I ordered Britannica Noet on the original pre-pub over a year ago, and experienced the disastrous initial release when it was discovered that it was Comptons Encyclopedia, not Britannica. Faithlife had to step up and either refund or offer this current replacement "Britannica" version at no additional charge when it was completed. I decided to wait, realizing that based upon the number of projected articles, it was going to be an abridged version. I assumed incorrectly that the articles selected would be in depth/intact. Unfortunately, it is as Mr. Francis describes. Given the initial mistake, and an entire year, I did not expect primarily the summary half of the encyclopedia. I own the 15th edition and yearbooks, and the Noet version is a far cry from the complete set. It appears the large majority of articles are taken (almost verbatim) from the Micropedia (Ready Reference) summary section of the encyclopedia. The remaining selected portions from the Macropedia (Knowledge in Depth) have been edited, some severely. For example, the entry for Jesus Christ is much shorter than in my set, missing entire sections, including the detailed outline and all of the extensive bibliographic and source references. At my initial pre-pub sale price of $100, it is worth having due to the Logos links. However, at the current price, I would suggest a much less expensive subscription directly from Britannica. Simply import the material that one needs. Clearly, this version is NOT equivalent or a replacement for a recent print copy or the on-line version from the publisher. Britannica's power and distinction is largely derived from the Macropedia material. The Noet version is a disappointment, albeit better than nothing.

Dave - Thank-you very much for the above information! I checked Mr. Zacharias' site and felt it was worth the subscription. I see that the price is now $37.00 but a coupon is referenced. Do you know where to get one? To everyone - my original comment still stands: Logos has built an incredibly useful tool, yet without similarly useful documentation (stress documentation) of ALL its features, (e.g. manual, properly indexed and in tutorial format - electronic or hard copy), most users will never find or have/take the time to tap many productive features Logos has expended much effort to develop (let alone "hints and tricks"). Unlike certain Adobe or MS products, the Logos market share is insufficient to command a plethora of 3rd party documentation (although as noted, more is becoming available). A more accurate comparison is an expensive specialty custom program, for which a manual (typically hard copy) is a given. Consider also that a prime segment of the target customers (e.g. pastors and lay leaders) is unlikely to be especially computer savvy, and certainly do not have an IT department. (New younger generation of seminary students would likely be more proficient). Thus, Logos loses as unused or undiscovered features fail to sell product (or the customer is disappointed), and customers lose in terms of both time and Biblical information/knowledge. That this topic has (evidently for some time) stirred up such discussions is reason enough for Logos to reconsider its options. Again, I stress that documentation costs should not be expected to be free, but neither should they run into a significant percentage of the product cost. Finally, whether developed internally, or sub-contracted, such manual should be an integral part of the Logos product line that Logos controls and is responsible for content. Perhaps my take is old-school - understand my ultimate objective is that God's Word is studied and disseminated in the most effective and efficient way possible, to His glory!

Logos 6 Platinum remains unrivaled in its category, with certain meaningful upgrades from Version 5, especially in language research/study (which as a layperson, I don't often use. I upgraded for the new data base / engines, plus additional resources.) Consequently, a base package (preferably Gold or above) has become almost essential for any person in seminary or expositional pastoral ministry. However, that does not mean the program/package does not have its drawbacks. As a retired consulting scientist, I was exposed to a wide variety of software programs. For all its power, Logos does a mediocre to dismal job of releasing that power to the end user. The lack of an in-house comprehensive manual, either on-line or hard copy, is stunning. Faithlife/Logos has spent a fortune to build a "Ferrari", and when finished, failed to give the driver the "ignition key". The on-line tutorials/examples are OK, but somewhat disjointed and no substitute for a comprehensive, well-indexed manual. At a minimum, manuals such as those offered by third party Morris Procter should be included in any base package. Many useful features remain undiscovered or unused, especially by new users, simply because of lack of documentation. (Did all the programmers come from Microsoft?) This raises another point, that is not so much a design flaw, but rather a design "incomplete". The tips, often by users or the Morris Proctor column are great - but why are they necessary? Many of these multi-step manipulations to "make" the program do what the user wants could/should have been developed and pre-programmed into a dictionary of one-click applications, or even user-defined reusable applications. (For example, think MS Excel, Adobe Photoshop, or various CAD programs). Complex manipulations in Logos are certainly not all intuitive, especially to a new user without a manual. Consider also that many of the users do not have an extensive technical or computer science background - the old adage "Make it so you mother could do it" applies (however recognizing that there are now many "tech savvy" moms). As to the resources, it is of course most cost effective to upgrade by base package. However, the coverage is still somewhat uneven, driven by the publishers and their contracts with Logos. For example, one would think at the Platinum level one would get the Expositor's Bible Commentary (at least the old edition) or perhaps the John Phillip's series, or portions of the NICOT, NICNT, or Baker Exegetical Commentary NT to sample. The enumeration or quantification of resources is somewhat spurious, as a journal issue is counted the same as a large commentary volume, and the subsequent retail valuation suspect. Most of the base packages contain many old or historic publications (many in the public domain). Some are available on the internet for no charge. (That is not to say they are not useful, but rather I garner the sense of package "inflation" by including so many.) As an aside, I have noticed many of the add-on packages exhibit similar unevenness (e.g. The Dwight Pentecost package, which fails to contain his seminal work "Things to Come"). However, taken as a whole, this package contains a vast amount of resources, which can be augmented when necessary. Do not misunderstand, I think the program is exceptional, and brings Bible study to another level. I highly recommend it. It is simply that with more work, and some cases minimal effort, it could be even better. For that reason, especially the manuals/documentation, I subtract one star in the rating.

First, Logos 6 is an unrivaled software package in its field of application. It remains to be seen if considered exceptional in the universe of software. Clearly, a great deal of care and effort has been expended in its development, and certainly "the laborer is worthy of his hire". I see it as almost a necessity for any pastor or seminary student. As a layperson, it is a bit of a luxury, and a significant expense. That said, Mr. Morris and MP publications is technically a third party vendor, who enjoys a unique relationship with Faithlife/Logos. The Logos sales staff and many of the employees are required to take his courses. Yet, I have been told (by Logos staff) that his fee percentage is one of the highest for all resources/publishers. If Faithlife/Logos chooses not to develop a manual in-house, an arrangement could/should be worked out such that his training materials, especially the user's manuals, be included as part of the base packages. Now retired, I worked in the scientific/consulting field for over 25 years - Logos 6 is one of the most expensive software packages I have encountered. It is also the only one NOT to include a user's manual! Yes, the on-line tutorials are helpful - but disjointed to access and not a sufficient substitute for a well designed, comprehensive user's manual. Sadly, the current arrangement is also counter productive to Faithlife/Logos. Much the power of the software is lost on new users due to lack of a comprehensive manual - the very features the development team has labored to create and improve. This is "penny wise and pound foolish" marketing. Note that this offering does not appear to be comprehensive, rather it covers new features in Version 6, and assumes some knowledge of Version 5. (Note also that there are alternatives available. For example, The Master's Seminary employs a different vendor/trainer who sells his own materials).