Writing Tools: Zoho Writer

Did I just get transported back to Word 2003? Is this how MS really meant to upgrade Word? I wish. Honestly, how many users really like the Ribbon in Word 2007? Sure, part of the dissatisfaction is the change itself. When you get so accustomed to having tools you use everyday in a familiar place, it's disconcerting to "reach" for them and not find them. It's like my Dad and the tools on the pegboard above his workbench. If I used a tool and didn't put it back in the right place, he knew right away and became most upset. Another part of the problem, for me at least, is that I don't always understand the reasoning they used when assigning features to a particular group. I suppose their focus group liked it this way. I want a word processor (and spreadsheet and presentation program) that is totally customizable. Zoho Writer gives you the ability to show or hide groups of command icons and MS Word 2007 lets you customize the Quick Access Toolbar, but I want more control over my menu bars. Instead of a populated menu bar, I want a blank template and a group of command icons that I can drag and drop wherever they work best for me. Yes, sort of like the customizable command bar on a browser only with more tools and more flexibility. You should be able to not only locate the icons where you want them, but also change the size of ones you use most frequently - like the Shift and Enter keys on a keyboard.

Alright, enough ranting. Now I suppose someone will comment and tell me all of this is already available. But that's ok! At least my tirade will have lead to someone positive. Oh, and yes, I like Zoho Writer. I found it really easy to use and like how they made collaboration and sharing so simple. Also, I have never seen page margins expressed as percentages before, but I like the idea.

I wrote the above post using Zoho Writer and easily published it to my blog. I like that, too.