Posted by CA SA on 6/4/04 11:18am
Msg #2718

Why I don't post my name

Some notaries who I greatly respect have recently asked why notaries don't use their names. I respect notaries who use their own names. And I respect those who don't.

Last year I posted some negative reports on how several SSs required months of phoning to pay me. Two of those SSs telephoned me and yelled at me. This is proof that the SSs read this and other notary boards.

I want to be able to ask questions and respond to inquiries without getting nasty calls from jerk SSs.

Newbies, especially, need forums to ask questions without losing credibility with future clients.

Some SSs, like MortgageDocs.com, are reliable payers. But they really hate it when notaries discuss their assignment procedures on the boards. If they can identify the poster, they come down on her like a ton of bricks.

We notaries are scattered all over the country and need means to compare notes on our industry. I have learned so much from this board and others. I reciprocate by posting helpful info when I can.

I never trash or yell at another notary on the board. If I strongly disagree with the post, I write what I hope is an articulate statement about whey I think they are wrong.

Reply by Ninna Mantooth-Lopez on 6/4/04 1:32pm
Msg #2724

Great post... and I think some of your comments are valid. My comments on anonymous posters are:

1. If it's a notarial or signing question... and the poster doesn't want to be identified (because others may say it's a stupid question or chastise them because "they should already know it" kind of thing)... I can understand that.

2. When they come on a board and post anonymously while "trashing" someone or a company, I simply don't give their post any credit. I often wonder "do they have an alternative agenda?", "are they just trying to get a rise out of others"... I suspect the latter in most cases.

I have my own set of rules when I post on a message board.... and thus far, they've worked for me:

1. I never post anonymously.
2. I never post negative information on a company without letting them know first what I plan to do. Example: I had a company who, after many calls and faxes, had not paid me. My final fax to them stated that one of my recourses was to post their company name on all the message boards that they had not paid me... and the fact that they were not responding to any of my calls or faxes for payment. I received a call that day that payment was being overnighted to me. I received payment the following day. As a result, I've never posted anything negative about that company... ever. Even when I see others inquiring about that same company. While I went through great pains to get paid, they did ultimately pay me. If others choose to post negatively about that same company, that is their choice.
3. I do; however, do not hesitate to post positive things on companies I've worked for and who've been professional, friendly, and timely with payment.
4. I try not to get involved in threads that involve very heated discussions unless it is notary or signing related... and I feel I've got something of value to add. When responding, I try to stay away from any personal references to people or companies... and try to stay on track with the subject at hand.

There are a few exceptions to every rule, but ultimately I feel that by posting my name, readers will, whether they disagree or agree, at least take my post into consideration.

Reply by Tina_MA on 6/8/04 5:49am
Msg #2836

I agree with what Ninna posted 100%.

One other point -- if your post is factual rather than personal, you will have less problems with backlash.

Also, rather than always asking your question on the board, try doing a little state specific research first. If you are still unsure, post stating that you’ve found such-and-such info and need to verify if it’s correct. People will respect you more for doing a little research first.

Another point regarding companies reading the boards, if you do not post your name you could be losing business.

Many companies have called me to do signings after reading my posts. Spelling, grammar, and factual content are important in that regard.

Try to keep your posts businesslike and stay away from the “drama”.

Reply by Guess? on 6/4/04 3:54pm
Msg #2737

And some have entirely too much time on their hands, as evidenced by their frequent, shop-worn diatribes against such things as "anonymous" posters on a notary message board, for crying out loud! Good Heavens, please find a charity or some other valuable outlet for your obvious spare time.

While I disagree with "bashing" someone or some company in public, the idea of being called a "gutless wonder" simply because I choose not to expose my identity to the whole world when asking a question, stikes me as a bit petulant. I get enough "spam", thank you very much.

Why is it of such importance to personally identify each and every person who posts messages? Is someone writing a book or keeping a list?? Hmm.

I guess the easiest thing to do would be to simply ignore the "anonymous" postings, much like I do some "named" posts. Well, usually.

Reply by Derrick/MT on 6/4/04 4:13pm
Msg #2740

I personally do not have a problem with people not posting their really name but would like to be able to identify people other than by anonomous or notary. If it is a big problem for people to use their really name then come up with some kind of a handle.

Reply by CA_Notary on 6/4/04 5:16pm
Msg #2741

And come up with something unique. Since I saw that there's a CA notary (no underscore) I realized I probably should have put a little more thought into my screenname :)

Reply by sue on 6/5/04 8:07am
Msg #2754

just use your first name or make up a name you've always wished your mother had given you. I quit using my full name and contact info several years ago when we were on what we termed 'Jacq's board'. It was a private board and we all knew each other and our contact info was known to all. When she turned the board public, I started receiving e-mails from people that I had no idea who they were and they were 'demanding' contact info on good companies I posted about, asking all sorts of questions and for all I knew they were right down my block trying to take my business. So, I contacted her and had her remove my contact info from the posts. Although I don't use my full name any longer, many people on these boards know who I am and I wouldn't hesitate to give my info to someone if they specifically asked me for it. I can't begin to guess the numbers of lurkers on these boards that take info and never give anything back - a long way from our original NASA days when we all gave & took, helping each other.

Reply by CA SA on 6/5/04 2:28pm
Msg #2760

Great response, Sue

"just use your first name or make up a name you've always wished your mother had given you. I quit using my full name and contact info several years ago when we were on what we termed 'Jacq's board'. It was a private board and we all knew each other and our contact info was known to all. When she turned the board public, I started receiving e-mails from people that I had no idea who they were and they were 'demanding' contact info on good companies I posted about, asking all sorts of questions and for all I knew they were right down my block trying to take my business. So, I contacted her and had her remove my contact info from the posts. Although I don't use my full name any longer, many people on these boards know who I am and I wouldn't hesitate to give my info to someone if they specifically asked me for it. I can't begin to guess the numbers of lurkers on these boards that take info and never give anything back - a long way from our original NASA days when we all gave & took, helping each other."

You made some great points, Sue. I agree that there is a lot more grab-and-run than there used to be even a few years ago.

Reply by teri on 6/6/04 3:29pm
Msg #2776

Similarly, I don't post my full name for the same reasons as sue....Those that have been around awhile know me (and I have a relatively unique spelling to my name- but I've noticed a few others appearing with the same spelling)...I help as much as I can (and have the time for)----it wasn't that many years ago that I was a rookie too...but the ballgame has changed....247 NSA's within 25 miles of my house as of today...a year ago it was 88 and 2 years ago it was 43, and 3 years ago, it was a handful....so, I need to be cautious when sharing ---technical info - in a minute---contacts ---if you're not in my immediate area....

Reply by Linda on 6/4/04 6:15pm
Msg #2743

I ask a question about a signing service and they responed to it on the board and they have never called me again. All I asked was if they were having money problems. They still owe me money, so guess maybe they are. You never know who you are going to offend. I certainly didn't mean to. I had heard something about them and just wanted to know.

Reply by HisAnonymousHughness on 6/4/04 6:33pm
Msg #2745

Hope this satisfies everybody.

Reply by Derrick/MT on 6/7/04 10:21am
Msg #2799

I think there needs to be an exception to the rule. Any one of royal blood should remain incognito when associating with the common folk, or use a psudo name so as to hide your brightness.