Moon Express responded to a negative review about "spending money on marketing/advertising" vs spending money on its employees. Their response was:
“Aug 5, 2018 – Human Resources
We would like to correct the misperception that appears central to your post. Moon Express does not spend any money on advertising. We communicate publicly mostly through social media. If the basis of your criticism is the amount of media coverage we receive, please understand that that's a function of the free press, and not related to any expenditures on our part.
We are puzzled by these remarks, but we regret that you have negative feelings and would welcome a conversation with you to try to clear the air. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime.”
I'll be more than happy to "clear the air" right here in my response. First it wasn't "central" to my post. It was merely a suggestion to management. My “central” negative-review commentary was on the fact that the company had an extremely difficult time making PAYROLL (facts I can back up with copies of bank statements of the actual day the direct deposits were made). “Lack-of-finances” was the only central point…in my negative review.
I understand that you do not spend any money on media coverage. Reporters simply come to you. Fair statement. However, to "market" this amazing company you have to spend "money" on things to engage the public. These things do NOT come for FREE.
* Full-size scale model of the MX-1E for show and tell. Purchased by a professional model-making company out of New York. Made out of fiberglass, wood, and other common materials in the model-making industry. Very life-like and real looking. Impressive...but expensive ($thousands$)!
*Conferences that executive level management attended with VIPs from Washington where you had to come up with thousands of dollars for "sponsorships" for these receptions to these parties. Beautiful ICE SCULPTURES oh my! What is the going rate for elaborate ice sculptures these days?
The POINT is…management of the company “funds” would be better spent if you took care of the engineering team and staff. Payroll was constantly delayed (MY BIGGEST COMPLAINT and should CAUTION all future employees to consider). Bonuses always delayed. If an employee had business expenses to be reimbursed, this was always delayed. We have become second NOT first to the company. A company should always treat their employees as Number 1. Apparently that got lost along the way and it is sad to see the demise of such an inspiring company beloved by many throughout the world because of mismanagement of company finances. I truly hope Moon Express can bounce back from this and entice the right investors. Obviously an influx in funds is badly needed but perhaps a more critical role by the Board to oversee how the CEO and VPs are treating each and every employee. It is shameful to say the least!
