Anyone care to comment on the reasons behind this strategy?

I'll go first:

Optimistic point of view:

They are in negociations with a major; perhaps Vale, as they held a spot at the head table at the recent luncheon. Those major shareholders such as Sprott have signed a confidentiality agreement, and therefore, cannot comment. The negociations involve more than just NOT; they are likely trying to work out a deal with some of the area plays as well; perhaps some such as FNC are holding out.

The major shareholders of NOT are the same shareholders of some of the area plays, but not all. A depression of share prices for all the area plays give the major some leverage in negociaitons with them. The others, such as BMK, SPQ, KWG, UC, FWR are not so concerned with the depreciation in the share price as they know once the deals are signed, they will all benefit from a huge lift in share price. To those who sell.....too bad.....to those who are long.....good for them.

Pessimistic point of view:

Expectations are high...perhaps results are not so good....unable to make a determination through visuals.....mayl dissappoint. Waiting for something good to happen so as to spice up the news.

Anyone else have an opinion?