Released on: August 8, 2008, 12:39 am

Press Release Author: Mark Alan Effinger

Industry: Software

Press Release Summary: Brainstorming and creativity software is increasingly used by
writing pros to overcome writer\'s block. ThoughtOffice brainstorming software,
accessing over 7,692,000 words, images, & phrases and up to 8,000 expert questions,
yields over 13 million associations

Press Release Body: Portland, OR, August 8, 2008 -- Ask just about any writer what
they fear most, and they\'ll probably tell you - it\'s writer\'s block. A mental
paralysis that halts the creative flow of words. Now when writer\'s block strikes,
canny writers are increasingly relying on software solutions to break through the
creative logjam. One such product from ThoughtOffice Corporation has quickly built a
loyal following, helping its users brainstorm in ways that might not be immediately
obvious.

The program has its roots in the legendary IdeaFisher brainstorming software, and
was developed by serial entrepreneur Mark Alan Effinger. This updated approach to
brainstorming software is intended to be an intuitive extension of the user\'s own
creative and problem-solving abilities.

ThoughtOffice consists of two main elements: The first part is a selection of
plug-ins containing thousands of questions, enabling users to define the task at
hand, explore ideas and evaluate concepts, goals, or outcomes. This feature has been
called \"a spreadsheet for the mind\".

\"In the twenty years we\'ve been developing software solutions, we\'ve invested well
over 100 man-years in formulating the kinds of questions that truly tap into
memories and open the mind to clearer thinking,\" says Mr. Effinger, CEO of
ThoughtOffice. During its development, ThoughtOffice has incorporated a broad
variety of input - from writers, scientists, and business leaders. \"We believe we\'ve
made significant progress in the areas of creativity and brainstorming, and
radically improved the ability for writers to apply computer-aided creativity to
their workflow,\" adds Effinger.

The program\'s second element is an online database of over 7,692,000 words, images,
& phrases - a sort of Internet-based cultural \"gestalt\", generating more than
13,000,000 \"idea-associations\", to which the user can add any number of their own
personal connections or ideas. The program\'s results can be \"personalized\" to
reflect the user\'s own influences or experiences.

This secondary aspect of ThoughtOffice creativity software employs principles of
association, prompting users to make mental connections by recalling ideas, images,
thoughts, facts, feelings and experiences that reside so deeply in memory that they
cannot usually be retrieved on demand.

\"We now have an opportunity, at very low cost, of helping anyone build a creative
edge\" comments David Lockman, ThoughtOffice Product Specialist. \"We hope to enable
even more diverse groups later this year when we release ThoughtOffice v2.0, the
next ThoughtOffice upgrade. There are obvious benefits to increased creativity and
innovation. This software is all about helping people find that \'spark\' so they can
realize their greatest creative potential. We firmly believe these tools can channel
and clarify that creative energy\".

ThoughtOffice brainstorming software is available in versions for both Macintosh OS
X and Windows XP / Vista. The program can be expanded by adding up to 16 optional
\"eXpertTopic\" modules, which are each geared to a specific area such as product
development or strategic planning. Discount bundles are also available, targeted to
the needs of writers, public speakers, inventors, business consultants, and public
relations, advertising & marketing pros.

The company provides upgrade discounts to users of IdeaFisher. Other offers can be
found at the company\'s web site, and through select ThoughtOffice Resellers. For
more details, interviews, or review samples, please contact:

Macintosh, MacOS, and OS X are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Windows, XP, and Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

About ThoughtOffice:
ThoughtOffice.com (http://www.thoughtoffice.com) is a software and consulting firm
which develops creative solution platforms for executives, life coaches, instructors
and consultants. Based in Vancouver, WA, the company has been creating and managing
technology and fast-growth companies since 1998, from Irvine, California to
Vancouver, British Columbia. The company can be reached at www.thoughtoffice.com, or
by calling 360-609-9272.
Press release distributed by PressReleasePoint(http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/)

Contact:
Mark Alan Effinger
ThoughtOffice.com
815 E 20th Street
Vancouver, WA 98663
360-609-9272
info@thoughtoffice.com
http://www.thoughtoffice.com

Web Site: http://www.thoughtoffice.com

Contact Details: ThoughtOffice.com
815 E 20th Street
Vancouver, WA 98663