I much prefer Eleanor Burns' method. Some people don't seem able to get good blocks with this method, but I have never had a problem and it is much faster for me. I started one quilt with Judy Martin's method of cutting each block to size and gave up; I really hated the cutting that much.
For half-log cabin blocks, I think Sharyn Craig's little booklet is very good:
http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Half-...dp/1885588402/
Edit: Oops! I think this is the one of hers I actually have:
http://www.amazon.com/Design-Challen...dp/1885588208/