Posted by Charles_Ca on 1/11/06 4:14pm
Msg #87637

Just got my latest NNA flyer, perhaps......

since it lists their class locations someone might be intrested in a grass roots campaign to make sure that potential notaries get the other side of the story.

Flyers on car windshields at the classes, protesters with signs, or just handing out flyers at the door to the classes. I am sure that there are many more ways that can be effected but its just a thought.

There a number of ways that the flase message of easy riches can be countered effectively and with little cost.

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 1/11/06 4:20pm
Msg #87639

Checked out the BBB.org....

and thought this was an interesting read.

http://www.labbb.org/BBBWeb/Forms/Business/CompanyReportPage_Expository.aspx?CompanyID=13145500

Reply by Cherilyn_CO on 1/11/06 4:47pm
Msg #87642

Is there a way to view the complaints?

I can't seem to find a way to access them.

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 1/11/06 4:56pm
Msg #87644

Re: Is there a way to view the complaints?

From what I understand, you can't view the complaint a person has written. You can only get a summary of how many complaints have been made. Which one's were "resolved". Which one's remain open. Etc. The NNA got 3 BBB's which is very good.

"BBB A very high rating. A company with this rating would not have a significant number of complaints or other considerations that could pose a problem to consumers. "

If you are able to review complaints, let me know. I don't think you can, but I don't know for sure.

-Melissa

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 1/11/06 5:06pm
Msg #87647

Re: Checked out the BBB.org....

Also, you can do a word search for more info. as well. I searched "Notary" and got a bunch of businesses that popped up.

http://www.labbb.org/BBBWeb/Forms/Agency/TradePracticeTOBFilterPage.aspx?MenuItem=True&sm=

123notary got an A.

Reply by REE_NJ on 1/11/06 4:48pm
Msg #87643

Re: NNA moving into NJ

One of my friends who just received her commission to become a NJ notary got a letter from NNA re: their upcoming seminar in February. They must get a list from Trenton on who has become newly commissioned notaries and target them immediately.

Then today, I received a call from one of the borrowers I meet with approximately 2 weeks ago. The borrower saw an ad in the Newspaper re: the upcoming seminars in February in the NJ area, the potential to make $100K per year and there means of helping you to get work with title companies. etc. The borrower decided to call me to ask questions since he thought I would be a good resource. I spoke with the borrower approx. 30 minutes - telling the borrower briefly how I started, what it takes to continue to make a living in this industry, etc. I informed the borrower the NNA is a good resource for information but be mindful they are not going to do the leg work for you. You must do this on your own and therefore, must be ready for long days and nights to have a stable business working as a signing agent.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 1/11/06 5:08pm
Msg #87648

Re: NNA moving into NJ

Had a former work associate complete the NNA class for loan signing ( suggested someone else, but they didn't listen). They called me for advice. By the questions asked, the NNA clearly does not tell them anything about the marketing side, the equipment side to do edocs, the working at night in strange neighborhood side and the trying to collect the proper fee side. That was a few months back and as far as I know, she gave up. I think this is the senario in a majority of the cases. I think that a vast majority of people that have the pie in the sky idea of this busniess will give up very early and won't be a factor.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/11/06 5:02pm
Msg #87646

**protesters with signs, or just handing out flyers at the door to the classes. **

Fantastic idea Charles. You read my mind. Let's protest.

How about you get a beat up van, some love beads, patchouili oil, flower power stickers, and at least a case of Boonesfarm Strawberry Hill or Pink Tickle. I'll make two posters that say "Will work for food."

Ladies (you know who you are) if you are going on this mission, stop shaving your legs immediately! We have to look the part and make a difference.

Charles, go to the thrift store and several pairs of jeans in various sizes please...then attach them to your car bumper for two days. They should be perfect for wearing after that, and they will be "unisex" to boot...we can all share them. Let your hair grow, don't shave - go barefoot a lot to toughen up those feet. Wear puka shells and a 2 and 1/2 to 3 inch wide belt.

Swing by and pick up the California gal, AND pick up all the hairy-legged women you see hitching a ride with their notary stamp out on your way to Texas. Let's go protest, visit communes, light candles and sing "Puff the Magic Dragon" as if you do not have to be on psychedelic drugs to know what the heck that's about.

I'll try to sew us up a few identical Nehru jackets...I think I still have pattern for guys and girls. If we really get crazy, we can drop alka-seltzer and dance to "In a Godadivida" blaring out of the van while we hand flyers out the back and say "Peace, man."

Or, we could just try not to worry about the new ones and stay around home.

