I just found out that I can import and export spicynode files as .xml files!! Yippie!!
From Author's guide at Spicynodes
Creating a compelling nodemap isn’t difficult, but it does challenge writers to think and express themselves in new ways.
Welcome to the pantry.
SpicyNodes opens up new methods of organizing information. In order to create a powerful nodemap, consider that you are working in what is essentially three-dimensional space. In other words, readers do not have to proceed through a conventionally single, linear path of information flow. Instead, they are able to make their own choices and follow the paths of information that pique their interest.Following the recipe.
This guide offers a definitive walkthrough of how to develop a nodemap, from fundamental concepts of appropriately preparing your information content for a SpicyNodes implementation, to demonstrating how you can use the SpicyNodes authoring interface to create and build your nodemap.Thinking in Nodes
When presenting information in exploratory form, it’s best to break the information down into categories, sub-categories, and interconnections — like a Table of Contents, or branches of a tree. Even if you are trying to tell a story of sequential events, it is still possible to break the story down into units — similar to a conventional book, which has as chapters and sub-headings. Websites present a "3D space" to spread out your information, whereby users not only select from web pages that differentiate information from a central "homepage," but also go into the web site to explore embedded pages linked through other pages.Shortcuts in the kitchen.
The craft of writing node copy is slightly different than that of writing magazine or news articles, web copy, press releases, or technical material. With traditional forms of writing, you have a high word count in which to explain a concept or expound upon a theory. When writing node copy, you want to keep it short and to the point – from a few words to several sentences. The art of writing node titles is akin to writing titles and subheads for other media, while writing node copy is similar to writing captions or sidebars.This is the concept of a nodemap — breaking your information down into small, interconnecting units, called nodes. You can either implement a SpicyNodes nodemap to represent a structure of interconnected web pages, or as a single, interactive visualization experience.
Contrasting tastes and textures.
There are many different types of nodemaps; they can lead readers to the specific information they seek, but can also invite readers to browse and discover new information. Serving as a directory, nodes can act like a table of contents or a collapsible menu by breaking a topic into increasingly smaller pieces and swiftly leading the reader to the information he or she is seeking. When serving information content, a nodemap becomes more like a museum exhibit, inviting the reader to delve more deeply into topics of interest. Nodemaps often serve both purposes, and contain nodes that are like a directory by forming links, and nodes that are like an exhibit by displaying abstract information.In all cases, the center node acts as a “home base." From the center, the visitor clicks on nodes to travel into the nodemap, but always has the option to return to where he or she started.
