[.ca] Mind Mapping (New on CD): How to Liberate Your Natural ... (ISBN 0743529073)

drivel:
These tapes were a disappointment. They are big on hype and low on content. The author extols the virtues of mind-mapping but gives little practical instruction on how-to-do-it. I was expecting a more down to earth presentation. The whole thing is more like an infomercial aimed at promoting the author's consultation practice. You will find little here of practical use. After listening to these tapes, I know as little now about mind-mapping as I did before I started. They were a waste of time and money.

The info is on side 1 and side 4, forget the rest:
Artists and writers will like the idea and the practise of mind mapping. Since there's really not that much available on it, I picked up the tape set at the library. As a creative person, I'm always looking for non-linear ways to organize my thoughts on paper, and it's exciting to run into the mind mapping concept. However, it is presented in these tapes in a very dull way, by a droning narrator who reads from a script, which is an injustice to it. If you listen to these tapes, rest assured that there is a detailed description of the technique on side 4, and a laborious introduction on side 1 of the tapes. I disagree with one reviewer's comments that he's trying to drum up further business, as I found just the opposite. He fails to generate any excitement about it at all, and seems to be appealing to dull uncreative people rather than the creative types who could take this and make it into something amazing. Based on a quick web search I made, it hasn't really caught on among creative types and there aren't many inpiring (or otherwise) new examples to see. My recommendation is to listen to sides 1 and 4 of 8, get one of those giant desk blotters (or cut open a paper grocery bag), and give mind mapping a try. Then put the whole tape set aside and experiment on your own. It's a simple concept, really, so cut the bow line and take off with it. Be grateful to the people who brought mind mapping to you, and then leave them in your wake.

Get great insights on mind mapping just by listening:
Listening to such an image orienting topic like mind mapping, seems strange. Nevertheless, Michael Gelb provides a great survey not only on how to use mind maps but also on where to use them. The first part of his program describes how to make a mind map. Then he describes several uses for mind maps like planning your life, telephone calls, meetings or family vacation. Another part is dedicated on presentations. He gives excellent hints on how to prepare your presentation and how to convey the information to your audience. Even if some of his explanations are not directly related to mind mapping, his program is an excellent source for getting in touch with mind mapping. I find it amazing, how Michael Gelb presents so many facets on this two hour audio program. Though I am using mind mapping for several years, I am repeatedly listening to this program from time to time again.

Disappointed:
I am very disappointed with the tapes. There was only 2-3 minutes of information that I found useful.