Reply by Charm_AL on 1/11/06 5:08pm
Msg #87649

no, I think your on to something Brenda! I feel a movement coming on, we could redo Woodstock and protest at the same time! love it! I've got some bell botoms and a few tied died halters I can still wear, can I borrow a bandana?

Reply by Charles_Ca on 1/11/06 5:28pm
Msg #87652

What the heck is patchouli oil: I think you guys are

catching on. It seems that the old "dry" New England humor needs a little updating. In all fairness I got my NSA certification through the NNA and I took their live NSA class and they did go over marketing and some of the other issues. I liked their live class. I agree Brenda that just as in any other line of work there will always be competition and hard work a perseverance will overcome all obstacles (That and a little luck). Old age and treachery will always overcome youth and talent!

Reply by Charm_AL on 1/11/06 5:41pm
Msg #87653

Re: What the heck is patchouli oil: I think you guys are

Gawd! You've never smelled pacthouli oil??? You haven't lived! You can gt it and any of the body shops, I wear it all the time... SPICY!

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/11/06 6:07pm
Msg #87660

Re: What the heck is patchouli oil: I think you guys are

I love the stuff too Charm. I order a little on occasion from http://the-sage.com where I get my soapmaking oils and lye.

Reply by SueW/Tn on 1/11/06 5:45pm
Msg #87654

I agree with Brenda and Charles...

I too received my certification from NNA and I have to say that after going back over everything they sent to me, I can't find anything wrong. I did my homework before getting involved with this business, there are 46 notaries within 75 miles of my home base. I recently considered relocating, there are 3,271 notaries within that 75 mile radius! Needless to say I'm staying put!

The newbies are continually blamed for lack of business, low ball fees and probably the weather. This is a wonderful business, I can fully understand why folks want to get involved in it. Frankly this is the easiest job I have ever done! I have entered into it from supervisory work in an extremely high stress industry so waiting for docs doesn't even get on my scale! If they're not here ~shrugs~ not much I can do about it other than keep my borrowers informed.

I drove 162 miles round trip daily, 6 days a week. My mileage now is 50% less AND I get a deduction! I guess what I'm saying is this is leaps and bounds an improvement over what I am accustomed to doing. In 100+ signings I have been blessed with wonderful borrowers who welcome me into their homes. The SS's I've had the pleasure to work with have paid me fairly and all (with the exception of one) within 29 days. I am a people person and I completely enjoy meeting new people and learning new things. I adore what I'm doing but I'm more fortunate than some because I'm in an area where there's enough work for us all.

I googled Notary Signing Training and was amazed at how many folks out there are telling the exact same story as NNA. I agree with Charles, they don't tell you how difficult it is to find some of these rural addy's in the dark, or explain that you'll have LO's that don't know the alphabet let alone facts and figures. They leave out the bad but then as adults we should know that by now. Quite frankly I can't think of a service provider that advertises the down side of their product...wouldn't be much demand if they did. There's no law that says promoters must disclose "all", by making newbies responsible for our lack of income only says we're not bright enough to manage our own business. I for one am disappointed everytime I read one of those posts, negativity never did anything but encourage another to prove you wrong.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/11/06 11:01pm
Msg #87741

Re: I agree with Brenda and Charles...

>>They leave out the bad but then as adults we should know that by now. Quite frankly I can't think of a service provider that advertises the down side of their product...wouldn't be much demand if they did. There's no law that says promoters must disclose "all", by making newbies responsible for our lack of income only says we're not bright enough to manage our own business. I for one am disappointed everytime I read one of those posts, negativity never did anything but encourage another to prove you wrong.<<

You have good points in your post.

I am responding on two points.''

THE EFFECT ON NEW PEOPLE
When you decide you are going to give back and get involved with people if you are not already trying to assist someone new figure this out, you will find out that there are those who really want to do well, they have believed the NNA and they believe they SHOULD be able to pull it off, they have spent their last $100 and they are about to be in trouble. For some people there is a slight inability to click the whole thing into place. There is a place between the boat and the pier that they cannot leap across. They are not stupid, they are not unwilling but the do not have what it takes to make a plan and proceed. They are lost, angry and I feel for them.

Somehow, Sue, the message is going into their ears that this is going to work if they will just do a,b,c and d. I don't know about the NNA course, but I can tell you this...there is NO WAY I can convince any notary who has been through their NSA course or given a preview of it that this is more than a numbers game and they may not have enough business to sustain $1000 a month, much less $5000 per month--especially in Texas.

