Posted by CarolynCO on 8/23/05 1:09pm
Msg #61064

My curtain call ...

Today I’ve made the decision to take my curtain call, as so many of my mentors and forum buddies have done before me – Dennis, Hugh, Brenda, Cali, Curious George, Ted Dog – just to name a few. I’m becoming simply a backstage lurker.

Why? With radio ads and NNA pumping out graduates like they were rabbits, the market has become saturated with first-time notaries and NSA’s. This month there have been several posts of how slow it is. I don’t believe that the overall signings have slowed down. Instead I believe that there are signing agents taking signings for next to nothing to gain the experience and with the feeling that “a little bit of money is better than sitting at home with none.” I know for a fact that there are signing agents in Colorado, and more specifically the Denver area, doing signings for $40. Many also advertise their “basic” signing area radius to be 60 and even 75 miles before implementing a “governmental allowed” travel fee. Today there are too many anonymous posters because they don’t want to reveal their identity to their competitors. My information and identity has always been public, and all anyone had to do was click my link to see it. I purposely never hid my charge rates in the hopes that “newbies” would charge reasonable and competitive rates.

As with the fly-by-night signing services, the new NSAs will find that “the little bit of money” can’t support them and will disappear from the signing scene. Unfortunately, as in the past, they will only be replaced by new graduates next month.

I’m not bowing out of the signing business. Instead, I’m going to use the energy and time (that I have used in the past for posting) now for my own marketing purposes. I believe the ones of us who have built up our own signing clientele and have not resorted to back-stabbing techniques will always have signings. For anyone who wants to contact me, you know where I’m at.

Reply by New Blood UAE on 8/23/05 1:11pm
Msg #61066

Who cares...go home...

Reply by Charles_CA on 8/23/05 1:18pm
Msg #61070

Re: Who cares...go home... I Care, for one!

I haven't had an opportunity to get involved on any issues together with you but I understand your concerns and how you feel. I have spoken to others who believethe same way. I only wish you would not go to lurking but stay active and united because that is the only way we can change many of the problems we see in the business. Despite what one mean spirited individual says your input is needed. I for one would miss you. The above referenced individual has never contributed anything of value from what I can see. Whatever you decide to do Carolyn I wish you luck, I've enjoyed reading your posts. The business will change shortly and mean spirited newbies will reap what they have sowed.

Best regards,
Charles

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 8/23/05 1:21pm
Msg #61072

Re: Who cares...go home...

I for one do care. Carol and those whom she mentioned have been some of the greatest sources of infomation these boards have ever seen. Some may not like what some of them have said or at least the blunt way some of them have said things. I would rather hear the truth about this business than listen to the "glory and riches" marketing dung that is spewed out by companies that earn thier money by training those who buy into the shpiel to become notaries. It would take hours to list the things I have learned from these members that were never presented to me in any of my training. I have been missing them terribly lately.

Reply by Anon CA on 8/23/05 1:25pm
Msg #61075

Deth Nell was right...

Reply by PAW_Fl on 8/23/05 1:36pm
Msg #61088

Re: Deth Nell was right...

Only because you are the same jerk. It doesn't take rocket science to figure you out.

Reply by BLE on 8/23/05 1:49pm
Msg #61108

Re: Who cares...go home...

I also care. It is the more experienced "pros" that have so much to offer. Everyone mentioned in Carolyn's post plus a few more have taught me more than the will ever know. Sorry to see you go.

Reply by patricia on 8/23/05 1:13pm
Msg #61067

I can think of no good reason to give anymore new people any help at all.

Reply by Brian/CA on 8/23/05 1:14pm
Msg #61068

Re: WE care! Good luck...

you will be missed. I understand and agree with your frustration.

Reply by SherryB on 8/23/05 1:17pm
Msg #61069

Sorry to hear that Carolyn. I have not personally worked with you but I have sure enjoyed reading your posts! It really stinks from my perspective...I hope that this will not be a trend with all of the experienced agents out there because it is really nice to have SA's that know there stuff and know the industry. However I do feel bad for newbies who are really interested in making a career out of this versus making a fast buck...

Reply by KnuB on 8/23/05 1:22pm
Msg #61073

$30

Price is what the market will bear...this biz is dying, and if I want to do a signing for $30, put you out of biz, and then raise my prices, I will do it....All Hail Michael Dell you Compaqs and Microns....

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 8/23/05 1:29pm
Msg #61077

Re: $30

At $30 a signing you wont be able to buy a coke and fries after paying expenses. And as soon as you raise your rate the ss will dump you and look for the next fool that's willing to ruin the business. At $30 per signing, in order to make that $100,000 that "the add" spouts you'll have to do 9.1 signings every day of the year.

Reply by Lydia Esther/Fl on 8/23/05 1:30pm
Msg #61079

It is very sad ..........

