Collaborative writing in product development across remote sites

Collaborative writing poses problems, even in the best of circumstances. We addresses some problems, and offer some solutions associated with development of a new product and its user documentation where marketing development, and technical writing team members were separated by several hundred miles. Areas to be covered include: identification of the market and user; makeup of the team; division of responsibilities; the approach; development environment; and the results. We discuss team member backgrounds and personal qualities that let them operate in an environment of physical remoteness, the simple techniques for communication, and the division of responsibilities