Co-ment.net - Annotation Goes 2.0

One of the more notable attributes of Web 2.0 is user collaboration—sharing. There’s a dynamic of reciprocity. Co-ment brings these aspects into annotation. It leverages collective intelligence in order to implement what is essentially a web based peer review. Users upload documents and texts to be read and commented on by their peers. The interface consists of two side by side panel views, one containing the document, the other containing the comments. Phrases and words are highlighted within the document itself, indicating information related to various comments. Users can scroll through the comments and read any relevant replies. The search option allows for filtering by date and keywords within the comments and within the text. There are several view modes: simple, advanced, and tag cloud. Texts can be both printed and exported with or without comments. Both a free limited version of Co-ment and a paid personalized service are offered.

“co-ment™ makes it possible for you to write or upload your own texts, submit them for comments and process the comments. Two types of services are available on co-ment.net: a fully functional free-of-charge service with quantitative limitations and limited support and a professional service. Please read the terms of service for information on the scope and conditions of both services. Sopinspace also provides personalised co-ment services: you can get your own specific co-ment space. The full code base of co-ment is free software under the Affero GPLv3. co-ment is a trademark of Philippe Aigrain. Use of this trademark is forbidden without authorization.”

Co-ment brings the collective spirit so representative to the 2.0 era into a constructive, communal review. Using the service, users can test out new concepts and ideas, business plans, technology development, sociological theories even, and get a broader perspective. Input and comments are often invaluable. Co-ment offers a streamlined, clean interface without any unnecessary extras.

While a sound concept, Co-ment doesn’t read sexy. It’s rather dull and uninspired. It would benefit from categories for types of text submitted, less confusing filter options, and perhaps version tracking so that readers could implement changes and suggestions within the text itself. Also, a better explanation of the paid service is needed.