To see someone starting a career with such a bad aptitute and lack of respect . Believe me ......... it pays to be nice and respectful ......... every place you go. I feel sorry for you and your future .

Reply by SherryB on 8/23/05 1:31pm
Msg #61082

Re: $30

What the heck is wrong with these people..I wish that you would all post your REAL names so that I know NOT TO CALL YOU when I need a closer in your area. The experienced SA's that post here are a wealth of knowledge and you too should be sad to see them discouraged. I have seen many of them freely answer questions, give client info and support nebies ALL of the time. There is no reason to verbally bash people for no apparent reason. These SO CALLED SA's are a disgrace to this industry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reply by Korey the H MA on 8/23/05 1:33pm
Msg #61083

HaHa...Love it!!

Reply by Brian/CA on 8/23/05 1:35pm
Msg #61087

Re: $30

It is because of posters like that "$ 30 poster" one why people don't post with their real names. Sad to say.

Reply by JO_PA on 8/23/05 1:28pm
Msg #61076

Sorry to hear that! You were a big supporter in an unfortunate altercation i had with a certain other notary. I really appreciated that!
I still would like to hear your comments and insight. You tended to "tell it like it is" and I respect that.
Good Luck!

Reply by Anonymous on 8/23/05 1:29pm
Msg #61078

Carolyn, don't blame you a bit

Reply by TrayKy on 8/23/05 1:45pm
Msg #61098

Re: Carolyn, don't blame you a bit

Carolyn, I am a newbie to this board but not to the industry. I have only posted a few times and have enjoyed your insight as well as other such as Paw, Brenda, Titlegal, Sylvia, SherryB, etc. I really could go on further because I love to see productive post from those who actually care about this industry. It is a career and not just a fly by night job. I wish you well if you stay away however, I hope you do stay around to throw your 2 cents worth into the post that are worth reading. My situation is different than the areas where the NNA is breading new NSA's. My wife and I do like this field and respect the heritage that goes with being a Notary and a SA. Please don't let the idiots that should be watching "Springer" instead of giving useful advice get to you. Good luck

Reply by SherryB on 8/23/05 1:58pm
Msg #61114

Re: Carolyn, don't blame you a bit

You go TRAY!!!!! Now this is the kind of Newbie that I would like to work with>>>>

Reply by Margaret_FL on 8/23/05 1:35pm
Msg #61086

I will be said to see you go also. I too have seen the writing on the wall and had been doing research for months on what I should do next.

I have been a signing agent for 3 1/2 years and was very busy fulltime up until the 1st of June. Then only a couple a week, now nothing. I too know that the market is flooded with new signing agents because they will work for next to nothing, I can't sit by the phone and wait. The only calls I have gotten lately are last minute (with 2 hours) I am still doing inspections but it has been slow lately also. I used to have an ebay store and an Amazon store, but my wholesale sources dried up. I have been researching for months about what to sell and I found a fabulous wholesaler in China and I opened an Ebay store the 1st of August as a test, Store fee is Free for 30 days. I know how to market. I even had flyers made up and business cards and my sister works for a large corp. She handed out my flyers at work and sales started pouring. Now I have money coming in and I can still do other things. I pack of my sales at night and ship each morning. I am not worried because I have other irons in the fire. I have to stay busy.

Reply by SherryB from SLB on 8/23/05 1:37pm
Msg #61090

Re: My curtain call ...JUST REMEMBER...

You get what you pay for....

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 8/23/05 1:40pm
Msg #61093

Re: My curtain call ...JUST REMEMBER...

SherryB, I'd like to contact and ask you a question if you don't mind.

Reply by SherryB on 8/23/05 1:42pm
Msg #61096

Re: My curtain call ...JUST REMEMBER...

[e-mail address]

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 8/23/05 1:59pm
Msg #61115

Re: My curtain call ...JUST REMEMBER...

e-mail sent.

Reply by SherryB on 8/23/05 2:00pm
Msg #61117

Re: My curtain call ...JUST REMEMBER...

will look for it!

Reply by SherryB from SLB on 8/23/05 1:41pm
Msg #61094

Re: My curtain call ...JUST REMEMBER...

oops hit enter too soon...I for one would never pay an SA $30 or even $50 for that matter...That is a total insult...I once was an SA myself and anyone who would take these sort of fees are insane!!!! You may get the business but you will learn quickly that for all the stuff you have to go through...you wont even make ends meat....

Reply by Newbie ABC on 8/23/05 1:45pm
Msg #61099

"ends meat"...nice grammar...

Reply by SherryB on 8/23/05 1:47pm
Msg #61105

Re: "ends meat"...nice grammar...

sorry...we are not all perfect....at least I care about this industry and am considerate of others feelings!

