While I do share in your frustration, Nils, I think you might be letting this bother you a little too much.  Though the substance of the discussions here is not what I envisioned, it is apparently what people want to talk about.

I try to keep up on all the posts on this forum, so I at least skim them all (when I have time).  It does get frustrating to see so many posts on non-payment.  However, if it helps people get paid or avoid losses, then I guess it serves a valid purpose.  I would just like to see more real, substantive title issues discussed along with those kinds of posts.

I try occasionally to post about those issues to "jump start" meaningful discussion.  All of those come from real searches we have done, or someone has called to ask me about.  I'm sure many others see strange things in searches all the time that would make for good discussions here, but they rarely post anything.

I can only guess, but I think there are a few reasons for that.

1. Many abstractors today lack the level of training and knowledge they should have.  They are probably afraid to ask questions because their lack of knowledge may show publicly and they fear embarrassment.
2. Some may not even recognize these issues, due to the aforementioned lack of training and knowledge.
3. Some of our regular posters are just not very courteous and people who have good stories to share do not want to open themselves up to rude comments.
4. Not everyone writes well, and some may be afraid to try to write a post about title issues that they may not be able to explain very well.
5. And, some people just don't post because they believe that their "issue" is a state issue and they don't want to open it up for discussion on a national forum.

Here are my thoughts...

1. Sharing these title issues will help everyone who reads about them become more knowledgeable.  If more people shared stories, we might actually help the industry as a whole become more knowledgeable.  It might even help our clients understand why it is so important to use a knowledgeable abstractor.
2. If you have an issue, you should want to learn more about it.  Take the time to do a little research on your state real estate law or title standards, and post what you find.  Open it up for other opinions.  Someone may know more about it and be able to enlighten us all.
3. Don't worry about variations in state law, just point out where you think state law may make a difference and let others share their state law as a starting point for understanding the bigger issue involved.
4. If you are unclear on the law... just post the facts and let other comment on their understanding of the law.
5. If you fear "rude comments" by others, just get over it.  There will always be trolls on forums, but hopefully if enough people share substantive comments, the trolls will be in the minority and they should be the ones embarrassed by their comments. 

It is sad that so many people who have made substantive contributions to the forums have disappeared or remain silent.  This is a community and we need to learn to be respectful of others if this is going to be a good resource for the industry.

If you really want to see a better quality of posts on the forums (and I'm not just speaking to Nils) you need to help make it that way by contributing substantively to the discussions.  I would encourage everyone to share in that goal.  I do what I can, but between managing an abstract business, hosting Source of Title, and practicing law, I cannot do it alone. 

Thanks (for listening to my rant.)

Best,
Robert A. Franco
SOURCE OF TITLE