Posted by Mindy/ on 8/1/13 7:59pm
Msg #478969

"Newbies"

I am a Newbie, and I know I have a lot to learn about being a Notary Public/Signing Agent. With that said, I think it is appalling how some of you "Veterans" treat us when we are encouraged to use this site for gaining information to further our knowledge. And so much for mentoring. Most of us our afraid to post anything the way you treat us. Very unfortunate, there is competition in any field, if you work hard and are good at what you do, you will succeed.

Reply by MW/VA on 8/1/13 8:23pm
Msg #478971

Newbie or not, I've heard of many who are afraid to post

on this forum. This is not an exclusive club, it's open to discussions--pros & cons. The tone of the forum can get very critical at times, and this is a tough biz. There's a lot to be learned from reading & searching topics using the orange search button. Don't be afraid to post your questions. You might not get the answers you want or the attitude you're expecting, but ask away. I'm at this for 8 years & participate here because I learn from the forum every day. I also try to help others who are getting started, because it's tough to build this business.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 8/1/13 8:38pm
Msg #478977

Re: Newbie or not, I've heard of many who are afraid to post

Mindy..I agree with your statements..There are a lot of people here who will jump on newbies and give the impression that they know it all and dont want to anwer the same questions over and over again. Some people pounce on newbies and I think that is wrong! I wish they would just skip those posts without belittling or correcting the spelling and move on..

The veterans on this board are very smart and we have been doing this for a long time and I can understand why they would not want to keep answering the same things..There is a lot to learn in this business and we all had to do it.

The orange search button is great and you will get a lot of information there..I used to find it hard at times because I wasnt sure what phrases or words to search. I had some great mentors when I started out so I try and mentor others in a positive way! But over time I learned a lot and have save myself a lot of trouble using the search button and Signing Central. You will get the hang of things and I think you will do just fine..hang in there..

Reply by Glenna Webb on 8/1/13 10:39pm
Msg #478997

Re: Newbie or not, I've heard of many who are afraid to post

I agree there are times that I am reluctant to post something in fear of seeing "use the orange search button". I do love the orange search button don't get me wrong. Just maybe there is a need for "new" information on a company. Maybe somebody had a recent experience that might be a little more updated than the orange search button. I have posted a couple of times and have been downgraded. I just figure that some people are just not very happy people. There is a way to be tactful. If you feel you are above me, then does that maybe show with the borrowers and the companies you are representing? I would hate some grumpy notary that think they knew everything to come out to my home. I would hate to leave the borrower with a feeling that I felt superior over them. We are all created equal. I love my job. I love the phone to ring. I love meeting with borrowers. Everybody has their own uniqueness. I love sifting through paperwork and making sure everything is precise. Just seems, this job fits me. I can say, NO, not today I need some family down time There is a wealth of information on this board, orange button, included. I am grateful I found you all.

Reply by rolomia on 8/1/13 10:48pm
Msg #478999

All of you are a treasure to behold. So, Welcome.

Each of you are welcome here. No one person is better than any other. I'm certainly not better than anybody else and never pretend to be. The only person I ever hope to be better than is my former self, each day, if not more often. I'm always seeking to improve, as I know that each of you are, too. That's why your here, to learn and to share your own unique, valuable experiences. The orange button is your friend and mine too. God bless : )

Reply by Stephanie Santiago on 8/2/13 11:01am
Msg #479046

You are so different today, Rolomia.... n/m

Reply by Mindy/ on 8/1/13 8:39pm
Msg #478978

Re: Newbie or not, I've heard of many who are afraid to post

I wasnt referring to you, you have been very helpful. I'm sure it's always the same ones that are just plain negative and just want to complain.

Reply by ToniK on 8/1/13 8:30pm
Msg #478972

How I view, its the internet. 98% of these folks Ill never meet. I say what I gotta say, ask a question then keep it moving. Dont take it personal. Just go and brush your shoulders off (yes another Jay Z quote).

Reply by MW/VA on 8/1/13 8:34pm
Msg #478975

Yes, Toni, and if they think it's rough here, wait til they

get involved with the cos. that prey on newbies. Signing Central is there for anyone to use as a valuable tool.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 8/1/13 8:40pm
Msg #478979

Re: Yes, Toni, and if they think it's rough here, wait til they

Marilyn..Id use a like button for your post if we had one..lol

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 8/1/13 9:01pm
Msg #478983

When will it stop?

