Thank you, Pat.  I must admit that I was shocked to read Janis' post.  ALTA's annual convention is coming up as well, Oct. 13-16, and the Standard rate for members is $950 and hotel rooms are $279!  Since I haven't attended one of ALTA's events, I won't comment on the value, it may be well worth it.  But, the point I want to make is that ALTA's annual convention is out of reach for most abstractors. 

NALTEA, on the other hand, is only charging $100, and it found a nice hotel with a room rate of $89, so that more people can afford to attend.  Does Janis think that it is free to put on a national conference?  Perhaps you should post some of the expenses that NALTEA has to front to hold the event.

And I found it equally surprising that she claims she "never heard a word from" NALTEA.  I get a newsletter every month - and they are all posted on the NALTEA Web site. 

I don't know what she expects from NALTEA, but I think you are all doing a great job, given the widespread apathy of abstractors in general.  The members who have supported the organization should be commended, not insulted.  If more people would get involved NALTEA could do great things.

Best,
Robert A. Franco
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