[whitneyrzoller]

I honestly don't know which is more damning, your sympathetic interpretation--implying "self-absorption" and "formal carelessness"--or mine--implying scumbag cynicism. The reason for my vitriol is my own experience with this kind of "offer". From many people I've talked to this is a calculated technique, and in my opinion expresses a deep disrespect for the recipients. If you are thinking about signing a contract of any import, your lawyer needs to look at it. You can be sure theirs did.

[shepardrtc]

There's nothing wrong with being cynical about potentially signing something to give away a percentage of your business.

In fact, if you're not cynical, you may not be ready for the business world.

[whitneyrzoller]

You're talking about the 'skepticism of sincerity' sense of cynicism on the receiving agents' (OP) side. I'm talking about the 'disregard for accepted or appropriate standards' sense of cynicism on the offering agents' (TS) side.