defense of Maxthink

Posted by Stephen R. Diamond
Nov 17, 2007 at 10:40 PM

I’m very impressed with MaxThink too. I’m also a lawyer. Maybe it’s a lawyer’s program.

First, MaxThink has obviously been developed from a theory of how to do outlining. It helps that I think it is a correct theory, and I have independently argued for parts MaxThink’s approach. I have long been convinced that this is the way to develop outlining software, as opposed to providing a grab bag of functions that presumably could suit diverse styles of work.

Secondly, it brims with features Larsen has either invented or found in arcane sources, as I have not previously been familiar with many. These features all derive from Larsen’s rational analysis of the thinking, outlining, and writing process.

Third, it incomporates the previous (imo) best outliner’s features in a larger framework, with the brainstorm presentation set as default.

When I first switched from Macintosh to Windows a few years ago, Maxthink quickly rose to the top of my list. I was put off, however, that a $200 program lacked a manual. During the trial, I found I was unable easily to learn the program without one.

The present version carries a much lower price and substantially more Help. It is still greatly deficient in with respect to Help, but who cares, at the price? Of course, one has to find a way to learn the program, which I think I have. While in general not my favorite way of learning, I find that the most effective way to learn MaxThink’s functions quiclky is to try to use them. What does “Classify” do? Just execute it. Instructions usually follow the command, as they do with regard to “Classify.”

There are, however, deficiencies that concern me. Most important, the absence of *any* undo function. And as hurting usability, the absence of any right-click responsiveness.