I tell them to go find the amount of loans happening in their area and they ignore that...they ask how many companies I work for and they flippantly say they'll just triple mine. They'll just sign up with more signing services, title companies and lenders. (Uh, not exactly....you will still only have so many loans and so many companies doing them.)

I tell them to note that this is a great and fun career but not if there are no loans to close...that's okay...they will just market themselves to signing services on the NNA site.

I encourage them at that point and do not give them any negative input. One months, two months and three months go by and this same person is very depressed and worried because they have no work. I have heard some pretty heartbreaking stories. I have invested my time into people who should have never been told they could do this because they just can't. They are not equipped.

I know you are right about not selling yourself with the downside of your business, but iI just cannot get cozy with the NNA when they do not take into consideration that there are some who have never have pondered the Mortage business. People who are already down and looking for financial gain to pay the bills feel just plain bad and STUPID when they realize that loans are not like selling Mary Kay...there is a LIMITED AMOUNT.

They are not stupid, but they are just under privileged and under educated about certain pieces of life.

I think it is predatory to NOT tell them that there is a limit to what they can do based on number of loans vs. their competition as things are tightening up.


Secondly - FOR PROFIT vs NOT FOR PROFIT.

You made statements about them being a service provider in the quoted paragraph.

This service provider, is more than a FOR PROFIT COMPANY. (See your quote for context.)

Interestly enough, you see them as FOR PROFIT COMPANY right off...I saw them as a membership organization established for the profession. (Someone hand me a sign!!! )

*I* did not recognize they were a FOR PROFIT COMPANY first before all else. You caught it. I did not. I am old school too. Assn = Cares for members.

*I* fell for the ".org" at the end of the NNA's name and the good sounding things they want to do for notaries. My bad. The NNA carefully crafts statements to indicate they are a non-profit working for its members. I could afford to p-off a membership fee to NNA and $40 to get "certified" but I know of one woman who was so into what they said about earning she literally spent everything she had...and aren't those kind of people the ones who need to be looked after just a little bit? They are good people but maybe they are ADD or just have something missing where running a business is concerned. They might be great security guards or wonderful waitstaff but they are also too childlke and trusting.

Like I have said before, when I saw the ads in Monster.com that is when I said...working for the member my as*. They use our memberships to call in new memberships to sell to...and if they do not use membership money, no matter...the organization shyould split from the profit part and be REALLY clear on what they do.

If the NNA wants to earn and be for profit 100% that is very understandable...but that's not really the way they come across to me. I thought they would naturally use membership fees to draw more business for the membership...not advertise on Monster.com in such a way that our positions in the communities are diminished by more competition.

Look, Sue, I am like you and rarely touched by their antics. I do not fear them, but I do not like it when someone pulls one over on me. They are not a non-profit org. with goals of working for its membership. They are a FOR profit group and I do not like that I missed that when it is as plain as the nose on my face do feel it is important that they do for the MEMBERS and not their profit making side if they are going to be an "association" dedicated to the professional notary.

Right now they are just another One-Level-Marketing scam to ME with the "owners" at the top earning the benefits of this situation.

I am sorry you feel that negative remarks about them are so disappointing...please try to realize that some of these things are said because they are actually true and it is not all sour grapes of selfish people talking. It is very hard on some people to accept that they cannot do this and while it is not our problem, I hate to see anyone feel like a failure.

Reply by Brenda Stone on 1/11/06 11:06pm
Msg #87742

Sue in TN, that one just above was for you. nm

Reply by SueW/Tn on 1/12/06 7:43am
Msg #87780

Brenda, as usual I completely enjoyed....

your reply and you too make excellent points. I just want to clarify one thing, I don't like negativity, period. Not just with NNA but with all things, negativity automatically sets the stage for failure.

You've got me thinking....looking through new eyes is always a good way to start the day!

Grace and peace to you and have a glorious day!
Sue

Reply by TitleGalCA on 1/11/06 5:55pm
Msg #87656

Re: What the heck is patchouli oil

Charles, you know patchouli oil...you just don't remember it. It was the only acceptable scent of the 60's and 70's. Everyone had patchouli oil...even in New England I did two years in Bennington Vermont when I was 16, even those "ayuh" types wore patchouli.

The didn't wear puka shells however...I was determined to keep mine even though they didn't match penny loafers and crew neck sweaters.

One thing they did have ALOT of in Vermont was wacky weed. I just knew that laid-back attitude wasn't natural....

