Looking at the snapshot of the Mindjet list; you may note the removal of Brian Friedlander. Nothing negative in this removal, it’s just a matter of remaining to be independent, impartial and objective (as much as possible).

The Trusted Voice initiative is actually an excellent idea for direct resellers and third party developers. Yes it could have been handled a little more easier by connecting with the recipients before the initiative went live.

Perception is the key to my independence as a consultant and writer; yes I was asked to join and would have been listed within the first group of 14. I respectfully declined; I say respectfully as I have great respect for Mindjet as the leaders within the Visual mapping software development arena.

I can mention Andrew Wilcox (a leading MJ trainer and writer), Nick Duffill (a leading third party developer and thought leader) and Steve Rothwell ( a notable MJ advocate and consultant) as suitable recipients of the badge; after all they are indeed very visible users and supporters of the product. My apologies to a couple within the list; I don’t know of the depth of your use of MindManager as of yet.

It certainly defies logic though to have competitor resellers within the list of 14, but Mindjet have stated this is a recognition of whom they believe to have significantly contributed to the Visual mapping arena. This is probably the first time I have witnessed a developer recognize spokespersons and resellers of competing products to be recognized for their contribution to the Visual mapping arena.

It is just a little inconvenient this has happened at a time just prior to the release of MindManager V9, but this will pass and we’ll all get on with being excited about the imminent release of V9 (I can’t wait).

All in all Vic, you have expressed what many of us haven’t had the proverbial balls to speak up about.

I look forward to reading more of your blogs Vic. Regarding the Mindjet Trusted Voice; well let the blessed 14 figure out how they can capitalize on their new found illumination:)

Cheers
Wallace Tait: visualmapper
http://www.visualmapper.org & http://www.hypershifters.com

Thank you for all the feedback you have written on our recently launched Trusted Voice program. This was an initial list of people that in no way meant to slight the others you mentioned. I am very happy that you brought these leaders up, we are always looking to grow this list and recognize champions in the mind mapping community.
I would love to talk to you more about this and anything else mapping related.

Cheers,

Garrett Scott