I really really wish people would stop complaining and whining about how mean everybody is on this board. I really really wish there were a "Newbie" button along with the 8 others at the top to answer such questions as "How do I get started in this business," "Who's hiring, share you client list with me, how much should I charge," etc. To a newbie these aren't idiotic questions; but to veterans, how many times do we need to address these same questions? No wonder some of us run out of patience.

My observation is that for the most part many many many veterans have painstakingly replied in the nicest, most informative manner to these most basic questions over and over and over. My hat is off to them! The recipients have received a gold mine worth of the best information possible. Yet they continue to whine and complain cos somebody else told them to do a search or do some other basic study before coming here and expecting everything to be handed to them on a silver platter along with a big smile. And when it isn't they stamp their little feet and are appalled. I'd also like to note that there are many veterans notaries who never lift a finger to respond to any irritating newbie post but then jump to condemn those who might have hurt some feelings.

My other observation is that BY FAR the harshest responses to posts, the most vicious name calling, the most inflammatory and nasty stuff posted here has been between veterans vehemently disagreeing with each other. I have been the target of this as well as having dished out the same occasionally. And you don't see any of us whimpering away with our tail between our legs. Well, maybe a few .... but they always seem to come back in one form or another.

Maybe we could have 9 buttons, one to register hurt feelings.

That way we won't get all sidetracked with this same stuff over and over. Seriously, I wish there were a way to deal with this. I don't necessary agree with whatever notary asked if there were a "veterans only" board.... but it would be great to have a newbie section where the serious newbie could go ... kind of like the children's section of the local library. And then when they've got some basic knowledge under their belt, join the rest of us.

Reply by MW/VA on 8/1/13 9:08pm
Msg #478984

I like the saying that goes, "I don't have to attend

every argument (fight) I'm invited to". We can pick & choose which discussion interest us & participate or not as we like. Actually, the forum has been pretty dull lately. There have been other times when it got so ugly I almost stopped. Harry allows us to self-govern. Also, there are the "report" buttons to use when things getting out of hand.

Reply by rolomia on 8/1/13 10:13pm
Msg #478989

Re: When will it stop?

GOLDGIRL: Thank you for your very enlightening post. By the way, I am the notary who asked about a veteran's only forum. I wasn't suggesting it to insult or offend newbies. But, as you mention, it would be helpful if there was a place where veteran NSA's could interact without having to wade through the voluminous volume of never-ending posts that have been asked and answered many times. I, too, welcome newbies posts on THIS forum.

I would just like to also see a veteran NSA's forum, that's all. It's okay that you and others disagree with me. I have a thick skin and don't offend easily. I would first have to give heed to said opinions before they could harm me. Even as a licensed, ordained minister, I'm not required to throw my pearls before those who would attack me, just b/c it's easier for them to do than to respond in a constructive, helpful manner. Maybe that requires exercising character traits that they don't care to express or are lacking in, somehow. That's okay. I can handle it. JMHO

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/1/13 9:19pm
Msg #478985

Re: "Newbies"...I'm curious about this statement

"we are encouraged to use this site for gaining information to further our knowledge. And so much for mentoring"

Really...and who told you that? This little snippet of the post raised my eyebrows.

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 8/1/13 9:57pm
Msg #478987

Re: "Newbies"...I'm curious about this statement

Uh oh, "cat's out of the bag."

I received a packet of info, reference material - everything from how to set up a notary office to which sites to check out. This was one. Didn't find thru search engine. The trainer I had in VA was very thorough and wanted us to have the best resources to be successful. I suspect that's the norm.

Of course, when I "landed" here I had NO idea of the deep-seated resentment and other issues which dominated the forum. I do understand now what has happened to the world as most veterans knew it.
Though I don't feel personally responsible, I can empathize. But this is only one very small part of my life.

Reply by rolomia on 8/1/13 10:21pm
Msg #478991

Re: "Newbies"...I'm curious about this statement

Hopefully, you will continue to frequent this forum and also please continue to share your insights. I find your posts and your attitude to be a welcome refrain. Please don't allow a few misunderstood threads/posts to deter your excellent contributions. Though I and others may seem aggressive with some of our posts, we are all in this, together. I enjoy ALL of my fellow colleagues forum posts.

I prefer to think of the harsher posts as hot sauce on an otherwise bland taco. Much of the NSA business can seem bland/boring at times. But, the aggressive posts on this forum are the hot sauce that keeps it all interesting. btw: I used to drink hot sauce as a beverage. I guess that's why I now have acid reflux. Even so, I'll never give up the hot sauce, not on my tacos, nor on this forum. But, I guess I will have to switch to mild hot sauce, where my forum posts are concerned. JMHO

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 8/1/13 10:25pm
Msg #478993

h n/m

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 8/1/13 10:25pm
Msg #478994

Hot sauce: A little goes a Long way! :) n/m

Reply by CJ on 8/2/13 12:55am
Msg #479013

Hi Mindy.

