On the public relations front, Share said most of the executives interviewed in the book admitted they have done a poor job at building a consumer-friendly image. The hiring frenzy of the 1970s oil boom led to the massive layoffs of the late 1980s and early 1990s which, when combined with major industry mishaps such as the 1989 Exxon Valdez incident, presented a negative image across the country. Many of them focus on the fact that the United States is once again increasing its dependence on foreign imports rather than domestic sources. The fact is, that isn't going to change. Another setback for the industry was the closing of the neighborhood gas station.
Self serve pumps dot the landscape, seemingly at every intersection.
These are top-notch geologists, engineers and economists, and often able to solve the most difficult technical problems imaginable. But if you hit them with an irrational, emotional argument, such as many of the environmental issues, they have a difficult time responding. In putting The Oil Makers on paper, however, Share said these people have persevered through the boom and bust and have found a way to put the industry back on firm footing. In addition to that, the development of the natural gas sector is offering new ways of marketing a product that is domestic in nature and environmentally favored by everyone.