I always find it interesting to talk to people who have looked at things in a new way and discovered something major as a result. The oil and gas industry, of course, is full of these stories – how many times has the Gulf of Mexico been written off as “the dead sea,” for instance, before another major discovery came along?

Some of the really big discoveries have moved the industry into places where there was very little activity before. Ekofisk, for instance, changed Norway from a sleepy fishing country to one of the world’s major producers. Prudhoe Bay kick-started Alaska’s emergence as an oil giant, as did Kashagan for the Caspian region.

Wouldn’t it be great to listen to the people who had the “Eureka!” moments that led to these discoveries?

That’s exactly what I want to do. I’d like to find three or four people who can at least partially lay claim to a major discovery (realizing, of course, that these are not usually found by a single person) and have them recount their tales of frustration followed by “aha!” I’d like them to participate in a webcast and tell listeners how it feels to sit on a well knowing it’s being drilled where they told the drillers to drill, wait anxiously for the results, wait while appraisal wells indicate the field is even bigger than they thought, etc.

The problem is, I don’t know who these people are. That’s where you can help, gentle reader. If you or one of your colleagues has been part of a major discovery, I’d like to hear about it. And so would others. A mere 20 minutes of your time will educate others about the sweet taste of success when you find the big one. Or if you know of someone who’s achieved this, let me know who he or she is.

Our industry has been dealing with a lot of bad news lately. I think it’s time for us to hear some good news. If you’re interested, please e-mail me at rduey@hartenergy.com or call me at +1-713-260-6459.