Thing 9 - Google vs. someone else
In review of collaborative tools Google Docs and Zoho Writer, both tools had their advantages over the other. As such, I think selection should be based on the specific needs you have. Zoho is a much more sophisticated Writer that integrates with its business services offerings, while Google Docs is intended for more broad use.
What I liked most about Zoho Writer was the interface. I liked the tabbed tools, which resembled everyone’s ubiquitous friend, Microsoft Word, and offered far more editing options and functionality over Google Docs. Additionally, I was pleased to find that your Zoho account could be linked to a Gmail, Google Apps, or Yahoo! account.
However, particularly in the case of Gmail and Google Apps, the link does not provide full-out integration with these services. If you are already using Gmail and/or Google Apps (and you are not using the broad suite of Zoho products at your business), the use of Google Docs can be easily integrated into your daily Cloud life. This ease of access and familiarity trumps the document richness that Zoho provides.
So, for my use it would need to be Google Docs… although I really liked how Zoho Writer worked better.
As for the Founding Fathers, I really don’t think they would be surprised by the mark-ups they would find on the documents. I’m not suggesting that their 18th century world-views would be up-to-speed on how the United States and the world has evolved, much less the current issues within domestic and international politics. Far from it! However, I believe they would understand the variety and ferociousness of opinions on the words that were eventually penned. My understanding is that the Declaration of Independence itself required some well-crafted and compromised language to gain the support of thirteen colonies. Also, these men (sadly, just men) also went on to draft two constitutions, one of which was successful in its endurance… and it was full of the same. Had they allowed others to mark it up in public forum as an exercise, I’m sure it would have received the same treatment with issues of the day being referenced.
