Expert: Leslie - 8/6/2010

Question
I need multiple writers on a project. I want them all to be able to see the entire document - BUT they must only be able to alter their own section of the document.

What "collaborative writing" solution can do this ? - pref open source

Answer
Gareth,

I do not use Open Source. However, several people I know do use it, and it functions like Microsoft's Word. I am told that my comments in Word are clearly viewed in Open Source.

One of the tools in Word that I have used is the Reviewing tool. Multiple editors can look at the entire document and make changes and comments. Each editor has a different color and initials, or can set a different color. To take full advantage of the Reviewing tool, the editing should be done serially. In other words, the first editor makes his or her changes. The second editor then adds changes to the same document, and passes it onto the third editor. Each editor has a different color and different initials, so the various editors can see who did/said what.

Hope this information helps you.

Leslie