As in any long term relationship, people can assume they know each other. This site has seen an influx of newer folks, so I don't want to assume you understand the beginnings of this site and I want to learn some more about those who have joined this group.  So, I'll go first... However, don't feel that you have to participate : ). FYI, I will posting this in the TMS group as well, so don't feel slighted for the copy and paste.

First things first. I am married to an amazing woman, Anna (for almost 10 years), we have 3 kids (6, 4, and 2) and we recently moved from the DC Metro Area to Cape May, NJ to be closer to family. I was raised in a cornfield in Indiana that had a few people sprinkled about it.

From Indiana -->DC--> New Jersey. You might now be asking, "How did he ever get involved in the shale stuff?" (I ask it every day). Good question. My wife co-owns a 300 acre farm that has been in the her family for 100 years, or so. For years, under her Grandparent's ownership, it was an operating farm with cattle/chickens/timber. After her grandmother's passing, the farm was passed down to my wife and her 3 siblings and they created an LLC to manage the farm. We have drilling in our unit, so we have had the opportunity to see the whole process. Soon after leasing, we had an additional 26 acre pond constructed on the property with the hopes of selling water to the drilling companies. Right now it's busy as a source of recreation. 

Back to the sites. Fast forward a few years to 2008. I was nearing completion of my law degree when my wife (and siblings) was approached for mineral leasing rights. After we came to the realization that we knew little to nothing about minerals, we decided to turn to the web and start a website and facebook page. By this time, I was trying to focus on the bar exam, but there was this thing going on with the website that was much more exciting. People were talking and networking and learning and getting better contract terms because of it. We also had professionals jumping in to educate and network. I was hooked and I realized the inevitable was going to happen. I was going to have to skip the bar exam. Frankly, now I realize, that shale rescued me from the law! 

After that first site (gohaynesvilleshale.com), I launched gomarcellusshale.com and then came eaglefordforum.com and now shaleforum.com.

Since the launch of these sites, I've had the opportunity to delve into the industry on the policy side and have thoroughly enjoyed it.

I always get excited about county groups because it will allow us to discuss and get into the play at a more effective local level.

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/keithmauck

Looking forward to hearing from you.