essential to have a non-internet backup source, i.e. 4-5 TB stand alone with no access except when you back it up. Trust no company to protect your rights or property, they are all subject to corruption.

The reviews on Glassdoor for Faithlife, spanning from November 2022 to October 2023, exhibit a mix of praise and criticism, with a notable lean towards negative feedback. Below is a summary of the reviews:

Positive Aspects:

1. Mission Driven: Employees value the company’s mission of serving the church community and facilitating the study of religious texts.
2. Flexible Work Environment: Mentioned frequently is the flexibility in working hours, with some also appreciating the permanent work-from-home option.
3. Collegial Atmosphere: Several reviews cite good working relationships with colleagues and supervisors as a positive aspect.
4. Software Quality: The quality and usefulness of Faithlife’s software, especially the Logos Bible Software, was acknowledged.

Negative Aspects:

1. Change in Culture and Leadership: The transition in leadership, with the founder/CEO stepping down and a former Amazon executive stepping in, is seen as a catalyst for a decline in company culture and employee morale.
2. Financial and Compensation Concerns: Many employees find the pay below market standards, with meager annual raises, no bonus structure, and a lack of transparency in salary structures.
3. Human Resources and Management Issues: The HR department is criticized for being recently established and not addressing harassment or other workplace issues effectively. There's a call for better listening and responsiveness from management.
4. Lack of Advancement Opportunities: Employees express frustration over limited career advancement opportunities, and when available, they come without significant pay increases.
5. Product Sunsetting and Layoffs: The discontinuation of certain products and subsequent layoffs were seen as poorly communicated and executed, leading to further distrust in management.
6. Diversity and Inclusion: There’s a strong sentiment about the lack of diversity and inclusion, with instances of harassment mentioned.
7. Inter-departmental Relations: An adversarial relationship among different departments, favoritism, and lack of organizational cohesion were highlighted.
8. Communications and Transparency: The lack of transparency from executive leadership, particularly around the financial health of the company and organizational changes, is a recurring complaint.

The concerns overshadow the positive aspects, and many reviewers express a desire for better management practices, improved communication, and a return to a more inclusive and employee-friendly culture.

-----

Subject: Request for Clarity and Assurance Regarding Faithlife's Commitment to Users and Long-Term Vision

Dear Faithlife Management,

I am writing as a long-term user and supporter of the Logos Bible Software, which has significantly aided my biblical studies and spiritual growth over the years. However, recent reviews and internal feedback shared on platforms like Glassdoor concerning changes within Faithlife have raised concerns among the user community, including myself.

The transition in leadership and the apparent shift in company culture, especially with the involvement of private equity, has triggered worries about the future of Logos and other Faithlife products. There is a genuine concern about the potential focus pivoting solely towards financial performance, which might overlook the essence of customer relationships and loyalty that have been a hallmark of Faithlife.

The fear of being left unsupported in the event of a liquidity crisis, a scenario not uncommon in PE-run organizations, is real. As users who have invested time, resources, and trust in Logos, we seek assurance that our investment is secure and will continue to yield spiritual and educational benefits in the long term.

We believe that the long-term survival and success of Faithlife are intricately linked to a loyal customer base and a dedicated employee pool who truly understand the cultural and spiritual DNA encapsulated in the Logos software. Hence, it's imperative that the corporate vision remains aligned with the foundational values that have made Logos a cherished resource among the faith community.

We request clear communication from Faithlife management regarding the steps being taken to ensure the continuous support, development, and enhancement of Logos, even amidst organizational changes. We are hopeful that the core mission of serving the church community and fostering biblical studies will remain a priority, irrespective of the financial imperatives.

Your commitment to maintaining a balance between financial sustainability and unwavering support to the user community will not only instill confidence among us but will also contribute significantly to the long-term viability and success of Faithlife and its offerings.

We look forward to a reassuring response and a continued enriching relationship with Faithlife and the Logos software.

Thank you for your attention to these concerns.

SIncerely.

Paul

Rosie Perera said:

They are not likely to notice a letter addressed to them embedded in a recently revived thread from 2022.

Agree.  

But the issues Paul brings up are concerning. I admit over the years, the reality of 'business' and 'digital' were there; just not up front. Bob was too dependable!  I feel a lot like the time Home Depot lost their customer data (years back) ... we immediately wondered whether the place was still ok to shop there.  Obviously, this isn't losing customer data; it's potentially losing everything purchased for almost 20 years. Smiling lopsided.

So Logos/Faithlife has been quietly sold off to an investment firm? Looks like it is a nonreligious firm? Has the Pritchette family quietly exited the ownership?

