I used to work for a privately owned company. The majority of the CEO's family worked there, as well as close friends, too. Many of them had company cars. Cool gadgets, company boats, company sponsored meetings 'offsite', business lunches - you name it, it was going on. You know what? It never bothered me a bit. It was their company and they could do what they wanted. I was actually usually annoyed by others who thought it wasn't 'fair'. I got paid nicely and didn't expect any more, although I admit to benefiting from the lax finincial atmosphere myself occasionally.
A public company is an entirely different matter. However, I'm willing cut Wilf some slack if he wants to dive. Sounds like fun to me. And if he wants to hire the girls to dive too, really I don't have a problem with that, actually I think it is great. My dad got me a job at his office a number of summers, and I was a real contribution.
But the thing is, my company's CEO knew what he was doing and so did almost everyone else there who had 'special' connections. We did so well even under those conditions that eventually the company got bought out for big bucks. Sadly, now things suck. It isn't really the same company anymore. I believe that there is a synergy that can exist in a company that is worth some expenses that others might think excessive.
Am I saying that it the case for DPBM? No, certainly not. I have absolutely no idea. I see the companies side of things and the rosy picture they paint, but along with that is a 65%+ drop in shareholder value since I started watching, and endless months of dilution yet to come. Then there is capted's embittered (*wink*), ex-employee point of view from someone who has seen the inner workings and knows the industry. Certainly doesn't boost my confidence.
Either way, I don't think I am qualified to judge who is right. I am sure it isn't black and white anyway, nothing ever is. It just waiting to see where it all goes between now and 'October'. I can say one thing though and that is most of my money is waiting with me, on the sidelines.
