While cloud computing is still fairly new, and some do not trust it, I thought you all might be interested in seeing this.
http://www.adobe.com/acom/buzzword/
Essentially, it is just a very comprehensive and free word processor. It allows you to store documents online in a personalized account, and you do not even need to have software installed on your system. Any computer with updated flash can access it so long as you have an internet connection.
It also has some group features that I am wanting to try. Just general chat, as well as allowing peer review (the notes system is excellent and easily color coded), and a few other nifty things. I haven't entirely tested it yet, but from what I have seen it will be my software of choice this year. Along with a hardcopy backup just to settle my paranoia.
Anyone else interested?
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50,184 / 50,000
oct. 26, 2009 - 14 35
. . . except Flash.
Frankly, if I was inclined to use something like this, I'd choose Google Docs before Adobe Buzzword:
http://docs.google.com
----------all original text licensed OWL [ http://owl.apotheon.org ]
38,250 / 50,000
oct. 27, 2009 - 06 58
I was more wondering about buzzword for the community value. If only Google wave would come out.
And what is the problem with having flash? Its not like your typing your whole story on an iPhone or something. At least I wouldn't think so.
50,184 / 50,000
oct. 27, 2009 - 08 56
Google Docs does have some collaboration support, allowing people to make notes on other people's documents and so on.
As for Wave -- I've sent in an invite request for the testing period, because Wave looks like it might be just about ideal for use in playing RPGs online (not CRPGs or MMORPGs, but honest to goodness RPGs). I'm still waiting for a response.
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0 / 50,000
oct. 27, 2009 - 09 04
In the interest of clarity for those unfamiliar, Buzzword doesn't require Flash but the Flash player. Big difference. And I would agree -- the player, being a small free download, isn't a problem for most folks.
----------Once again to Zelda
50,184 / 50,000
oct. 27, 2009 - 09 56
Colloquially, "install Flash" means "install the Flash player" -- but yes, technically, Adobe Flash is an application used to create Flash objects that are played in the Flash player.
Installing the Flash player [em]is[/em] a problem for [em]some[/em] people, and anything that requires a Flash player to work consumes more resources than something that doesn't, all else being equal. I tend to prefer anything that doesn't use Flash, when given a choice.
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0 / 50,000
oct. 27, 2009 - 10 19
...technically, Adobe Flash is an application (!)
Yes, but more importantly, in actuality it is an application. As someone who designs in Flash for Flash players, and for someone thinking from these comments that they need Flash installed, that colloquial sloppiness masks an important distinction. Giving the impression that use of the Flash player is a stumbling block on most systems is misleading.
----------Once again to Zelda
50,184 / 50,000
oct. 27, 2009 - 11 51
Do you know of anyone who, upon reading what I wrote, would think they needed to get Adobe Flash the authoring tool in order to use Buzzword? I'm pretty sure that basically anybody in the world would fall into one of three categories:
1. those who know the difference, and would understand I'm talking about the Flash player plugin
2. those who don't know the difference, and would assume I'm talking about the Flash player plugin because they've never heard of the authoring tool
3. those who don't have any idea what Flash is, and thus would have to install something (the Flash player plugin) to use Buzzword
Flash is so thoroughly overused in this world for tasks that are much better accomplished with other tools (such as offering online document editing capabilities) that, even if I did manage to accidentally mislead someone, it would probably be for the best anyway.
I agree that I probably should have taken more care to avoid "colloquial sloppiness", but you appear to be getting far too defensive about all this, as if for some reason you feel a burning need to defend Buzzword just because it's Flash-based. Please get over it.
----------all original text licensed OWL [ http://owl.apotheon.org ]
0 / 50,000
oct. 27, 2009 - 14 51
Good stuff. Tone is a little imperious, but at about 200 words you're well on your way to a great first-person novel about an arrogant Flash-bashing uber-geek. Stay with that character. I think there's something there.
(You know, for a minute I thought you were serious! Until you did the list of categories. Love it.) :-}
----------Once again to Zelda
50,184 / 50,000
oct. 27, 2009 - 15 08
I have no interest in pursuing a flame war with you. I just felt it incumbent upon me to inform you that I will not take your bait.
----------all original text licensed OWL [ http://owl.apotheon.org ]
0 / 50,000
oct. 28, 2009 - 05 58
Damn. And the incumbent usually wins, too. No flame war, then. A poth on both our houses.
----------Once again to Zelda