Folks, I am making a one-time appearance on this Board and then I’m gone.
I would like to suggest to all of you that you place some additional confidence in NeoMedia at this time. Having watched this Board for a while it is frustrating to me to see people conjecturing on something while missing what I feel is the bigger picture. What I am about to say will no doubt entice a few of you to post some disparaging comments. However, I suggest you pay close attention to the opinions I express here, and the way I attempt to tie some of this together.
I would not suggest you run out and gobble up NeoMedia stock based upon the opinions I share, or the way I tie together some facts. However, I think you want to reconsider the way you view things at this particular point in time.
The simple and glaring fact that suddenly there are numerous exciting announcements, gaining in frequency, that speak to ad campaigns and business solutions (ie; mass transit in the Philippines; expansion of barcode initiatives at airports, McDonald’s, Papa John’s, Ralph Lauren, wireless carriers, etc.) are strong current indicators of a growing trend. Surprisingly, one company, Scanbuy, often releases information within a couple of days of NeoMedia (or vise versa), and sometimes these announcements are similar in nature…almost too similar. Ie; the following:
• Neom initiated the test with Case Western, yet Scanbuy won the business…and then suddenly Mobile Discovery is part of it…and suddenly Mobile Discovery partners with NeoMedia?! Come on fellas, I was born many years ago, not yesterday. In business there are no coincidences. Have you heard the word “collaboration?”
• Scanbuy recently announced a major business deal with Mexico only a couple of days before NeoMedia’s announcement of another significant deal with Mexico. Guys, NeoMedia and Scanbuy often seem to be in the same place at the same time.
• Last year NeoMedia stated it strengthened its ties to VH1, yet this year Scanbuy announces a deal with VH1 France.
• NeoMedia announced they’d updated their reader to support the iPhone but that it was in “beta” and would be released soon. Within a couple of weeks Scanbuy had announced their iPhone app would be ready in the “near future.” Both became available for download at about the same time. This iPhone point can be argued, but if you include it in context with everything else I mention here, I think you may find value in what I say. Oh, did I mention anything about “collaboration?”
• Have you ever flown to another country to inquire about how mobile barcodes may be in use and what the codes look like? “I have.” You would be astonished at what I have found. NeoMedia had announced a barcode implementation at a major sports event in Mexico several years ago. Upon showing Scanbuy’s barcode on my phone (sorry, Neoreader doesn’t support my handset…yet) to the general public, they jumped (literally jumped) out of their seats and said that was the code being used. I deliberately asked if it could have looked differently and described both the Aztec and QR codes, and they abruptly said NO, and that EZ Code (not mentioning it by name, but pointing to my phone) was the code being used. So why Scanbuy’s code and not NeoMedia’s if NeoMedia engaged the event (similar to Case Western)?? Typically companies are loyal to the initiating vendor, particularly when they own so many patents and are partnered with so many big boys (ie; HP, Publicis, Ogilvy, etc.). Either the public was mistaken and misinformed me (plausible), or NeoMedia perhaps has realized that this is far too big for any one company to manage and be successful with a global launch. That there needs to be collaboration!
• Stay with me now…
There’s more that I can list but I think the above is good for now.
Have you ever really listened to Chip Hoffman or Iain McCready very closely? I mean CLOSELY. Do you hear what they are saying at a high level, and how they are saying it? Can you notice the difference between what they say and how it is said, vs Chuck Jensen and Chas?
There has been little hype, but a great deal of secrecy! A great deal. Hoffman had even made specific mention of secrecy last year. Why? Because EVERYTHING is at stake here.
Have you ever heard the word “collaboration?” By now I think you have. It’s a term most companies only talked about 10 years ago, but none of them really implemented. Companies kept to themselves for the most part. Today it is being implemented a little more. However, COLLABORATION is what is needed in order to ensure the success of this technology. I believe you will find this word of significant value as you reevaluate what is evolving. I urge you to keep an open mind and see both sides of the coin.
Ogilvy is real…I would caution against minimizing the value associated with the NeoOgilvy press release. Why do I say this with such conviction? Do you recall what companies founded MC2?..Publicis is a co-founder! Both Publicis and Ogilvy are large companies that I believe you would probably find do not place their names on things arbitrarily...and they are big enough to move mountains. Also, NeoMedia and a certain senior consultant of Ogilvy seem to be joined at the hip lately.
Think folks, think hard. It’s coming. You’ve got two of the world’s largest advertising powerhouses at the table, and they are not idle; they are actively participating… JMHO.
Do you recall Hoffman saying they were working with with several large companies that wanted to remain secret?
Do you recall that Publicis, about a year after it began MC2, announced in its own press release that it had been working in secret with Google for a year and that it pertained to digital media…to the extent that they were exchanging each other’s employees to help in developing something unique. Could this mean something other than barcodes, absolutely. But I feel that digital media includes the word barcode and I believe this particularly because of Publicis and their timing in engaging Google.
