Below is a dialog between Corey and myself regarding creating inductive Bible study software. This can also be found at XML Based Bible Study Tool. I have since moved the discussion to email until it resolves to a conclusion or plan.
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Message from Mark Michaelis
Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2002 3:53 pm Post subject: XML Based Bible Study Tool
Hi,
After downloading BCS XML I was expecting to find the storage files to be XML based but I didn't see any files with XML text in them? Is the Bible, notes, etc stored in XML? Assuming the answer is yes and I am just missing something, is there an XSD schema for the XML?
Thanks,
Mark
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Message from Corey
Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2002 7:10 am Post subject: XML is used, but stored in an object oriented database
The Bible files are in XML. The supporting files are in HTML. All the modules are condensed into an object-oriented database in binary format.
The OO database gives us better performance and allows us to unlock modules as needed. We cannot expose the XML in many cases because of copyright restrictions with publishers.
What are you trying to do? Maybe I can help.
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Message from Corey
Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2002 7:13 am Post subject: Question for you
Mark,
Did you write C# Developer's Headstart?
Corey
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Message from Mark Michaelis
Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2002 8:41 am Post subject:
Hi Corey,
In summary, I am looking to find or write some software that helps me study scripture. The key features I am looking for are the ability to create notes on selected text sometimes across verse markings, cross reference with books that have insight into the passage, similar functionality on the pocket pc. Hmmm... other stuff. XML seems key for the ability to add my own data items as the need and time arises.
I have searched Google for an Bible XML schema and have only come across XSEM. I did find he KJV in XML but it was pretty raw and it doesn't reference any schema. Do you create your own schema or is there a standard out there?
I have noticed your Precepts stuff with Word and this is similar to what I would like although I am not familiar with Precepts specifically. Ideally I am looking to reproduce some Inductive Bible functionality on the computer that I learned while in Intervarsity. I expect this to be a long term project, however. The current Word version in development at Microsoft seems to provide XML storage which I am very interested in.
I would really like the source code to be available and to be in managed code (C#/VB.NET) so that I could customize it. Obviously I could do this in C++ but C# is so much better I seldom use C++ any more. Open source would be cool too, although I don't have much experience with that.
'scuse the ramblings...
Is there stuff you are working on in .NET that I could help with as part of creating the software I am looking for?
Later,
Mark
P.S. Yes, I have written a few books... including the one you mention (which I co-authored, however).
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Message from Corey
Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2002 9:11 am Post subject: Our goals are common. Perhaps we should work together.
Instead of starting from scratch with your ideas, perhaps we should work together in development. I have a couple other developers who help out. One in particular is chomping at the bit to move our code to C#.
I've been with this software since 1995. I stayed with the software through the closing of two companies that had acquired it. Most recently, I acquired rights to it (July).
We have a good user-base and have connections with Christian stores and such. We also have what many new Bible software companies lack- royalty content. Without the new royalty content, it is hard to serve the ministry well. I am developing the product further in an community fashion, but with the source closed. Open-source projects scare content publishers. You will notice that the Sword project on sourceforge has very little modern content.
My goals are to keep the price of the product to a minimum, so that we can serve Christian workers throughout the world. We have no one on full-time staff. At this point, we all work part-time as volunteers. Our income to the company is very low, making enough to pay bills and royalties. I've been volunteering and paying out of my pocket for about 1 1/2 years.
If you are ministry-minded and want to be involved in a software project for eternity, let me know. You will be a welcomed addition to our team.
Corey
