Very perceptive article and I think you're point about how long it takes for an idea to move from fringe to main stream is an extremely valid point and exemplifies the degree of effort needed to make new ideas 'stick'. However, while mind mapping is an extermely useful methodology for undertaking numerous information management tasks and processes it strikes me that one of the problems in getting it into the mainstream space has been its almost ubiquitous use as a general tool for everything that might fit into the 'visual mapping' space.

On the basis that a “man with a hammer sees everything as a nail”, most of the people I talk to (well, those who have looked over your shoulder and have, at least, some understanding of mind, concept, network and argument mapping) automatically revert to seeing a mind mapping hammer as the most likely solution. Consequently as mind mapping is not always the most appropriate solution, potential users can be left feeling a bit underwhelmed by the eventual experience.

I think this is because the term 'mind mapping' has itself become the generic term used to define the whole subject area of visual mapping and communication. I know you have written previuosly about this and I think it is something we need to address. My own company http://www.crystalmapping.com provides a cloud app in this broad sector but its not mind mapping, but when I talk to people, thats ususally how they define it. That said, I must also admit that as I have not yet come up with a better description, I also revert to this overly generalised description.

On the subject of cloud versus desktop, my view is that the cloud will help to broaden the appeal of visual information management systems. There is a whole new debate here, but in very general terms I think that as new and mainly younger users start to take advantage of the generally free cloud apps that exsist, they'll help to shift what we do further into mainstream as they themselves move mainstream in their careers and lives.

We live in hope!

We need to see a more concerted effort by the developers to reveal the methods and Mindset of their respective applications. More examples and videos’ would be helpful. But wait a minute; they already know this is needed to entice prospective users, yet they refrain from this approach for the most part.
One of the main developers is proud to intimate they have over 1.5 million users, yet they have no demographics to indicate the groupings of personal, academic and business use arenas.

The bottom line for any prospective user of the mainstream apps is this:
· Will this app do something productive for me?
· Can I save time and training by using this app?
· Will this app add more clout to my bottom line capabilities?

Of course there are more considerations, demands and expectations, but it is a reality check when potential users, who really don’t need to be trained to use the software, are told they are in need of training by unscrupulous consultants.

I am often asked to write about specific software capabilities; falling into the trap of being an unpaid sales person for a specific product is the caveat for many consultants and trainers.

My thread regarding software choices for the information manager is an example of how I personally approach this issue. I simply mention that, in my experience; the listed products are worth a second look, and then offer hyperlinks to their respective sites. That’s the limit to what I shall do for the developers (within reason).