Maps of Content
Principles
- Don’t link everything to MOCs, there shoudl only be links to concepts
- MOCs are created when there’s lots of links to an area and you need to distribute it more through different categories
Why MOCs - Most folks see a mature MOC and mistake the destination for the journey. - MOCs are for thinking first, thinking second, and then navigation third. - MOCs are for gathering ideas, developing ideas, and then navigating ideas. How to MOC - MOCs should reliably springboard you into a topic, but then you should rely on your context-specific links to guide you around from note to note. - Don’t worry about listing every possible note in an MOC. - Don’t worry about “maintaining” an MOC. - If it feels like work, you probably don’t need to be doing it.
Default Stuff
Once you realize the true nature of maps of content, it will likely be an ‘ah ha’ moment—the key to unlocking the door to a game-changing paradigm for knowledge management.
That’s a lofty statement, so let’s explore it.
Maps of Content don’t limit access; they curate it.
More than any framework the Map of Content is the best example of a game-changing fluid framework. MOCs are interchangable, nondestructive, non-restrictive, non-limiting perspectives. They are always available sidecars, helpful neighbors, and good samaritans; providing a hammer when you need to hammer, and a tape measure when you need to measure.
Map of Content = MOC - Use these to structure your digital library
Table of Contents = TOC - Use these to structure more specific, near-final projects in a single, linear way
Why Maps of Content are so Awesome
Whenever you start to feel that tickle of overwhelm, that’s when you need to become a cartographer of your own content and create a new MOC.
the ability to know when and how to make a Map of Content is a key skill in overcoming overwhelm and project slowdown.
Overcomes Mental Squeeze Points and Project Slowdown
What is a mental squeeze point? It’s when your unsorted knowledge becomes so messy it overwhelms and discourages you. Either you are equipped with frameworks to overcome the squeeze point, or you are discouraged and possibly abandon your project—before commencing yet another search for the next app that will make all the difference.
Okay. You are feeling the start of overwhelm because you have 20 scattered notes on the project you’re making. Just like putting 20 index cards on an inviting cherry walnut work table, linking all 20 notes into your Map of Content is the digital equivalent.
Maintains Fluidity
MOCs are “overlays” that add relevant information but that don’t affect the base content.
Allows for Flexibility
MOCs are not hierarchical like a table of contents. They are heterarchial.
Encourages Relational Positioning
This is where the fun starts as a wrestling match of relationships naturally takes hold in the mind, with the battle playing out in real-time on your map of contents!