134 replies to this topic

[xt600]

It appears to me that e-Sword HD will not be as open as e-Sword for the PC is. Anyone can make modules for the PC version, distribute them, and anyone can install them. I don't think it's going to work like that for e-Sword HD.

If there's an e-Sword (PC version) module that Rick likes, he will convert it to HD format, as he just did with Expositor's Bible commentary module, for example. But ultimately Rick decides what will be included in e-Sword HD and he controls the distribution channel for HD modules. Right now, no one needs to test the modules because Rick's making the modules he wants included with HD.

Great, there goes my chances of getting the Portuguese Bible Corrigida Fiel! I am a missionary in Brazil. In other words it is not really E-Sword. E-Sword has always been the best FREE Bible program around for the pc. Bummer because I really like my iPad and want to use it for everything.

What happened to - "Rick and I are working on ways for third party modules on this website to be used in e-Sword HD. This could involve the creation of a user module repository, hosted here, that is accessible from e-Sword HD. This will be very exciting--to have all of our custom resources mobile, with you, at all times!" - Josh Bond

Edited by xt600, 03 November 2012 - 05:25 AM.

[Josh Bond]

Great, there goes my chances of getting the Portuguese Bible Corrigida Fiel! I am a missionary in Brazil. In other words it is not really E-Sword. E-Sword has always been the best FREE Bible program around for the pc. Bummer because I really like my iPad and want to use it for everything.

What happened to - "Rick and I are working on ways for third party modules on this website to be used in e-Sword HD. This could involve the creation of a user module repository, hosted here, that is accessible from e-Sword HD. This will be very exciting--to have all of our custom resources mobile, with you, at all times!" - Josh Bond

This is already happening. Many of our user made modules will appear in e-Sword HD as soon as Apple approves the new version of e-Sword HD in iTunes. And more in the future as they are converted.

The main difference in what I said above is that Rick is hosting the modules, but given how finicky Apple is, that's for the best.

It's Rick's program, it's his reputation. He told me he's concerned about formatting and quality and he wants e-Sword HD's text to be right. Given some of the (embarassingly) low quality e-Sword modules that have been made in the past, I can see his point. For now, he's doing the bulk of the converting and tweaking. I have a utility for topx files and I am supposed to be helping, although "honey-do's" keep coming up from my move to a new house.

I wish it could be ,more like e-Sword for the PC, where you download the module and a module installer installs it for you. But right now, it doesn't seem like that's going to happen.

[xt600]

This is already happening. Many of our user made modules will appear in e-Sword HD as soon as Apple approves the new version of e-Sword HD in iTunes. And more in the future as they are converted.

The main difference in what I said above is that Rick is hosting the modules, but given how finicky Apple is, that's for the best.

It's Rick's program, it's his reputation. He told me he's concerned about formatting and quality and he wants e-Sword HD's text to be right. Given some of the (embarassingly) low quality e-Sword modules that have been made in the past, I can see his point. For now, he's doing the bulk of the converting and tweaking. I have a utility for topx files and I am supposed to be helping, although "honey-do's" keep coming up from my move to a new house.

I wish it could be ,more like e-Sword for the PC, where you download the module and a module installer installs it for you. But right now, it doesn't seem like that's going to happen.

Thanks for the speedy reply! Sounds good, I believe that the iPad version of e-sword will become very popular as iPad continues to dominate the tablet market and even replace laptops in some instances.

[Jim Nixon]

Josh,
I love ESword HD, it is more than one could ever expect. Looking forward to the 3rd party modules. Thanks for all the hard work that Rick, you and others have put into ESword and ESword HD. Don't know what I would do without it.

Thanks again
Jim

[APsit190]

Hi Josh,
Well, I dunno mate, having things locked like that just might make people want to steer away from e-Sword HD. Would have been way better to have it for Android based Tablets even as a paid only program. At least it would have shot up the popularity of Galaxy Note or similar. No Jail breaking or anything like that required.

Blessings,

Edited by APsit190, 04 November 2012 - 09:19 PM.

[Josh Bond]

Hi Josh,
Well, I dunno mate, having things locked like that just might make people want to steer away from e-Sword HD. Would have been way better to have it for Android based Tablets even as a paid only program. At least it would have shot up the popularity of Galaxy Note or similar. No Jail breaking or anything like that required.

Blessings,

I agree, the closed format of e-Sword HD makes it unattractive for many of our users. A number of people have told me that privately, including my own moderators. I see their point and largely agree. After all, this website is about adding functionality to e-Sword. And e-Sword HD is intentionally closed to that, at least with the freedom that traditional e-Sword users have experienced.

Most e-Sword users, though, only use what's available for download within e-Sword. And the closed format will work fine for them because they don't need anything more.

[LarryG]

Sorry, the only intelligent thing I said in this post was the scripture quote.

Edited by LarryG, 06 November 2012 - 06:30 AM.

[Jim Nixon]

I was going to purchase an Android tablet (Toshiba Thrive) it cost just as much as the IPad 2. I ended up buying the IPad because the store I purchased it at gave me a $20. gift card. So it ended up the IPad was less expensive.

I'm so glad that I did for no other reason then having ESword HD avaliable.

Thanks so much for alll the hard work that so many are willing to put into this great program. A special thanks to Rick.

Jim

[Josh Bond]

New e-Sword HD Version
The User Group update to e-Sword HD has been released.

The only material currently available in the new area is Ironside Reference Library material I converted yesterday. It looks like this area will be sorted alphabetically by title and not by author? That part is unclear since only one author's material is currently present.

Files I can Convert
I do not have the ability to convert commentaries or dictionaries--or any resource type other than topx/refx. So the conversion of our most popular commentaries and dictionaries is beyond my control--resources like Pulpit Commentary, Expositor's Bible, Maclaren's, etc (going down the top 20 downloads).

Also note: I cannot add files directly--I can only submit topx/refx to Rick and he decides whether to add them. This segways into the topic below.

Closed Nature of e-Sword HD
Rick is also against any information being distributed on this website about how to install your own modules on the iPad, or even release the database schema (layout) used by the e-Sword HD modules (this would be a good starting point for making your own modules). He says this will lead to people accidentally deleting or modifying files, if they copy files into the folders on the iPad. I personally disagree with the closed nature of HD, but I will honor his request--it's his program. I think this will hold back the success of the application long term. The openness of e-Sword for the PC is what made it so popular.

I realize this will not play well with many of you. Nevertheless, I appreciate your cooperation on not posting any dissection of e-Sword HD modules, how to make them, or how to install them.

[patchworkid]

Hi,

Thank you for letting us know what is going on with e-Sword HD for iPad