Reply by PJM/MI on 1/11/06 6:06pm
Msg #87659

Hey.. I WEAR Patchouli Oil!

okay y'all... I was a 70's type of gal, but after the birth of my first son, I couldn't wear any perfumes...except my good ol' patchouli. I still can't wear anything but an oil. It's amazing the complements I STILL get over it.
For those of you interested... most health food stores carry it.
Just had to throw in my 2 cents.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 1/11/06 6:12pm
Msg #87662

Re: Hey.. I WEAR Patchouli Oil!

PJM, that means your cool, very cool I like it too, just forgot about it until now!

Reply by Charles_Ca on 1/11/06 6:16pm
Msg #87664

Yeeeaaah, must be my BSE kicking in again, eh-yuh!

I remember penny loafers and crew neck sweaters (still like both). Like old Rip Van Winkle I must have slept through that whole 60's scene. Well, you know, those Vermonters are awfully close to New Yawk, can't really trust 'em. I suspect if someone waved patchuli oil in front of my nose it might trigger some memories but I just don't remember it. I remember the wacky weed even though I didn't even inhale (I was a total nerd, wholly immersed in nuclear isotopes and fuel cycles at the time) maybe that is why I like living here in the Emerald Triangle (but I still don't inhale, I've got this stupid notion that smoke is smoke and it'll eventually kill ya) however a lot of my neighbors do. I've got neighbors who smoke joints the size of broom handles, I didn't think rolling papers came that big.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/11/06 6:20pm
Msg #87665

Re: Yeeeaaah, must be my BSE kicking in again, eh-yuh!

Now, that was really funny - Charles, you really did get an LOL out of me. .

Reply by Customer Service United States Notary Association on 1/12/06 11:23am
Msg #87856

Stop it, I'm having flashbacks!! n/m

Reply by TitleGalCA on 1/11/06 6:05pm
Msg #87657

Bitchen, a protest. I'll be hanging at the Ventura pier, braiding my hair and catchin some rays...Charles...take PCH all the way...I'll hitch a ride with you and we'll all be singing Kum-bay-yah on the way there....

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/11/06 6:15pm
Msg #87663

I am concerned about this now. I am not from California...I am from a small town in Texas!!! I would have never gone to a big hoedown like Woodstock, to tell you the truth. I could not stand big crowds...so...no big festivals on the way...Okay?

If you haven't seen the Bangor Sisters - YOU MUST.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 1/11/06 6:23pm
Msg #87670

OK, I'm game, lets do it! Do I hitch hike down PCH or

bring my van. We'll recreate the summer of love. I remember that an awful lot of people used to hitch hike PCH, the locals here in Mendo still get up in arms at people tresspassing near PCH. Hey I'll even dig out my old guitar and sheet music. I actually have nehru jacket sequeswtered somewhere. "Now lets see where did I put that song: Mendocino, Mendocino", as he meanders off singing to himself in search of his lost youth!

Reply by Becca_FL on 1/11/06 6:49pm
Msg #87681

Re: OK, I'm game, lets do it! Do I hitch hike down PCH or

Wow Charles, I didn't know you lived in Mendocino. Ahhh, I do rember Humbolt counties #1 export. As a kid growing up in northern CA I was expossed to a lot of Humbolt countie folks. It seems my father was interested in becoming a farmer in Vacaville.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 1/11/06 7:05pm
Msg #87687

Oh Yea, Mendo all the way. Interesting place Mendo

Cannabis is our number one agricultural product. The Sherrif of Mendocino and the Sherrif of Lake county (our neighboring county) both support medicinal uses and so most activities go under the name of medicinal. We recently maek headlines in the are when one of our premier growers got busted by the feds for blatantly cultivating out in the open. He actually woune up getting the government topay for his whole crop, Interesting case (Eddie Lepp for those interested).

Vacaville is a very fertile land and I am sure that your dad would have found it very productive. As you probably know the fertile benchlands of both the Petaluma and Sacramento rivers are among the most productive lands anywhere.

I have a ranch on the banks of the Noyo river if you rmember that area. I had serious concerns when my daughter was growing up because marijuana use is extremelu casual as it probably was in Humboldt. The Mendocino Unified School district has a class on growing cannabis and many of the teachers actively cultivate. There was a furor a while back when the superintendant of schools was advocating education in the responsible use of cannabis. I was face with a tough choice send my daughter to the Fort Bragg schools where only 1 or 2 students per year go on to college or send her to Mendo where 50% of the student body goes on to college. The choice was obvious, she survived and is nos in college, much to my relief.

Reply by Becca_FL on 1/11/06 10:15pm
Msg #87721

Come to think of it...

