The initial reason for developing cell-writing was to provide a non-linear way of writing. This was originally for personal use only but having mentioned it to others, I find that there is potential for it to be used more widely. As a content organisation technique, there are different ways of putting it to use. Apart from drafting written work, there are (at least) two other ways in which I have been able to use cell-writing successfully. These are brainstorming and outlining. As mentioned elsewhere, there is an obvious similarly between cell-writing and brainstorming when it comes to putting information on screen in no particular order and only structuring it later. So it should come as no surprise that cell-writing can be used for brainstorming. Furthermore, since brainstorming can be done using mind mapping software and since outlines can be constructed from mind maps, it should comes as no surprise that cell-writing can be used for outlining too.
Brainstorming
The two dimensional nature of the spreadsheet grid allows brief notes to be added to different cells and for these to be freely moved around. Cells can then be grouped together and put into some form of order and hierarchy using indentation as necessary. Unlike the brainstorming facilities that some mind mapping software possess, cell-writing spreadsheets are not able to make links between individual cells by drawing connecting lines. Although spreadsheets can handle graphics I have not explored that area keeping instead to the simplest forms of brainstorming by using text only. While having a grid may put constraints on some people's use of brainstorming, it may also impose a certain discipline which can be used effectly. Sometimes the graphical features offered by mind mapping software can prove to be a distraction. If you find that to be the case, cell-writing using a spreadsheet, can offer a way of removing these distractions and helping one to focus more easily.
Outlining
Following on from brainstorming, outlining is the bringing of order to a series of brief notes. Again the ease with which cells can be dragged around a spreadsheet allows for this. Outlining is simply a matter of moving cells as one see fit. Furthermore, a cell writing spreadsheet allows for extra cells – extra sentences and lines of text – to be added very easily within the outline structure. The spacing of cells across a series of columns also helps to differentiate content and add hierarchy. One cell may act as a title. The cell on the next line, indented by one column, may represent an expansion of that title. A cell on another line, indented by a further column, may be used for another layer of detail.