I have been following your online discussions and feel some work shops and seminars would really help the mineral owners understand our industry.  Understand how the current gas price affects the drilling activity, what the producer has to have to drill a 2 - 10 million dollar well. 

I teach oil & gas calculations but it isn't all about math.  My work is designed for the entry level analyst, but royalty owners in this area need to be brought up to speed on leasing, negotiating, and how to understand your payments.  Estate planning is another area that royalty owners don't take seriously and I can't stress how important it is for you to have your minerals cleaned up title wise for your children - ESPECIALLY if they are from former marriages.  I have my own personal story in this regard. :(

I spent  a year and a half  working for a company in Pittsburg. I wanted to work in the Appalachia and how it is different. I believe you learn by doing, so I wanted to answer those calls, work with the landman, understand the leasing in the area.  My first education was flat rate leases and how early drilling was done to hook up houses for free gas.  My first eye opener occurred when I asked the young girl that handled all  of the owner changes what the descent & distribution was in Pennsylvania.  She said, "what is that?" When someone dies, the heirs it goes to.  "Oh, I just give everything to the spouse!"  We immediately researched the laws of PA. In Oklahoma, the spouse's share will go to their biological children, so if they inherited those minerals from a spouse's family, their spouse's children would be cut out of those minerals from that second or third spouse. If you inherit minerals from your family, they are considered separate property and don't necessarily belong to the spouse.  Every state has their own laws and you should become aware of your family situation and what would happen when you die.  I know we hate to hire attorneys and probate that Will, but if you have minerals that could create income for your great great grandchildren, make sure it is cleaned up title wise.

I met an attorney at another seminar that represents his own royalty interests and is very knowledgeable of the negotiation side.  I think a work shop for people in your area, having  people in the industry  that can assist you in your education - from the royalty owner side and the producer side.  I have no qualms telling you to exclude deductions in your lease.  One thing I  see going on in Ohio is - get a minimum standard royalty rate! Pennsylvania and West Virginia got it passed.  I personally think 1/8th is too low. 

If you have these seminars in your area, put me on your list as a person to call.  I love Pennsylvania and would love to come back to teach and visit the area.  I do work part time for a company in Oklahoma and teach online division order classes with Midland College in Texas.

Sherry Robinson

www.divisionorderbeginnings.com