11 replies to this topic

[Lance]

This is something I've been thinking for quite a while, but it's just crystallised in my mind in the process of an e-mail exchange with the sales department.

It seems to me that OakTree might do well to consider expanding the range of "collections" to cater better for people like me. I'm sure there'd be a lot of us out there.

I'm a pastor-preacher with a sound academic background. I could once have gone down the Masters or even doctoral level path in biblical studies. But God has kept me on the pastoral track, and never let me off . So I have a good mind, and want to expound the Scriptures with thoroughness and rigour, but only in my dreams would I ever use the most scholarly resources.

It doesn't seem to me that "we" are especially well catered for in current Accordance collections. We have to choose between a Library that's a bit lightweight for where we're at, or one that's way beyond what we'll ever use.

If I think about it, I guess I'd be looking for a collection comprising something like:

• 4 modern English Bible texts
• Greek and Hebrew texts (but probably not LXX)
• 2 mid-level Greek tools
• 2 mid-level Hebrew tools
• say 2 solid-but-not-ultra-scholarly commentary series' (e.g. Expositors' and Pillar … )

I'm making this a poll, to see how many others might share this perspective.

Edited by Lance, 23 August 2012 - 11:25 PM.

[Lance]

I tried to add a poll to this, but the form didn't behave as I expected, so the poll disappeared Can't find a way to add the poll now ...

[Joel Brown]

If you edit your top post, then use the Full Editor, you should be able to add a poll in the top right.

[Lance]

Thanks, Joel. Got it now.

[Helen Brown]

We spent months whittling down our 23 Primary Collections in version 9 to a total of 6 so that it would be less confusing for new buyers. We really cannot make a whole set of Collections that will satisfy every combination of "weight" and theological bent and purse etc.....

That's exactly why we have a very affordable Starter, and very reasonable Bible Study and Original Language Collections. You can start from any point and build your private collection with individual modules and our greatly expanded range of discounted add-on bundles. I'm not saying we won't identify a need for another particular add-on, but I am postive that we won't be changing the Collection line-up any time soon.

[Lance]

Hello Helen,

I see what you're saying. I'm "on the wrong side of history", as it were, asking for a more nuanced range whilst you've been hard at work in the direction of more simplicity. Can't please all the people all of the time, etc …. One of life's realities

I'll live with what we now have, I'm sure. Thanks for making the situation clear.

[Timothy Jenney]

Lance, I'd think the Essential Collection, plus a commentary of your choice, would do very nicely. I'd suggest adding the IVP Essentials instead of the 2nd commentary, as it contains the background commentaries for both the OT and NT, plus the Hard Sayings reference book.

I know everyone has their own idea of what a "mid-range" collection should be priced at, but $499 for Essentials and $144 for the IVP set is a very, very good price. Remember, this is an entire theological library. When I think of how much I've spent to hardback versions of these same books over the years, I want to weep!

[Lance]

Thanks Timothy. That's quite helpful. Actually I've just had a better look at the collections pages on the main website, and realised one major mistake I'd made - I relied on Accordance's built-in "upgrade calculator" to explain the collections. Using the comparison page on the site has made it much clearer.

It so happens that I already have the IVP Essentials. (Actually it was finding that module in a clearance sale at a college bookstore many years ago that got me onto Accordance in the first place.) I'm now tossing up between the Original Languages and Essentials collections. It's really a question of how many of the Bible Study collection items I really want. I suspect not many, but it might still be worth the extra anyway. I'll need to study it some more …

Lance

[Lance]

OK … just noted Essentials includes the full Tyndale commentary set. Worth the extra for that alone. Think I'll go for it. Thanks again, Timothy.

[Tony Lawrence]

As a user who has purchased several of the older packages I think the marketing department has done a tremendous job with the current collections. I have been singing the praises of Accordance to many of my friends. The gateway to getting them hooked on Accordance is via the iOS. However, the frequent response by many was the cost of the packages was simply too high for their budget. However, I believe the Bible Study Collection is PERFECT for many new users. The aggressive pricing on the other collections is evident as well. Thanks for Accordance 10 and the new collections.

[Julie Falling]

Tony - The Bible Study collection, I agree, is perfect for a new user who doesn't know a scrap of an original language, but still wants to do some serious study. My one objection to the new collections, however, is that you have to go all the way to the Advanced before the NASB Group is included. The NASB/NAS95 continues to be my preferred translation, and the one I recommend to our students. It, however, can be purchased separately. All said, Bible Study + NASB Group is where I would recommend my friends to start. I have also drummed into heads of our teens (+ some college) that they should not rely upon just one Bible version or one commentary. None are perfect, and none get it right all the time. Pursuing the differences is an opportunity to learn, and to learn a lot.

Lance - I, too, decided that the Tyndale Commentary series was worth the upgrade to Essential. I've been so busy with other stuff that I haven't really gotten into it yet. I can hardly wait.

You all have no idea how helpful these forums are to me, and how valuable the input into the lives of other believers! Thanks to all of you, and to our wonderful Accordance team.

[Lance]

Thanks, Tony & Julie for your thoughtful comments. Good to hear the passion, Julie

I rarely visit this forum (just come when I want something, to be brutally self-critical ). So I'm not sure I personally deserve your praise, but thank you anyway.