3B. Collaboration Requires Cooperation

Collaboration requires cooperation from participants who have agreed to work together. From varied positions on the subject, a single focus for the essay must be reached. Although there is room for chapters, illuminating research and results gleaned from each of the authors, most papers find support and interest if their contents move in one direction.
This sounds like it would be easy, but it is more difficult than a reader would think. Most writers think that their contribution should be highlighted. It takes some time to develop consensus and find the proper place in the paper for each contribution.
Politness has always been useful in successful collaboration. When the group meet in person, they discuss and they argue. Sometimes the conversation can get heated! Now that many conferences are held over the phone or on the web, conversations was recorded. It is more important than ever to think before you write or speak to your collaborators.
Using Internet sources of information helps cooperating writers reach consensus and create segues more quickly because all have access to the same engines.