First..a history lesson: Before any of the above, a notary had to search the internet for companies that hired notaries to do signings and provide their info for that co's database (a hit or miss effort on both sides). Then came Directories...where a notary could list their info and co's could use to find a notary for any signing. The better directories also incorporated a forum for notaries...like this one. Then came platforms...for the convenience of hiring parties only...and it seems that they are taking over as some hiring parties have their own platform-ish automated system for finding the cheapest person for any signing &/or they are allowed by the platform to 'self-brand'.
Now:
A platform is to make life easy for those who hire notaries...automated to look for cheap.
A directory is an organized list of notaries that an intelligent co. can use to find the best notary for each signing. (NotaryRotary is a directory...one of only 3 worth listing yourself in) Also note that Directories are for the benefit of the Notary. NotRot's Signing Central is the most organized way that a notary can use to determine if a hiring party is G(ood), B(ad), U(gly); tho' each of the other 2 worthwhile directories also allow commentary, they are not as organized as NR's SC.
Forums are more or less an educational/informational thing for notaries that good directories use to keep us in the loop on a myriad of topics that notaries want to discuss. (& most likely help a directory's SEO)
Platforms (for hiring party) do not have forums. (tho' the coffee site does as it's also a semi-platform mostly for keeping track of member-notaries credentials so hiring party doesn't have to)
FB groups are probably the most numerous and don't get anyone hired. I'm stopping here cuz I have a very low opinion of FB groups because the good info someone provided just falls away into obscurity quite rapidly. Tho' I suppose they serve the same purpose that the water cooler or breakroom does in an office. |
