If it was my call, id not be specific handing out dates.

Instead of "working to close 9/15 or sooner" Id say "The scheduled escrow closing date for the Songbird acquisition is late 2017."

Then, doing it in Sept!

Every single day, a poster somewhere throws out 9/15, presents the thought anywhere from being a good thing to something horrible is happening at HQ.

I'm just saying, execs are held to a higher standard, so don't give anyone a reason to say you blew the date.

Of course, non committal or vague communications brings on criticism too....but, there's a middle ground.