I've just downloaded a trial copy of IdeaMason.

I know it sounds trivial, but is there any way of changing the color scheme? I'm probably being a dinosaur about this, but I don't like my laptop's screen using a glaring white background for my work. It used to be said that this could damage lcd screens - and, anyway, I like to be able to choose the colors of a visual environment in which I will spend a lot of time.

I'd also like to be able to change the icons, which seem better suited to a kid's program. Inspiration has the same problem, so IM is in good company :-). Reducing the size of the icons, being able to hide the toolbar, or replace it in favor of words would be a start.

And is there a support forum?

Yes, it's Monday morning in Wichita.

Derek

Hi Derek.

I know it sounds trivial, but is
there any way of changing the color scheme?

Not in vs 2.2.

I'd also
like to be able to change the icons, which seem better suited to a kid's program.
Inspiration has the same problem, so IM is in good company :-). Reducing the size of the
icons, being able to hide the toolbar, or replace it in favor of words would be a
start.

The toolbars cannot be hidden (it wouldn't make sense as a number of features is only available through the toolbar, at the moment).
Neither can the icon size be changed.

And is there a support forum?

No. You can either send Ideamason an email or use the web form on their support page to contact Ideamason.

So far, outlinersoftware.com is the only online forum I am aware of where you can discuss Ideamason.

Note: I am only a satisfied customer not an Ideamason representative.

Franz

Thanks, Franz. That's very helpful.

Derek

Franz,

You've been using IdeaMason for a couple of months now. Can you give us a review? It seems like a powerful program. Thank you.

Steve Z.

Derek,

I had to laugh when I read your post because I had similar feelings.

Like you, the first thing I wanted to change was to make the Icons smaller to get more space on the screen. Further, I didn't like the color scheme but during the trial phase I realized that this mix of blue/grey is better for the eyes than a white background (incidential remark: I change the background of applications to (very) light yellow whenever I can).

I sent some suggestions to Idea Mason and the response was very encouraging and satisfying: My request for smaller icons (or the possibility to make them smaller by the user) has been handed over to programming. I don't know if this feature will be added to version 3 in December. I think there are many other and more important features to add.

Overall, I can say that Idea Mason is very powerful, very stable and a pleasure to work with. Before that, you have to invest some time to learn how to use it. But that's not surprising because every new software requires training.

Another great plus of Idea Mason is their customer support and their openess to listen to the (potential) customers. One example: My trial period ended faster than expected. So I requested another trial phase and I got it!

I haven't bought Idea Mason yet. But when version 3 will be out it will be difficult to resist. Curious of what will be in 3? Have a look here:
http://www.ideamason.com/products/version30.htm


Dominik

Group,

I have just read through the feature list of Idea Mason 3 coming in December.

They are completely reworking the user interface. Stay tuned and check this page regularly because they will post some screenshots soon:
http://www.ideamason.com/products/version30.htm

And: If you buy Idea Mason 2.2 now you will get the upgrade of version 3 for free.

Dominik

Dominik,

I'm just about to take a longer look at IdeaMason. As you say, the feature list for v3 looks very interesting.

Incidentally, software users are a contrary bunch, aren't they. For example, on the one hand I'm always asking for better integration of writing tools. On the other hand, when I encounter it my first reaction is one of feeling that my freedom of action is being constrained in some way.

Derek

Hi all.

Masonware just put 2 Flash presentations covering new features in vs3 on their website: http://www.ideamason.com/products/Ver30_preview.htm

I must say that I am really excited and I am looking forward to using vs3. It seems they implemented all the important features that I asked for - and much more that will make working in Ideamason even more efficient.

@Derek: Yes, you will be able to change the color of the background :-)
@Stephen: I hope I will have more time during the weekend to write a bit more about my usage of Ideamason (though I think that the new features in vs3 will change the way I work considerably in some parts).

Franz

Franz -

I just took a look. The presentations are very well done and look impressive. Glad to see that the background color can be changed, too :-). Thanks for letting us know.

Derek

Franz
Thank you for the link to the Flash presentations.
I am very impressed about what's coming in version 3!

To be honest, I can't wait until it is December because I have the feeling that Idea Mason 3.0 fits my research and writing needs close to perfection (no tool perfect but some are more than others...).

Some of the new features I like most:
- New interface
- New search capabilities (and the possibility to save searches)
- The new composition part
- and many more

Now I am starting to save the money...

Dominik