Hey guys,

If I could just offer an objective opinion here. I am not a Naltea member by choice. I think the interests of the attorney abstractors are more properly represented by our respective bar associations.My entire knowledge of Naltea is limited to what I have read here on the bulletin board. However, I think it has the potential of becoming a very positive force for the non-attorney abstractors...certainly much better than any other organization heretofor.

The issues that seem to be voiced on SOT lately seem to be addressed to matters of vendor relations, difficulties with fees and payment thereof.
I am left with the impression that there are many out there in SOT land that are struggling to keep there doors open because of rising expenses, declining fees and client demands for uncompensated improved performance.

I am very fortunate in that I do not depend that heavily on abstracting. I will probably be doing less in the future. I am able to get reductions in e&o insurance and medical insurance through other sources, but I think my case is probably in the minority. If I could make a suggestion, I think you should rexamine Naltea's objectives.

I think the long term objectives you have set for yourselves is very laudable, but most people were probably looking for benefits such as reduced e &o insurance, group medical benefits, etc to materialize faster than they have. I think that your membership roles would improve if you could demonstrate to the rank and file that there is a measurable gain for them personally to justify the expense of joining and the contribution of time to serve on a committee. Just prior to the last convention at which the certification was to be unveiled, I remember someone on SOT asking "What does the application fee get him beside the right to take the test?"
This was only one guy, but there are probably many out there that feel the same way.

I think for the time you should put the altruistic goals of improving the profession on the back burner, and focus on improving the condition of the average title abstractor in the marketplace. I think it may be inappropriate to offer someone dessert before he has had dinner.

You guys have all become good friends over the past year. Hope I haven't ruffled any feathers...just an outsider's attempt to help.