[Foss4g2009] better method for collaborative document editing

[Dave Patton]

The current process that we are using for
making collaborative changes to documents
isn't working for me. Currently, once a
document(e.g. a flier) is created, it's
mailed to 'the list' as a Word document,
and people are invited to make comments
and changes, using Word's 'track changes'.
As has already been demonstrated, as soon
as someone forgets to use 'track changes',
or two people make changes to their copy
of the original, the system breaks down,
and requires people to re-review, and even
redo changes they already have made.

I'd suggest that we switch to a method where
there is a "single source document" that is
used for any collaborative editing/review.

My vote would be to use a wiki page, which will
be suitable for anything where we are 'just
reviewing text'. If there are also going to
be 'layout issues'(e.g. formatting, what images
to use, etc.) with the document, then address
them using commentary on a PDF version that is
mailed to the list, after the text is 'finalized'.

-- 
Dave Patton
CIS Canadian Information Systems
Victoria, B.C.

Degree Confluence Project:
Canadian Coordinator
Technical Coordinator
http://www.confluence.org/

OSGeo FOSS4G2007 conference:
Workshop Committee Chair
Conference Committee member
http://www.foss4g2007.org/

Personal website:
Maps, GPS, etc.
http://members.shaw.ca/davepatton/