• “The two disclosed a confidential partnership already underway for more than a year in which they have melded Google technology and Publicis creativity in an effort to boost digital advertising.” 1/22/08 Businessweek, Google and Publicis Make Nice, by Jennifer Fishbein
Did you ever consider that it was the broadband speed and the relatively low distribution of smart phones that held back this technology, and that it might have delayed the willingness of both NeoMedia and Scanbuy to launch (don’t forget…NEITHER of them supported many handsets until now, and neither of them announced many applications until now. Why would BOTH companies appear to mimic each other’s minimal activity?). If they had spent money certifying the application for all phones 2 years ago, those devices would now be in the process of being replaced (what is the useful life of a handset) and all that money would have been wasted!
But now, with the development of the iPhone which has enjoyed unyielding penetration into the market, increased broadband speed, and the GSMA’s mission to convince carriers to decrease the cost of their data plans, the landscape has changed…drastically. We are at “the” turning point and all the stars are aligning.
This heads-down attitude that Hoffman and McCready have is completely unlike the company in prior years. In my opinion we are very close. I would not underestimate what is coming. I think you will find that McCready’s recent comments (ie; “Huge”) will play to your advantage quite soon.
As for the patents, without them NeoMedia becomes the equal of Scanbuy; “no less.” And they both have an unbelievable opportunity to become the Googles in this space; EVERYBODY stands to make inordinate sums of money when this takes off. Of course, if NeoMedia retains the rights to the patent, or even a portion of the claims therein, you will be looking at a company that stands to eventually dwarf the majority of companies in the world. Either way, NeoMedia stands to do this and make you a great deal of money, even if you bought in years ago. So please knock off the “small talk” and bickering about patents.
Would anyone question Google’s need to stay very very VERY close to both of these companies? Microsoft, Yahoo!, and others need to as well. AND I would not assume that conversations haven’t taken place. Digital is the future, but digital mobile advertising has already been depicted by Google as the focus that could be bigger than they are. I don’t believe for a minute that they wouldn’t be willing to meet with NeoMedia. I believe they had no choice but to meet. What came out of such a meeting (if it took place) might prove interesting since Publicis is a main driver of MC2 and has a partnership with Google for digital advertising.
And if Google is so set on open architecture and has engaged independent developers all over the world to build applications, why wouldn’t they want NeoMedia to build the standard platform it’s been touting…particularly given Gavitec’s award winning technology (that Neomedia felt was worth an exorbitant cash-burn rate at a time that they couldn’t afford one)? Very strategic folks (JMHO).
Also, do you recall Chip Hoffman stating last year that NeoMedia is focused on the “platform” and was not concerned with what their competitors were doing; that whatever their competitors do could only serve to help NeoMedia. I listened closely to that one, and I believe it says it all. Doesn’t that help you paint a picture? Shouldn’t you, the shareholder, be looking at this through a special set of eyes? Doesn’t it raise a question that perhaps the big boy companies in MC2 took NeoMedia by the hand and helped arrange a collaboration across the industry and between competitors in order to make this a success? Somebody needed to take the reins and put the wheels in motion. When the big boys come to the table the landscape changes for everybody.
I would think Publicis and Ogilvy would have the definitive reason for ensuring a vastly successful launch…they NEED this technology to take off…quickly. And I’m confident that patience was growing thin. This technology is simply too big for any single company (including Google) to launch in a vacuum. Doesn’t this make you feel that Hoffman’s statement combined with NeoMedia’s silence over the last 15 months may signify that the end result may be preordained to some extent? Don’t you think it surprising that Neomedia should sell off 4 of the 5 companies it just acquired due to excessive cash-burn, yet KEEP the one company with the greatest burn rate? Gavitec is a huge part of the equation. To me Gavitec signifies the development of infrastructure around an existing and successful platform.
Think folks, think hard. I’m only posting this today and then I’m done. I just wanted to inject my perspective.
Stay close. While I am hardly a fortune teller, I believe the end result you’ve been looking for is not far away. Frankly, you’d be surprised at the timeline I’m thinking of. Remember, nobody funds over $8 mil to a company that is at rope’s end after such a long track record of mismanagement and apparent aimlessness, unless substantial progress has been made and something very promising awaits…in my opinion, NOBODY.
If you are a long term investor who lost money based upon the likes of Chuck Jensen…that’s too bad. Did you ever speak with him on the phone or in person…if not, shame on you. Had you done so you might have felt as I do…I never considered Chuck as any type of C-Level. And how does NeoMedia hire a COO named Martin Copus who can’t add up a simple cash-flow number when acquiring 5 companies simultaneously…I’m sure he felt the $100 mil in backing they had was enough to finance everything, but as a COO (I use that term loosely) he didn’t calculate a simple cash-flow?? Or, he hedged the future of the company on the ability of the stock price to remain above $.20?? Guys this appears to me as M&A 101. I’m sure when McCready thinks about this he immediately refocuses on the task at hand…Copus made such a moronic blunder and cost the company $100 mil of funding. Let me say it again so we can all understand how ridiculous the circumstances were that got us to sub penny status…in my opinion Copus cost NeoMedia $100 Mil in funding. I do, however, hold respect for Chas…good visionary (that’s a good part of what CEO’s are); just didn’t have the right management skills to effectively manage the company (sorry guys, just my “opinion.”).
