I could not agree more Robert!  Look how far NALTEA has come since its inception. What started out as an association of 5 is now close to 100 and growing.  Other associations are starting to ask about us.  That is a wonderful thing.  That means our name is being spoken out there.  The more people that join and take part in the exchange of ideas and, more importantly knowledge, the stronger our association will become.  I can not speak for anyone else, except maybe Wanda, but I have met some wonderful people, while attending our conferences, and have made some great contacts.  I have even gained a couple of clients due to these new relationships.  That was just because we were having a freindly discussion and another abstracter mentioned that one of their clients needed work done in my area, in which they did not cover.  Had I not been speaking with this individual, I would have never been introduced to this client.

As Robert said, it is not what NALTEA can do for you.. .but look what can happen.  I am a firm believer in that fact that "you get what you pay for".  That holds true in all aspects of lives, especially when providing a service.  If you stay true to your product, there are clients out there that actually care about quality & professionalism.  As NALTEA grows stronger, more clients will rely on its membership to provide the level of quality & efficiency they are looking for. If you do not join, you have no right to complain about the industry and the turn it has taken.  We can all do something about it.

Sorry to sound like I am "on the pulpit" but, as Robert said, there are thousands of us out there who all have ideas and opinions. We can all make such a difference in this association.
Mary