Article by John Fidel
Quite recently we learned that John Fidel’s blog (Bible Software Newsletter and Comments) is closing down. Hopefully, he will be able to contribute to BSR every now and then, as he has in the past. Today, he brings us some thoughts on the current state of the Bible Software industry. Do read it and feel free to leave your comments here.
Happy New Year!
Hi Ruben
In my experience with mobile bible software (MyBible – Palm and PocketBible – Windows Mobile), I can’t imagine using these products for study. They are useful as readers, but that is about it, IMO. I have a Bible Reading schedule that I follow on my phone, that is quite handy (would like to be able to easily construct my own schedule, however). I also use it in conversations or counseling when I need to refer to a specific verse or even to look up background info in a Bible dictionary. But for study? Can’t imagine it being seriously useful for that.
I do think the move to digital libraries is significant. Also significant is the Kindle’s pricing strategies. It is often less expensive… or much less expensive… to purchase the digital copies of the books than the paper copies, as it seems to me it should be. I think Logos has things backwards on this point. They are pricing the books at outrageous prices and giving away the functionality of their software. While there is obviously some cost in scanning and tagging books, the greater value Logos offers is in the way their software interacts with the data. So I think Kindle et al expose some vulnerability for Logos at this point.
As for the cloud concept… what I understand of it so far is quite underwhelmed by it all. Syncing is nice and all, but I keep my notes in Word, not in the Bible software, and do my syncing over my own network, not over the internet. I just don’t see a huge advantage in cloud computing. I suppose I’ll get it some day, once they are on to the NEXT BIG THING….
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
Hi Don,
Thanks for your comments. Just to follow up, I include the iPad in the mobile category as well. I think bible study on the iPad is very realistic. I agree with you regarding iphone etc. However, having access to your digital library to read or for quick reference is something that I think customers want and I see developers providing those tools to their customers.
Right, I wasn’t thinking iPad. It is kind of an intriguing device to me. I can see a use for it especially for preaching, having my sermon notes on a flat device in the pulpit. I suppose there could be even more uses, but I’d have to have one to figure that out!
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
I highly recommend the “iPad experience.” It is an amazing device that is bound to revolutionize Bible software in the months (years?) to come.