Meme Maps: A Tool for Configuring Memes in Time and Space

Summary

This paper presents an elegant method for visually representing the life and times of a meme, an element of cultural transmission. The elements of a Meme Map are described, and the steps for constructing a generic Meme Map are listed. A worked example of a Meme Map (using the "organic" meme) is provided. A Meme Map is a powerful and flexible tool for capturing, displaying and sharing memetic information - illustrating the time and space propinquity of Meme Events - yet it is easy to learn and simple to apply. Meme Maps can readily be drawn on “the back on an envelope”, or they can be professionally produced using any standard drawing package on a computer.