I would also ask if any of you have contacted any of the companies that have launched campaigns and spoken to them at length. I have enjoyed some extensive conversation; not to extract confidential information, but rather to share feedback and clarify my understanding of a few things. However, it yielded what I consider valuable insight while providing them with feedback…and believe me folks, all of these companies are going to be seeking feedback!
There is one thing I feel I need to comment on. To those of you who call yourselves NEOM shareholders but yet go off on tirades, living in the past with old management that’s been replaced, and offering up negative press about NeoMedia. Do you realize how truly ignorant that is? You invest in a company and then disparage it as though doing so publicly on iHub will grab management’s attention. Instead, I might suggest calling the company directly instead of negatively impacting your own investment (how utterly ridiculous and self destructive). If you call and get vmail, leave a message…somebody will get it. If it is valuable it will get attention; if you are illogical or don’t understand the full scope of what is going on, it will be squashed…plain and simple. But stop being cowards and address your issues “directly” with NeoMedia…if your ideas are really that important. If not, DO NOT waste their time! They have a big job to do in short order. I assure you, based on what I’ve seen on this board, only one or two of you may know anything that might be worth calling them about. BTW, I’ll almost assure you that you are living in the past. Just as wireless carriers now offer up faster speeds and better coverage than they did 5 years ago, times have changed and so has NEOM management. NeoMedia literally has new doors with new employees, and even new advisers. Hmm, did anyone take the time to investigate Paul Strzelecki of Yorkville Advisors? Did anyone know that Paul is a member of MENSA? Does anyone know anything about MENSA? Does anyone care to elaborate on MENSA and how it may relate to NeoMedia’s future success? (Paul, if you’re out there reading this, you’ll need some ice to keep the swelling down).
And Streetstylz, I value all people who fight diligently for what they believe in, but at a certain point they lose value. You rocketed past this point months ago…because few people like activists! You have lowered your value by seeking out EVERY website that mentions Scanbuy and other competitors, and posting the same thing over and over and over. STOP already! As soon as I see your post I look away. If the patents are good they will remain NeoMedia’s; if not, they won’t. Simple. Let me ask you, What is the definition of crazy (I know we’ve all heard this but let me say it anyway)?..Doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results! Do you think for one minute that everything you post will change the outcome of the patent dispute?? If all the companies use this technology and sell services and NeoMedia is found to hold the patents, NeoMedia will be entitled to LICENSING FEES. Let these other guys do the work for NeoMedia. Frankly, I’d promote it. Let me say it again so that it is clear…As for the patents, without them NeoMedia becomes the equal of Scanbuy; “no less.” And they both have an unbelievable opportunity to become the Googles in this space; EVERYBODY stands to make inordinate sums of money when this takes off. …So STOP trying to disparage other companies saying they are infringing. You have no control over that. You have single-handedly become annoying…and I used to like your posts…used to look forward to them. Please become your old self and I will once again value reading your blogs.
Let me leave you all with this: When I hear good things about a company, it is good news. When I hear bad things about a company, it is free publicity and I tend to watch closely. When there is zero news about a company, my interest is gone and it carries no value for me (at least short term). I also come from a background that reinforces that when you “generate high activity you will achieve powerful results.” Activity has been growing recently and companies are falling in line…LARGE, well known companies are falling in line. And this activity appears to be accelerating. Everything I see appears to revolve around the words “infrastructure” and “standards,” which are absolutely necessary in order for this technology to take off and never come down. Do you think you just launch a monetary application and ask the GSMA to support its global launch? Of course not. You beta test for at least 6-12 months, if not longer, so that if something fails it doesn’t cause a global issue. I believe NeoMedia is at its pinnacle. I tend to believe their competitors are collaborating with them to ensure a highly successful global launch that will make ALL of them highly successful…and I believe they all have their roles. I believe in a standard code reader and white labeling it (as is being done with Gavitec’s EXIO) and believe Neomedia will be the standard. However, I do not believe NeoMedia really cares if they are the standard reader as much as they care about being the standard PLATFORM for all 2D barcode transactions…two different things. As we know there’s a difference. If multiple code readers were available it stands to hurt global interoperability (which would not be efficient). However, if NeoMedia’s platform (clearinghouse) was the standard, they would still care who’s reader was used, however, if all independent readers were attached to them NeoMedia would bask in sunshine regardless.
I hope you will take what I’ve said here and give it some good thought. I do not expect you to take what I say as fact. You need to do your own research. However, my opinion is that NeoMedia has finally ripened on the vine and success is upon us…imminently…sooner than any of you may be thinking.
Oh, almost forgot…does anyone recall anything about a Key Word Registry? How could you all forget about the Icing on the cake…
Do I sound like one of Tobin Smith’s rants?
Thanks for reading. As promised, I’m gone.
