20 replies to this topic

[jonathon]

One of the wishes made for e-Sword is that for the resources to be able to be sorted out as "Bookshelves." On this idea I really don't know if its a good thing or not to include in e-Sword.

Ignoring your request to not answer the question, your example highlights the dilemma between staying true to the original principles, and honouring user's requests. In this specific instance, I think that "Bookshelves" would help new users, _if_ the books are setup by both subject matter, and perquisite knowledge level. However, done wrong, it will be even more confusing to new users, than the current UI.

I wonder when considering these things, is it in your consideration to whom the program is targeted to?

When I submit RFEs, I tend to ignore the target audience, except when it comes to reasons to not deploy the feature.. In most instances, I state where it might hinder the target audience, in comparison to how it helps those I find to be the "typical" user. In at least one instance, Rick has implemented the RFE, even though the case I presented concluded that the overall effect on the program would be negative, rather than positive.

and that is to whom the program is actually targeted to; the type of user.

Last year, Libronix was targeting pastors, with the aim of getting Libronix declared the official Bible Study Software for the church. The idea being everybody in the congregation purchases their software. They are doing this, despite knowing that their program will end up as shelfware for more than half of their customers. (They also know that the majority of the purchasers of their sub-$400 packages will not purchase any more resources. IIRC, purchasers of their sub $200 packages never purchased additional resources.)

who use this program, the question comes to mind of what is the balance between what their expectations are for e-Sword and for whom the program has been targeted for?

This gets back to wanting to keep with the tried, and true, even though one might have outgrown it.

jonathon

[turnsouth]

I'm confused, I don't see any trend of users leaving Windows:

Edited by turnsouth, 18 September 2012 - 07:08 PM.

[APsit190]

I'm confused, I don't see any trend of users leaving Windows:

One of the things I say and believe is, "Never say never!"

Not so long ago I read an article from a Code Project newsletter where the heading of the article says, "Xbox, Not Windows, Is Future if Microsoft - Says Steve Ballmer." (http://www.readwrite...eve-ballmer.php). Now I dunno if Ballmer has doubts about the success of Windows 8 or not, but for a statement like that to come out of where Microsoft wants to change direction has to be somewhat disconcerting especially with the heavy flack and criticism of this new version of Windows. Mind you, I could be totally wrong in my thoughts here, yet nevertheless it certainly leaves one to think ... But ...

Blessings,

[pfpeller]

One thing I am certain of is that it will take a looooong time for Windows to be phased out. The industrial world is very dependent on Windows. I work for one of the larger oil companies in the world, and we are slowing progressing to Windows 7. There is so much stuff that does not work going from XP to Window's 7, that it takes years to put fixes in place for critical systems so the migration can occur.

Microsoft will get Windows 8 to a point where industry can adopt it or they will move onto something else.

The majority of industrial process control is migrating to Windows based systems. It has been for years. We still have many old Unix based stations. Little by little we migrate to Windows.

Windows will not be gone anytime soon.

Whether or not, our software developers will keep up with the future Windows releases is another matter entirely.

[turnsouth]

I see something similar as an IT manager, it was all Unix years ago, but now we are 80% XP, and that is changing. Over the last few years there has been a evolution, first with the leased software as it has been updated to be more Win 7 native, and with the hardware as new machines are added and older ones are replaced.

It's amazing and disconcerting at the same time. Used to be setting up a work station was a headache and took a bit of time, as well as regular support (all adding to job security). But now with Server 2008, and Win 7 it's almost plug and play.

And like Vista to Win 7, if the industry does not adopt Win 8, I'm sure Microsoft will adapt quickly.

As far a e-Sword in particular, as long as major releases continue to cause area wide internet problems in Tennessee, I think that Rick will keep doing what he is doing.

[Josh Bond]

I smile and roll my eyes when I hear the dreamers talking about everyone switching from Windows to Linux. It's just not happening in the corporate world where money is being invested instead on Microsoft platforms. And the average, end user buys their PCs at Walmart and Bestbuy (retail shops in the US), where they're loaded with Windows. Desktop's will stay with Microsoft in my view.

