Comments on: Mind Maps: Get Blog Ideas Fast

By: Jim Willis

Jim Willis — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:11:22 +0000

Hi Tim…I use lined (or ruled) paper because finding a notebook with blank sheets is next to impossible, unless you buy those artist sketch books. Apparently no one seems to think a notebook with blank pages (not loose-leaf, but bound) is a saleable product. And I’m too cheap to order special! So I buy the $1 or less theme notebooks and use those. As for software, there’s some nice stuff out there and I’ve used most of them…but it’s the hassle factor for me. When I’m doing mindmaps, I’m in creative mode and likely away from the computer. Sitting at the keyboard all day every day is stifling to creativity (for me), so going paper and pen to map is a good way for me to snip the cords for a while.

By: @MichaelDeutch

@MichaelDeutch — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:13:45 +0000

Interesting approach Jim. I occasionally used ruled paper and will use the same approach for my ‘paper’ maps. I think I’ll also get the same secret pleasure as ruled paper is way too confining for me!

By: TimF

TimF — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:16:39 +0000

Why do you use lined paper and why did leave software behind? Interested to know……

By: Jim Willis

Jim Willis — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:26:31 +0000

Great post. Like you, I left behind the software tools years ago. When I mindmap I use a pad and pen. People often find it amusing to see me grab a notebook with lined paper and turn it sideways and write across the lines as I diagram. Gives me the secret pleasure of being unconventional.

By: Create Mind Maps on the Go With MindJet for iPhone

Create Mind Maps on the Go With MindJet for iPhone — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:02:07 +0000

[...] 30th, 2009 (1:00pm) Will Kelly No Comments Meryl recently wrote about the benefits of developing mind maps with pen and paper. However, what about those of us who are cursed with poor penmanship and want to develop mind maps [...]

By: Ola’s Recommended reading – September 27, 2009

Ola’s Recommended reading – September 27, 2009 — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:21:13 +0000

[...] – Mind Maps: Get Blog Ideas FastSeptember 21, [...]

By: LimeSpace – IT » Bye Bye Links der Woche ..

LimeSpace – IT » Bye Bye Links der Woche .. — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 06:26:32 +0000

[...] greift mal wieder das Thema “Mind-Maps” auf, und schlägt die Nutzung von Stift und Zettel vor, was wir btw. auch am besten [...]

By: @MichaelDeutch

@MichaelDeutch — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:45:57 +0000

Right, I think we’re in agreement. Since one individual trademarked ‘mind map’, you’re absolutely right. That said, mind mapping via computers goes beyond pen and paper in quite a few ways (e.g. integration, search, reorganization, collaboration over distance, etc…). Pen and paper is also great for spontaneous, individual idea generation. I use both techniques to plan and write the Mindjet blog. It’s a good topic, I was just discussing it with coworkers yesterday before leaving the office.

By: TimF

TimF — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:42:16 +0000

Michael: I am not an expert in Concept Mapping but I do know about Mind Mapping and it certainly is no a true Mind Map (as originated by Tony Buzan and taught on his courses).

By: @MichaelDeutch

@MichaelDeutch — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:24:20 +0000

Actually, I beg to differ. Concept maps do not have a central topic and typically show relationships between each topic. Not just a line but directionality and often named lines to articulate / clarify relationships. The map illustrated by Gagan is more in line with a mind map that anything else. Now, you can debate whether or not it is a classic mindmap as defined by buzan. Mapping via computers have originated with the pen and paper principles and then extended beyond to allow you to capture not only what is in your mind but also the information that you work with (e.g. in office, on the web, in databases, etc….).