Color

[admin]

Welcome to the world of big boy company communications. As someone else has said, Hession was schooled under an ex-XOM exec. The way of most larger companies during any kind of deal negotiations is minimal communication and only as necessary. These guys have enough to do getting all of the things done that make up a deal. Constantly responding to shareholders and the press is not what they need to be doing; let alone what can happen when things get out. It just begets more questions. Hession has been on the job just over a month. Meg and Wayne are following protocol of the new CEO. They aren't going to discuss details of negotiations. That's been made clear.

Yes, I couldn't agree more. For instance, had they not told us the talks were exclusive, there would have been no snafu when that lapsed.

I understand it's frustrating for shareholders but as a general rule, the less is said during negotiations, the better.

[ebster123]

Yes, but there are two ways to see this. We can wallow in this history, which happened for a reason, or we can simply look at the present situation in which: - We have a new, experienced guy at the helm - We have a great resource - We are in direct talks with Exxon with major items already agreed upon and ample scope for mutually profitable deal, due to the complementary nature of the assets which both bring to the table. Although I understand your frustration, wallowing in history isn't going to speed up the conclusion of the deal, nor is it productive in any other way. It basically plays in the short hands. I've predicted years ago that their last argument standing would be stressing the history, that we won't get a deal because we haven't. The picture today is good and the stock is cheap, although patience is scarce..

We deserve more "color"!

 I agree! More is better

Welcome to the world of big boy company communications. As someone else has said, Hession was schooled under an ex-XOM exec. The way of most larger companies during any kind of deal negotiations is minimal communication and only as necessary. These guys have enough to do getting all of the things done that make up a deal. Constantly responding to shareholders and the press is not what they need to be doing; let alone what can happen when things get out. It just begets more questions. Hession has been on the job just over a month. Meg and Wayne are following protocol of the new CEO. They aren't going to discuss details of negotiations. That's been made clear.

Yes, I couldn't agree more. For instance, had they not told us the talks were exclusive, there would have been no snafu when that lapsed.

I understand it's frustrating for shareholders but as a general rule, the less is said during negotiations, the better.

STP, correct, but they hold not live by a double standard.  They should either speak or it speak.  But to speak only when it is half assed and leads to confusion is worse than not speaking at all...right???  I sit and hold, not adding, not selling

[admin]

Minimal talk, minimal confusion and space for mishaps, misinterpretations, or worse, deliberate distortions. Also, you don't want to complicate the negotiations themselves, or future ones should this one fail (which I'm not assuming, quite the contrary).

And simply take comfort from the fact that sooner or later E/A is going to be monetized at more than acceptable terms. It's simply way too good a resource for that not to happen, with interests and mutually beneficial deals possible for an array of potential partners.

Yes, I know, the history, etc. But that happened already, nobody can change that. I think we're in good hands with Hession, let him get on with the job.

[Tree]

Here's some color:
1) Took 8+ mos. fot IOC/Mitsui to go from KTA to JVOA
2) IOC is lucky to have attracted and retained Wayne Andrews. Same for Meg.
3) This thread is the 2nd most worthless thread in the history of SHU.
4) The other was posted last night.
5) We are not entitled in any manner to any more information than has already publicly released
6) We will be duly notified of any material changes
7) If you feel like whining, please reconsider

[Putncalls]

I'm not whining I'm asking for more info. Your predictions are turning out to the 2nd worst, BTW. your opinion is insulting. You invest millions over more than 4 years and expect "no comment" as an answer to a legitimate question! Then one week later they say OBTW the exclusive talks are at an end. I'm not reconsidering anything at this point. If you want to be treated as a valued investor you should ask for some more "color"!

[admin]

Here's some color: 1) Took 8+ mos. fot IOC/Mitsui to go from KTA to JVOA 2) IOC is lucky to have attracted and retained Wayne Andrews. Same for Meg. 3) This thread is the 2nd most worthless thread in the history of SHU. 4) The other was posted last night. 5) We are not entitled in any manner to any more information than has already publicly released 6) We will be duly notified of any material changes 7) If you feel like whining, please reconsider

Steady on, Tree. Just like we have to exert patience with the negotiations, you could be a little more patient with your fellow investors..

[Palm]

Minimal talk, minimal confusion and space for mishaps, misinterpretations, or worse, deliberate distortions. Also, you don't want to complicate the negotiations themselves, or future ones should this one fail (which I'm not assuming, quite the contrary). And simply take comfort from the fact that sooner or later E/A is going to be monetized at more than acceptable terms. It's simply way too good a resource for that not to happen, with interests and mutually beneficial deals possible for an array of potential partners. Yes, I know, the history, etc. But that happened already, nobody can change that. I think we're in good hands with Hession, let him get on with the job.

Agree. Hession obviously has come in and assessed things and seen too much talk which led to multiple communications, not always aligned. Only one way to change that before things really do fall apart as far as deals; go overboard the other way to establish control. Strict clamp on communications as far as any sensitive details to honor agreements and disclose when required. We've quickly seen that change, and it's for the best. Some might be surprised to read this:

"As a general rule, federal securities laws do not require parties to publicly disclose ongoing deal negotiations, even if the negotiations are material, until the parties reach agreement."

"No comment: In the absence of a duty to disclose, a company usually follows a policy of silence (or makes a “no comment” statement) in response to questions about merger discussions. In addition, to prevent leaks, the company directs all market and media inquiries on potential transactions or other corporate developments to a designated company spokesperson, and limits the group involved in preliminary deal negotiations to a small group of senior executives."

"Market rumors: Unusual market activity may trigger a requirement to disclose under applicable stock exchange rules. The NYSE requires listed companies to make a public announcement if rumors or unusual market activity indicate that information on impending developments has leaked. Nasdaq requires listed companies to take appropriate corrective action if rumors or unusual market activity indicate that information on impending developments has become known to the investing public. To meet exchange requirements, a company may issue a public announcement as to the state of negotiations or development of the company’s plans."

I think we are seeing these being implemented with Hession coming on board.

[Putncalls]

Excuses?

[admin]

Yes, I think that old Bauhaus maxim applies; "Less is more"

[ebster123]

No one can say we have not had very crappy communication over the years. We have always had a first rate resource and a second rate management and communication ( although I believe MH s a great addition). Not whining just stating a fact. I would love to hear everything in public but I know that I not feasible. In the absence of that then they should say nothing. The middle ground seems to confuse investors and the greater market. I have echoed my feelings many times as have you guys so we can agree to disagree. In the end, I sit and wait, not selling not buying (maybe I should but I won't).