Merlot Talks Turkey with Fernando on Deal Points

"Holloa! Starbuck's astir," said the rigger. "He's a livelychief mate that; good man, and a pious; but all alive now, I must turn to."

And so saying he went on deck, and we followed.--

GOING ABOARD, Chapter 21, Moby Dick


Greetings Dearest Frenando,

Once again, we are delighted to hear back from you regarding our burgeoning joint venture in the North America boxed wine business. However, we have reviewed your terms regarding the branding of our boxed wine products and retail chains, and really must insist that we retain control over the marketing, promotion and sales of out products.

We do not mean to be offensive, stubborn or disagreeable on this matter, nor would we want to hurt the chances of our jointing together in commerce. Nonetheless, we are most gifted in mass communications, branding and choosing effective names, trademarks and brands of things, if you will. Please understand that we are perhaps two of the world's leading boxed wine consultants, who focus on these marketing functions, charging upwards of $1,200 US dollars per hour for our work. And so, we must remain inflexible only in this point and in this area, as we believe it is in your best interest and our's.


A sad, remarkable site at Fort Tilden, NY
Sperm Whales occur regularly in deep waters off New York, especially along the edges of submarine canyons (e.g. Hudson Canyon) and along the continental slope - some 70-90 miles from Long Island. Fortunately, Sperm Whales remain one of the most abundant of the large whales



Moving on, we are a bit confused by your suggestion, dear Fernando, where you state: "with retards to your arrival here..." I am not sure what you are suggesting, or if you are actually insulting us in some Jungian fashion. Please explain in your next communication, as we hold the view that "clear arrangements make for good friends," if you will.

Nevertheless, as for trip to your marvelous country, we shall use sea transportation for several sound reasons. First, sea travel affords us the time to reflect on our studies and musings; Second, it will allow us to stop off to visit of our dear friends at http://www.palmmgt.com, who provide us with email hosting services in Costa Rica, where from time to time we house sit if you will on some of the most glorious beachfront properties in the world. Third, we also expect that travel by sea will not only allow your barristers the necessary time to draft and file the necessary paper work before we arrive, which shall make our first meeting most a most productive and joyful affair, but also give us the time we'll need to spearhead public relations announcing our financing and the launch of our new boxed wine lable and retail distribution outlets. To that end, we envision ourselves stepping ashore in South Africa to break open cask after cask of premium boxed wines, as we, you and I, celebrate our joint venture, if you will.

Fourth, we count among our friends, two Directors of publicly traded shipping companies with ports of call in Johannesburg. They have allowed us free transportation the world over for over 10 years, which has allowed us to make contacts on ever continent, as we have built our boxed wine consulting business. Thus, we are simply more accustom to sea travel, and prefer it to Air transportation. More to the point, we are of the mindset of a 19 century men, if you will: masters of our destinies, captains of industry driven not by events, or the fates, those most fickle whores. Rather, the force of our characters guide us to our just rewards; and we believe you are the same sort of fellow, a man who understands his place in the world, and what he needs to do in order to prevail on life's journey.

And finally, we believe or reluctance is justified by recent events with respect to avian flu warnings. We have it from good sources that Air flight may in fact spread this virus, while ship travel is not such a risky means of transportation. Nevertheless, we await your contact information (ie, fax, telephone, address and other contact information), so we may make arrangements to meet on our arrival, and to forward to what you need so we may set sail on this joint "adventure" if you will.

Kind regards,
I remain,
Merlot

Dear Merlot,

I received your message and understood all you have said and suggested. With regards to the brand name suggestions you have made, I would want a name that would reflect both side of the partnership, so we can leave that for now until meet and all arrangements and projects are in place.

I want you to send me your full details to enable me complete the joint venture draft agreement that I am making. The agreement will bind us during the transaction and also indicate what amount will be used for the investments and what will be due to you for your assistance.

With retards to your arrival here, why would you want to come by ship? How many days or weeks would that be at the sea, are you suggesting that you cannot fly by air?

I await your reply.

Best regards.

Fernando.