Guide on how to use google docs for a joint post (If you so choose)

Those of you who are familiar with Google Docs probably understand that is an effective collaboration tool. For those of you who don't use the application I wanted to facilitate the option to use it while writing joint posts. The strength in writing the joint posts with this is that you can avoid insane email chains, and you can even contribute at exactly the same time. If you do not use Google docs or do not have a google account, fret not, there is a feature that allows access to the doc through the use of a hyperlink.

I am going to write one instruction sets which will cover use for when all contributors have google accounts, one another set for when only one person has a google account. You may also like to know that Google publishes a phone app called Google drive.

A. When all contributors have google accounts.
1. Go to docs.google.com and sign in using your google account. (If you want to make an account, know that you can actually use email addresses from other providers.)
2. Click Create in the top left corner and then select "Document"
3. Share the document by clicking on the blue share button in the top right. If you haven't already, give the document a name.
4. At the bottom of the sharing settings page enter in the email addresses of all the contributors. It is ok if they don't have a google account, the
5. Ensure that "Notify by Email" is selected and then click share.
6. If you receive an email, just follow the link, sign in. You should find it on the left in the column under a link called, "shared with me".

B. When only one person has a google account.
1. The person with the account can follow steps 1 through 3.
2. The the Sharing Settings page under "who has access" click the word change and the radial button to "Anyone with the link".
3. This will add a new line at the bottom of that window that reads, "Access: Anyone (no sign-in required). Go to the right and click on the words "can view" and change it to "can edit".
4. Copy the hyperlink in the box at the top of the Sharing Settings page and send it to all contributors by private forum message or email.

Holler if this doesn't work for you.

Thank you Jon for posting this. I think we should all be using google docs from this point when doing a joint post. It just makes sense. This is a great guide for everyone new to google docs