[keithpeter]

I find that students split two thirds to one third on this. Two thirds prefer 'linear' lists of topics and notes, the one third like the mind-map approach. This is 16 year olds and older studying basic maths. So I have both available!

Personally I don't like the 'strict' mind map format, but do like a two dimensional spatial arrangement of information. (Dia rather than freemind for the Linux desktop users out there. But preferably a pencil and paper).

[nobodysfool]

I find these mind mapping programs annoying and frustrating to use. The thing is, these are not 'maps' in so much as they are a link of concepts. On a map, the placement is the most important thing. In these softwares, your three element list just became a three branch tree, or a spiderweb. Does the word on the left mean something different because it's on the left? Why not put everything on the right of the root since that's how people read anyway (if you read from left to right). Why does my eye have to jump around the whole screen just to read a list?

[porker]

> Personally I don't like the 'strict' mind map format, but do like a two dimensional spatial arrangement of information.

Completely agree with you. I haven't found any software to match using pen and paper either, which is sad as when I run out of space around a topic, a force-directed algorithm to create more would be very nice :)

[william_uk]

> when I run out of space around a topic, a force-directed algorithm to create more would be very nice

Have you tried iMindMap (www.thinkbuzan.com)? Pretty sure it does that.