If you write much, you likely read a lot. If you read to write, you also likely have explored many systems for taking notes, highlighting, and other systems for “boiling down” your research into the ideas that you then build back up into the content you offer others. (In case this is the topic that interests you, try this.
This is not about my use of such tools. This post was prompted by a post I read that commented on ways to offer what you highlight to others. The post focuses on a Chrome extension (there are extensions available for other browsers), Marker.to, that allows highlighting and offers a link so you can share the page you highlighted complete with your marks to others. I can probably offer you half a dozen ways to do this, but what I like about this approach is that it does not capture the content from the original site. As a content creator, I hope individuals come to my site. I do not want a service to take content from my site and then provide it to others.
When you install the Chrome extension, a new tool will appear near the top right-hand corner of your browser.
This tool (the highlighter) allows you to highlight and opens a dialog box that offers a URL that you can offer so others can view the highlights you have added.
The URL (here is a sample – http://www.marker.to/YX4mLT) can be added to content you create to take your readers to the content you have highlighted.
When I find a tool I like, I always wonder how the creators will receive compensation. I must admit I am often a little concerned. Will the company go away or sell out? Is there something I am missing? I think useful tools should cost something perhaps after a trial period.
