Well now, this is an interesting take on things.  It appears that oil and gas companies that are working in the shale formations are actually doing pretty well still, in spite of the decrease in energy prices.  This article from Bloomberg says that improvements in efficiency have probably made up for the decreases in prices.

The most interesting number that the article quotes, at least for my clients, is that Antero has costs of less $18/bbl of oil produced from Appalachia.  That’s pretty impressive.  It also means that they can afford to pay a bit more in bonus and royalty amounts.

When you’re negotiating your lease, make sure to ask for more than you think you can get.  In most cases, you will be pleasantly surprised.