Reply by Newbie ABC on 8/23/05 1:50pm
Msg #61109

"other's" not "Others"...geeeez... you run a biz?!

Reply by SherryB on 8/23/05 1:56pm
Msg #61112

Re: "other's" not "Others"...geeeez... you run a biz?!

Yes I run an extremely successful business and am proud of it. As long as you get my point...does it really matter if I forgot an apostrophe??? As stated in my prior post...why don't YOU tell us YOUR name so I can make sure NEVER to use you. I would hate to contract with such a bitter, angry person.....I have much more important things to do than to sit here and be harrassed by some no named individual who is afraid to unveil his identity!!

Reply by Newbie ABC 123 on 8/23/05 2:03pm
Msg #61119

why do keep responding then?!

Reply by BLE on 8/23/05 2:04pm
Msg #61120

Re: why do keep responding then?!

Why do you keep changing your post name?

Reply by SherryB on 8/23/05 2:08pm
Msg #61124

Re: why do keep responding then?!

good one BLE....thanks for coming to my defense against this mystery person. Oops is my grammar and punctuation correct???

Reply by BLE=Beth on 8/23/05 2:10pm
Msg #61126

Re: Your welcome

Reply by rfeliciano on 8/23/05 2:20pm
Msg #61133

Re: why do keep responding then?!

Allow me to take the liberty to respond on behalf of all the individuals who utilize this message board for information, guidance and assistance, including myself.
You sir have proven yourself over and over again to be nothing
more than a nimrod and an instigator.
Your obvious disdain and contempt for anything of benefit on this forum
is more than evident.
Obviously you think that this business is a joke, so perhaps you should look
for other sources of amuesment.

Reply by Anon on 8/23/05 2:22pm
Msg #61134

Nice spelling Raul...

Reply by DellaCa on 8/23/05 1:36pm
Msg #61089

I will miss your comments and wisdom!I have learned so much from this forum in the year I have been here, it is changing thats for sure. Good luck Carolyn. I do agree with what you are saying so many new ones!

Reply by BLE on 8/23/05 1:47pm
Msg #61103

Re: to the $30 KnuB

It's a real shame that you have to show your unprofessionalism and immaturity -- not just one time, but twice. You need to pick one name and stick to it.

Reply by BLE on 8/23/05 1:57pm
Msg #61113

Re: to the $30 KnuB

Make that 4 times immaturity and unprofessionalism were displayed by this guy.

Reply by Anonymous on 8/23/05 2:07pm
Msg #61122

Re: to the $30 KnuB

The board and them will turn into the Lord of the Flies and they will eat each other. End of story and problem.

Reply by Anonymous on 8/23/05 2:07pm
Msg #61123

Meant they not them

Reply by CarolynCO on 8/23/05 2:15pm
Msg #61128

Re: Thank you all!

I'm not disappearing -- I'm just not going to be posting *unless* my fingers and tongue end up fighting each other and I have to *speak* my mind.

My point about being anonymous has come through perfectly and clearly in the thread:

AnanCA
NewBlook UAE
KnuB
Korey the H Ma
Newbie ABC
Newbie ABC 123

are all from the same poster. One way to get NotRot back to a way it used to be is if Harry would require everyone to log on. I know it has been suggested to him before and he has even made comments, but it is apparent from this thread alone, that the problem with anonymous postings has gotten way out of control.

Reply by CarolynCO on 8/23/05 2:17pm
Msg #61130

Re: oops NewBlood UAE n/m

Reply by NewB CA on 8/23/05 2:19pm
Msg #61132

You are most certainly welcome

Reply by Anonymous on 8/23/05 2:29pm
Msg #61139

Re: Add another name to Carolyn's list

all from 24.73.211.26

Reply by Teddog_CO on 8/23/05 7:51pm
Msg #61244

Re: Add another name to Carolyn's list

Carolyn!! It's me The Teddog_CO still alive and well. I agree with you Mountain Buddy! We sure have worked hard as Notaries, and have the stories to prove it. I'm still hanging around just sit back and READ the postings. Still doing the job just for my old customers'. It's just to weird out there now. I'll leave it go at that! Everyone seems to be out to get everyone else "Maybe it's just me" I am getting to be an OLD DOG! LOL I'll stay in touch, you are one of my Favorite People! I like your spunk kid.
God be with you and keep you well.
The Ted Dog

Reply by Anonymous on 8/23/05 2:30pm
Msg #61140

Goes to show there are sociopaths in every walk of life

Reply by mimurray on 8/23/05 6:29pm
Msg #61223

Re: Goes to show there are sociopaths in every walk of life

I use stock message boards all the time. Most of on Investors Hub. The boards are moderated and I am a moderator on one of the boards. A person like this "thing" that has showed up here would not last 5 minutes on the board. I am new to this board so I am not familiar with how it is moderated. Is there a moserator?? If there isn't it might not be a bad idea to look in to getting one somehow. These people LOVE to hide behind their computer monitors and antagonize people. Most fir a certain profile. They are typically loners. Out of work. Social outcasts. They take great pleasure in upsetting other people. As one poster here mentioned, in the absence of a moderator, the best thing to do is simply ignore them. BTW that is another nice feature on the stock message boards. They have an ignore feature so you can simply block the person that is acting like a child and be done with it. Anyway, from my limited reading so far I am finding you all to be very helpful and professional. I look forward to working with you....Mike

Reply by SL/CA on 8/23/05 4:35pm
Msg #61190

Don't you have anything better to do there in FL ???

