re: Tesla posts massive 702 million dollar loss in first quarter

quote:

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Can anyone explain to me why so many people are so emotionally wrapped up with the success or failure of Tesla? I don’t get it.

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Gonna get wordy.

Musk is a visionary, and has been involved in amazing things. The guy can sell his vision to acquire capital (some from the Feds), attract engineering talent, and inspire the public.

Does he have engineering talent? I don't know, and it really doesn't matter all that much. Genius? Maybe.

Can he pick ideas that move people? I'd say yes.

Does he overpromise and have problems with operations / delivery? You bet. Tesla obviously has issues-- maybe based in technology limitations, maybe operations management problems. Does he relate to Wall Street well? Not really.

We don't know for sure about profitability of SpaceX because it is private at this point. My guess is that they are still "buying work" at this point-- not seeing profits yet-- I could be dead wrong. I find myself reminded of the great sci-fi classic Destination Moon that came out before NASA. Multiple "patriotic" corporations came together to fund and execute the first moon mission. Is that the future? or can one company do it profitably? Not relevant here.

Long story short-- I have the same question you stated. Why do folks get emotional about Tesla and some worship Musk and some call him a fraud? Are some folks too wrapped up in the cult of personality?