I really like Windows 7--it's the best OS Mickeysoft has ever developed. It's the first operating system where I like every single thing about it, especially the stability.

[jonathon]

I'm confused, I don't see any trend of users leaving Windows:

That is what happens when you ignore the fastest growing sector of the computer industry.
(Which currently sells more units per year than desktops/laptops.)

That also what happens when you ignore the second fastest growing sector of the computer industry.
(Which is on track to sell more units per year than desktops/laptops, by 2018.)

jonathon

[turnsouth]

As of August 2012:

[LarryG]

As of August 2012:

This pie chart really doesn't give the complete story though, does it? How about all the people who have abandoned desktop and laptop computers in favor of 'smart phones' or tablets?

Here's a story for you. I live in Fargo ND., and have for the past 8 years. They just recently built a new main library with two attendant sub-libraries in the suburbs 3 years ago. For the first year their computers and Wi-Fi connections were busy all the time, but now there are hardly any library computers busy. The service is the same, but there are a lot fewer users. Where did everyone go? The only change has been the mass marketing of 'smart phones' and 'tablets'. People don't need full size computers any longer, or they don't need them like they did before.

Sure, some people will always need full size computers, but numerically compared to what else? I'm not an IT person, so I cannot claim any confidential expertise - but eSword software isn't going to be useful to someone who doesn't have a computer, eh? The computer rooms of these new libraries are mostly empty a good deal of the time now - completely different from the previous years. The old library which they tore down always had a waiting list for one of the 30 computers, morning to night. Not any longer.

[APsit190]

This pie chart really doesn't give the complete story though, does it? How about all the people who have abandoned desktop and laptop computers in favor of 'smart phones' or tablets?

Here's a story for you. I live in Fargo ND., and have for the past 8 years. They just recently built a new main library with two attendant sub-libraries in the suburbs 3 years ago. For the first year their computers and Wi-Fi connections were busy all the time, but now there are hardly any library computers busy. The service is the same, but there are a lot fewer users. Where did everyone go? The only change has been the mass marketing of 'smart phones' and 'tablets'. People don't need full size computers any longer, or they don't need them like they did before.

Sure, some people will always need full size computers, but numerically compared to what else? I'm not an IT person, so I cannot claim any confidential expertise - but eSword software isn't going to be useful to someone who doesn't have a computer, eh? The computer rooms of these new libraries are mostly empty a good deal of the time now - completely different from the previous years. The old library which they tore down always had a waiting list for one of the 30 computers, morning to night. Not any longer.

Hi Larry,
In many respects I have to agree with you, and the thing is that when it comes to mobile technology, that is the the direction many seem to be taking. That said, I still like my Desktop, and although they may not be used in the numbers that they have been, I think that when it comes to real work on a computer, or doing serious gaming (that's what the Game players say) nothing beats a desktop.

I think mobile devices are really great, as one can use it without having bogged down with a load of paper notes and etc. And when I think on these things, I really believe that when it comes to Bible Software two things need to take place:

• That Bible Software developers should not ignore mobile devices, but develop for them.
• That these programs need to be developed for multiple platforms rather than just the one.

If what is said in that article is true with the direction Microsoft wants to take, then there has to be a paradigm shift in thinking regarding Operating System platforms and Devices.

Put this in respect to e-Sword, then what Jonathon Blake said about its viability as diminishing, then it will happen if its going to be just for Windows. This isn't just true about e-Sword, its also true about any Bible software.

In my view, e-Sword should be developed for about four platforms if it is going to survive:

• Windows Mobile/Desktop
• Apple OSx for Desktop and iOS for iPhone and iPad
• Android Devices; both mobile and tablet.
• Linux (irrespective of distro) Desktop

Those are my thoughts on it, and I think that if this is done, then e-Sword will go for a very long time.

Blessings,

Edited by APsit190, 19 September 2012 - 07:32 PM.