How come there were no announcements on such big changes (even though as a privately-held company they're not obligated to tell customers anything)?

I knew I should’ve bought a house instead 😩

DAL

PL said:

So Logos/Faithlife has been quietly sold off to an investment firm? Looks like it is a nonreligious firm? Has the Pritchette family quietly exited the ownership?

How come there were no announcements on such big changes (even though as a privately-held company they're not obligated to tell customers anything)?

Wow, I had not noticed this in Paul's earlier post:

Paul said:

Moreover, the majority shares of Faithlife are now owned by Cove Hill Partners​ (Information source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faithlife_Corporation, and https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Faithlife-EI_IE888280.11,20.htmr)​.

That is sad. I used to be a shareholder, one of the first outside of Bob Pritchett's immediate family. I knew Bob and his co-founder Kiernon from Microsoft and was invited in as a shareholder at the ground floor, even before Bob & Kiernon left Microsoft. Was happy to have helped launch Logos into what it became under Bob's leadership. I sold my shares back to the company finally in 2014, since Logos seemed to be doing very well and didn't need my investment anymore, and I didn't have the time nor interest in following its decision making and future direction anymore. I used to go to shareholder meetings in person in Bellingham, and it was fun to hear about things from the inside. I didn't own enough shares to influence the direction of the company, though Bob did take my input seriously, at least he sounded interested. He never could keep up with all my bug reporting, though!

Anyway, all that to say, I'm sad that most of the shares are now owned by a private equity firm. None of the team members seem to be names I recognize as being Pritchett family members or other original Logos shareholders.

DMB said:

DAL said:

I knew I should’ve bought a house instead 😩

Yes, but then you have Jesus' warning about improper house building. All touch and go.

I wonder if (new) Expansion Libraries are out the window this year ... and what else.

Yes, I won’t need Logos in heaven anyway. And yes, Expansions might not be offered this time around.  The Spanish department stopped offering them in Logos 9.

Anyway, hopefully, Logos will continue until the day I die and beyond 🙏

DAL

PL said:

The non-communication and secrecy around this monumental change in company ownership

I think you're looking at crickets.  And probably not by accident (though the old rule was 3-4 pages of the forum on fire, first). 

And maybe the answer is indeed, FL (or Logos or whatever the company is named now; what a commentary) has changed.  The irony is the 4 examples we have of recent ownership change in Bible platforms have all dribbled out poorly.  Maybe the Bible software heyday is over, and it's just a matter of last-man-standing.

I remember when Accordance accidentally sent an email saying something along these lines: “Jump before the ship sinks!” They were referring to Logos going out of business and they even offered “Crossover” specials 😂 The ironic part is that now both seem to be sinking and nobody in their leadership roles has the guts to step out and say anything about it! A strikingly similar conversation is going on at the Accordance forum also!

Borrowing a little from DMB, “Who will be the last man standing?” I sure hope is Logos!

DAL

Vik Rajagopal said:

There are several questions/concerns raised in this thread and I’d like to briefly share my thoughts.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.  That has gone a long way in helping many jittery customers in the past. It is concerning when you invest so much.  But I also know that no company lasts forever.  I keep reminding myself that the investment I have made has transformed my study and Christian life.  And there can be no value put on that.

Vik Rajagopal said:

Mark, thanks for weighing in here.

There are several questions/concerns raised in this thread and I’d like to briefly share my thoughts.

First of all, I appreciate how much you all care about Logos – the product as well as the company.  As Mark noted, and as I have flagged here a few times, one of the changes I’ve made in my two years as CEO has been to reemphasize and reinvest in our core products – namely Logos Bible Software.  We have gone so far as to rebrand ourselves in the market as Logos, signifying a singular focus on better, deeper Bible study. At the same time, we are a for-profit software company.  That means we (and I) need to balance our desire to live into our mission while also maintaining a healthy business.  And I am pleased by the manner in which we are doing just that.  Logos 10 is shaping up to be our most successful release ever, and we are currently at all-time highs in terms of product usage, customer engagement, and other metrics we track. None of you should be concerned about our viability and/or the security of your digital libraries – we are in it for the long haul.

Along those lines, our team is hard at work in building the next version of Logos, portions of which we intend to share with our users in the first half of next year.  There are several exciting things in the hopper, and I look forward to seeking your feedback on those new features as they are completed and shipped.

To clarify on Bob – when I stepped in as CEO two years ago, Bob transitioned to a full-time position on our Board of Directors.  He continues to serve as a Board member, and I (virtually) saw him just last week at our most recent Board meeting.  He remains involved in the business and is an ongoing advocate for our customers and the overall user experience with Logos.

