O.K. .....
It seems that the direction of this forum (and the forum in general) is slowly starting to tread the right path. I am very glad to see this. As with any new venture involving a group of people, there are going to be differing opinions as to the direction that the venture should be heading in. In order for this forum to be effective (the conference as well and ultimately the Association), everyone needs to view the suggestions of others as just that...suggestions. We can't be concerned that one single person is going to control the reins and send SOT in a specific self-serving direction. This is an Association for the benefit of its members that we are trying to establish, not a dictatorship. As such, I think it might be important to create something similar to a board of directing members. Perhaps, even with a small compensation that could be derived from a nominal membership fee (just a suggestion). I'm just as disinterested in cutting checks as everyone else but if we want some of these potential "elected officials" to work and lobby on the behalf and in the best interest of the Association, we must face the reality....it isn't gonna be free.
It is important for this Association that we are able to accept input and insight from everyone without bias. My first suggestion is that each person steps back and looks at the big picture. How can we gain an advantage over the fly-by-night abstractors and the larger companies that are STEALING our business? I wish that simply maintaining our ethics and quality standards was the answer, but I cannot sustain the hit and try to wait for this to play out. Legal certification and licensure is not going to happen in the near future. Although I think that should be the Association's ultimate goal so as to decrease the ease with which one can enter the field. So, what is the answer? There isn't a clear one to me, but if we can strengthen the power of the Association then, in turn, we will have strengthened the power and meaning of a SOT Certification. Our immediate goals should be making our voices and opinions heard and our presence known to the larger title companies, banks, attorneys, and TITLE INSURANCE COMPANIES. Wouldn't it be nice to see a memo from the title insurance companies: "No policy will be issued unless the title has been examined by a SOT Certified Title Examiner."


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