Posted by Charles_CA on 10/2/05 7:38pm
Msg #68398

this was my offer in a previous post!

I did not want it to get lost in the middle because I think it's too improtant. We need to get of our dead a@@es and get cracking!

I have talked to a lot of you and I had been shopping someone would take up the reins but so far no one has so let me throw this out and then if we can't get it together no one has anything to say.

It is way past time we had a professional organization similar to the Appraisal Institute or the various Realtors' associations to which I belong. There are several groups forming, i know there is one inf Texas and there is one forming in Florida and there are probably a lot more. I know Della tried to start one inf Sacramento but so far Ca seems to be lagging behind.

I'll make this offer. If we truly have people who want to start a real professional organization we need to do it by notaries and for notaries and leave pecuniary interests outside this organization. I suggest that we start with an interim board of directors of Brenda_TX. TitleGal, Becca_FL and perhaps two more. I have been the incorporator of several corporations and would be willing to act as incorporator of this association as a mutual benefit association incorporated under the non-profit rules of the IRS, sect 501, C. I would like to have someone and at this time TitleGal seems like the logical choice to start taking fees and holding them in escrow until we can incorporate and then hold general elections for officers of the corporation. I think that we should have an initial member ship fee of $25 to start getting something into the kitty since incorporation costs and we will need some money for operating expenses. Disbursements should be controlled by three signatures under the previous scenario Brenda, TitleGal and myself or any combination that the initial board may vote on and we should have a convention at the beginning of the coming year. May I suggest Reno instead of Las Vegas since it is a little more laid back and definitely cheaper. We don't need anyone to have to do this except us, notaries. There, its on the table lets see who is a player and who isn't. My check is written in an envelope and ready to go.

Reply by TCMN on 10/2/05 7:57pm
Msg #68406

Charles, I just wrote to TitleGal about what I have been thinking and gathering of info and ideas in a post below (right after yours) and I was thinking the same thing, thus the convention idea. But as I am not the big poster here (you know who you are) or even in the top 50 I bet I am not one who would be "recommended" but I to would like very much to be involved in this since I would not want to compete if I had moved forward with the ideas I have already put together.

In any case, I would rather be a founder and start something and give some of the thoughts I had toward a great good.

Thanks

Reply by Charles_CA on 10/2/05 8:13pm
Msg #68412

It has always een my experience...

That anyone who wants a part in a volunteer organization can carve out their own niche. I am looking forward to our chat.

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 10/2/05 9:17pm
Msg #68419

Re: It has always een my experience...

I would definately be interested! Please keep me posted!

Reply by TitleGalCA on 10/2/05 11:06pm
Msg #68441

Re: this was my offer in a previous post! TCMN

I didn't get your email - looking forward to it.

Reply by John_NorCal on 10/2/05 9:25pm
Msg #68420

Please keep me posted on this!

Reply by John_NorCal on 10/2/05 9:25pm
Msg #68421

Please keep me posted on this!

Reply by christiSocal on 10/2/05 9:30pm
Msg #68422

sounds good, keep me posted too, I'd join

Reply by Giselle_CA on 10/2/05 11:09pm
Msg #68442

Re: sounds good, keep me posted too, I'd join

Count me in!

Reply by The Rose Investigstions and Process Service Inc. - David B. Martz on 10/2/05 11:11pm
Msg #68443

Re: sounds good, keep me posted too, I'd join

we would also be interested in this.

Reply by Brasring_Ca on 10/2/05 10:51pm
Msg #68437

I too am interested and would like to be a part of this!

Reply by Becca_FL on 10/2/05 10:52pm
Msg #68438

Reno?

I'm game!

Reply by TitleGalCA on 10/2/05 11:03pm
Msg #68439

Re: Reno?

It's an embryo at present, but well worth pursuing. Everyone is needed - their input and membership is required or it won't work. The payoff is tremendous and will put a stop to this nonsense of payment issues and the value of our work. Stay tuned - every positive post, and every poster is part of the idea.

Reply by TCMN on 10/3/05 2:21am
Msg #68452

I'll gather email addresses for info at a later date. n/m

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 10/3/05 2:52am
Msg #68454

NSA professional organization - Let's Go!