This is not a "friendly" place. Most people assume that if you are a notary, then you've passed the test. So when people ask questions that are on the test, some people here smell blood.

Interest rates just went up, and job volume just went down. It's pretty cut-throat and there is not much incentive to help new people in anyone's territory slice the pie a little thinner.

The only way to get work is to call everyone on the list in signing central (with a good amount of stars). Then I would recommend lurking here and reading everything every day. You will learn a lot about the business, and a lot about the forum.

Reply by 101livescan on 8/2/13 9:28am
Msg #479033

LIKE!

I've had a number of new people in my area come up behind me and tap me on the shoulder: "Where do you get all your business?"

Huh?

What?

Well, word of mouth mostly. Do we really need gas stations on every corner of an intersection.

Just that simple.

Given all of that, we live in a free enterprise business, especially with the job market slow to recover and replace all the jobs that will never come back.

I have met two newbies on this board, been in the business for less than a year, who've picked up steam and developed a clientele that is pretty close to my own in a very short time, and they are not on this board all the time asking questions, but reading and reading and learning the ropes by watching and listening.

It's a brutal board. Newbies, don't expect kid gloves, won't happen.

It takes ingenuity, lots of hard work, focus, dedication, and honing your craft. Most veterans are not going to hand down all their pearls of wisdom so freely. Roll up your sleeves, become investigators, problem solvers and read about this industry on this board and others. By watching the "financial times" newsletters, websites, and learning about what impacts our industry from the top on down, you'll come to know what impacts your volume.

I think that most of the 'seasoned' veterans on this board have their own network of knowledgeable NSAs across the nation whom they interface with.

This board is not for the meek and the mild. If you are thin skinned, you'll be eaten alive here. Ask questions but make sure you've exhausted all resources for an answer, like the orange search button, your own state's notary handbook, and other resources, like google.

While NSA's are being churned out like butter, the opportunity for work is less due to increasing interest rates. Chase and Wells are laying off, PNC closed in Santa Barbara a couple of months ago.

Do your homework! Don't be fodder for slick, low paying SS companies who have no intention of paying you and then come onto this board and whine and wank about it. Only work for the best. Get connected!

Be prepared to hear a lot of NO's when you call the 4 and 5 star companies. One of my friends who just became an NSA last year said he's hearing "we're not taking any new notaries right now."

There's gold in them thar hills, but less of it. Those who've been in the biz for over 10 years know where it is, but not likely to take you along to dilute the findings...you'll have to find your own.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 8/2/13 4:08pm
Msg #479102

Re: Mega LIKE! Telling it like it is! :>) n/m

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 8/2/13 10:59am
Msg #479045

I only agree somewhat. However, my time is worth money, so..

...oh really...

Reply by JanetK_CA on 8/2/13 2:10am
Msg #479018

Re: "Newbies"...I'm curious about this statement

Me, too, Linda! In fact, that reminds me of what I think tends to be the real reason behind what appears to be a disconnect between "newbies" and "seasoned" notaries - and it all boils down to attitude and expectation. What a lot of the newbies may not realize is that many of us old timers - oops, I mean "seasoned notaries" - built up our businesses on sweat equity and learned from the school of hard knocks. So it rankles when someone is asking u s to hand over something we've worked very hard to get on our own and then says "You were new once, too..."

For many years, we had the perception of this site as a place for "Professionals" to come to share experiences, etc. and it has become a storehouse of knowledge because of members' willingness to share and the fact that all that info is stored in the archives. It now seems that, as a result, some who are training new people to this business are referring them to this site as a valuable resource - which it is. IMO, that's where the breakdown probably happens.

I don't know if the problem is in what people are being told about this site or if it's in what they *think* they're being told about this site, i.e. how individuals choose to interpret what they're told. But it appears that some come here with what many of us believe are unrealistic expectations, wanting to be spoon fed everything they need to know to grow their business - and have it stated in a very kind, polite manner, or they complain that their donors are "being nice".

Let's be clear. NOT all newbies get bashed when they come here to ask a question. The ones who get bashed are usually the ones who come with an attitude of expectancy - and we've seen plenty of that. All too often, we've seen someone post a question they could have easily found the answer to on their own, and then either not reply to any of the responses at all, or the only reply they make is that people weren't nice enough in how they answered the question. Some can't even be bothered to come back here to read the responses, instead asking people to email them with their replies! [I'll spare you and not say what I think about *that* approach!!]

