Let me see if I can help you guys figure a few things out :
A BOND is THIS :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bond_(finance)
A SHARE is THIS :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DividendFor those unable to follow links and in the simplest terms possible so that even the most retarded among you can follow along :
A bond is a loan which pulls interest. It is a PROMISE to pay.
A share is a division of a company and pulls a share of the PROFITS usually called a DIVIDEND.
PICK one.
By those short definitions... what we have here does not comply to either.
BOND - we did not LOAN this money to LRM and what he is paying us is in no way, shape of form a payment of principle + interest.
SHARE - what we are receiving as DIVIDENDS are not actually SHARES of the profit of LRM... I would actually say in whole... LRM is probably still in the red and a profit share would not be paid until at least the first entire year was over. Even then, we would still probably be in the red but maybe not... regardless profits would probably be somewhere near what we have already been paid to date at that one year mark.
So that leaves us where...? Awaiting LR and LRM to redefine exactly what it is we hold because what we are receiving is actual WEEKLY EARNINGS of a Data Processing firm. What is the more likely, but I dare say LR would NEVER allow this to be, is that we are all PARTNERS to some extent and have been promised a weekly payout on earnings after cost deductions. What that means to everyone and LRMs lawyers is probably what is taking so long to define in the eyes of the law.
There was a comment made by LR early in all this where he compared it to a group purchase more than a bond or share. Sad thing it that we are even discussing this now - many disillusioned investors - but the ambiguity might end up working in favor of investors if it comes down to a legal case.