widget logic for CMS functionality / multiple cats

using widgetlogic for custom sidebars, but tripping up a little on controlling where and when content displays.

doing fine when a post is categorized in only one category.

in_category(‘widgetness’) displays fine.

but drama ensues when multiple categories are selected.

&& ! in_category(‘plugin’) blocks content from posts that are in both but ends up making NOTHING show up in the selected category instead of blocking duplicate content

Anybody have any ideas on using widget logic with a complex category structure?

/ j