There have also been many others who have made it very clear that they've tried to find their answers without success. Those folks typically have been warmly welcomed and have often been recipients of much freely given advice.

And in all fairness, there IS another factor here... There will always be a few (and I truly believe there are just a few here), who are either naturally antagonistic, or are going through a bad time of whatever origin (money troubles, health issues, they're bipolar or just plain hormonal, or who knows what) and are going to jump on someone whether justified or not. Nothing we can do about that but accept it for what it is and move on. It's about them, not about you... I suggest that we don't let the few be the ones who have the biggest influence on our opinions about this forum!

So much for winding down this evening... Guess I got carried away again!

Reply by desktopfull on 8/2/13 11:42am
Msg #479050

Re: "Newbies"...I'm curious about this statement

What "rankles" is that most Newbies don't ask, they demand. Then they insult the person that attempts to give them info such as "take a business course" or "use the orange search button" and attack the info that they receive.

Can anyone explain why someone would come on here stating that they are in business and at the same time state that they want people to tell them what to charge, how to market themselves, how to get clients and then get insulted because it is suggested that they take Business classes and read the forum?

How many times have we seen a Newbie post the question "How do I get business?" and three or four threads down on the same page is the same question from a different Newbie? Proving that they don't even read the first page or thread on NotRot before posting or checking out what's available on the website.

Sorry, but if these folks can't even figure out what to charge before going into business, IMHO, they are anything but a professional. Harsh words? No, just the truth. Can't handle the truth, then go work for someone else, you will never make it in the business world. I don't mind giving a helping hand, but becoming a nanny is quite another. They want me to set up and show them how to operate their business then they can pay me for being a business consultant, otherwise they can do the research and set it up on their own and be grateful that this website is available for them to use. Nothing was available when I started in 1999.

Furthermore, they can quit posting like they are owed the information just because they decided to do this line of work. The key word that most Newbie's overlook in this business is "WORK," this is not just a quick way to earn extra spending cash. You work to start a business (knowing your pricing, cost outlay, market, etc., beforehand), you work to get business for your business, and then you do the work that came in through your efforts for your business.

If they want to know of a great accounting program, type of printer, where to buy good quality office supplies at a cheap price, questions on acknowledgements & jurats, no problem. But I am done with answering this for the upteenth time for every Newbie: "Hi, I'm new to this business. How do I get business?," and then promptly getting an attitude and rudely blasted because they are told to use the "Orange Search" button and take some business courses.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/2/13 9:08am
Msg #479029

Re: "Newbies"...I'm curious about this statement

That statement aroused my curiosity too Linda.

I do remember at one time that national association would encourage people to become notaries and signing agents (saying there was a shortage!) and then after certifying them as signing agents would tell them to come to NotRot and ask questions and find someone to ride along with to gain the experience (they may still do that)
If someone is a certified signing agent then they should know the answers to the basic questions they ask on this forum. Until they know what they are doing they shouldn't be certified.

But all that being said I am always willing to mentor anyone who is sincerely interested in learning everything they can. They can always PM me. I am sure that there are others who would be willing to act as mentors. (We had a mentor program on the Signing Registry and it worked out very well)

Reply by Marianne Clancy on 8/2/13 8:24am
Msg #479023

Spot on Mindy!!

Reply by Lisa Cirillo on 8/2/13 8:44am
Msg #479025

Hi Mindy,

I understand where you are coming from. I very rarely post on this forum for the same reasons many other do not post. Fear of being jumped and told use the orange button. This is supposed to be a forum where one can learn, there is a lot to learn here. I use the orange button many times, but there are those times when you just can't get the info your looking for.

Mentors-not so sure if there are mentors here. I know I'll get jumped on that statement. Let's think about this, if the teachers in this world all said "use google" I'm tired of answering the same questions over and over again, where would our kids be. Why would we even need teachers in our schools. I just wish that the "veterans" on this site, could hold their tongues and not degrade the new notaries coming here for information. I've said it before, if you don't want to answer, move along and let someone else who wishes to take the time answer the question.

Just my opinion.

Reply by desktopfull on 8/2/13 12:08pm
Msg #479058

Wrong comparison to use concerning teachers. Teaching is a profession where it is their job to answer questions. Wrong idea concerning mentoring too if you believe that mentoring means the mentor is supposed to do all of the work for you for being in business. Aiding and assisting doesn't mean giving you a client list, setting your prices and marketing your business for you.

