Hello friends! I'd like to ask for your opinion regarding multi-line text editing. This suggestion comes from one of our Russian-speaking customers Dolina Zamkova so here is a translated abstract of our email conversation. Current problem: When you write multi-line text, you must press 'Shift-Enter' first, then use 'Enter' to start a new line, then 'Ctrl-Enter' to submit the text. Wouldn't it be easier to have a setting that will allow using Enter to always write multi-line texts, and always submit on 'Ctrl-Enter', like you do it in text messengers? So we could add a new account-wide setting, on the Settings page: () Finish editing by pressing 'Ctrl-Enter' (convenient for multi-line text) What do you think? Do you write multi-line texts in Checkvist at all? Other thoughts of how we could make it better? :)
Depends if they're working simultaneously. Even two people working in parallel can be a problem. A save on either end forces the page to refresh for anyone else on that page, creating a jerky effect that's distracting and annoying. And the software does not gracefully handle the same paragraph being edited by multiple people at same time. It will favor the change of whoever saves (i.e. finishes editing) last, disregarding edits made and saved by the earlier-saving person. For "hot" editing by multiple parties, google docs is infinitely better.
ReplyDeleteIf simultaneity isn't an issue, I can't imagine there'd be any limit at all to how many people can be viewing and gradually, minutely, poking around.
Checkvist is not a real-time platform, so simultaneous editing of the same item can result in lost changes. When different items are edited in the same list, the data should not be lost (but Jim Leff is right, page updates are done via full refresh)
ReplyDeleteNot true. I've had data loss from just two simultaneous editors working on the same list item. If one starts editing first (call him editor #1), and takes his time, and the second editor makes and saves a quick change before editor #1 saves, editor #2's work will be lost when editor #1 finally saves.
ReplyDeleteThe last save always "wins", even if it was started minutes or hours previously to more recent edits.
Even a single editor could mess it up... working in two browser windows. ;) I've used Checkvist in small groups, and there never was a problem. No heavy concurrent editing, though. Wouldn't use it for that.
ReplyDeleteI tell other editors that if a window's jumping around, that's a sign you should do work elsewhere because someone else is screwing around with the same list. Not only is it unpleasant (due to the refreshes), but there could be data loss.
ReplyDeleteAgain, for true realtime collaboration, you can't beat Google Docs. I sometimes do "live" group work there and transfer the results into CheckVist.
Jim Leff I like your advice! :) The good thing is that's easy to import into Checkvist.
ReplyDeleteJim Leff May I ask you to clarify what you refer to as "Not true"?
ReplyDeleteApologies. The way you phrased it, which was a bit tortured, was accurate:
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When different items are edited in the same list, the data should not be lost
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Correct. Data is lost when the SAME item is edited on the same list (when two editors edit an item at roughly the same time, the editor who saves last undos other changes made while his editing selective was active).
If you don't have that situation, you don't have data loss. But the inquirer was likely more interested in what does cause data loss than what doesn't.
Jim Leff OK, it is clear now. I was worried there is something I'm not aware of with regard to simultaneous editing. Sorry for not clear phrasing, English is not my native language.
ReplyDeleteHere is an issue regarding simultaneous editing: http://checkvist.uservoice.com/forums/2121-general/suggestions/1625975-allow-simultaneous-editing
To resolve the possible data loss, we consider adding a footer which would show how many people working with the list right now. Also, we may try to workaround the data loss when several people edit the same list item by duplicating it on save when a conflict is detected.
Well, it's easy to know someone else is working on a page from the refreshes.
ReplyDeleteIf at all possible, I'd put the notification where the problem is. When one editor selects a list item for editing, that item's background should turn a color (e.g. red for warning) or be given a badge in any other browser showing that page until editor #1 closes his selection (whether changed or not). That would smartly isolate the problem.
Jim Leff Good point regarding highlighting of the edited item. I've added this request to uservoice, may be we'll manage to squeeze it into one of the next updates: http://checkvist.uservoice.com/forums/2121-general/suggestions/12277017-add-an-indicator-when-some-list-item-is-being-edit
ReplyDeleteThanks!