[dmag]

We're in a time bind, hope you can help.

We just got handed an assignment to interview a local oil industry representative who works for one of the major brand names. This has to take place in a hurry to meet a publication's deadline. What I'm looking for are serious questions that you, as a consumer, would ask about:

1. the industry as a whole
2. the marketing of gasoline
3. the marketing of convenience stores and vendors that are attached to stations
4. anything else about station operations
5. and, of course, pricing issues

Any help you can offer is appreciated.

[Jawbone54]

Tell them to stop swindling us. Then, when you work for them...you stop swindling us.
Sorry, I just couldn't think of anything good to say.

[iMOTOR]

The questions I would ask really depends on the oil company. For example, I wouldn't ask an Exxon-Mobil representative the same questions I would ask a Shell Oil Company representative.

But lets assume the questions are for a generic oil company;

Does your company philosophically believe in the theory of climate change caused by the production and consumption of fossil fuels?

If the answer is no then; Does your company engage in scientific research to disprove the theory of climate change caused by fossil fuels? If yes, how much is your company's annual budget for such research? (they won't tell you but it's an interesting question anyway)

Domestic auto makers rank among the lowest worldwide for the production of fuel efficient automobiles despite holding the most patents for fuel efficient technology; how much influence do you think the oil industry has in holding back fuel efficient technology from consumers?

Does your company voluntarily adhere to EPA regulations when operating in countries that have lower environmental protection standards than the US, or does your company only meet the minimum environmental protection standards in other countries they operate in?

Does your company allow its employees to actively participate and hold membership in environmental organizations such as the Sierra Club?


BTW: How do we know you're not an oil rep using our Mac forum to get grassroots opinions on the industry?

[IceEnclosure]

dang iMOTOR that was thorough.

[Buckaroo]

Ask about the Exxon Valdez, that's a great ice breaker.

[Doofy]

Ask him about the Club of Rome.

[dmag]

Originally Posted by iMOTOR 

BTW: How do we know you're not an oil rep using our Mac forum to get grassroots opinions on the industry?

You offered some great questions and I appreciate you taking the time to think it through.

As far as me being an oil rep, there is no way for you to be sure one way or the other on that, just as I don't know what you do.

Big oil -- like all big business -- spends big bucks on sophisticated research that yields whatever information they want. They probably don't lurk in forums to any great degree.

That said, you've been very helpful and I appreciate your effort. Next time you fill up, tell the cashier to give it to you free because you're helping us. ;-)

[Cold Warrior]

you also might ask how they see the business in 10, 20, 30 years.