Author's Note Unit 3 Portfolio

I initially chose the Barnett Shale as my topic because it seems to affect so many people in Fort Worth from the wealthiest all the way down to the poorest. Also, I know quite a few people who have had their share of dealings with the gas companies-- good and bad. For the most part, I have learned from my research that the Barnett Shale dealings can be deceiving and detrimental even though some people may be making a profit-- mostly those who profit in any business situation. That is why I chose Daniel Plainview as the focus for my humorous piece. The whole There Will Be Blood them seemed to parallel what has taken place between the gas companies and the average citizens. When I first selected the topic I thought it would be interesting, but I feared it could potentially become boring and pose problems when it came time to do the humorous piece; however, my fear were dispelled. Note: I emailed all of my portfolio except my humorous piece which I turned in a hard copy of.

Humorous Piece Author's Note

This is my first draft of the piece. I chose to do a political cartoon that draws on parallels between what citizens are currently faced with in their dealings with the Barnett Shale and the themes of There Will Be Blood, based on Upton Sinclair's Oil which was a muckraking piece criticizing early 20th century oil tycoons. I think the humor comes across well but my only concern is that the piece might not connect with those who have not seen the film There Will Be Blood

Humorous Argument

My example came from the comic strip B.C. The cartoon comments on one of the main criticisms that people have with natural gas drilling which is building too close to citizen's homes. The cartoon substitutes ants for people (source of the humor) and shows a gas drill being inserted into earth and the ants home. One of the ants then says "Guess it's time to move." This echoes the response of many who have seen unsightly gas rigs erected near their homes.

Op-ed Author's Note

1. This is the first draft of my op-ed piece.

2. I think this piece expresses my feelings about the Barnett Shale and its implications to future generations. Also, I like the organization of the thoughts as well as the conclusion as it ties in to what I’ve previously said. I hope that it doesn’t go too far out on a limb and sticks to my point throughout the whole piece.

3. Please note any grammatical errors. Also, please note if I took a wrong direction or got off course in my journey. Lastly and because this is opinion based, please note if there are any places that seem too harsh or offensive.

LTTE Rough Draft

To the Editor:

Jim Fuquay’s article on March 29 regarding “investors offering to buy mineral rights for future royalties” makes several interesting points, including the shady practices of the gas and oil companies. Mark Gresham states in the article, “I can count the number of honest royalty buyers on the fingers of both hands – and I’m not sure I’d use all my fingers.” That statement should immediately send up a red flag to anyone approached by the opportunistic royalty buyers knocking on the doors of Ft. Worth citizens. Their formula is simple: put up some eye-catching billboards (complete with celebrity endorsements), have a few meet-and-greet get-togethers to “clear the air” of any questions (of which no “regular Joe” has any expertise in which to even base a question), then offer a lump sum (which – if lucky – equals a whopping $5,000 in exchange for all the mineral rights once belonging to you and to future generations). Where are the experts looking out for our best interests? Where is the detailed planning and explanations of fine print? As the article points out, no one – not even the gas and oil companies themselves – really have a formula in which to formulate the royalties. While there may be no crystal ball, it certainly seems as if a carnival atmosphere has come to town.
Also, Mr. Fuquay’s article makes a point to remind the reader of the economic recession and its possible impact with regard to selling mineral rights. In this economy, the average person has the opportunity to participate in little more than taxes, code compliance, and regulations. All of the sudden, with a wave of hand and tap of a wand, a “one-time, lump-sum payment” appears. Should we take the bait? The average person may view this opportunity as economic expediency; however, the San Antonio gentlemen mentioned in the article reminds others in the same situation not to be dazzled by a check for $350,000. Sure, it sounds like a fortune to you or me, especially during hard times; but to the higher ups at the top-name gas companies, it is merely a pittance.
In addition, the article reminds the reader to consult with accountants or lawyers and to do the necessary research to avoid a fleecing. We mustn’t forget for one moment that the buyers of royalties are experts in their own fields and can easily pummel the seller who has not done his or her research. Unfortunately, the article does not mention a possible source that could give great insight into this situation: the generational, large land owners of Ft. Worth. These families have been dealing with the oil and gas companies for years – more than the average citizen can ever imagine. Their dealings have most certainly taught them one valuable lesson: you never sell your mineral rights. Once they’re gone, so is your bargaining tool. Large land owners are leasers, not sellers, and their advice is advice you can take to the bank – just ask their accountants.
So in the end, forget the old adage, “Buyer, beware.” In this day and age, the new cry is, “Seller, be careful!”

Garrett Vandergriff
Texas Christian University
g.d.vandergriff@tcu.edu

Author's note
This is the first draft of my letter. I think I did a good job of addressing the article's strengths and pointing out what the author failed to address in the article, and then using that to help make my argument. I feel that I might be ranting a little too much in some places so let me know if that is the case.

Article

The current economic recession has created a dilemma for mineral right owners in Tarrant County. Drilling projects are being pushed back, and natural gas prices have plummeted from last year's highs; the decision of whether to lease their rights has become increasingly difficult with many feeling the crunch. Investors are now offering one-time lump-sum payments in exchange for the rights to all future monthly payments. The author presents the perspectives of all parties involved in the issue royalty purchasers, mineral right owners, and lawyers representing both sides.

Unit 3 topic

I am considering focusing on the impact the Barnett Shale has on the Greater Fort Worth area during the current economic crisis. Natural gas drilling has received its fair share of support and criticism over the past five years in the area so I thought it might be interesting to see how public perception of the issue has changed with the economic downturn. This topic caught my eye because there has been a drilling site erected next to my home, and I'm constantly passing by or stuck behind eighteen-wheelers carrying equipment to and from the site.