I do use Google Docs for collaborative writing. You can not see it from the bookmark. You either have to invite or, I believe if you publish it becomes visible. There are options available to republish each time changes are made.

One of the reasons I like Google Docs is that I don't have Microsoft Office. My friend Nathan sends me writing, sometimes to edit. Not only don't I use MS Office, the formatting of Word documents sometimes drives me crazy. So when Nathan or others sends me Documents in Gmail, I can download the document, or I can open the document in Google Docs and then save it in Open Office. It's really great how well Google Docs plays with Open Office! I can edit in Open Office and then save as a MS Doc and send it back. I find that's the easiest way for me to avoid formatting nightmares.

The compatibility with Excel isn't quite so smooth. But the capacity to have spreadsheets open to people in different places add to a spreadsheet in real time is really a good thing.

You used to have to invite people to collaborate on documents. I don't think you still have to do that; well the permissions have a number of options.

Google Docs is useful to me collaborating with a friend in Uganda, but the Internet connection speeds in Uganda make it harder for Nathan to use it himself. It's much easier for him to use the software on his computer.

sounds good, thanks