The Sonic promotions are only exploratory at this point and GM remains cautious after dropping Facebook as an advertising resource in May 2012.

WSJ: Buy Signal: Facebook Widens Data Targeting

Funds raised in exploratory committees only need to be disclosed if potential candidates decide to run for office, at which point they must go back and disclose any "exploratory" money raised thus far.

CNN: Obama to form panel to explore presidential bid

Others question how NASA can claim to be making much exploratory progress when the greatest accomplishment it can point to 36 years after sending Glenn into orbit is sending Glenn back into orbit.

CNN: Victory Lap