5. What kinds of documents does
collaborative writing produce?
Ringland | May 12,
2015
ICS 139w
6. What kinds of documents does
collaborative writing produce?
Technical reports
Business plans
Academic articles
Software requirements & specifications
Maybe even code?
And more!
Ringland | May 12,
2015
ICS 139w
7. Writing in a Team
Looks like a programming team, but for writing
Team Leader = Lead Author
In charge of overall direction of paper
Final style decisions
Manages other authors
Ringland | May 12,
2015
ICS 139w
8. Writing in a Team
Co-authors
Given tasks to complete
Everyone should be proofreading
Ringland | May 12,
2015
ICS 139w
9. Collaborative Writing Tips
Define roles upfront
Know who has the final decision
Be sensitive of other cultures & opinions
Ringland | May 12,
2015
ICS 139w
11. Collaborative Writing Tips
Take advantage of tools such as track changes
Concurrent writing – Google Docs
Versioned writing – use version control
Ringland | May 12,
2015
ICS 139w
12. Collaborative Writing:
The First Meeting
Assigning roles
Setting expectations
Creating outline of writing project
Ringland | May 12,
2015
ICS 139w
As you can see, there will be lots of opportunities for collaborative writing, no matter your chosen profession
Tasks could be sections of writing
It’s important to be clear about responsibilities and roles up front
Including which writer will have the ultimate say on the argument, story – helps keep style clear
Use calendar – set expectations for due dates
Track changes – great to see who has done what, lead author can have final okay on changes
This is the time to create an outline and description of what you plan on writing
Make sure everyone is on the same page
Create memos or brsinstorm the main argument or important info the paper is going to convey
Have an agenda, know what it is
Be ready to solve conflicts
More good info on the web
More good info on the web
When reading someone else’s work ( or observing) know what the overall objective is
Be able to summarize what you thought the message of the writing or presentation was
Is there a coherent argument? Does it stay consistent?
What is the supporting evidence that backs up their claim?
List what is good – always nice to hear when doing things well
Be constructive with criticism – negativity with no idea of how to fix the problem will never get the problem solved
One method is the sandwich
Good Constructive Criticism Good
Try to get critique from people who are your audience or can anticipate your audience
Other feedback is good – but weigh the feedback by who is giving the critique