I don't know the particulars about Jim's situation.  Without knowing what caused the problem, it is hard to comment.  However, I will say that it is better that he is still in business and trying to take care of the issue.  I have seen a few companies go out of business, and some have re-opened under a new name, without paying their abstractors.  A few have even claimed that they are not responsible for past-due bills from the previous company.  I have even had companies order work KNOWING that they were closing down and not going to be able to pay for the order.  That is truly shameful.

Jim has at least been trying to address the issue and he has done so publicly on the forum here.  He has taken a serious lashing for it.  I do think that is commendable and I hope he is able to recover and take care of all the past-due invoices.  In fact, we have seen that some have been paid.  That would be best for all involved.  It is not a good situation, but it could be worse. 

I would not blame anyone for refusing new orders from Contemporary.  That would be understandable.  However, continued criticizing is not going to help the situation for anyone.  If the company is forced out of business, no one will get paid.

I do feel bad for all of the abstractors who have still not received payment, including Loretta.  Unfortunately, you will have that in any business.  I think what makes it worse in our niche of the industry is that our fees are so low that we really cannot absorb a loss like this.  That truly makes this a tragedy. 

My best to all,
Robert A. Franco
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