Anyone here paid to post?

Good lord no. Latest theory when no one agrees with yours? Common sense and who gets paid and how? Makes no sense at all. We are not lawyers thus do not give legal advice. Contact a professional is free advice.

I do think the site is worthwhile but that it shouldn't be viewed as the final authority. I have long subscribed to their newsletter which emits a distinct hostility toward anyone and anything that would give more authority or advantages to homeowners over the board, at whose trough they feed.

You do know that board members are also homeowners correct? The only "power" they have is what the other members/homeowners give them. Which is VOTING them into a board position. The lack of participation or the ignorance of how a HOA works is the REAL victimizing here. The board can only do it's job of daily operations and budget adherence on the members behalf because they VOLUNTEER to do the job. No ONE is an "expert" on HOA's. It's a living changing experience everyday.

The website is Davis-stirling.com, which is named after the Common Interest Development (CID) legislation in Calif. The site is compiled by a CA HOA law firm and its attorneys often opine on subjects. My HOA is not a client of this firm. I'm certainly not paid.

I've found it invaluable over the years and tho' retired from board service now, often refer to it. Its Index is the best for finding topics that interest you and reading the accessible explanations. Almost everything is tied somehow or another to CA statutes and they are also always cited. I always go directly to the statute to verify D-S's interpretation for myself.

My only warning in reading this site is to make sure their interpretation of x or y is NOT strictly for Calif. And of course, much is. But there are general topics that are useful all over the USA. "Contracts," for instance. "Bylaws" is another about which many posters are often confused.

Calif. has certain requirements about agendas, but this site can show you nice examples of agendas. Calif. has certain statutes about open meeting minutes. But their sample minutes are very nice.

As a learning tool, it's an excellent resource. Posters often cite other law firms in CA & other states to back up an opinion. Sometimes management companies' pubs have been cited too.

Why, are you jealous? Or want to get in on the action? In other words, don't be ridiculous (who the hell who would even admit to it????)

I often suggest contacting an attorney because (1) We aren't lawyers (most of us, anyway), (2) the law 8n your state may not be the same in mine (3) we don't have the documents to review most of the time and (4) it's not always a good idea to get answers to complicated legal issues from the internet. You don't have to take what everyone here says as gospel -accept some, none or all of what's said. Or skip that comment(s) and go on to the next.

As a practical matter, there are situations where there isn't a state, federal or local law, so you have to resort to common sense or at least do some creative thinking. The law doesn't always catch up with current events as quickly as you think, so you do the best you can. Life and people are messy and complicated - it's a pain in the ass, but we don't always get what we want.

Figures. Always a rip-off.

I am starting a drive to unionize.

I think hiring lawyers is part of the type A mindset.
an HOA does not need to pay a lawyer $500 to pull a lien on a property as an example. I found out it costs $7 to file a lien and the form is pretty easy for anyone that knows how to look up property data.
There are other things I would not hire a lawyer for, but mentioning them will get the Type A types all bent out of shape and deffinetely make this thread go off topic.

thanks for posting this made an easy $200 today.

For the most us, we do not have access to your governing documents. Therefore, suggestions and opinions offered are based on that individuals knowledge on HOA/COA issues, their own experiences, any research they may have done and what is provided by the original poster. Since our level of experiences, knowledge and willingness to do research varies - the opinions and suggestions vary.

Those who had to go to court to resolve issues with their Association may be more likely to suggest contacting an attorney.
Those who may work in the legal field (front line or support staff) see potential legal pitfalls more often then others and may suggest contacting an attorney.
Those who served on a board and had to defend their actions in court may suggest contacting an attorney because of their experiences.
I know a business owner who said don't contact an attorney until you actually need one as any advice given that day can be different after the next court ruling or legislative actions.

Personally, I like to resolve issues at the lowest level possible.
This is typically done directly with the board or (if you're on the board) with the member.

What the poster with an issue decides to do is, of course, up to them.
Many on here simply want them to be able to make an informed decision.
I have found that an individual can make a better decision if they have access to the same resources I had when I offer a suggestion or opinion, so I (and a few others) provide them as they may draw a different conclusion then I did.

Statutes are always a good place to start. However, if one is not versed in legalize (I'm not, but I'm getting better at it) one may recommend an article or website by an attorney that helps break down the legalize into words that are more understood.

For the record, I am not paid. This site helped me to resolve my issue at the lowest level possible and I'm simply trying to pay it forward.

Sometimes, depending on the issue, the best advice may be to contact a local attorney versed in property law, contract law or corporate law (depending on the issue).

You are just catching on to this?

In SC any member of the BOD can file a lien in the name of the BOD. Not to play lawyer, but I recall our attorney telling us that our Covenants have wording to the effect there is an existing lien on the property and all the association has to do is activate such. Do not quote me on this.

And why does it say AugustinD has zero posts when he/she has been posting for years? Is this his/her website?

We've a had at least 4 regular posters the last few years change their names and their states. Chngces are Idho isn't Elle's states, but none of my business. We also, even now, imo, have a poster who posts under two different names.

Yes, most of us here try to preserve our anonymity - otherwise we may have to limit how candid we can be when we talk about our own communities and experiences.

As for being paid, if that's my goal, then my writing belongs on my own website where I can call 'em as I see 'em and can enforce my own professional standards. If somebody else pays you for your words, then you have to spout the party line whether or not you happen to agree with it - and if I'm giving advice, I want to do so honestly.