George:

I have read through your posts, and the issue with which you seemed to be concerned is the cost efficiency of producing the service/goods. You constantly refer to the outrageous cost of American labor as compared to that found in the third world. If I understand your position with respect to abstractors, it is an matter of cost rather than quality.

The outsourced abstracting can not possibly be done as accutrately as an on site search of the material since much of the information is not available on line. The impact of legislation to prevent identity theft will make it even more difficult. I have to believe that your advocacy of a system that has less quality control but cheaper cost is based on issues of price rather than quality. It would appear that your indictment of the work ethic of the American laborer is really nothing more than a rationalization for seeking a cheaper price.  By the way have you seen the quality of some of the goods produced in the third world...saddly inferior in many cases.