I'm a little out of the loop (and hope I can afford to stay out) but I don't think right now is an especially good time to be a landman looking for work, especially in east Texas. Over the past few months I've heard of some of the bigger brokers making pretty large layoffs. On the other hand, traditionally new budgets take effect the first of the year; if things loosen up it is usually at this time. The fly in the ointment is a question whether "traditionally" remains traditional. The thing about landmanning: it's great when it's hot and it's bad when it's cold.