Posted by Joeycaps on 8/15/11 9:11pm
Msg #393766

Beware of NNA employess responding in these posts

NNA doesnt like what I say about them, so they post lies about me. Everything I say about the NNA is the truth. They are overpriced, they print these phony signing agent certificates that are worth nothing and the state of california deosnt recognize the certificate as valid.

The secretary of state Linda Bowen said its not recognized as a professional document they accept. Its basically a piece of paper that says you're a certified signing agent. I will print you one for free if you want it. So watch out for NNA executives trolling this site and writting false posts what a great job and how valuable the NNA is to notaries. If you want to pay inflated prices for notary supplies, then feel free. I had office depot print my notary stamp. I gave them my paperwork from the sec of state and I got my stamp made for 10 dollars, any office supply store can print any stamp you want. I did belong to the NNA back in 2000 when I first became a notary, all they wanted was more money then anyone else, and they offered me very little. I buy my supplies elsewhere.

I have been accused of bashing the NNA, I am stating the truth and if they dont like it then they should stop intimidating signing companies to make notaries get certified. If it was as important as the NNA pretends it is to be certified, then the CA secretary of state Linda Bowen would mandate it.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 8/15/11 9:21pm
Msg #393768

The CA SoS is Debra Bowen n/m

Reply by Joeycaps on 8/15/11 9:27pm
Msg #393769

Re: The CA SoS is Debra Bowen

ok you got me, oh well, your just to smart

Reply by MW/VA on 8/15/11 9:34pm
Msg #393771

That may be true, but IMO this isn't the place to battle it

out with XYZ. Many of us have had experience with them, and formed our own opinions, G/B/U.
It's too bad we don't have them in Signing Central, where we could rate them & make comments.
After all, the whole point in sharing experience is to warn others not to make the same mistakes, right?

Reply by Pat/IL on 8/15/11 9:56pm
Msg #393775

Any certification is exactly what the certifying entity makes it. Some are worthwhile, some are worthless. Certification is a big part of what many trade associations do. The ones that are worthwhile, however, don't certify entry level test-takers who have never worked in the field. The worthwhile programs certify those who have demonstrated experience, knowledge, and ability exceeding the norm.

It's a marketing tool, for sure. It's good for the designee, good for the customer, and good for the industry, when certification is done right. It should also require continued education, and other efforts at improving one's skills.

I am on the board of directors of a trade association that certifies its members. We get a lot of inquiries from folks who want to take a class, get certified and open a business. In our association, you must first payt your dues, gain experience, and understand why you do what you do before you get the stamp of approval.

P.S. I'm not with the NNA.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 8/15/11 10:04pm
Msg #393777

Very true. I also belong to a similar organization (not Notary related). Certification in the program is TOUGH and requires demonstrated skill that you can't guess on with an open book exam. Fewer than 5% of the membership ever passes the full series of exams to get the certification. When you earn it, it's a pretty big deal. HOWEVER... does it mean much? That's debatable... but it DOES improve your visibility in the member directory. When I got my certification 2 years ago, I went from getting 1-2 contacts a month to 3-4 per DAY, all because my name would pop up on at the top of the list.

The XYZ certification, BTW, can be obtained by somebody who isn't even a Notary yet. Most people probably don't realize that. I know this for a fact... know several CA notaries who took the certification course and exam, and passed their "Certified Notary Signing Agent" background screening months before their commissions were ever issued. One of them never even received her commission because she didn't pass the state mandated background screening.... which was ironic because she passed the XYZ one.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 8/15/11 9:59pm
Msg #393776

Only "Authorized seal manufactures" are allowed to manufacture a CA notary seal.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 8/15/11 10:49pm
Msg #393780

Agree, any demand made of me to purchase a specific

product from a vendor (in this particular case, the NNA) was met with a very firm "I refuse."

If I was scrubbed for those refusals, can't say. All I know is, that a certain private internet company was not going to dictate my purchasing power for compliances, especially after my first encounters with it as a professional consumer.

This is a national forum, in which we discuss our Profession. Included in that discussion are issues like this particular private company who makes many claims. I refused to let them claim me.

On the other hand, there is the owner of the site. Again, to me, it his his call to deal with the repercussions of any free discussions about any particular company, and I understand his expectation for respectful discussions, both pro and con.

My own previous "contribution" of "Eeeewww" is a perfect example of failing that expectation. Mea culpa. I gave no reasons, and offered no explanation. I apologize.

My exact point about the NNA, is that its "certification," and its "BGC service" are neither unique, nor superior to other vendors in the marketplace. Add that such claimed "propreity" is assumed, and neither regulated nor legislated, and a demand by a potential client to use the NNA exclusively becomes repugnant to me as a consumer.

Which, is as nicely as I can voice an opinion on a very topical thread.

Reply by LKT/CA on 8/15/11 11:20pm
Msg #393782

<<<........any office supply store can print any stamp you want.>>>

That is incorrect. ANY office supply store CANNOT print a notary stamp. Only an authorized manufactured approved by the CA SOS can make CA notary stamps and embossers. That list is provided when you received your commission certificate.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/16/11 5:06am
Msg #393792

Joey, you have got to stop this vendetta

Although most of us don't support or agree with this group and will agree with you in many respects, this has got to stop.

Hugh told you previously that this site's owner has requested they not be referred to by name. I believe he's also requested in the past that care be taken about what is posted and how - and he did that for a very specific, legitimate reason. This organization does monitor this board and holds admin responsible for what is said about them. Harry had very legitimate reasons for requesting this - respect it and honor it!!

As I said, although many of us probably agree with some of your opinions about them, you really need to quit it out of respect for Harry. And frankly, I personally am tired of seeing it.

JMO

Reply by Ali/IL on 8/16/11 10:45am
Msg #393812

Re: Joey, you have got to stop this vendetta

Me too as Linda said.

When I first started this business I took the certification and, it helped. Now, I just don't need it.
We all have different needs and opinions and, shouldn't ram it down someone elses throats.
We must keep in mind also that people have different temperaments and, may carry irritation at things or people further.