Margaret, I was wondering. Do you use your mind maps only for personal use, or do you use it in presenting information in the courses you conduct?
I must admit that I haven't given MM a serious try, but I take and generate well organized notes.
My personal observation, has been if my notes get messy, it is because I don't fully understand the material. So in the school days that meant I hadn't prepared for the lecture properly (remember they're professors not teachers {too bad}). Or it I'm preparing documentation, it means I either don't know what I'm talking about, or don't know what I want to say, or even possibly I haven't visualized my audience well enough. But that's me and it's way off MM. Sorry, but when you're waiting for your material you have time to spare. 