Please note I read the forums frequently, but the best way to reach me is via email – vik@logos.com.

Vik

I appreciate the personal response, and the level of accessibility posting your email address provides. It's very reminiscent of something Bob might do. Which I respect, and appreciate. It's a warm comforting blanket in a thread that was a bit alarming. 

Honestly, my biggest concern was your time at Symantec - Norton Antivirus was the bane of my existence in the 90s [:P]. It tried to do too much, and maybe should have had higher minimum system requirements. It pushed me thoroughly into the McAfee camp (for whom I eventually beta tested, and had my review published in the 2000s RE the college I worked for changing direction RE their antiviral product). 

But it seems that won't be the issue here as evidenced by the recent refocusing. 

I initially wasn't a fan of that. Because of the inconvenience related to rebuilding the church website, and transitioning the giving platform. But I'm happy with what we have now, and I think it's a healthy move for Logos overall. I've been with Logos for a long long time. I hope to continue with Logos for the duration of my life and ministry. 

DAL said:

I knew I should’ve bought a house instead 😩

DAL

And a luxury yacht!  

The helpful comments from Mark and Vik are indeed encouraging, though.

DAL said:

Yep! It sure brings a little bit of relief

And that's good.

But actually, nothing was said that was anything new ... the private equity folks have majority ownership, Mark and Vik need to produce the goods, and the board looks on.  Given the PE is 'long-term' but reports high-end results, basically we're looking at whether FL (Logos?) can pull off industry consolidation in the next 5 years or so. Else.  I'd have to assume the universities are the market to do that.  Churches are catch as catch can.

"Unfortunately, the forum user who is now “the face“ of the other company has adopted a ”Cancel culture” approach to anything! If he doesn’t like your posts he “hides” them, even if you are posting genuine concerns! That just shows the lack of ethical transparency they now have or lack.  No more purchasing from Accordance for me.

I’m glad I have invested in Logos and if Logos ends up being the only software in the planet, I’d rather invest on it than the other guys who seems to be running on an empty gas tank lately."

I was a dual Logos/Accordance guy for years. But I officially stopped building a bigger library in Accordance for good in 2022 for reasons mentioned here. I'm exclusively investing in Logos since 2022. Well said.
_

If I can add a practical exhortation for some people (mainly for those who can benefit from a change of perspective):

There's probably not a resource in my Logos Library in which I've read in total. For those of you who are really, really worried about all this, just buy physical copies of your dearest texts (which is much smaller than you probably realize). Second, in my studies and notes, I am constantly adding footnotes, quotations, etc. outside of logos (google docs (google cloud) --> word, txt.file, and pdf stored into harddrive). And if you aren't backing up your study notes (which includes your footnotes, quotations, etc.), that's your problem, not Logos. I believe Logos gives us an incredible tool to study the Bible more efficiently. I am a huge fan of what Logos in doing. And from personal experience being involved in the tech world, tech has taught me to always adapt to change. Your paranoia is only good with what you do with it (Andrew Grove's definition of paranoia). 

Logos is a tool, and I (and should you) always treat it as such.

What do I prize more than Logos? The studies I developed with the help of Logos. 
It's those studies I'm passionate about preserving in various online and physical databases. It's those studies that I get very protective over. Again, Logos is only a tool. Logos should not be the database of everything precious to you. I think remembering that Logos is a tool puts everything into perspective. So for those who want to be a good steward (to summarize):

(1). Start storing your study notes (sermon notes, biblical discoveries, word studies, favorite quotations) on hard-drives; print them out and create a reference library of your hard work. 

(2). Buy physical copies of your dearest text(s).

(3). Always remember that Logos is a tool. Which by the way, if you are only using Logos for commentaries, I encourage you take the time to explore some of their tools. I've been thoroughly enjoying their word study tools. I may be biased, but I think I spend most of my time in Logos not in commentaries but in word studies. The tools in Logos are like no other software. You can get online commentaries and books from many places. I find that Logos truly shines in their tools.

To Logos: I am so thankful for your company. Your software has been such a blessing to my bible studies. I hope for more decades of success in your endeavor to help Christians dig deeper into God's eternal word. Looking forward to meeting y'all in heaven.

I could give a number of examples where FL had done some of these things.

But I will continue to invest in Logos resource. I do have a lot to loose in terms of earthly things when it comes to my Logos Library but as a Christian I lift my eyes up to my God where i put my faith in full confidence of the outcome.