Gail,

(First, apologies for the long post. )

I can understand the anxiety from the abstractor standpoint. However, NALTEA and the idea of some type of certification, are not the enemy. The biggest reason that abstracting as a business is declining, is that it is turning into a commodity, instead of a skilled art.

I can see that your criticism originites with the point of view that the certification will not change this problem immediately. While technically true, however, it is a great step towards differentiating "precision craftsmen" type abstractors from "commodity" type providers.

Many clients prefer to go with the lowest-priced service because they cannot see any difference between the overseas, (or even local) cheap provider, and the seasoned professional. Any type of certification will differentiate the higher quality providers from the rest, as long as the certification is reasonably legitimate. This NALTEA version certainly is. I have read through the manual provided in detail. It is an extremely well written text, and covers the aspects of abstracting in great detail. In fact, even seasoned pros will learn things or remember long forgotton details from this manual. Some of it even could even be considered overkill.

Also, the idea of promoting the certification to VM's and state title organizations is excellent.

Now, by itself, certificaion will not change the abstracting business environment overnight. The perception held by clients towards abstractors is low. Some of this is unknowingly brought on by abstractors directly. For example, while lax billing standards and lowered payment expactations might seem like a way to keep clients, but it actually sends the message of poor business management.

Like any other business, the client will always treat the vendor exactly as professionally as the vendor appears to be. Even small details such as letterhead, matching fax headers, professional phone answering, etc., will present abstracting as more than just a "cottage industry."

This is the core issue for expert abstractors; perception. Having personally spoken with hundreds of end-user clients and vendor managers, the common thread is often the same; "Why should I pay more than $40, they are just an abstractor."

Anyway, managing an abstracting business into a successful enterprise is simpler than it appears. It begins with running and managing the business first, and searching title second. Operate the enterprise (large or small) in a great way, and just think of the "abstract" as the product you are selling, no different than any other product.

I do not want to make this post any longer than it already is. I have strong opinions on this subject, and a great deal more to say about this, but will leave it there for now.

See you all in New Orleans.

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