Everyone seems to be sounding off on Pine Island's Elk Run these days, including the reporters writing about the 2,325 acre project.

Steve Burrill told The Star Tribune last week that he has a "firm commitment" for the $1 billion fund that would provide financial support for Elk Run's development and companies moving into the project's biobusiness park. Elk Run is a development that would eventually encompass a biobusiness park, housing, a wellness community and other commercial space.

Burrill said in an interview he hopes to secure that money by the end of the year, but acknowledged the deal isn't done until it's done.

Then, following the Star Tribune and MedCity News reporting on the fund, Burrill's firm, Burrill & Co. released a statement reiterating that fund hasn't closed yet and noted "contrary to the impressions conveyed in the press coverage, no decisions have yet been made, and there can be no guarantees about the actual outcome, at this point."

There are four local online and print news organizations closely following Elk Run, including the Star Tribune. Below are three reporters' reactions to Burrill & Co.'s statement.

From MedCity News' Thomas Lee, in a column titled, "Burrill's comments on Elk Run give me whiplash":

Perhaps the press wouldn't get the wrong impression if Burrill stuck to one answer, which maybe should be, "I just don't know."

Let's be completely frank. Burrill's zig-zagging on the fund hurts his credibility and that of Elk Run, which already has plenty of skeptics. These days, raising just $10 million can earn you rock star status, never mind $1 billion. So Burrill's perpetual teasing is starting to wear a little thin.

Yes, raising money is tough. Yes, there can be no guarantees. That's why it's best to avoid giving meaningless timelines and using phrases like "firm commitment" and "we're at the goal line."

From Finance and Commerce's Arundhati Parmar in a column titled, "Once bitten, twice not so shy":

Everyone makes mistakes. The difference is whether we learn not to repeat them.

Consider G. Steven Burrill, who is a widely respected observer of the biotech industry, but who appears to have a penchant for jumping the gun.

Post-Bulletin's Jeff Hansel wrote in his blog that Burrill & Co.'s statement on the firm's other investments in Minnesota could indicate "Burrill is trying to leave the door open in the event he fails to get the commitment for $1 billion that he's been after."

A person I was having lunch with today asked me what was the benefit of these reporters voicing their personal opinions on Elk Run. Well...that's why I'm keeping mum.