How to Improve Writing With Web 2.0 Tools
With the advent of Web 2.0, writers can improve and enhance their work using a variety of online tools that help with document creation, grammar, style, organization, ideas, inspiration and job leads.
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Instructions
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Create, write and edit your documents online, which not only saves and declutters your hard drive, but permits you to open your documents from any computer in any location. While a number of Web 2.0 document creation tools are available, two of the most popular are Google Docs and Zoho Writer. Both offer a way to create, write and edit your documents, with task bars that mimic Microsoft Word. Both are online and free, and permit you to save documents in folders, share them via email, and upload them back onto your hard drive. You can also track editing changes by user and date, and share documents with a group of colleagues.
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Check out Google Docs' and Zoho's presentation and spreadsheet tools, which mimic MS Powerpoint and Excel. Again, these tools permit you to create documents, edit them and share them with others. Both online tools also allow you to publish your work to the Web for the rest of the world to see.
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Visit the Web 2.0 sites now available to help writers with their grammar, spelling and style challenges. Because Web 2.0 is based on the contributions of members, keep in mind that the content isn't always error-free. But check out Definr, a neat website that defines individual words for you, and Gramlee, a site that will check your grammar for you for a fee.
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Do your research using a wide range of Web 2.0 research tools, again with the proviso that these sites get their information from contributors. The top dog in this area is Wikipedia, the Web 2.0 encyclopedia. Others include Scholarpedia, About.com, Squidoo and Lumifi. Some of these sites provide you with more elaborate research tools than others, so check them carefully.
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Enhance your writing, particularly if you write online or for a blog, by using a variety of Web 2.0 sites that make your life easier with clipping and saving tools. Clip2Net and ClipClip provide you with ways to clip screenshots from other websites, Evernote lets you create, clip and share notes on the Web, and Kwout enables you to cut out any page on the Web, including scenes from a movie, and upload it .
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Promote your work and get inspiration from a number of Web 2.0 sites geared specifically for writers and writing. Websites like eHow, Helium and Associated Content all encourage writers to make contributions to their sites on a variety of topics and share advertising revenues. Some also hold writing contests, with cash awards, to encourage more participation. Writers looking for writing communities and feedback can join sites like 1000keyboards.com and Wridea, a site for brainstorming ideas with other writers.
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Tips & Warnings
While nearly all these Web 2.0 sites offer free membership, a few do offer free trial memberships. But that simply means your trial will run out. None of these sites will charge you without your permission.
Resources
- Photo Credit Zoho, Google, Evernote, Lumifi
