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>I'm just testing out a trial version (free download)of Mind Manager and
>I really like it because it links concept maps with hyperlinks,
>documents, and Outlook items.  I have used Inspiration as well, for
>concept mapping, but it is much more limited.  I'm very interested in
>other tools people come up with, so please respond to the list.

It's not just a matter of software. I also find mind mapping much better 
for creative thinking than concept mapping. They look similar but are very, 
very different in practice. I have used mind mapping for a long time and 
can't manage without it. Most creative mind mapping seems to happen on 
paper, but the software packages can be useful when neater and more 
presentable versions are needed.

A mind map is a radial hierarchy, well explained here: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_mapping whereas concept mapping shows 
connections with no obvious hierarchy of priorities: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concept_map

I very strongly recommend this book on mind mapping: Buzan, T. (1991). The 
Mind Map Book . New York: Penguin. Buzan's recommended use of colours and 
doodled pictures seems childish and silly, but really, really works. So do 
his rules about keeping the most important ideas near the centre and 
avoiding more than one word for each idea. You only have to try it to 
become convinced. I've noticed a lot of people who don't bother following 
Tony Buzan's principles closely, and end up with something more like 
concept-mapping. This is fine for recording certain kinds of information, 
but not nearly so helpful in creative thinking, which is a pity.

I love computers, but this is one area where paper works better for me. I 
dislike the way all the main mind mapping software insists on writing words 
horizontally. This too easily ends up looking like a collection of lists, 
and I feel I might as well be using the outlining feature in MS Word 
(another truly great, under-used, creative tool). I have a very old 
shareware mind mapper which displays words in a true radial pattern. It's 
much nicer, I think, but rather flakey and its developer has stopped 
supporting it. I'd very much like to find a commercial package which does 
not force me to display words horizontally.


[log in to unmask] * http://www.interactives.co.uk
*
Give people facts and you feed their minds for an hour.
Awaken curiosity and they feed their own minds for a lifetime.
*
Ian Russell  

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