At some point I think we have to settle on one or two and just write.
What about you?
Each week it seems as if I’m finding more and more apps and programs for writers/bloggers. But downloading and using the latest and greatest can become more confusing than easier. At least for me.
At what point are we just reinventing the wheel?
Here’s my take on the 5 I found this week in a recent article on Business.com, Posted By Christopher Jan Benitez. These tools are supposed to help the writer/blogger write better and faster.
You be the judge.
The first one listed is an app called Help Me Write.
This is a web-based app to help you decide what to write next.
- You write your ideas on a profile page.
- Next, share via Twitter, Facebook, blog (or wherever) and ask your networks, which or if, they would like to read.
- Pick the idea with the most interest and write an article, post or story, then send directly to all the voters.
For a regular blogger this is supposed to get readers more engaged with your brand and writing process. For example, you could write a weekly post “ask the audience” post, or get readers to vote on a special project.
Me- I’ll pass. I don’t need another platform to keep up with.
Second on his list was MyBlogU.
This appears to be a brainstorming, community gathering, idea and information generating platform. Whew! That was a mouthful. Here, a writer/blogger can gather information from experts and other writers, enabling you to learn as you go.
Me- I’ll pass on MyBlogU. Once again this crowdsourcing platform seems as if it would take more time than I’ve got to give.
The Hemingway App was #Three.
This is a desktop app I’ve used and like.
Mainly for the readability feature. I can see in a second the readability level of my writing. It will also highlight which sentences are hard to read, complex or simple. Hemingway Editor doesn’t take a lot of time and is super easy to use.
Me- I’ll continue to use Hemingway Editor.
RobotDon is number four.
This web driven app has a lot of useful tools and is simple to use. However, I think the Plagiarism check in Grammarly works better than RobotDon. If you already have a program that helps you with all of these items you might want to pass.
Me- I’ll pass on RobotDon and continue to use Grammarly. In this instance, “you get what you pay for” is true.
Twords was number five and last in the article.
This is an online app that nudges you to write. You list goals and the app community will remind you if you are falling behind. It provides stats, timed writing and prompts should you get stuck.
Me- I’ll pass on Twords. This looks fun but distracting. I use Scrivener for stats and my progress details.
If you want to read the entire article By Christopher Jan Benitez and his take is on these 5 writing tools click on the link below at the bottom of this post.
Okay, tell me– Do you have enough writing apps?
Do you think they are all becoming redundant?
I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.
Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.
Jean's Writing 