Holly Lisle: Writer

OneStep Writing System – Web-Based?

Dear Writers.

Right now, I am working as fast as I can to build for Holly a system to consolidate the work of writing and publishing.  When Holly’s system is done, or at least done enough, she and I are going to offer some form of that system to other writers.

TOO IMPORTANT TO GUESS
I could guess, Holly’s system would be helpful to others.  This is one of those things that is too important to guess.  No guessing is needed to say, some form of system for consolidating writers’ work would be helpful.  No guessing is needed for some of the requirements, because some requirements are stated repeatedly in the comments on Holly’s blog article.  Overall, I am going to need writers telling me what is needed.  Then I need to verify my understanding of what I am told.  This type of communication excites me, because the chances of making good system go way up when there is good understanding of validated requirements.

The biggest question I have right now:  will this system work if it runs through web browsers?  The alternatives would be to run it as a program installed in Windows or on a Mac.

Running it through a browser does not mean that connecting to the internet is required for running the system.  Some features require connecting to the internet, but stories can be worked on through a browser not connected to the internet.  There are a lot of reasons why I want to make this a browser-based system, but my reasons don’t matter, if the product is not going to do what writers need if it is running in a browser.

What worries me is I don’t see any problems with running OneStep as a browser-based app.  I know others will see problems, but I don’t know what they are.  That is not good.  I need to know, what are the problems with OneStep being browser-based?

WHEN WILL OneStep BECOME AVAILABLE?
While I won’t try guessing at requirements and platform, I will hazard a guess that people who have shown interest in OneStep want to know when they can get it.  Answer:  I don’t know.  This work is happening at the same time Holly and I are rebuilding her online writing school.  I am not sure how much work we can do on OneStep while construction of the online writing school is happening.  I will just have to update you on that as I know more.

If you have questions or comments about the OneStep system, please do not hesitate to ask.

.

image_pdfDownload as PDFimage_printPrint Page

Posted

in

by

Holly Lisle

Tags:

Comments

68 responses to “OneStep Writing System – Web-Based?”

  1. Chuck Avatar
    Chuck

    As long as the system allows offline use, I would vote for browser-based, as that would allow people to use low-cost computers like a chromebook and avoid Mac vs. PC issues.

    Reply
    1. Holly Lisle Avatar
      Holly Lisle

      The fact that it would be usable in things like a Chromebook is a big deal to me. It would cut the cost of entry for building a viable writing career WAY down.

      Reply
  2. Jean Avatar
    Jean

    I haven’t used many browser-based apps (that I’m aware of); however, all the concerns about browser updates breaking the app are valid for OS-updates breaking the app. I’m inclined to vote with Cat and say go with the browser and expand to the OS if that turns out to warrant the effort.

    Security is an issue no matter how you choose to develop, but Margaret’s point about threat development being greater on browser-based systems is valid. Security is always an issue, so that needs to be designed in from the core.

    Scrivener is the closest example I see to what you’re attempting to do, and they have struggled bringing Windows on board (done pretty well, as I understand it), and they are so far behind with their attempts to move to IOS that I’ll believe it when I see it. This tells me you have a daunting task ahead of you, but if anyone can do it, I firmly believe you’ll find the way.

    I’ll be happy to be in the beta program and provide feedback however you decide to do it.

    Reply
  3. Sallie Avatar
    Sallie

    Browser based makes me nervous too. Partly because of security but mostly because it seems about twice a year my PC gets attacked by a virus that completely removes Firefox from my system and then everything I’ve saved in connection to Firefox disappears as well and I have to start over. That said, if the browser based program had a button where I can back-up my work, settings, etc…to my PC’s hard-drive or to a jump drive, that would make me feel a little better because I could end each writing session by clicking on “back up to…” and know that even if the browser crashes or my system is attacked, all I’ll have to do is reload it and pick up where I left off. I already do this with my WriteWay software and it has the added plus of being able to write on my pc, save to a jump drive and then plug the jump drive into my laptop and update the files so I can continue writing from the same place, just on a different device, but I don’t have to worry all my work will vanish into cyber hell because of a browser crash.

    Reply
  4. Kim Cleary Avatar
    Kim Cleary

    I’m happy with any technical solution as long as it delivers (off the top of my head):
    -security and version control
    -compatability with various software and devices (I use scrivener, and evernote on my mac, iPad and iPhone)
    -compatability with speech software (I use dragon for mac)
    -the ability to stay in tune with iOS (and other operating systems) updates
    -compatability with social media, i.e. wordpress, FB, twitter pinterest etc
    -project management tools – such as word targets, word overuse etc

    Reply
  5. Phoenix Avatar
    Phoenix

    In theory, I’d be fine with using a browser-based app. In practise, I’m not so sure. As others have said, the internet can be a giant black hole of distraction. So being able to work stories offline would be very, very useful for workflow.

    Would running a program such as Freedom (it turns off the internet on your Mac without having to fiddle with network settings) potentially break OneStep? Or could that be designed around? I don’t currently use Freedom, but I should. And I’m sure others use it, or a similar program, and would want the two to be compatible.

    I am also a big fan of an Evernote-like product, with browser functionality as well as stand-alone apps. But I realise that’s probably a big ask given the time and cash-flow constraints you’re working under.

    Incidentally, have you thought of using a crowdfunding campaign at some point in the future when the design etc is hammered out? I’m sure plenty of people would be happy to contribute (myself included), and it could mean getting enough money in to maybe hire a code monkey or two to help knock things out.

    Reply
  6. Annie Grantham Avatar
    Annie Grantham

    I need it to be browser-based since I work on a Chromebook.

    Reply
Older Comments
1 2

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

68
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x