Reply by FranMac on 8/23/05 2:45pm
Msg #61149

Ignore the idiots...

The more they chat on this thing...the more calls for signings they will miss. I hope they keep chatting it up in a major way because I'm staying so busy with work that I'm turning closings down. It's a shame the industry doesn't have a way to weed out the bad seeds. But, for those who waste thier time here...it leaves more for the professionals, like you and me, to do

Reply by John_NorCal on 8/23/05 6:21pm
Msg #61219

Re: Thank you all!

I agree. Stop the anonymous postings and there will be more credibility to this board.

Reply by Les/CO on 8/23/05 2:39pm
Msg #61147

I agree that things are going to slow down. But I think there will continue to be a place for the knowledgeable, experienced, conscientious notary. The NNA trying to produce thousands of 'easymoney' notaries is a joke, and a blight on the industry. Also greedy, unethical, dishonest, fly-by-night Signing Services sure don't help. BUT the GOOD "Mobile Notary Signing Agent" is here to stay! WE enable Title Companies to compete Nationwide without having (in most states) a "brick and mortar" office. HANG IN THERE!!! Call some Title Companies. (forget most SS's they are mostly going to go away, except the very good not greedy ones) Things are changing, but I believe it will be for the better. We will get rid on deadbeat SS's, and inept ($40) notaries. Those of us that have paid our dues and are professional will remain.

Reply by Giselle_CA on 8/23/05 2:45pm
Msg #61151

I agree with you, Les. The market has its way of balancing things out at the end. We are providing a valuable service to this industry and like you said, "the GOOD "Mobile Notary Signing Agent" is here to stay! WE enable Title Companies to compete Nationwide without having (in most states) a "brick and mortar" office."

Just hang in there!

Reply by Tara_CA on 8/23/05 3:50pm
Msg #61177

I'm sorry CarolynCo... it really stinks that people have made you feel this way. I'm a newbie and I've gained so much great info from this board, dispite some of the crap you have to wade through with people who just like to instigate. I'm sad that newbies are getting this horrible reputation, as we're not all like that I swear and many of us really do truly appreciate the knowledge and experience from the veterans.

I hope you continue to share, but I understand if you start to take more of a back seat as well. I find the best way to get people like this to go away is to ignore. So I'm not responding for him, but just for you and others like you to let you know that you're appreciated. THANK YOU!

Reply by WF-CA on 8/23/05 4:33pm
Msg #61188

I'm with Tara--I have really appreciated your contributions as well as all others mentioned in earlier (valid) posts today. Thanks very much.
Wendy

Reply by Teddog_CO on 8/23/05 8:07pm
Msg #61250

Hey! Carolyn I'm still kicking. I made a posting for you to read. I'm sorry to see what's happening but Greed is an ugly beast. Sad that our profession is being "peddled" as a get rich quick deal. Mountain Buddy we know better then that ! You Hang in there!
Don't be a stranger.
God Bless !!

The Ted Dog

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/23/05 10:39pm
Msg #61290

Re: My curtain call ... to newbies

Congratulate youselves newbies and trolls. Another true professional has checked out.

Keep posting and asking those questions that you should know already and hope for the best; sadly - the best have quit this forum.

Reply by TinaG_CA on 8/24/05 12:28pm
Msg #61364

Carolyn:
I will miss your honesty and your experience as well as all the others that were always so generous with their experiences, marketing tips and knowledge. I miss Hughes humor, Calinotary's upfront honesty, Brenda's great marketing tips (and the others who have decided this board has gone to hell in a handbasket). Although I haven't posted often on this board, I have always made it a point to peruse it for new and interesting topics, i.e. marketing ideas, bad ss, tax laws, etc. It is a sad time when you go on this board and all you read now are basic questions that any Notary/Signing Agent should know. And of course, the constant Anon posts are becoming ridiculous especially when they have nothing of importance to contribute. Some of them sound like they are in Kindergarten. So immature and disrepectful of this profession. And yes, this is a profession and one I am proud to be part of and thankful of people, as yourself, that feel the same way. I wish you much success and hope that you will be visiting this site on occasion to give us your "2 cent" worth.

Tina G