Creately is a new online diagramming web tool that just opened to the public. Tech Crunch has a detailed explanation about it, so instead of “reinventing the wheel,” I’m just going to suggest you read their post.
I think it’s an okay application, and I am adding it to Not “The Best,” But “A List” Of Mindmapping, Flow Chart Tools, & Graphic Organizers. However, I have to say that I believe there are some other tools on that list that are better and more accessible.
Larry, it’s actually quite hard to find your Best Mindmapping… list (I gave up after ten minutes) because the “Not…” post is referred to much more often. Therefore it may be useful to put a direct link to this “real best” list in your Creately post and future mindmapping tools reviews?
By the way, I think that you slightly underrate Creately, which somehow looks a little weird, but has an incredible amount of features under the hood…
For that, I would appreciate a more detailed “head to head” comparison with a handful of transparent, basic quality criteria. LifeHacker is doing a great job with involving their readers when asking them to contribute their favorite apps – how about asking your readers for criteria they think are essential, and then use e.g. the five most frequently named ones to “filter” some of your (really useful) “Best of…” lists?
Matthias,
I don’t actually have a “The Best” list for Mindmapping tools, just the “Not The Best…” list. I’ve done that a handful of times for lists of tools that I don’t really use and, therefore, don’t feel like I want to take the time to try out. But I think that readers might find them useful.
Your idea of inviting more reader input is a great idea. I’ve been doing that with some end of the year lists by incorporating polls, but never thought about asking for ideas about the criteria. I’ll figure out a way to do that. Thanks.
Larry