Do you hate technology? If so, you aren't alone. Many bright people simply don't relate well to computers and the Internet because the current models of information storage and retrieval are difficult for many to master. Too many software programs rely on out of sight files that must be accessed by too many buttons, requiring too much memory for the already detail-challenged Realtor.

If you are a "visual" person, you will be amazed by the deceptively easy new downloadable software known as The Brain. Before you jump to the conclusion that it's for tech-geniuses only, nothing could be further from the truth. I'm a tech dummy, and if I can use it, so can you.

First, let's give credit where it is due. Trainer Michael Russer and REALTORŽ Judy McCutchin introduced me on to this new graphical interface, and shared the many ways Realtors (and editors!) can utilize this wonderful new tool. They held my hand through the learning process, which is very quick, and I'll hold your hand while you give it a try.

First, don't be intimidated by the scientific-looking interface of The Brain. It looks like a solar system, but it is really more of a genealogy tree - a way to file and find information without ever losing sight of the original Adam or Eve. In other words, The Brain lets you see what you are working on without having to put other files away. It shows you the relationships you have created between all the information you have gathered.

"It is a way of storing and keeping track of pieces of information in an unstructured associative way," explains Russer. "If I'm surfing around the Internet, I can drag and drop into the brain and I do the same thing with my email. Any file on my computer I can save as a shortcut or as a file. I can name them any way I want and associate them any way I want. I never lose track of anything.

"Once you use it, you'll never have to print out anything again," says Russer.

Information management begins with a brain (you) and arms that extend to "parents" and "children." Parents are positioned above and children are below, rather like headings and sub-headings on an outline. You never lose track of where you came from because you can always click on a parent to go back or click on a child to go forward. All parents and children are thoughts. Anything you add to your brain is a thought. When you create a new brain, you create a whole new set of parents and children.

Children are the thought files that you add to each parent brain. For example, you might create a brain and call it Active Clients. You may want to have a child and call it Buyers and another called Sellers. To add real active buyers' names to the Buyer or Seller children, simply point your cursor under the correct parent, left click your mouse and drag and drop. A little window will open and you can name the client child with your client's name. When you click on your client's name, you can add other little arms that extend to notes, email addresses, URLs, files, graphics and any other information you wish. When you click on an URL address, your browser will take you directly to the site. Other uses are providing links to lenders, personal notes and a things to do list.

Every thought has a notepad attached where you can add, import and store graphics, copy, or any type of file.

The Brain is also good for business management, which is an application that McCutchin chose. "It's very valuable, especially if you are a visual person," says McCutchin. "You see how thoughts should flow and it is easier to keep track of ideas and details."

There are many other practical uses for The Brain. McCutchin also uses her brain to store user names and passwords for her favorite Internet gateways. She stores them under Computer, Favorite Web Sites, Passwords. "If I don't write them down, I forget them," she says. "I also don't have to search through bookmarks anymore."

She also uses the site for business development. To view McCutchin's business plan for 2000, go to The Brain, click on Think Tank, see select category and scroll down to Real Estate, and click on Judy's brain that she has published for Realty Times readers. I was so impressed by the sharing of this information that I decided to publish one of my brains, too. Follow the same steps and click on e-PRO and you will see the chapters that I am writing which will be included as part of the e-PRO curriculum. Publishing is easy. You just click on the brain you want to publish, and go to the task bar, find Brain, and pull down the menu. Click on Publishing and the easy directions will show you how to email your brain anywhere you want to publish, including on The Brain's site. and follow the menu

Create Your Own Brain

The Brain offers a free 30-day trial and a low cost investment if you decide you can't live without it.

To download your own brain, simply visit www.thebrain.com.

1. Download the brain to your desktop. System requirements are

• Windows 95/98/NT/2000
• 16 MB Ram
• 5 MB Disk
• Real Player 5.0 if you want sound

2. The information sits on your own desktop so that you can share access.

3. Try the program free for 30 days.

4. If you decide you want to buy The Brain, be sure to say that you heard about it from Michael Russer. Russer negotiated a 25 percent e-Bate (discount) for NAR members and Realty Times readers, and an additional 10 percent off to benefit the Children's Miracle Network. To assure that you get your discount and CMN gets its donation, contact The Brain's marketing director, Shelley Hayduck or call her at 310 656-8484 ext.28 and tell her that you are a member of the NAR, Michael Russer - Mr. Internet sent you, give your NRDS number, and say that you would like a discount.

In case, readers think I have crossed some editorial line in promoting a trainer's discount, that isn't the case. Russer is known for passing along negotiated discounts to Realtors, and never accepting a promotional fee in return. That way, he is never obligated to promote a product he doesn't believe in simply for the money. When Russer recommends a product, you can take it to the bank that it offers true value to you, the Realtor.

The Brain is no ordinary tool. "This is for the Realtor who wants to stay on top of knowledge," says Russer. " This is the ultimate knowledge management tool."

Adds McCutchin, "Once you start using it , you'll wonder how you ever did without it."