Toni hit it right on the nose!  I also started out quite a few years ago
and helped others get started in their own independent businesses.
We all knew each other, helped each other out, as a matter of fact,
in the 2 main counties that I service, we actually had an annual event
called the Ab-fest, where all the abstractors from all the different title
companies, and independent searchers got together for a picnic every
year. It was great.  We still have the same comeraderie going with
those of us who are still around, but this HAS become a very cut-throat
business.  Its sad when $5.00 per job, or even less, can lose you a lot
of business.  Loyalty is hard to find. I am still hopeful that things will
shake out in the end sooner or later.