Good Afternoon SGLNer's,
It’s been quite some time since my last post. I wanted to write and express my views on Surgline.
Firstly, about a month ago, I wrote Toland. The reason for my correspondence was to ask for him to put out a PR letting us know the status of the company. Toland said it was a good idea, but never submitted a press release. After about two weeks, I sent another email with the same request. He shot out a PR by mid-morning. It was great to see a press release after so long, but definitely not the substance I was requesting. The main topic of my request was for the company to address the elephant in the room. (Or more properly put, the multiple elephants in the room.) I was asking for an update on the status of the financials, on-going operations and any other pertinent information. Sadly, this was not released, though I was appreciative for the release.
For quite some time, I have been a strong advocate for Surgline. I genuinely believe in the business model and think with perseverance, Surgline could prosper. With the current status (or lack thereof) of the company, I am placed in a bit of a paradox. Believing in a company and/or an individual is okay. And in most circumstances shows the believer to be a logical, well-rounded individual. However, issues arise when the believer is no longer asked to have faith, but to have blind faith. I am of the opinion that Surgline (whether inadvertently or blatantly is irrelevant) asked their shareholders to have blind faith approximately 22 months ago when they were placed on a suspension and subsequently regulated to the grey market. They did this because they had no other option and couldn’t inform shareholders due to a list of reasons. And even though they asked us to have blind faith, we, as long term shareholders, stuck with Toland. We even defended him (Not that he asked us to) against the onslaught of verbal attacks that were produced daily.
And now…here we are….almost two years since the halt with only droplets of information trickling down to us. How are we supposed to feel? It was told and touted that Surgline was interested in long term shareholder value. What constitutes a long term shareholder? IRS tax code states a long term shareholder as an individual that has held the stock for over one year. I am sure that the majority of people watching the board today would be considered long term shareholders as per IRS code. What guidelines does Surgline use to classify a short term holder versus long term holder? (Rhetorical)
I believe that Toland is just as upset as shareholders about the obstacles Surgline has faced and continues to endure. However, Toland is at the helm of the ship. He is required to overcome and prosper. I know…being captain sucks! He has contributed in this effort by not taking a salary. (Note: I honestly have no idea if Toland is not taking a salary anymore. Since we have no documentation to follow, I must go by past knowledge.) He continues to work and at the very least, informs shareholders with the rare PR letting us know that they are still kicking.
The excitement that once ruled my thoughts on Surgline has been dissipating over the course of the last year. My understanding about the obstacles faced and attacks endured cannot be made to last forever. Compassion is the cornerstone to a well-rounded individual. At a certain point, I no longer feel compassionate, but start to feel ignorant. Was I being ignorant for believing? (Rhetorical)
I am at a loss for words. I want to say I don’t believe, but I still do. I am not angry, but simply frustrated. (I have a feeling anger will be coming after the frustration subsides.) I am absolutely fed up with being out of the loop. It’s time we were properly informed. If I had a recommendation for Toland, it would be to hold a conference call updating shareholders and allowing for questions. I certainly don’t want to speak for the group, but I still believe in the company and think others do too. That said, my ‘belief” oil reserves are running extremely low. You need to fill the reserves back up, Toland. Hook me up!!!!!
SGLN
