RE:1 Billion shares?You can usually recognize novice investors when they bring out comments about:
a. Dilution. Did you really think that they were fully financed and profitable when you bought? Didn't you know that they MUST raise more money to continue.
b. Payment to .... anyone. No one works for free. Options, while supposed to incentivise management are typically used in stead of cash for compensation. Management accepts these knowing that they may (and often) become worthless.
c.Small investors. You are the life blood of junior miners because getting institutional interest is very difficult. Companys care and work hard to keep websites, news disseminations and other forms of communications open and clear. Remeber, companys are typically run by technically and financially astute people. Explaining things isn't as easy as you might think when you can't use your jargon. It really easier and much much cheaper just to call two or three really big investors. Don't accept everything at face value, but educate yourself. It's your money and very important to you. Understand what is the most likely outcome. Don't focus on what the possible upside might be. And understand the downside. If you can live with it, stick around.