Forgive me as I only read the first post by Robert and am commenting on it only.

I have many ideas on how NALTEA could become a stronger and more viable orgainization. I'd be interested on sharing them privately.

One of the main reasons that all of the LTA's and legal associations have more members is that is is a requirement to join as a member or become associated with these organizations in order to receive bonds or errors and ommissions insurance. Some even make you purchase set amounts of stock. The other is that they make it seem that you will be unsuccessful if they are not backing you. It is almost of this analogy. If you do not donate to the local volunteer fire department (and believe me, this was heard by my very own ears), we can't assure as timely a response to a call to your house as opposed to a family who donates. They also set their own set fee. I certainly support our local heroes but that threw me for a loop. All of this negativity has me seriously questioning why I am even in the business of title insurance anymore. I have been in since I was 18 and am now 24. Some may find that hard to believe. We need something refreshing to happen to the industry and revamp it and I believe NALTEA can do it. Not so much how general business is conducted, but mostly to make people who work in it to like it again, do less complaining and unify for the good of the industry. Unfortunately, most of the posts on SOT that I have read have some kind of general complaint. Maybe anyone complaining should join NALTEA and begin to voice their views through it. I am certainly going to join NALTEA ASAP and I am not an abstractor but rather a insurance agent. I am completely astounded that it only has 100 members. We really should set the standard as we are the industry professionals. Somebody, please send me an application to jsheppard@besstitle.com or to my fax, 412-531-6277.

Thanks!

Jason