I recently heard about a new online word-proccessing tool called Writely (finally, one that doesn’t claim its Web 2.0) and having used it for a while (I’m also writing this post with it, its so flexible that it can also be used for blogging publishing with a breeze), Microsoft better watch out. Seriously, the best thing about Writely is that its not, unlike many, “alpha/beta stage, e-mail invite ONLY” so anyone can try it out. It’s also a easy to sign up and man, writing and publishing a document in this is seriously easier than Microsoft Word. Sure, it may not have that many advanced features, but it has the main ones and for the average Word user, that’s enough.
Have to admit though, there isn’t much difference, except for the super-slick GUI, within the WordPress WYSIWYG and also the way this edits HTML, so this may indeed be the last time I write a post with this, but it gets the job done. However, if you want collaborative writing, look no further than Writely. I mean, I’ve tried this out with a friend across the world and the fact that he can see my changes and I can see his (and add upon them) is so Microsoft-you-better-watch-out. It tells you who else is editing this when you collaborate and once you click refresh, you get his changes (and vice versa for him).
Best of all, Writely doesn’t really have a so-called “save” feature. Yes, in true GMail style, it saves as you write (word for word), and that too on the “Internet” so basically, when you’re using this, you never have to think about or even touch saving the document or for that matter losing anything, because you won’t, as long as you’re in Writely. Also, you have the option of uploading your Word documents onto it (best way to ensure you never lose them, as you’ll always have a copy on Writely) and you can ensure they’re secure (e.g. credit card bills, etc.) and won’t be looked at by fellow Writely employees or other hackers. Well, hope not.
Seriously, I’m gonna make Writely a daily part of my life. Who needs Microsoft Word! I’ve already uploaded all of my documents onto it so I know they’re safe, and as I type this I know this is safe, and because Writely isn’t from the 20th century I know it isn’t going to crash on me, like *cough* Word. Why wouldn’t you use it?
