This week we are reviewing the bottom three reasons to use Google Docs. G-Docs (that is what we call it in the hood) is an online service that allows you to manage documents online. We are talking about spread sheets, word documents, presentations and forms. They are not the only player in this game: Microsoft, Adobe and a sleu of small non-epic groups like Zoho, Ether Pad and Think Free offer similar products. So after waxing about the top three reasons to use G-Docs last week we present the least of these.
1. Formatting
Trying to properly format a document in Google Docs is like trying to tie your shoes when your wearing Velcro: it seems like it should be easy but it just isn’t. How you format a document is very important. Line spacing, tabing, numbering and paragraphs are just a few weakness in the G-Dock software. This becomes a real pain in the rear end when you try to import or export a document. Many people using G-Docks might not be bothered by this, but as a pastor who needs to care about what something looks like when I hit print this is a big deal!
2. Revisions
One of the best parts about G-Docks is being able to collaborate on a single document. However it is very dificult to track who did what to a particular document. This is a key part of successful collaboration and when Sister Sally starts editing your Sunday school lesson in King James you haveth a problem.
3. Publishing
Publishing? Wasn’t that in your top three? Yes it was… because it is awesome. It is also lacking features. I’m not saying that it is shy on features. I am saying it has no features. Google walked right up to the line dividing awesome and OK and decided not to cross it. Being able to publish a form online for your volunteers, or families or staff is amazing. But when it looks bad, you don’t want to use it! And published G-Docs look bad.
You know what Paul said about runing a race? These guys are well on their way towards the prize but are not there yet. Try out Google Docs. It not perfect but has a lot to offer you and your church!