Typing and Uploading are the two approaches to adding new material to this web site. Before choosing, there are some critical questions:

• Where does this material belong? A committee (group) folder? A personal member's folder? A comment tagged onto an existing document? (see TypingComments)
• How long will it be? Few lines? Few paragraphs? Few pages? Full length article? Training manual?
• Will it require complicated tables and figures?
• Will it require editing? Complicated editing?
• Should it be visible to all members, if they go searching for it, or private to a committee or member?

Options for creating new material

Typing structured text (or copy and paste)-- Text with simple formating requirements can be entered directly from a web browser. It is very convenient for entering, reviewing, and editing. Moderately large documents can be typed and spell checked first in your favorite word processor, then copied and pasted into the text area. Other members can tag-on comments, or they can edit these documents directly.

Uploading a word processor file-- Large or complicated text documents can be uploaded and kept as word processor files on this web site. (Spreadsheets, image files, etc, can also be uploaded.) Other members can download such files for review. Indeed, the only way to review or revise such files is to download them to a personal computer and use the appropriate software package. Revisions can then be uploaded to replace the original file.

Submitting for publication-- If a document is meant for public web viewing, or traditional publication, it must be submitted to the Publications Board. It is best to approach one of the Board members directly. (They also have a committee listserv PubBoard@Stargate.net). Selecting the mail envelope icon at the upper right of a display will prepare an email message that includes an appropriate web link. Switching your file's / document's state to submit by selecting the state option at upper right make it easier for Board members to find your material

NB: Members (users) must coordinate their efforts. If Joan creates a new document (or file), then both Jane and Bob simultaneously start to edit that document, our web site will retain only one revision. Someone's work will be lost. (Jane and Bob can safely enter comments simultaneously. They may or may not duplicate each-other's efforts, but our site will tag both sets of comments onto Joan's document.)

Redlining is not built-in to our site's editing software. PloneZope Groups (committees) requiring such features will have to agree upon a common word processor, download drafts, and upload revised drafts.

Interactive co-authoring is possible using Wiki folders. Within a Wiki, a number of members (users) can add comments at the same time. They can link their text to other pieces of text. They can reorganize / re-link their text. However, Wiki text may require a good deal of editing to produce a traditional manuscript. Wiki's can degenerate into group blogs. (See WikiStarts for more information on creating a Wiki.)