Absolutely. My writing, and intent, is entirely circumstantial. Dangerous? I would like to know what you mean about that. Self-destructive? I wouldn't say self-destructive at all, I would say self-preserving, if anything (lol, unless you mean my reputation, which I could care less about). Effective? Well, that strikes the heart doesn't it? I don't believe I ever claimed anything I have written has been effective and in fact, much of what I have written is asking others to also join the narrative, people who are much better writers and more persuasive than myself, for that very reason. No, a good politician I will never be.
I would like to hear any argument, that illustrates how appraisers organizing into a meaningful professional organization, would be anything but positive for all of us. And I don't mean some tangent, side-point of small significance, as our forum members love to post and then stand on, I mean a meaty argument that would define why appraisers should not do it.
And if organizing is not the solution, then what is? I don't see any current efforts having a significant affect, except for the result of no effort.
Seems to me, nearly all respectable professions have a professional organization. Yes, this industry has many. The problem with them is, membership is low, they are fragmented from each other, and many are influenced by special interests. It frankly shocks me, that a group of seemingly intelligent people, skilled in analysis, fail to see the need for organization. There are so many benefits, not the least of being able to take control of the appraisal process that is currently dictated to us. I simply don't understand why each and every appraiser would not jump at the opportunity to shape their own profession and fate and in fact, isn't that really each and every appraisers professional responsibility to do just that?
Currently, I am the only one on this forum to speak the narrative. And if not here, the Appraisers Forum, then where?
So far, I don't think people are so much calling me out, rather are resisting the idea altogether. I have attempted everything I can think of to get my peers to look themselves (and this profession) in the mirror and take a good look. I figure different strokes for different folks. It also seems to me, unfortunately, most people require a stiff slap in the face. That hurts, and that will drive some off for sure, but without it, maybe the creamy malaise will continue forever among too many.
I've said it before and will say it again. I have about a 1% chance of staying on as an appraiser. I'm tapped out and my gas tank is empty. That breaks my heart. For those of you who just can't wait for me to shut up and go away, that time may indeed come very soon. Yet, that will not change your fates one bit. Somebody needs to pick up a weapon and get to the lines. Somebody needs to lead. If all appraisers want to do is come on this forum and complain and debate until the end of time, rather than actually taking proactive measures to do something, then that is sad indeed. You can be mad at me all day long for what I write here, but at the end of the day, the woes of this profession are not on my shoulders, they are on the shoulders of all of us.
This is the Appraisers Forum, not the Lenders Forum, not the AMC Forum. Whom do you serve?
IMO, the elders of the appraisal community ought to assume the role of leadership, providing wisdom earned from experience, promoting encouragement to fight instead of submission. The younger generation, with the leadership of the elders behind them, ought to pick up their weapons and get on the front lines, and fight for this profession. History shows over and over and over again, the power of the masses can not be defeated, while the inaction of the masses always leads to oppression. Those may be some heavy words, but they are also 100% true.
Want something better? It aint gonna just get handed to you, you have to go get it. The starting point is the conversation.
