Lately I've found myself doubting the usefulness of apps like MindMeister, seeing them more as a distraction than anything else.

At first blush these apps worthwhile: they bolster collaboration and easy organization (and they look pretty cool, too).

But we use the 37Signals app, Basecamp, at the office (which I dig...it also has similar features as MindMeister), and it often falls victim to my boss's sudden neuroses and desire to turn minutiae into milestones. And that is straight up brain scrambling and counterproductive.

I suppose I can see the value in using these tools for personal projects (no risk for Too Many Chefs Syndrome), but personally I'm a relentless list maker. I enjoy the aesthetic of pen to paper. Not all folks are like that, and that's fine. But even then...there are handfuls of apps out there that allow you to make and build lists, sync them with calendars, email accounts, etc.

Which takes me back to where I began: that MindMeister is not unique in its niche and therefore a time-waster. A project water-downer.

So I guess what I need to see, or hear rather, is a few first-hand experiences from those who have used these tools successfully—not just once, but have incorporated them into their day-to-day operations.

Perhaps then I'll be convinced.

Our team launched a new collaborative web-based mind mapping tool called Comapping. It is worth checking it out at comapping.com.

Hey Megan - you make some good points, but I'd say just because other people neuroses are making you crazy doesn't mean this tool won't work for other people.

I've been doing mind maps on paper and I find them a lot better than making lists. If I wanted to do something a bit more formal...and easier to share, I think MindMeister would work.

That's just me, and it might not work for you...but neither does Nair, but somebody keeps buying that stuff, right?

I don't think I'd share this tool in it's collaborative form with your boss either...but maybe if she used it to put her ideas together in MindMeister before she starts Basecamping the crap out of you, she might actually think things through and not make you hate useful web apps :)

Ok, that might be a stretch.

James: Great counterpoints. I'll spend some time with MindMeister.

Omar: Thanks for illustrating my point that there are too many of these apps. The top two will emerge victorious...until Google buys one, thus destroying the other. :)