Hi Kristy,

I think using Google Docs to have authors submit materials would ultimately have some positives and negatives.

First, not everyone is dropping Word heading into the arms of these (relatively) alternative writing tools. I think there are a ton of people that know and love Word. I think you would be forcing authors into tools they don’t want to use.

Second, with submission of drafts and revisions using tools like Google Docs, you’d have to address the issue of blinding of materials for review. Although I’d suggest that blinding is almost dead thanks to the Internet and being able to Google each other. Editors would be able to set up a process to protect the identity of author(s) and reviewer(s) but it would take some finagling.

I might provide authors the opportunity to submit via gDocs, but not make it mandatory. I think it would be interesting to see who chooses to submit that way. Perhaps we should apply for the AERA Open Journal editors job and test it out. 🙂

Good luck with the EtherPad clones. I think it’s a great tool that provides plenty of opportunities for writers to hold on to their ideas. Good to hear form you again!!!