The text discusses the concept of ‘The Doc Web’, which refers to the unique role of public Google Docs in democratizing publishing and fostering collaboration. The author reflects on their own experiences with alternative publishing, starting with their zine ‘Start Select Reset Zine’ and evolving into the ‘Worldrunning.Guide’ Google Doc, where they collect essays on worlds and worlding. The flexibility and immediacy of Google Docs allow for ongoing edits and engagement with readers, creating a living document that evolves over time. The author suggests that this method of publishing can bypass the noise of traditional social media, offering a more direct connection with audiences. They propose a future collective project on Google Docs that merges live writing sessions with community interaction, emphasizing the importance of exploring new forms of digital publishing in the current landscape.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergence of The Doc Web | A growing recognition of Google Docs as a unique publishing platform. | Shift from traditional publishing to informal, collaborative document sharing. | Google Docs may become a primary medium for publishing and sharing content. | Desire for low-stakes, flexible publishing options outside conventional platforms. | 4 |
| Democratization of Publishing | Public Google Docs enabling democratized access to content creation and publishing. | Transition from exclusive publishing platforms to accessible tools for all. | Wider participation in content creation could lead to diverse voices in the digital space. | The need for inclusivity and accessibility in the digital publishing landscape. | 5 |
| Out of Feed Publishing | Using Google Docs for social engagement, bypassing traditional social media noise. | Move from reliance on social media for visibility to direct user engagement through documents. | Publishing may evolve to prioritize direct, low-noise engagement with audiences. | Frustration with social media algorithms and discoverability issues. | 4 |
| Collaborative Document Creation | Revival of collaborative writing practices through shared Google Docs. | Shift from individual content creation to group collaborative efforts. | Collaborative publishing may redefine content creation, making it more communal. | Desire for community engagement and shared creative experiences. | 3 |
| Fluidity of Content | The concept of living documents that evolve over time, fostering ongoing engagement. | From static content to dynamic, continuously updated information. | Content may become more adaptable, reflecting the ongoing development of ideas. | Recognition of the organic nature of thought and creativity. | 4 |
| Exploration of New Formats | Experimentation with unconventional publishing formats, like zines and PDFs. | Shift from traditional formats to more experimental and informal publishing options. | New formats may emerge, reshaping how content is consumed and shared. | Interest in creative expression and alternative publishing methods. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Content Discoverability | The decline of social media as a reliable platform for creators to reach their audience raises concerns over how content is discovered and shared. | 4 |
| Fluid Publishing Practices | The rise of fluid publishing processes via Google Docs challenges traditional methods and may impact the quality and permanence of published content. | 3 |
| Collaboration vs. Individualism | The shift from collaborative writing platforms to individual content creation could diminish community engagement and shared creativity. | 4 |
| User Privacy and Data Ownership | Using business tools like Google Docs poses concerns about user data privacy and ownership of content shared in these platforms. | 5 |
| Quality Control in Open Publishing | The ease of publishing through platforms like Google Docs might lead to a proliferation of low-quality or unverified content online. | 4 |
| Legacy System Disruption | The evolving nature of publishing tools may disrupt legacy systems in the Web2 ecosystem, affecting businesses reliant on traditional publishing models. | 3 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Democratized Publishing | Public Google Docs are being utilized as accessible, collaborative platforms for publishing, challenging traditional publishing norms. | 5 |
| Living Documents | The concept of documents as evolving texts that can be continuously edited and updated in real-time is gaining traction. | 4 |
| Playful Experimentation | Creative experimentation in publishing is encouraged, blurring the lines between personal notes and public content. | 4 |
| Out of Feed Publishing | Using business tools like Google Docs for social publishing, providing a direct and reliable means of engagement outside social media. | 5 |
| Collaborative Writing in Real-Time | Emerging practices of collaborative writing sessions in shared online documents, integrating audience participation in the creative process. | 4 |
| Low-Stakes Publishing | A shift towards publishing in less formal settings, embracing drafts and unfinished work to foster creativity and engagement. | 5 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| The Doc Web | A new form of publishing utilizing Google Docs as living, collaborative web pages to democratize content creation. | 5 |
| Living Documents | Documents that evolve over time through collaborative editing, allowing for real-time updates and fluidity in content. | 4 |
| Out of Feed Publishing | Using business tools like Google Docs for social publishing, bypassing traditional social media for direct audience engagement. | 4 |
| DocLetter | A collective publishing project utilizing Google Docs for live writing sessions and real-time audience interaction. | 4 |
| Samizdat Publishing | A form of underground publishing that allows for the distribution of texts outside traditional and commercial platforms. | 3 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative Publishing Forms | The rise of experimental publishing methods, such as Google Docs and zines, challenges traditional publishing norms. | 4 |
| Democratization of Content Creation | Public Google Docs are becoming a space for collaborative and evolving content, making publishing accessible to more people. | 5 |
| Engagement Beyond Social Media | Using tools like Google Docs for publishing offers a way to engage with audiences outside of saturated social media platforms. | 5 |
| Living Documents | The concept of living documents allows for ongoing updates and collaboration, contrasting with static traditional formats. | 4 |
| Playfulness in Digital Publishing | The Doc Web encourages playful experimentation in publishing, blurring lines between personal notes and public content. | 3 |
| Community-driven Content Creation | The potential for community involvement in the creation of content, such as through live collaborative writing sessions. | 4 |
| Soft Notification Mechanisms | Using Google Docs as a publishing tool provides a subtle notification system that keeps audiences engaged without traditional alerts. | 4 |