Perhaps they thought the so-called marketing plans were more of idea plans and not fully presented marketing plans. I'm not a business person I do not know how marketing works. Does a business pay for an advertising campaign fully up front, or do they pay for it after the product is ready? Commission work or up front fee work, or a combination of them.
I do not know what the answer is, but using words like arrogant are not going to help the situation, they are just going to add to the polarization feelings of some people.
Perhaps one day someone will present a real advertising campaign that the Whales can get behind.
!ENGAGE 10
particular is very common in that space. Most time is like more costumer for cash. Or more sales for cash. Depending on agency or PR work for cash to look better.
IMO the Hive situation it's simple.
Some imagine Marketing Proposal wants 150$ a day. that's 4500$/month ( to be real is not much). Imagine one Thing goes "viral" and brings some active new users. It's a gift.
So I would say Hire fast, fire fast.
Weekly report ( for example). Report sucks? defund the project. Work looks good? perfect.
Marketing is needed, space is free. So why not?
Nothing to lose.