On July 1, 2020 I received a request to review BIBLE GATEWAY’s updated website. Bible Gateway has been my resource of choice for years even though many people and my church suggest another one. There was nothing wrong with the “classic” site but I decide to give it a try, that is why it has taken me this long to share my opinion.
I have been very irritated with the new site, I am glad it gives me the option of going tot he “classic” view because when I am studying it is important for me to utilize that view.
Both sites offer the viewer the same thing it is just a matter of choosing a tab on the top of the page or a menu item on the side of the page.
The classic is brighter, the fonts are lighter but all I want to do is go to my Bible verses.
I use BIBLE GATEWAY to view multiple translations of the same passages. I like to compare the new King James, The Expanded and the Voice- I have a print version of each of these Bibles but I will often add a translation that I don’t have. With the classic website, once I log on, the search tool automatically defaults to the new King James Bible Version and I can add the other two versions in the order that I mentioned.
Since the update the default is the New International Version, yes I have this in print, I rarely seek the NIV translation.
Now, it is possible that I could set up the New BIBLE GATEWAY website to accommodate my idiosyncrasies but why? My opinion, when I first looked at the updated site was: They are trying to compete with the other Bible search tools.
Coca-cola tried to compete with Pepsi by coming up with a “New” Coke and it was not a success. Yes, there were people that liked the flavor but most people chose to stick with the classic. Not everyone is going to switch from Pepsi to coke just because you created a flavor that is similar.
Not everyone is going to come to the New Bible Gateway just because you redesigned your website. BIBLE GATEWAY is perfect for what people who study GOD’s word needs. Perhaps you may get a few new subscribers but as long as mega church leaders promote the other site people are not going to switch, your just aggravating the people who have been with you for years.
As a #BibleGatewayParner I was informed that the new site has a responsive design (whatever that is) and is easily viewed on whatever format you are using- cell phone, tablet, computer, etcetera. I did try to use my cell phone to look up a verse but I had the same problem I had before the revamp- let's just assume it is operator error.
I still love Bible Gateway and prefer it over the other Bible resource tools and recommend it to everyone. I prefer the Classic coca-cola and the classic Bible Gateway.
Written by Marsha L F Randolph
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