Virtual Corkboard: 3 Information Collection Methods

Digital Information Gathering and the Virtual Corkboard

Numerous methods exist for compiling online information, ranging from simple bookmarking tools like Delicious to comprehensive platforms such as Evernote and its competitors.

Employing a visually-driven and structured approach to gather information and notes is particularly beneficial, especially within collaborative settings.

This allows for effective data sharing and simultaneous brainstorming sessions.

The Rise of Virtual Corkboards

Several services have emerged that replicate a familiar information-gathering technique – the traditional corkboard – but in a digital environment.

These platforms provide a way to organize data outside of conventional computer file systems.

Exploring Three Virtual Corkboard Options

The following three services offer diverse approaches to building your own virtual corkboard.

They present alternative methods for collecting various types of online data.

• These tools facilitate a more intuitive and visual organization of information.
• They can be particularly useful for projects requiring diverse content types.
• Consider these options for enhanced collaboration and brainstorming.

Corkboard.me: A Simple Virtual Workspace

Corkboard.me presents itself as a remarkably straightforward solution for digital information organization. User registration isn't required; a unique, shareable URL is automatically created upon visiting the website.

This ease of use is balanced by a limitation: the platform supports only text-based notes – displayed as virtual yellow sticky notes – and images.

To incorporate visuals into your virtual corkboard, the images must be hosted online and accessible via a direct link.

Adding Images and Navigating the Board

Images are added by pasting their direct URL into a sticky note, which then dynamically transforms into a visual representation.

The interface allows for intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, enabling you to arrange notes and images as desired.

A built-in navigation feature expands the workspace, allowing you to utilize more of the virtual corkboard's area and manage larger collections of information.

Spaaze

A Spaaze account can be created by signing up at [Broken URL Removed] or by utilizing your existing OpenID credentials, allowing you to establish a detailed and visually organized corkboard.

Core Functionality & Credits

While the Spaaze service itself is offered at no cost, the addition of specific types of content to your virtual corkboard necessitates the use of 'credits'. Initially, Spaaze provides users with a complimentary allocation of 1000 credits.

Content Types and Associated Costs

Certain content elements, such as labels, notes, links, and embedded YouTube or Vimeo videos, can be added without incurring any credit charges. Videos are playable directly within the Spaaze interface, and links can be accessed from within your corkboard.

However, incorporating images and files requires 4 Spaaze credits per megabyte of data. An HTML snippet will consume 5 Spaaze credits. Uploaded files are limited to a maximum size of 50MB.

Additional Corkboards & Item Management

Users have the capability to create multiple corkboards. Each supplementary board, beyond the first, will deduct 50 Spaaze credits from your account balance.

Removing items from your corkboard is straightforward. Simply double-click the item to reveal a small 'X' in the upper-left corner, or drag the item towards the designated trash can that appears during dragging.

Navigation and Search Features

Similar to platforms like Corkboard.me, Spaaze allows for the expansion of your corkboard through the use of a navigational map. Furthermore, a search function is available to locate specific text within links, notes, and labels.

Customization Options

Spaaze offers additional features for enhanced personalization. These include the ability to select a custom sub-domain, integration with Google Analytics for tracking, and the option to upload a unique favicon. Implementing a custom favicon will require an expenditure of 50 Spaaze credits.

Stixy

When seeking a comprehensive collaborative platform, Stixy stands out as a highly capable, free option. Account creation with Stixy is straightforward, requiring only an email address and a chosen password.