I haven't been one that has been clamoring for 'news' or PR's. I have been critical of their utter disregard for IR. Often times, first impressions are lasting impressions, and having a disconnected number as the contact number on the websites for months is not good, nor is not replying to correspondence. Nor is forcing investors to track down mgt in order to get basic questions answered.
I do believe that before Michelex/Pristine rolls out a multifaceted IR campaign they need to make sure that they are ready for investor scrutiny (i.e., have verifiable orders, revenue stream, profits, EDGAR filings, etc.). One of the worst things they can do is make a bad first impression, and putting out videos and ads at this point in time is not wise. Of course, that's JMO. However, when the time is right, I sincerely hope that they will roll out a multifaceted IR/marketing campaign focusing on different core audiences (e.g., potential retail investors, potential buyers of their products/services, etc.).
However, they do need to do a much better job of communicating with existing investors and potential investors right now. That can be done on the cheap for the time being, but it still has to be done. IMHO, it could be done quite easily; there must be someone (and if not, hire someone or contract with a single person) other than top mgt. who can:
1) Get a working phone number and post that number on their websites.
2) Answer the phone or have a message play and then call back investors.
3) Reply to emails.
4) Post updates on the websites.
Top mgt. can provide the person with what to say or write, and obviously proof all postings before they appear on the website. My goodness, this is basic mgt. 101; delegate tasks so that you can focus on executive level issues. Instead of ignoring investors or making numerous phone calls/sending numerous emails, you do it once (i.e., answer the most common questions and give those answers to the person who will actually reply to emails and make call-backs). If a new question comes up, you answer it once and provide that answer to the person will communicate that answer to whoever needs it.
Michelex/Pristine is obviously suffering from growing pains as they transition from a private enterprise to a publicly-traded company. I think they -and we- have suffered long enough in regards to how (or in this case, how not to) interact with investors. They've been hearing it for awhile and now it's time for them to correct the problems. Again, I'm not referring to expensive marketing campaigns or IR firms, I'm just referring to the basic task of communicating with investors and potential investors.
