MindReader: How to best read your mind?
MindReader turns one year old Sunday. The initial version (“Let GyroQ read your mind”) only recognized 13 keywords. Its vocabulary has grown quite a bit over time. As MindReader grows up, there are a few keywords that need to be revised or added.
Projects and Sub-Projects
Earlier versions were configured to recognize “project” and “subproject” and assign ResultsManager custom icons for these, but I later realized that it would see both strings as “project”. We’ve also subsequently seen that you often use the word “project” in a “next action” that you don’t want turned into a project. The current version now uses “rmproject” and “rmresult” to avoid that issue and some have customized this instead to “isproject” and “isresult”. Another possibility might be “make project” and “make result”. Any recommendations or suggestions for the default configuration?
Notes and Links
The program currently uses the clipboard text as a note or hyperlink if the entered text has “note” or “link” in it. I’ve noticed that this sometimes leads to problems if I use either string (e.g. “buy notebook”) when I’m not actually intending to add a note or link. Should the default triggers be “see note” / “see link”? Those phrases could act as reminders from dashboard that the tasks show has supporting information.
Info Only
I’m finding that while using OutLinker to transfer message links into MindManager, that any given “next action” usually has 5-10 additional messages that provide supporting reference for it . While you can send it information in as “next actions” and then consolidate later, I’m thinking that it would be better to have the option of telling MindReader not add the action-icon. What syntax would you prefer to use for that? “Info:”? “noaction”? “reference”?
Complete
Some folks may want the option sending information into maps to document actions they have completed. How would you want to convey that? “Done:”?
Due Date
This isn’t really a question but an announcement. Previously you needed to add due dates within # # delimiters in order for them to be recognized (e.g. #12/25/08#) but now MindReader will look for the “/ /” and recognize 12/25/08 by itself (or 25/12/08 if that is your system’s format). You can still use #12/25# or #Dec 25# but I find it easier to just type it out. Don’t overuse this feature or your next action list will turn red and your NAA score will suffer :-).
MindReader is fully customizable via the mindreader.mmap (see Mapping the MindReader Configuration Map), so ultimately these are yours to choose, but I’d like to pick defaults that make sense.
Comment below with your thoughts.
Entries 
Chris Dixon said,
November 4, 2008 @ 9:39 am
I’m using GyroQ 1.9.4.9 and MindManager Pro 7 version7.2.374
ActivityOwner said,
November 4, 2008 @ 10:40 am
MindReader doesn’t work with 1.9.4.9. You need to install 1.9.4.7. See link below for more info:
http://www.activityowner.com/2007/11/10/mindreader-and-gyroq-1949/
Chris Dixon said,
November 4, 2008 @ 10:50 am
Hi AO,
That fixed it. It also explains why MindReader worked for a while and then had some issues. I can’t belive I didn’t spot that article. Sorry for the wild goose chase, thanks for your support.
Chris
ActivityOwner said,
November 4, 2008 @ 5:44 pm
No problem — It probably needs to be noted more prominent on the site and wiki as its a frequent source of mystery bugs. Glad to hear the tool is getting some use.
Chris Dixon said,
November 5, 2008 @ 5:54 am
I’ve been using ResultsMananger for a couple of years. MindReader is a fantastic addition to my toolset, and I’m still not using all its functionality. Thanks again.
Chris