Open letter to the Big Boys...... What seems to be the problem ?

After seeing the telecast earlier this week and the last couple of entries from Eric on East 80's web site, it seems that we have yet another turnabout in "As the Shale Turns".


Apparently it is no longer beneficial for the O&G's to talk with groups. (As if it ever was)
Even tho it goes against the grain in regards to what some of the pros on this site have told us in the past. I know that you landmen dont have strategy sessions with the big boys, or else things like this wouldnt happen. Leaving someone else holding the bag, so to speak, in regards to the rules by which we are supposed to play.


I am a firm believer in, "Alls fair in Love and War".
If the O&G's need to backpeddle, well just go ahead and backpeddle all you need to. I dont feel it will have the effect that they were looking for but you gotta do whats best for you.


Now that public opinion is no longer a concern of the big boys,its going to be interesting to see what they can come up with next to try and gain the upper hand against this more knowledgeable group of folks that seem to be left. These groups of landowners that are just being unrealistic and greedy....... I am also a big fan of , "Fight fire with fire" as well." Turnabout is fair play", another classic.


While I am a little perplexed at the childish nature that seems to have taken center stage, I truely mean no disrespect to the guys/gals that have been on this site trying to help educate us. You dont make the decissions to change course like this and shouldnt be held accountable, even tho you are an extension/ representative of said company.


I guess my main questions are ....... What will this do to any notion of trust that is supposed to be present between leasee and lessor ? While they will still pick off some, many will not be fooled by this seemingly drastic measure. The ones left will be far to many to just drill on. What options will then be left ? Will they change their minds again and talk to the groups or just man up and drill ?


P.S. This isnt a trick. Just curious.No cannon fodder from me.......Unless somebody really pushes the buttons.(LOL) :-)

The "New Less Volatile Snake" thats just passing through.(wink,wink)

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I think you will see the big boys moving to the country where you don't see the orginized groups asking for certain clauses that will add extra expense for noise control and the like. I thought it was bad buiz to try to drill Shreveport proper. Someone with 1/4 acre has the same voice as someone with 1,000 acres on this website. This play went too fast, with the big boys fighting for territory in a place that was stupid to be fighting in.
I have a question and I know I will probally get hammered for asking. If a group only has 7 to 8 percent of the land commited in their teritory are they really in a strong position?
A very valid question Catfish.

It seems to me that It depends on whats at stake. In this play, even an owner with one acre on the HS,has a right to say ( In La anyway ) that he/she wont sign a lopsided lease with no protections for pennies on the dollar. Depending on who is trying to lease you, could also play a huge part in that decission as well.That should at least cross their minds, whether or not they decide to do so is something else altogether. There is too much at stake to just fold up because everybody else is under lease.

From a purely strategic standpoint, the 7% to 8% group has much more power then someone with 35% secured. While unlikely, IMO, the 35% group could be too uneconomical for the O&G's to drill if they decided to ride a well down.The O&G's could pass them by for now but with hundreds of millions of dollars worth under each section...... I think they will find a way to make it happen eventually.
But would the O&G's give up 92% of a leased up section to keep the unleased from ridein' that well down ? Even some of that fancy book keeping that they can do, according to some, wouldnt add up for that scenario.

Being the last of the last in your area to lease,shouldnt make you feel weak or like rolling over for anybody. This is "THE" opportunity to get a good lease w/protections. Tomorrow never comes. Make this shot a good one. If the economics arent in place to offer me a good lease with more favorable terms for me, come back when its better and we can talk again. I dont have any control over market conditions or who is wanting to lease my land. I do however have control over what and who I am willing to sign on the line for.
Have a good one.
Has anybody here noticed that NG is selling for something under $4.50/Mcf v. $6-$9 a few short months ago? Do you suppose that might have something to do with market forces? You know, the old thing about more supply than demand.

Five figure lease bonuses were a product of many factors. At the top of the list was CHK's strategy to run other players out of the market, which strategy was enabled by cheap and abundant credit and a willing cadre of investors who bought CHK stock (which, by the way looks like a pretty good investment now), and rich prices for the commodity.

If you pine for the days of the $30,000 lease bonus and dig your heals in and say you ain'ta gonna lease for anything less than $ _ _, _ _ _ you are probably going to have a VERY long wait.

Just some random thoughts on my part.
Jay,
Sorry but I just can't resist. Yep, I'm sure quite a few of us have enough sense to tract NG prices, and oh my gosh, even understand supply and demand. Hope you can sleep tonight knowing some of us even think we have the ability to reason also.
To wait, or not to wait...that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler to lease for $500 per acre and a quarter and get a well drilled and start receiving run checks in 2009, or, to bear up arms against the MEAN, NASTY, CONNIVING, MERCINARY, GREEDY OIL TRICKERS, and hold out for a quadra zillion dollars in one time lease bonus until 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013......... if then.

Has anybody here ever heard of the present value of money?
'Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished!
That could be done.
Exactly what I was thinking Jay....... some folks just don't get it.
Did you include the cost to drill the well? If not, that $4.57 MM isn't too great as it cost more than that to drill the well.
Kb, that's awesome, 'girls do rule!". Thanks for your invaluable info. I get hope when you write. thanks keb
Thanks. I just didn't see the cost of the well listed in your original post. I normally account for the drilling separately from the operating costs.

I have been seeing various reports of "break even" gas prices for the HS. Some show it in the $3.50 range and some show it in the $4.00/mcf range. Based on where prices are right now, its easy to say we are at a touchy spot in the pricing curve!!

Thanks for the picture. Gotta love those pilots! I've worked with many of them in other jobs in other places and they are some sharp cookies!

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