This article is absurd- It answers it's own question in the last paragraph. Just because there are some people that are greedy and get involved with criminal activity does not mean we need to get rid of a profession.
If some think that just going to the court house and getting copies of docs will satisfy a lender on a loan- so be it- let them try it- I think that would be answer enough for those that think that way, the settlement process out there must be a nightmare-but I suppose I am biased toward quality and accuracy- that my not be an important factor in those states. I like the fact that "no figures could be gotten-and the cost would remain about the same" so why write this anyway!!
As I recall, there are journalist that "make up stories" too, maybe we should close down all news papers!!
This is just an example of someone doing something that  they should never attempt- but have an impact on a lot of lives in making all this nonsense and alleged observations that have no meaning at all, write the article about the crooks and leave the rest of the "fluff" for the funny pages.
I agree with Diane- abstractors are a necessity in the real estate transaction- if they are concerned about the money- take a long look at the real estate commissions that are now being paid on the inflated prices of houses- 6% is an awfully high fee for what they do- maybe abstractors should charge ½ % for the title- then we would be hedged against the ever increasing inflation brought on by our government.Just some Sunday afternoon comments- take care.

Steve Meinecke