Overview

Writely is an online text editor/file storage website that has recently opened its beta test to anyone wanting to take part. The company, purchased by Google a few months ago, allows online creation and storage of documents. Taking things a step further, the site also lets you batch upload and download files, work collaboratively on documents, and blog directly from its interface. The attraction of this is similar to what makes Google’s Notebook tool useful, access to your data from any computer with an internet connection. While less secure than using a USB memory key, Writely has the advantage of not needing to ensure that the computer you’re using has the software required to open your files, and access to your files does not depend on having your USB drive with you.

The interface provided by Writely is very similar to MS Word’s, letting you get started on writing with barely any learning curve.

It’s easy to write and post blogs out of Writely as well.

1. Create a new document with whatever content you want published to your blog
2. Once you’ve written your content, click the ‘Blog’ tab just above the editing window
   1. The first time you post a blog you will need to enter your blog settings. To do this click the orange ‘Blog Settings’ button once the screen refreshes
   2. A pop-up window will appear. When it does, select your blog provider from the drop-down list (or provide your setting details if you host your own blog), enter your username and password, and click test to make sure Writely is able to communicate with your blog hosting site. If everything works, click OK.

1. A preview of your blog post will appear, if satisfied click the ‘Publish’ button.

That’s it!! Go to your blog and verify that the posting was published.

Check out the post I published to my blog from Writely when writing this wiki.