Leo, To say "fooled" is an understatement. Try "humiliated" and "embarrassed." I've been following Corel closely since the acquistion of WordPerfect. In many ways I've been impressed, in other ways, equally dis-impressed. But, I too, like any ordinary laboratory rat can learn. So far, here's what I've learned about Corel:
1. The only predictable thing about Corel is the unpredictability of its management. Corel does not know where its going. To use a quote from Stephen Covey, Corel simply has an "inaccurate map!"
2. The stock will not rise until management displays positive predictability. Even a display of basic business maturity would cause a surge in the price. The "up" and "down" publicity surrounding Java, and the inflated revenue recognition methods are evidences of immature management flaunting themselves in the spotlight of the public arena.
I suppose any laboratory rat could have figured this out. So now I've smelled another "rat." (Not subway.) It seems to me that at the same time as the release of such discouraging news, that there is a deliberate effort on this thread to incite conflagrations, or "flaming," as has been said a thousand times in the past month, among investors on the thread to deflect genuine criticism away from management. The number of attempts have been overwhelming. But its all in "good humor" we are hearing. Surely everyone wants to participate in "humor," so now while COSFF/COS is sinking like a rock because of "management unpredictability," we are supposed to devote an entire thread to the "humoruous" nature of the predicament. Its kind of like the "elfish" smile of a child when caught with his hands in the cookie jar.
Skye, a long time ardent, though anonomous supporter, has suddenly declared his shares "sold" and that he would go elsewhere for awhile. Where's our informed A.H. been lately. The equally informed and talented Mr. Bean has been working overtime in the "humor" area.
The weak and questionable calls for new management, and the decoy of the e-mail addresses, were only intended to be used as a "salve" to appease the bleeding and angry invesors of the thread, even though the e-mail addresses are valid. There is no doubt that Dr. Cowpland and Novell are fully in charge and will continue to be so.
We are investors, and informed conusmers too, and are capable of providing valuabe suggestions and feedback to assist management in finding a more "accurate map" toward stock appreciation. I never thought I would say to myself, could I do better? I've never built nor run a $400 M company so who am I to criticize? After the events of this past summer, I think I'm audacious enough to think I can. The present sales level of excellent product offerings is disgusting.
I think all thread users should smell the skunk and continue to provide the relevant articles, meaningful analysis, and all possible thought provoking opinions and commentary. Furthermore, a goodly dose of positive suggestions to management should be attempted by this thread. There have been some big fish swimming in these waters in the past. You can bet Corel insiders swim around in it too. Maybe they'll suck up some of the bait that falls to the bottom.
Maybe its time for a more meaningful thread subject, one with a large "hook" at the end.
Up, Up, & Away! (With Corel's quality products in mind, but whats it gonna take to sell 'em.)
Scott |
