I’m a huge proponent of Google Docs. It has radically changed collaboration, not just in the workplace, but also in every facet of life, if used properly. Here’s a few things I do with Google Docs.

• Timesheets of staff at our digital agency, Integricity
• IT maintenance record logs between our technology boys and the clients
• Finance reporting for certain projects involving various stakeholders
• Self-generation of monthly statements for certain client services
• Holiday itinerary planning between friends

It’s truly revolutionized the way we can be efficient now. Though there is still quite a fair bit that I desire out of Google docs (spreadsheets), such as the ability to control which sheets can be viewed by different parties, locking of certain cells, ability to link between spreadsheets, it’s made it a joy to work.

Today, I noticed a huge notice that states new ways to share your documents (though I saw the functionality several days ago already).

The full list of functionality is written up here by Google themselves but in summary…

• Private: only the creator can view it and people who are specifically invited
• People at your domain with the link: you are part of the same domain (e.g. xyz@thebackpackr.com) and are aware of the link to the document
• Your domain: anyone with a Google acccount with the same domain – you need not know the link to the document
• Anyone with the link: it’s self-explanatory – you have the link, you can access it. Be careful not to allow edit privileges, if you don’t want the data changed by Mr Anonymous!
• Public on the web: I have no need for this, but you may for whatever reason. This document can be searched and listed in Google search results