MindMapSwitch

Last week I wrote a post on my personal blog detailing the tools I use for writing software. It never occurred to me that I also have a set of tools for mind mapping! As a mind mapper I think it's important to have a good mix of tools for mind mapping using both software and pen and paper.

Software

I use Mindjet MindManager 7 on OS X almost daily. I run a personal dashboard mind map that links to other projects and ideas that are located in group or individual mind maps. Having come from a Windows environment where I also used MindManager, the OS X version isn't as feature rich. Hopefully with the new version coming out soon and a raft of new features, MindManager fans on the Mac won't feel left out!

Paperware

Most of my mind mapping is done on paper. It's easier to mind map more freely and there's no constraints on what you can accomplish. Originally I was a fan of the Moleskine notebook for mind mapping, but with them being quite expensive, I decided to opt for a cheaper alternative. I've been using Asda's own Executive Notebook with thicker paper and a perforation on each page, so I can easily remove pages if I require.

While it is handy, the perforations and paper quality does add thickness to the notebook and it means that I have less room in my bag for a book or something else. In time I think I'll return to a Moleskine notebook. Any mind maps that need to be published to MindMapSwitch are done on a A4 notebook similar to the smaller one I've just mentioned.

The great thing about this is that the paper is really thick and suitable for thicker pens and markers that might bleed through thinner paper. While the pad is quite thick, it's never carried about and usually remains in the house. I've got a box full of pens and pencils for mind mapping that I add to every 6 months or so. 

Primarily I use Staedtler pens for mind mapping as they allow for greater detail when adding images to your mind map, but recently I've started using thicker pens for the bigger areas of the mind map such as my basic ordering ideas. In my recent climate change mindmap I used a few Sharpie pens to add emphasis to my basic ordering ideas. They're great for a big bold map, but they don't allow you to draw with detail.

Good Tools, Great Mind Maps

As a tool, mind mapping is versatile in that it can be done using software or paper. The tools that you use for mind mapping can really help you add more value to your mind maps. Having a good mixture of tools is important and really lets achieve more with your mind maps so why not review your mind mapping tools and see if there's an area of your tools you need to add too.

There's a new resource in town if your hungry for mind mapping news and information! Alltop, the RSS news aggregation site created by Guy Kawasaki, has a new mind mapping topic that aggregates the most recent articles from over 20 blogs all focused on mind mapping.

With all the recent updates in once place, this is a great site to use if you don't want to subscribe to each of the blogs individually using your own feed reader, or you simply want to do a single check everyday on what's happening.

Add this your collection of other resources, such as other mind mappers on Twitter and you have have a great set of resources for catching on the latest mind mapping news.

Have you seen anymore amazing mind map resources on the web, such as a twitter group or forum? Leave a comment below and help others in the mind mapping community find great resources.

The rise of social networks has meant that people are changing the way they interact on the web.  People don't want  to be slaves to their inbox or track 20 instant message conversations a t the one time.  People are looking for rivers of information that allow them to pluck out only the information they require.  Twitter is one such application.

I've been using Twitter as a resource for following web designers, developers and mind mappers.  As a web developer it's important to stay up to date with industry news and software releases, but I have also found that Twitter is a great resource for mind mapping information.

TheMindMapWatch is a website that tracks the latest links to mind mapping resources all around the Internet.  All their links are fed to their Twitter account on a regular basis.  I've found some great examples of mind mapping by following them.

InnovationTools is the brain child of mind mapper Chuck Frey.  This twitter account is also where Chuck posts the newest articles from his Mind Mapping Software Blog.  This is a great resource for tips and tricks for all mind mapping software.

MindJet also have their own account on Twitter which acts like a informal Q&A session between MindManager users and MindJet.  Any news on the latest versions of MindManager and tips and tricks are also posted here.

Do you know of any other mind mapping resources on Twitter that everyone should be aware of?  Add your comments below folks!