I do feel that sometimes there are too many negative posts in these forums.  When we started Source of Title, and added the forums, we had hoped that they would be used to share experiences that we could all learn from and become better at what we do.  Unfortunately, the vast majority of posts are in regards to specific companies that are not paying their abstractors.  I'm not sure if that is a reflection on the abstractors, or the industry in general.  But, I think that it can be beneficial.

I don't necessarily agree that the abstractors complaining are "doing nothing" about their problems.  The posts do serve as warnings to other abstractors.  That should make it more difficult for the companies that run up a large bill with an abstractor then, rather than pay it, find another abstractor to scam.  If all of the abstractors are aware of the problems, it should force those companies out of business or make them change their practices.  I think, from the posts where people have come back to say that they received payment shortly after posting their "complaint" in the forums, that it can be effective.

I do think that many of the posts, however, could be handled in a much more professional manner.  They often get too personal and some are down right insulting.  Those, I think, do reflect poorly on the abstractor.  It is certainly very frustrating when you don't get paid, but I think people need to take a deep breath and wait a day or so before posting.

Because the forums are searchable by keyword, it does a create a searchable database of companies that may pose a problem as a new client and I do get a lot of feedback from people who appreciate that feature.  

That being said, it would be nice to see more constructive posts.  I would love to see discussions about title problems that are encountered on searches.  Those types of posts are something we can all learn from.  We should be sharing more information and helping each other understand changes facing our industry. 

Best,
Robert A. Franco
SOURCE OF TITLE