TypeWithMe
TypeWith.Me
Overview
TypeWith.Me (http://typewith.me/) is a web-based word processor that allows people to work together on a document in real time. When multiple people edit the same document simultaneously, changes by any individual are instantly reflected on everyone's screen. The result is a new way to collaborate on text documents, which is particularly useful for meeting notes, drafting sessions, education, team programming, and more. People currently viewing an active pad appear in a sidebar, and each person is assigned a unique background color to track individual contributions. You can type, undo, copy, and paste without interfering with other people’s simultaneous edits to the pad. Backup copies of all saved revisions can be restored at any time. The technology behind TypeWith.Me was originally developed by company called Etherpad. After being purchased by Google, Etherpad made the technology freely available for anyone to use.
Strengths
TypeWith.Me doesn't require registration before allowing access and editing of individual documents. Simply sharing a workspace's URL with co-workers allows them to access and edit documents. EtherPad's import and export functions recognize Word, PDF, Plain Text, and HTML documents. With rich text formatting (e.g., bold, underline, italics and strikethrough commands, ability to add bullet points), EtherPad is similar to working with Microsoft Wordpad.
Weaknesses
Because there is no registration required, users must keep track of the links to documents they have created or edited. This may become problematic if you want to return to a document you worked on earlier, but don't remember the randomly assigned URL. Although, it is possible to name your own Etherpad as long as it does not already exist by typing a potential name after the web address (e.g., http://typewith.me/examplename). The service does not allow users to make documents secure via a password. There is no spell check capability and images cannot be added to documents.
Examples
There are numerous applications for TypeWith.Me. During meetings, all participants can contribute to meeting minutes or watch them as they are typed in real time. TypeWith.Me can be used during tele/video conferences for group wordsmithing and editing. The summaries of web technologies included in this document were written, reviewed, and edited using the technology behind TypeWith.Me.
Tutorials
More information about the technology behind TypeWith.Me is available through the Etherpad Foundation (http://etherpad.org/).
This publication is dynamic in that it will continue to be improved, updated, and expanded over time. Suggestions for improving the content, organization, and scope of this publication are encouraged and can be contributed here (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NP3Y772).