Sorry to do this to you, fellow CRIMPers...

Just came across this new interesting take on a mind-mapping/database combo called Brainstreamer - http://www.brainstreamer.com/brainstreamer/index.jsp .

Online help with intro: http://www.brainstreamer.com/brainstreamer/help/getting_started.jsp

It's only been out for a few weeks. I've just started playing around with the trial, so I don't know if it will resonate with me or not. The concept seems interesting. One limitation I've already noticed is that you are limited to predefined item types, but apparently creating your own types is in the works. I do like the idea of one big mind map where you can change focus to different levels at any time.

Chris

I like the concept - but I really dislike Java apps. This one doesn't seem overly slow, but the text editor is pretty lame.

Also, the concept seems to be very similar to Personal Brain, in that each node can become the root/home node of the map.

Thanks Chris

I'm resisting running the trial but I have a question. The info seems to imply that you can toggle between an editable outline and mapping view. Is that true?

If so it is one of very few apps that allow you to do that.

Jack

Hi all,

I am the author of BrainStreamer.
The editable outline is currently not available but is planned for the future as I am currently working on integrating a calendar in BrainStreamer.
I guarantee that there is no spy- or adware and that it wont mess up your system.
Can I ask why you are resisting running the trial ?

Greetings,

Peter


Jack Crawford wrote:

Thanks Chris

I'm resisting running the trial but I have a question. The info seems to
imply that you can toggle between an editable outline and mapping view. Is that
true?

If so it is one of very few apps that allow you to do that.

Jack

I checked out Brainstreamer too. I like the concept very much: That is, having different information "types" and keeping them all strung together in a large mindmap that can also be viewed as an outline. But I found the implementation kind of clunky -- probably the Java -- so I uninstalled it. These days, an application needs to knock my socks off for me to spend much time with it.

So I'll be interested in learning your opinion.

Steve Z.

Peter Muys wrote:

Hi all,

I am the author of BrainStreamer.
......................
Can I ask why you are resisting running the trial?

Nothing personal. I just spend too much time evaluating software. I'll keep an eye on Brainstreamer development though. It sounds interesting.

Jack

Please don't hesitate to be personal.
I need feedback good and bad. (The bad is probably better than the good)
I know that as a developer of brainstreamer I am not objective anymore as I have seen and used my software too much.
So please give your honest opinion about it. You must have a reason to not wanting to install it or thinking it is cluncky or...
The problem for me is lack of honest reaction without the fear of hurting my feelings.
I want to know what needs to be improved to let brainstreamer be useful for others than myself.

Greetings,

Peter

Peter Muys wrote:

Hi all,

I am the author of BrainStreamer.
The editable outline is currently not
available but is planned for the future as I am currently working on integrating a
calendar in BrainStreamer.
I guarantee that there is no spy- or adware and that it
wont mess up your system.
Can I ask why you are resisting running the trial
?

Greetings,

Peter

I'll tell you why I immediately uninstalled. I look for ease of data entry and clarity of presentation in a mind mapping type application. I found the entry process more convoluted than the most elegant implementations. Then, I created both a parent and child, and they were distinguishable only by the text labels on their connectors. (Maybe here are alternative views, but it wasn't immediately apparent to me.)

I'm giving you specifics because I think that's what you're requesting. If not, my apologies.

Dag Peter,

As you asked for feedback, I downloaded and had a little play with Brainstormer. I also like the concept, and it has some strong points (like a good html editor with good graphics and table support). But it also has some major weaknesses (in my opinion, obviously) which you might like to consider:

1) No import or export possibilities (a deal breaker for most of us here, I would think)
2) No way (yet) of creating or editting the item templates (it would drive me mad trying to work with the current, completely unsuitable, address template)
3) The language it's written in - Java I suspect - is slow and stops some of my applications working properly (such as not allowing my pen pad to double click), which reduces its usefulness.
4) Once one has "hoisted" (i.e. changed focus to a branch lower down in the graphic), I can't find a way of getting back to the root except by running a search on it.
5) No way of saving a tree, to allow multiple trees for multiple purposes.
6) Simply too expensive for what it currently offers.

However, I would say, keep us updated on progress :-)

Graham

Peter Muys wrote:

Please don't hesitate to be personal.
I need feedback good and bad. (The bad is
probably better than the good)
Peter

First, thanks for the feedback.

1. You are right and this is on my todo list.
2. These was going to be in the release for 15 april, but I am now first focusing on gettiing the calendar finished.
3. This, I can't help...
4. There is history toolbar planned for this, but you can get around this by putting the root in your favorites list for the moment.
5. You are the second person telling me this. For me, the favorites list solves this. Will think about this.
6. Ok, the application is not even a month on the net. I am going to release a new major function every month.
Hope you will change your mind about it after a couple of months.

Thanks,

Peter