This paper discusses "Notes," a hypertext application program which was designed and implemented to investigate the effects of computers on the writing process generally, and in particular to experiment with tools to support the decisions writers make while acquiring and structuring knowledge taken from source texts. The paper outlines the theoretical basis for the design of the "Notes" program, exploring typical writing activities in some detail. The benefits and limitations of conventional note cards are reviewed, as well as expected benefits of the use of computer-based note cards. The "Notes" program and its relation to relevant research is described, and a formative evaluation is presented based upon interviews with participants of the "Notes" program as it was used with five sections of college experimental writing courses for two semesters. Two problems that need to be addressed are discussed: (1) the first concerns the representation of notes; and (2) the second concerns support for the process of taking notes. (An appendix of interview questions, "Notes" program samples, and 26 references are attached.) (NH)