OpenOffice.org vs. Free Version of MSOffice

Last night, I downloaded a free software office suite for my new netbook. The software is from OpenOffice.org -- I'll experiment with it this summer. Now, when there is no free wireless Internet access when I'm at conference hotels (like ALA Chicago Conference) or on the road, I should be able to write up my notes and reports so they are in an easy place for sending or posting. Time will tell. This is timely.

Microsoft won't be left behind! Apparently Microsoft is testing its own free downloadable version of MsOffice -- WORD and Excel. A technical preview version will be out this summer and a consumer version should be available in early 2010. It looks like the free Web version of Office 2010 will be supported by advertising.

Storyist - Software for Novelists and Screen Writers

Here is Post #1 after two days touring Mac World exhibits in San Francisco on 1/8 and 1/9. I hadn't visited Mac World in years. I focused on finding fun, cool tools.

Storyist is software especially designed for novelists and screen writers. As a reader, I often wonder how a writer or storyteller organizes all the details, characters, and research before or during the writing of a book. Now, after seeing this cool software, I could see myself possibly taking the plunge or at least helping a writer with the research for a book or screen play. In addition to a word processor with page layout and index cards, there are storyboards and a database of sorts to track your characters, plot, and settings. California-based Storyist is a cool tool to show friends and family who are writing "the great American novel" or with teachers who may want their writing classes to experience a structured writing tool.

Congratulations to CEO and Storyist developer Steve Shepard and Managing Editor Christina Cary. This blogger was impressed.