Google Docs: A free resource from Google for writing, editing, sharing and publishing documents >> Who needs to spend $3oo to $600 on expensive word processing software? Google Docs is FREE!

I’ve finally decided on the format and content of an e-book that I’ve wanted to write for a long time. Actually, I wrote it a while back, but felt like it lacked the cutting edge content to help people make money online. Now I feel much better after adding a series of chapters that discusses the latest techniques to build traffic, to some of the wise moves that can be done to save money while building an online business.

So, I’ve taken something that was a bit bland and found a way to radically improve the content. I am not going to post the chapters here, but I’ll let you in on something just as good: It’s Google Docs. Another Google application that is free at this time (in beta now) that takes the production of documents to the next level. All done online.

Here is what I can do with Google Docs:

• It allows you to create a document, spreadsheet or presentation.
• Just like any other word processing program that you have to buy (apart from Open Office), Google Docs allows you to create most types of document online for free.
• It also allows you to insert pictures, images, tables, hyperlinks –well, all types of media.
• Then the part that really drew me into the application: Once the document is setup, it will track all the changes done to the document (revisions), including edits that are done by other account holders. That’s right. You can create other accounts and enable those accounts to access your docs for viewing or editing.

Here is a YouTube video that will also give you a quick introduction:

I am sure there are many more features that I am missing, but then again, the idea here is to present an introduction. You can create an account to access Google Docs via this link >> via a general access account –You might already have one, so, check first.

Well, that note prompted me to look around further, and it’s amazing what they have done. After creating a document you can export the file as a HTML zip file, RTF, Word, Open Office, PDF or text type file.

But, that’s not all. No, Google would not leave things at that point. Google as gone a step further and allows you to publish the document to google.com OR, and this is a big one, Google will allow you to publish directly to blogger and many other blog installations. When I saw this , I jumped and then discovered that indeed I can create documents at Google Docs and then publish them to my Rich Sage WordPress site using the WordPress API feature. Awesome!

So, a summary of the good and bad features that will or will not draw you to Google Docs.

First of all this is very handy for anyone with a small office that would like to keep things at “arms’ length” –Now all the documents that you create are portable and can be edited by you from anywhere and by anyone that you give rights to. I don’t want to be harsh about my review, as the Google Docs is in beta. I am sure any shortcomings will be addressed by Google before it goes production.

Then, are there any shortcomings? I actually don’t see any. The only shortcomings that you might find is if you use Word and other programs to make custom letters using templates at your office. For example, let’s say that you’re running a law first, and you have 100 templates based on client needs. Your secretary can then pull up a template for example, a real estate deal, and make a custom letter using the client information. Google Docs cannot be used obviously for that kind of customization.

Then again, I don’t know too many people who need that kinds of help. Therefore, I think for the majority of computer users, who have any type of always on ‘Net access, this is a great way to make documents. In my case, I am going there write now to get started on my Rich Sage Make Money Online ebook!

Rich Sage