Dads Mendo friend would show up in a van, stay in the garage all night and smoke cigerettes out of crazy straws.

What is it with Hippies and vans anyway?

Reply by TitleGalCA on 1/11/06 10:16pm
Msg #87722

Re: Come to think of it...

Think "free love mobiles". A male Hippie thunk it up.

Reply by Becca_FL on 1/11/06 10:20pm
Msg #87724

If the Van's a rock'in...

don't bother knock'in.

Everything I needed to know about the 60's & 70's I learned from Cheech and Chong flix.

Dave's not here. Night all.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/11/06 7:28pm
Msg #87689

Thanks for the trip down memory lane! (And to you, also, Charles_ca, TitleGalCA, and others.) Now every time my signings take me along PCH, I'll have another reason to smile!!

Reply by Brenda_CO on 1/11/06 8:46pm
Msg #87701

You guys are so fun! We moved to CO from Mission Viejo, CA in 1987...and, I still miss it so. I would really love to be driving down by the beach again. Actually, we did for a week at Christmas time and loved it! I love Cali people, and of course the CO guys as well. But, my heart will always be in CA. As well as a daughter, sister and brother-in-laws (who has a mortgage business there), and mother-in-law! Enjoy it!

Reply by TitleGalCA on 1/11/06 9:20pm
Msg #87708

Re: Just got my latest NNA flyer, perhaps......Brenda

Brenda that really was a great post. You included everything, even the thrift stores.

I remember well loving the thrift stores here at the beach in my college days. It was a badge of honor to wear thrift store clothes. I tried to tell my daughter (the one who drips in Tiffany Silver/White Gold) about the great finds at the beach thrift stores and she looked at me like I was a very strange dinosaur.

Boonesfarm Strawberry, yep. (not heard of Pink Tickle) and the Puff song. The only part of your trip down memory lane was the hairy leg and underarm thing. I just wouldn't cross that particular line.

I wasn't at Woodstock (that was for my senior hero's) but did a California Jam once. A terrible experience. I took my Lady Bic and went home.

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 1/11/06 9:27pm
Msg #87710

Puff the magic dragon

http://www.snopes.com/music/songs/puff.htm

I heard it was a song about a helicopter (Puff) and Jackie Paper was the Pilot. Guess I was gullable.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 1/11/06 9:40pm
Msg #87712

Re: Puff the magic dragon

Nope, eXped, it just shows you're young and we're old. Hehe, that's cute, a helicopter.

Here's my interp: it was a song about how we all needed to be more childlike...be like Jackie Paper. Sadly, that's how Richard Nixon thought everyone was too. (My Dad would be twirling in his grave if he knew I said that).

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 1/11/06 9:51pm
Msg #87715

Re: Puff the magic dragon

I thought that the Helicopter was near the ocean, I guess I pictured an island. "Puff....who lived by the sea." You're interp makes a lot more sense than mine. I honestly don't know where I come up with these things. Geesh.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/11/06 11:28pm
Msg #87755

Re: Puff the magic dragon...WRONG, WRONG, WRONG

If you all (and snopes) believe all that white washed ninny talk, yer all just crazy. Puff the Magic Dragon ? Oh puhleaze...

It was about ALWAYS about Mr. Moose...he wished that he and Mr. Green Jeans were Puff and Jackie and that they lived BY THE SEA (see below)...Mr. Moose was a poet, see...you never knew that from watching Captain Kangaroo, though, did ya?

Green Jeans had a secret thing, however, for The Captain...not a love thing...he wanted to rip his throat out, jowls first. The cheap fat man with the keys who always said "Like so..." would not spring for a pair of BLUE jeans for the show's wardrobe. That left the autumn mist -- obviously it represented the evil white gloves in that black box.

Bunny Rabbit was the "by the sea" part. Bunny Rabbit was every where. No one was afraid of Bunny.

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 1/12/06 12:15am
Msg #87763

Straight from "Puff's" mouth

Peter Yarrow just did a benefit for an organization that my dauther belongs to.
She told me that he emphatically told them that PTMD was NOT about marijuana.
My wife and I used to sing it to her in the car seat, which in those days, was in the front seat. (this was even before 8 traks)
Too late to call her tonight, but I will ask her tomorrow if he said what it was, in fact, about
I hope that you are all impressed that I refrained from saying ANYTHING about
the NNA on this thread.

Reply by Cindy Dorman on 1/12/06 6:22am
Msg #87777

Haha! Patchouli oil....now that brings back memories!