Sign me up, I definitely want to be a part of this and am more than happy to work on this, for this, with this. I agree absolutely, Bob, on all points. Do you have an outline yet of the things that will be needed to get off the ground?

1. A name & officers asap
2. A website?
3. bank account
4. information databank
5. rules/articles of membership/types of memberships?
6. Mission Statement & position statements
7. Newsletter?

Game on!

Reply by TCMN on 10/3/05 8:51am
Msg #68466

renee..I think you should say Charles,TitleGal or myself n/m

Reply by TitleGalCA on 10/3/05 8:56am
Msg #68467

Renee...

You're soooo on track - are you reading my mind? I just sent an email last night to another board member listing most of your list above, but not as comprehensive as yours.

Setting up the skeleton of an organization is important...if the Constitution hadn't been well written, with the right intention....and WITHOUT pride of authorship....you get my drift.

I agree with Charles that an online chat/meeting is in order. I have about 3 extra minutes to spare this morning....so more later. I'm pretty excited about this.

Reply by TCMN on 10/3/05 10:02am
Msg #68493

Re: Renee...TitleGal....agree with the list (sorry Renee)n/m

Reply by Linda_in_MI on 10/3/05 5:20am
Msg #68456

NSA Association

For the most part I"m a lurker here on the board, on occasions I have posted responses. I'm somewhat of a newbie, only just recently started doing signings on a part-time basis. Please no comments about this being a "hobby" it's not, but personal situation being what it is -- with somewhat supportive husband -- I haven't been able to do the leap of faith past the bi-weekly paycheck to full time signing agent yet. I know, I know, you got to jump before you can see where you land. Believe me, I'm working to change that. But I would be interested in an group/association also, [e-mail address].

Reply by cmd_NH on 10/3/05 6:07am
Msg #68457

I think it's a good idea....will be interested to hear more!

Reply by LilyMD on 10/3/05 6:41am
Msg #68458

Re: this sounds great!

I would be very interested. Please keep us posted!

Reply by Dave_CA on 10/3/05 7:37am
Msg #68460

Re: this sounds great!

I am also very interested.

Reply by Charm_AL on 10/3/05 7:54am
Msg #68463

Charles, I remember briefly talking about this with you, please give me a call if you wish, I'd like to hear more. I thought this was a good idea the first time you mentioned it.
Isn't it funny how you can post something one day and no one will answer, whereas another day could bring 15 responses ?

I also think we could appoint state representatives to 'round up' the notaries that do not come to this site. There are several in my state that don't know this site exists.
I mentioned a long time ago that I wish we were organized much like the unions and I was told we are self employed and can't be like a union? So, with the negative feedback, I dropped it.

Reply by TCMN on 10/3/05 9:05am
Msg #68470

Charm....

I will send out an email when we put together a date to talk about this...you have always been on my list to include. I posted to Charles that I would take care of figuring out the best way (i.e. private chat by invite, etc.) I don't think a 100 people in there trying to speak and keep track of who and what would be productive so it's no disrespect if everyone is not invited to speak, but Charm I feel you should be one invited. I hope others can understand that nobody will be left out of the information though if they want to know.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 10/3/05 9:08am
Msg #68472

Good for you...way ahead of me, TCMN N~M

Reply by TitleGalCA on 10/3/05 9:07am
Msg #68471

Re: this was my offer in a previous post! Charm

It's so true isn't it. I think all good things have more to do with timing and need, rather than a lack of interest.

There's so many good ideas here...I think an online chat meeting is in order and if it takes off, will be the first of many, with the final result being benefits to all NSA's in the form of no-nonsense from SS (no or slow pays...fees being met, etc) and education by virtue of membership in an organized, well thought out association of professionals.

TCMN seems to have a great list going of email addy's and ideas - perhaps more and I need to get what's in my brain on paper. I once wrote Bylaws and an organizational document for a professional group I belonged to...way back in 1906 or something, but I think Charles has a lot of experience there....and just good business sense which will be needed. I just hope no one gets lost in the "forest" by looking too closely at the trees.

