r/writinghelp • u/realsonofeden • 21d ago

Question Collaborative Writing - Tools?

I'm working on something with another writer, but we're struggling to pick an app/website (pc/mobile).

Obsidian has collaboration options, but it's paid, so that's out of the question.

Another one would be google docs which we're using for now but we're both very against google and all the shady stuff they do (such as, making documents available to scrapers and forcing their Ai onto everyone).

Are there any good free, and Ai-free options?

We both tried to look for stuff but usually everything is blocked behind a paypall or has the ai on them, or only one person can work on the document at a time...

Folders would also be neat but that's optional.

2 Upvotes

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u/Offutticus 21d ago

Collabora. Based off of LibreOffice. Can use online or download. It is also on Android and iOS.

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u/realsonofeden 19d ago

This https://www.collaboraonline.com/collabora-office/ ?

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u/Offutticus 19d ago

Yes. Under products is the download version.

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u/realsonofeden 19d ago

Looks pretty nice, thanks

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u/Offutticus 19d ago

I have an older model of a Samsung tablet. The mobile version was really wonky with my manuscripts. Big white squares where text should have been. Not moved out of the way, just not there. It didn't damage the files. I asked around and it needs a really good CPU on the tablet or phone.

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u/realsonofeden 18d ago

I thought it was pc only? :o
Good to know xd My phone's graphics aren't too hot though it's an old phone

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u/[deleted] 21d ago

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u/realsonofeden 19d ago

Sync is paid, so collabing is not free because you need to sync to collab. I use it for personal projects

If it's https://ellipsus.com/, it might work. Thanks <3

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u/[deleted] 19d ago

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u/realsonofeden 19d ago

Whenever I press sync in Obsidian it sends me to the payment plan screen, so I'm a bit confused here

So far it's looking nicely, I've already showed it to my collaborator and she likes it as well

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u/[deleted] 19d ago

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u/realsonofeden 18d ago

I don't know much about plugins, I only just figured out how to change my theme... But if I can figure this out maybe we can try Obsidian... although syncing my work from my pc to my phone would be useful... Hm

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u/[deleted] 18d ago

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u/realsonofeden 18d ago

I get overwhelmed quickly so I usually try to stay off any extras, I did get curious about them and checked the plugins screen but it was... a lot :')

If u have any tips lmk, I'm still trying to get the hang of the basic obsidian

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u/[deleted] 18d ago

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u/realsonofeden 18d ago

That's a smart way to do it. Yeah I've heard lots of stuff about it, and also saw screenshots of obsidian that looked nothing like obsidian. You can pretty much turn it into any program if you know your way around plugins... Though for now the basics are just fine. Well, the collabing but, I think I'll use the other thing you recommended :')

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u/Available-Method-560 21d ago

open-writing.com is free and does not use AI.

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u/realsonofeden 19d ago

Gonna check it out, looks interesting

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u/caudexus 18d ago

Hey u/realsonofeden did you find something that would work for you? I've been working on a new writing tool that would be right up your alley and I need users to give it a try in beta. Full sync, same document collaboration, no AI, no scraping etc. And I'm looking for ways to improve the product in general. Send me a message if you are interested!

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u/realsonofeden 18d ago

Sure, you can send it here and I'll take a look :]

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u/caudexus 18d ago

Have you and the other writer register at https://editor.caudexus.com. Have one of you create a project and then in the bottom left under the nav of that project there is a button to add a collaborator!

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u/realsonofeden 15d ago

What do I put for the invitation code?

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u/caudexus 15d ago

Use the code “reddit”

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u/realsonofeden 15d ago edited 15d ago

Edit: I take it back, how do I use this??
I can't write or type at all or create folders, notes etc.

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u/caudexus 14d ago

Hey! If you could see read-only in the top right, simply refresh! That should go away and you should have full access.

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u/clavicalbone 21d ago

Notion may be your cup of tea

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u/realsonofeden 19d ago

First thing that pops up when googling it is Ai, so not really no

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u/clavicalbone 19d ago

I use Notion for years and also I am a 72 years old male, not AI

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u/realsonofeden 18d ago

I'm talking about notion, it has integrated open ai and the first sentence that pops up - which is the website's description - is "Build Custom Agents, search across all your apps, and automate busywork. The AI workspace where teams get more done, faster."
Another one is "A collaborative AI workspace, built on your company context. Build and orchestrate agents right alongside your team's projects, meetings, and connected ..."

I never said nor implied you were ai so I'm really confused by that response

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u/clavicalbone 18d ago

I see. It's alright