Mind versus tree navigation; html versus rtf editing

Posted by Cassius
Mar 19, 2007 at 06:01 PM

Both Steve D and Alex D have suggested that non-visual thinkers might benefit most from using mind maps. Not me! When I look at a mind map graphic, the first thing that comes to mind is “scatter brained.” I have used structured diagrams to explicate processes that are difficult to follow when described using only text. Text tries to show some order /structure through the use of commas, dashes, quote marks, parentheses, brackets, braces, etc. {[(” ‘—,,—’ ” ,)]}}, but this doesn’t work very well for complex descriptions {;-)

It has been said of smart people (certainly, all of us) that their thinking often goes off on tangents, some of which are fruitful. Perhaps the “fruitful” is what distinguishes “smart tangents” from “scatter brained,” or ... perhaps not.

Anyway, I find it fun to “tangent,” although you may well find my wanderings irksome.

-c