Collaborative writing is not a good experience for me personally. Usually when doing a group writing project, collaborative writing is needed. However, it's so hard to keep the consistency of writing style as group members and i have got totally different habit. Our language used, tone and skills varies a lot. I'v got an painful experience that that when all the writing works of my group members and I are gathered, we have to sit together to go through the whole piece of work together. Our goal is to make the writing to have similar style without big contrast. Frankly, it's quite time- consuming! Although the writing can include lots of different information and great ideas from others, the process is too long.
Although collaborative writing has its own minor disadvantage, still it is compulsory in the reality. By using tool specifically designed, we can edit document in real time others can edit it again in a minute. Therefore, when I first came up with Google Docs, I was excited! Time for sending email can be saved and I am no longer worry about whether I have mixed up the final version of the papers or not!!
So a platform for people to write and express their own thoughts is important. WIKIPEDIA actually is very successful in this way. It lets people to contribute their ideas on the web and let anyone to edit it again. Although the reliability of the information is a question, the site can provide answer to the browers with a lot of questions. And this site become a hot choice when people have got any questions.
Therefore, I think collaborative writing is very powerful. And the digital technology make it more convenient. The development of the collaborative writing tool may change my attitude towards group work in the future!
Interesting post. Initially, we might think that collaborative writing would save a lot of time, but as you point out, that isn't always the case.
ReplyDeleteHi summer, I agree with you that althoguh collaborative writing is challenging, that's the reality. But, I do think that the power of group is greater than individual. And, with the advancement of Google docs, that really helps us a lot. =)
ReplyDeleteI have summarised some good points of Google Docs, you may visit my blog!!=)
Summer, I agree with you that we collaborative writing is necessary in our daily life. For example, the group project require us to work and write together. At least, I think the new media makes the group project and collaborative writing to be more effective because people can discuss and edit the tasks at any time and any place with the computers. We also don't need to go out and sit around to discuss the project. What do you think?^^
ReplyDeleteNice sharing, Summer.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, I like collaborative writing because it includes all useful and vital ideas and suggestions from everyone,however, it is poor that not everyone contribute in it.