I'm sure there's more to come on this, stay posted...now dang it...I've got to go to work. Drat that pesky paycheck, anyways.

Reply by Charm_AL on 10/3/05 9:09am
Msg #68475

Re: this was my offer in a previous post! Charm

Good going! 1906 LOL...
Thanks for the feedback TCMN and TG, I'm there, for whatever ya need. You guys know how to contact me.

Reply by Nd_WA on 10/3/05 9:09am
Msg #68473

Charm suggested, "I also think we could appoint state representatives to 'round up' the notaries that do not come to this site."

Only if I can break the "trust & greed" barrier with my neighbor SAs. I got a last minute call Friday from a regular SS (haven't heard from for a while) only to find that they wanted to lowball me because another notary originally accepted $xx less (for a combo) but couldn't get the docs printed. What do you think I did? Damn right, it's a cut throat business...Vented, sorry.

What CharmAL cited is the same thought I have had for quite sometimes, similar to a show called "The Cooking Club" on Food TV channel. I'm going to review my communication 101 on forming a group now to prepare for game day. So, count me in!

Reply by Charm_AL on 10/3/05 9:15am
Msg #68476

ND_WA

*Only if I can break the "trust & greed" barrier with my neighbor SAs. I got a last minute call Friday from a regular SS (haven't heard from for a while) only to find that they wanted to lowball me because another notary originally accepted $xx less (for a combo) but couldn't get the docs printed*

This is Exactly why we need to form a top notch organization! Get the professionals to agree on a fee schedule or refuse the silly fees offered ( which was another idea I had that someone shot down in the past because of 'price fixing') If we stand united and demand what we are worth the others will eventually see that they can make a good living or they need to get out of the biz.

Reply by TCMN on 10/3/05 9:28am
Msg #68480

Charm, Nd_WA....if only I could

tell you how many times I have talked this over with a friend of mine. She's on NR often so I think she will chime in here any day now. We had gone to the NNA convention together and were equally frustrated) But we have talked about the convention and when, what it would be called, etc. Then I had taken it to the next level and figured a new and better NNA...I have a NAME in mind that I think would be very good but I think I will put that out there in the chat session we have on this.

I'm happy to hear all the positive feedback.

Thanks all!

Reply by hcampersFL on 10/3/05 9:33am
Msg #68483

Re: Charm, Nd_WA....if only I could

I have my check book out and a pen in my hand. Please include me on your list.
[e-mail address]
Beverly Nichols

Reply by Danny_FL on 10/3/05 11:47am
Msg #68508

Might I suggest using something like Teamspeak for your meeting? This would be a live voice meeting and would not need typing and would only need a microphone headset. Just a thought.

www.teamspeak.org

D

Reply by BrendaTX on 10/3/05 11:51am
Msg #68511

Great idea Danny...or skype.com

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 10/3/05 9:22am
Msg #68478

Why reinvent the wheel?

Not to knock your idea, Charles, I think that you make some great points.
To my mind, there currently exists such an organization.
It is called The Signing Registry, and can be located at

www.signingregistry.com

It is a very professional organization consisting of professioanl NSAs
There are excellent training materials and a monitored message board with no BS
They also offer certification tests that really mean someting.
You can't even take the test until you have performed a certain number of signings.
They have previously held a convention and are currently planning the next one.
THe cost is reasonable and well worth it
I would suggest that anyone who considers themself to be a professional NSA, check out the Signing Registry

Reply by TCMN on 10/3/05 9:32am
Msg #68482

Re: Why reinvent the wheel? Bob...

I think that could be a good partnership. I don't know how Harry feels about it but a group effort would be far more productive, don't you think? My new site will be in the same family as the SR but as told to Harry I took it to the next level. And as told to Harry, I will not advertise it here because it has yet to be published fully.

Are you "in" though Bob?

Ty

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 10/3/05 11:00am
Msg #68500

Re: Why reinvent the wheel? Bob...

I wish I had a dollar for every time someone has tried to do this in the past 5 years.
We used to have the NASA (National Association of Signing Agents) but then it got swallowed up by the NNA. Since then several signing agents have attempted to get something going But in the end nothing comes of it.
There are just too many signing agents who do not know of the message boards, or if they do, they do not participate.
As for a professional organization for notaries, I am very happy with my ASN memberhip.

