I took Nitro’s PDF to Word application out for a test drive this morning. I chose a PDF of a Dwelling policy offered through the National Flood Insurance program. The PDF did not have images, but did include some graphical elements, such as lines and tables. After logging in at the site with my email address, I browsed my folders for the PDF and uploaded it, hit the convert to .doc button and was met with a screen that told me check my email. Within about 15 minutes or so, I got my mail, opened my word attachment and, Presto!, a fully editable and darn near close to the original version of the policy! In fact, close enough to pass for the first version.

I am liking this application and look forward to its full release.

Ken Strutin at LLRX posted an article yesterday listing resources on the intersection of online networking and criminal justice. There has been some interesting news lately regarding the use of information developed in the social networking context in criminal investigations and prosecutions. We are all familiar with the admonitions against posting information against interest (read: drunken party binge videos) on-line where they are easily accessible by anyone. Mr. Strutin’s links highlight how social networking evidence is being employed in the criminal justice arena. Once you get past the general information on what social networks are, Mr. Strutin includes links to news articles under the headings “criminal justice” and “prosecution“, with subheadings concerning investigation, defense, discovery, witness background, jury selection, due diligence, as well as recent scholarly articles on the subject. Great one-stop primer on what your MySpace shenanigans can do for you.