[Network-Centric Resources] Collaborative Writing Tools

[Allen Gunn]

Hello,

Gunner here from Aspiration, happy to be on this list, it resonates with
so much of what we do.

My thoughts:

1) Github is a non-starter on our end for several reasons:

* It just isn't inclusive; many people are confused or frustrated trying
to figure out the paradigm, including me too much of the time. I'm all
in favor of github literacy, but I think if you want real inclusion, go
simpler and more fit-for-purpose.

* Github is not itself open source, and valuable network resources
should not be entrusted to non-open platforms, in particular because...

* Github recently changed their terms of service in a way that some
believe broke compliance with GPL and other "free" attribution licenses;
there is a well-reasoned evaluation of both sides of that debate at [1].
Many folks we respect are migrating projects off that platform to other
git sites like gitlab. We aren't putting anything new into github that
we don't have to. Platforms where you can lose control of your destiny
are to be avoided IMO.

2) I vote "start simple", with etherpads or similar, until you
understand the higher-order structure you think you'll need, and then
select a platform for richer structure and publishing, whether that's a
manual paradigm, or wiki, basic web site, or ...

peace,
gunner

[1] https://lwn.net/Articles/716372/

On 03/30/2017 01:23 AM, Dirk Slater wrote:
> Hellos,
> 
> So first off, just want to say thanks to Soraya, Marc, Maya, Martin and
> Trudy for doing their introductions.  It’s really great to get a sense
> of what people are working on and where they are coming from, so do keep
> the introductions coming!  Also, I really appreciate any help you can in
> getting people who are working on network-centric resources on this
> list.  If you can point them here: http://www.fabriders.net/network-centric/
> 
> I am starting to think about what sort of collaboration tools would be
> good for developing our resource as I want to take a stab at developing
> some content for people to look at and respond to. What I’m particularly
> need help in is in choosing a platform to develop the written content
> for the guide.  I want something that is open source, has low barriers
> to allow people to contribute, review and comment on text.
> 
> In the past, I’ve used things like FLOSS
> Manuals http://www.flossmanuals.org, & Booki (now defunct) - and yes,
> I’m a huge Adam Hyde fan. And I do need something where people will be
> able to see the whole resource as it’s being developed - such just a one
> off text editor like etherpad is not going to cut it (unless I’m missing
> something!)
> 
> But I’m curious as to what people are using now and finding effective.
> Is anyone having any luck with using GitHub to collaborate on text with
> a group of individuals that have little to no knowledge of coding?
> 
>  More importantly, what would you find useful if I wanted you to
> contribute to what I’m writing. And are their any collaborative writing
> tools out there that you absolutely love?
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> 
> 
> Dirk
> 
> 
> Dirk Slater
> FabRider
> www.fabriders.net <http://www.fabriders.net>
> Skype: dirkslater
> Mobile: +447903932817
> Fab Workshop Offerings: https://www.fabriders.net/workshop-offerings/
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
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> For more details see: https://www.fabriders.net/network-centric/
> 

-- 

Allen Gunn
Executive Director, Aspiration
+1.415.216.7252
www.aspirationtech.org

Aspiration: "Better Tools for a Better World"

Read our Manifesto: http://aspirationtech.org/publications/manifesto

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/aspirationtech

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