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Missing information is the biggest challenge we face. Sometimes we can't find the answer no matter how much we look. Then we feel overwhelmed and disorganized by the piles of data we collected while searching for the answer. So we spin our wheels, read through our research over and over hoping the answer will pop out at us. We think "the answer is here somewhere, I just can't see it." The Brick Wall Buster Cards simplifies and organizes your research so that you can piece together the information you do have to find an answer. The system shows you how to use techniques that: allow you to see all your research at one glance organize your research for you (yes, really!) simplify all the data show you any gaps, errors, and conflicts automatically create a narrative outline (and eliminates writers’ block!) help you plan and brainstorm your way to success The process defeats research barriers, organizes your research, keeps you on track, and saves time so you can find answers.

The short answer is no. Do you ever feel like you are missing something or that you can't "see" all your research? Information on an electronic screen is tough to use for deep thinking and problem solving. The screens are small, so you can't see everything you need to. Plus, they encourage you to just read and re-read information. But when you physically interact with tangible items like paper and pencil (like the Brick Wall Buster Cards encourages), you begin to use your brain as a power tool to actively think through information and analyze and correlate the pieces of data in a way that will have you discovering genealogy answers in no time. The cards and sticky notes in the kit will have you well on your way to mastering your research!

Not at all. Simply use the cards (as many or as few as you want) by placing them on a table, posting them on the wall, or even sorting through them by hand. You will answer the questions and prompts on the cards by writing your answers (which are already in your research files) on sticky notes which you will place in the workspace. That's it. Before you know it, your work is made easy. Once you work through the system, you'll be amazed how much information you discover!

The system is a set of cards, used with self-adhesive notes, to work through your genealogy research. Each card is labeled according to its purpose. The deck is split into five smaller groups. Each group of cards correlates to a stage of planning, brainstorming, or writing. Life Fact Cards: Create a timeline for your target ancestor. You will use this information with all other groups of cards. Research Planning Cards: Develop your research questions and to-do list. This will also point out areas where your research needs more work. Writing Cards: Easily create an outline for you to utilize in producing a narrative for your research. This eliminates writer’s block. Writing out your research findings is one of the very best ways to break through brick walls. Discovery Cards: Organize your thought processes and assist in making sure you’ve thought of everything possible to break through the brick wall. Story Enhancer Cards: Help you fill in rich details of your ancestor’s life. You’ll be encouraged to think about your ancestor’s personality, their socio-economic status, their home life, etc. The boxed kit includes all the supplies you need (washi tape, pencil, sticky notes), instructions, and five sets of cards. The digital version includes a PDF of the instructions and the cards which you will print and cut apart to use.

These are flexible and can be used anywhere. You can use them on your dining table, desk, spare bed/dresser, or countertop. You can also post them up on a wall, widow, or mirror. (The boxed kit includes a roll of washi tape for the cards if you want to post them on a wall. Washi tape is similar to gentle painter's tape. We recommend that you test a hidden spot first, of course.) You can also use bulletin board paper, a jigsaw puzzle mat, a flip chart/easle, or a whiteboard. You'll get more out of the system if you can spread them out, but if you have no space, you can flip through them in your hand and attach the sticky notes directly to the cards.

Absolutely. The amazing thing about these is that they will guide you through the research process start to finish. So if you are new to genealogy, you will know exactly what facts you need to find. The research planning cards will teach you how to find those facts. And the rest of the cards will show you how to do more in depth research to avoid common pitfalls and failures. You'll be well on your way to doing good, solid research!