Reply by Nd_WA on 10/3/05 9:48am
Msg #68486

Re: Why reinvent the wheel?

No disrespect Bob, but I think the idea here is from an entrepreneur point of view to voice/establish a common ground toward:
1. Respect for the profession.
2. Respect for what we (NSA) do.
3. Respect to other for other to respect us.

Reply by Sandy_MD on 10/3/05 10:14am
Msg #68497

I also like this idea, please keep posted

Reply by BrendaTX on 10/3/05 11:30am
Msg #68506

Me not replying to this is not a sign that I am unwilling.

I too have been involved in non-profit start ups and I know the weight of it. I am trying to determine if I have there wherewithall to be a part of the leadership of it.

I am exceedingly grateful to be thought of by my peers in this light, however, I need to decide if I have the time and ability to be a part of this project.

First of all, I am very committed to my Texas NSA Network and because of the lack of work in Texas at this time I am considering whether or not it is correct for me (individually) to proceed as a full-time NSA. Because of the lack of loans in my area I have to be careful to determine if this is the right course for me to pursue.

Just wanted to let you all know where I am at this time. Refis and rev morts are the only types of jobs that I can depend on. HELOCs are not a factor for me as they require me to have a title company or law office to close them in. This is why I am reluctant at this point in the real estate and interest rate cycle to jump in with both feet.

Please realize that my reluctance to engage is not because I do not think this idea is valid, but I would not want to cripple an organization by taking part and then going to work full-time (ugh) and abandoning the project.

Charles is the utmost professional and knows our business, IMHO...as well as other colleagues here on NotRot. I trust his judgment, but must also consider what is best for me and for this fine organization.

Just my opinion, but what I would like to see in this is a professional organization which will bring us business, establish some boundaries for the members and not be a teaching or mentoring organization.

Regarding the SR, as I discussed with Bob on the phone, The SigningRegistry.info is doing a wonderful job of what it is, but IMHO it cannot be all things to all people and it has a model, I think, of being a wonderful mentoring and teaching organization, as well as a professional organization that I am proud to be a part of. (Bob's one of my highly esteemed mentors by the way.)

IMHO, it could be a sister to this new group and highly respected by this new presence as a "feeder" of sorts. Much needs to be considered about all facets of this new endeavor.

I am very much in favor of what Charles has proposed.

And, by the way...this is a brainstorming note and not my thoughts set out in concrete. I just thought it was time to put in my endorsement.

Reply by Cheri Armentrout on 10/3/05 11:51am
Msg #68510

Brenda...

As usual, you are a class act! Thanks for your post regarding this matter and I appreciate your candor on the industry in general.
I hope that this newly formed idea, so to speak, leans more toward a professional association and not a mentoring or teaching type, as those are already out there. I think the SR is great, but the NNA leaves much to be desired as far as 'facts' go.
Charles sent me an e-mail that outlines what I feel....Organizations stand out.
Luv ya Girl!
Maybe when this gels we can all get together and share some humor/horror stories

Reply by Quincey Perry on 10/3/05 11:50am
Msg #68509

Count me in!

Reply by DellaCa on 10/3/05 7:14pm
Msg #68617

I have a check waiting to be mailed also, let me know what I can do. Sounds great!

Reply by CaliNotary on 10/4/05 1:01am
Msg #68691

I'm a little late to the party

But I definitely find the idea intriguing. And I think the timing is good as well; I'm guessing that the influx of new signing agents trying to get rich quick is going to wane pretty soon.

As the thousands of failed signing agents drop out of sight and the bottom feeder signing services drive themselves out of business, the industry is going to have to adjust to dealing with (and paying for) a more professional caliber of signing agent. It would be nice to have an organization that is truly representative of that group, something 180 degrees away from the NNA.

Reply by DellaCa on 10/5/05 9:01am
Msg #68926

I am personally voting on Reno. Closer for me and I could afford it. No airfare for me and hotels are affordable. A fun town to gamble in for thsoe inclined.