In his typically candid, often humorous style, Chris Fair dissects the often misguided attempts in the oil and gas industry to implement surveillance systems for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Annual Conference in Perth, Australia. He critiques the common missteps, like over-reliance on buzzwords and technologies without a solid understanding of fundamental physics, while emphasizing the need for meaningful data interpretation and decision-making. Fair’s engaging style effectively highlights the pitfalls of jumping onto the big data bandwagon without a clear direction or understanding, making a strong case for a more thoughtful and informed approach in the industry.