SIA, if you may believe the above comments are degrading or you feel your being jumped on by a veteran of this site.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 8/2/13 3:45pm
Msg #479092

"This is supposed to be a forum where one can learn..."

I'm genuinely curious as to how you came to conclusion about what this forum is "supposed to be". We hear that type of observation a lot, usually from people who are fairly recent members. You could help many of us understand that perspective by letting us know how that conclusion was arrived at. Thanks.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/2/13 4:08pm
Msg #479101

Exactly JanetK

Nowhere does it say that this forum is supposed to be a forum where one can learn.

This is what the forum was created for:

"The Notary Talk Discussion Forum is a free service offered by Notary Rotary™. It was created to allow professional notaries public to share experiences, advice and opinions with other members of the profession. Discussion topics can be as general as basic notarial procedures or as specific as how the notary loan signing agent is to handle a particular signing scenario."

Reply by desktopfull on 8/2/13 10:31am
Msg #479042

Newbie complaining over veteran NSA's not being a Nanny, LOL n/m

Reply by MW/VA on 8/2/13 12:17pm
Msg #479060

New career--Notary Nanny! ;-) LOL n/m

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 8/2/13 1:25pm
Msg #479073

To start from the beginning ....

.... as I understand it, the first post was about bad behavior, more or less. OK, here's a typical scenario: Newbie posts the usual question(s), gets a few great responses from accommodating notaries and a few snarky ones from jaded veterans who are tired of newbies not doing the ground work like they did to get started in this business. Then, newbie complains about not being treated tenderly and starts whining: I thought this board was some place we could learn, you're all mean, you hurt my feelings, I'll never post again, or as Mindy called veterans: "appalling." Oh, and seldom offer a "thank you" for any helpful, thoughtful responses, if they even bothered to read them.

THEN, that's when the fireworks start. Everybody starts complaining about how mean/ungrateful/rude/etc. everybody else is, blah. blah cry cry. That's what I'm tired of, and that's why I suggested a "Just for Newbies" site where the wealth of information here would be available to them. Then, after they got their feet wet a little, they could bring something to the forum besides the same ole, same ole. In fact, didn't Harry once mention something about a newbie resource here??

Having been the target myself of veteran vitriol, I know those who I respect and those I dismiss as hacks. However, it's not the same for the newbies .. each acts as if they're the first newbie to ever post here and that their questions have never been asked before. If we had a "how to get in this business" tab, posts from agreeable notaries (like CJ and 101 in this thread and Treasure Valley notary, for example, in previous threads) would be readily available, and disagreeable notaries wouldn't have to ... well, continue to be disagreeable.

And BTW: Speaking of CJ and 101, OP has not even acknowledged their taking the time to respond to her with very valuable information and advice. This is another irritating thing about the complainers... apparently, they just want to complain, and when that's done, they read no further. (I adore those newbies who actually say thank you! They're the ones you really want to help, not the foot-stompers.)

I'd love to see this cycle broken, Any ideas how we can do that?

Reply by Lisa Cirillo on 8/2/13 1:56pm
Msg #479078

Re: To start from the beginning ....

Easily, if you don't like the question, skip it and move on. Then when the snarky's answer, no one has to feel hurt. JMHO

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 8/2/13 2:20pm
Msg #479082

Exactly, Lisa!

A notary who's to scaredypants to post on NR about this called me with the same suggestion you made. Just don't respond. Unfortunately, that won't work. The minute a newbie comes onboard, everybody's juices (both good and bad) start flowing, then the newbie responds negatively, and here we go again!

I think was should have a mandatory no-respond to newbies. Then it would all end! Hee hee

Reply by KimmyMD on 8/2/13 3:03pm
Msg #479086

Re: Exactly, Lisa!

You are too funny. I don't usually post to the newbie questions. What I see posted is in regards to How to price, what to charge, how to get started,,,, All I know is I worked my but off and made mistakes along the way. I learned actually as I went along, speaking to people in the Title business, being a member of Maryland Land and Title,, etc. After 7 years I am not a veteran, nor a newbie. Its like shopping for cloth when your over 50, I am a "tweener" , in the middle. I don't want what my 20 year old is wearing , and don't want to look like my mother.

Reply by desktopfull on 8/2/13 3:05pm
Msg #479087

Great suggestion GG

"I think was should have a mandatory no-respond to newbies. Then it would all end! Hee hee"

Wonderful idea, we don't respond, they have to do their own research (which is available here, all they have to do is look) and we are spared their angry snarky responses about our responses. Works for me! LOL!