TypeWith.Me is an application that lets groups of users collaborate on text files in real time. Without any signups, logins, or email addresses required, users can get started typing documents within the web-based system with one simple click. Each document has its own automatically generated URL, which can be distributed to friends and coworkers to collaborate on the creation and editing process. And because TypeWith.Me is a real time application, groups of users can type simultaneously and see their contributions included without fear of saving over anyone else’s work.
Unlike applications like Google Documents—which allows multiple users to collaborate on documents so long as they aren’t doing so at the same time—any number of TypeWith.Me users can partake in the editing process of a text file all at once. To work on a preexisting document, simply follow the link and type your name into the box on the upper right hand corner of the screen. Each collaborator is assigned a unique color that any text he or she contributes will be highlighted in, making it easy to tell who has contributed what to any given document. When a question does arise, the chat room feature facilitates quick communication between collaborators without the need for multiple instant messages or group emails.
When the document you’re working on has reached completion, just click save and select the type of file to export it as—TypeWith.Me lets you export files as HTML, plain text, Word, PDF, OpenDocument, or as a bookmarked file. Exported files lack the highlighted coloring from the online version, but retain any indentation, bulleting, and font details that were added during the collaboration process. For groups of students or business associates who need a fast, cheap way to collaborate on an upcoming project, TypeWith.Me is most definitely the simplest text collaboration tool of its kind.
Practical Uses:
- Collaborate with classmates on a team project
- Brainstorm ideas with a group of coworkers
- Work together with classmates on a report, even without being in the same room
- Type up a list of new company ideas together with your colleagues
Insider Tips:
- Import preexisting text documents to edit as a group
- Use the time slider to see past versions of the document
- Click to see the document in a full window display
- Communicate with collaborators by using the chat room feature
What we liked:
- The simple TypeWith.Me URL is easy to distribute via email or IM
- No passwords or email addresses are needed to join in on a document
- Highlighted text makes it easy to determine who contributed what to any file
- Each collaborator who’s viewing the document is listed on the right hand side of the screen
- Line numbers provide a reference point when discussing specific issues
What we didn’t like:
- If you lose the document’s URL without exporting the file, your group document will essentially be lost
Alternatives:
- Adobe Buzzword – http://www.adobe.com/acom/buzzword
- Google Docs – http://docs.google.com
- Google Wave – https://wave.google.com
- Writeboard – http://writeboard.com
Company Info:
- Launched: February 2010
- Privately Held
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington
- Founded by: Chris Pirillo and Jake Warner
- Web site: http://typewith.me
Costs:
- Free
All articles are curated and personally reviewed by Dave Onkels. Dave is tech addict and has a passion for rich web applications. He has cultivated several tech startups and runs
Typewithme seems like a good idea, but the site LOST ALL USER DATA earlier this month, and hasn’t been able to recover it…
That coupled with NO support makes it less than trustworthy in my opinion.
Of course the price is right!
Make your own backups!