Twitter’s future looked uncertain Friday, Nov. 18, after many of the social network’s influential engineers took Elon Musk at his word and announced they were leaving rather than sticking around. “thoroughly, unconditionally”. According to former employees and several US media outlets, hundreds of employees responded “no” to the new owner and manager’s ultimatum that gave them a choice between working tirelessly “To build a revolutionary Twitter 2.0” or leave with three months’ salary. that New York Times It adds more than 1,200 new departures since Thursday.
Half of the California group’s 7,500 employees were laid off by the multibillionaire two weeks ago, and about 700 employees resigned over the summer, even before it was certain the acquisition would go through. “My friends are gone, the vision is blurry, a storm is coming, there is no financial incentive. What would you do? Would you sacrifice your time with your children on holidays for vague promises and (to) make the rich even richer?’summarized Peter Clowes, a computer engineer and director of Twitter and “Saved from cuts”according to his Linkedin profile.
Like many other employees of the California group, he elaborated on his hesitation and reasons for his choice, explaining that he: “I didn’t hate Elon Musk.”that he understood some of the boss’s decisions and wanted to “Seeing the success of Twitter”. But, according to him, only “3 engineers out of 75” of his team. “If I stayed, I’d be on call almost all the time, with very little vague support on complex computer systems I have no experience with.”he notes.
In addition, “No vision was shared with us. No five-year plan like Tesla had. (…) It is a pure test of loyalty”he explains. “What should Twitter do now?”Elon Musk tweeted on Friday: Tesla’s chief wanted to buy the California company in the spring, then he no longer wanted to in the summer and had to buy it in late October for $44 billion to avoid a lawsuit because of heavy debts. . Since taking over, he has mobilized teams day and night on controversial projects that must be delayed. He launched a massive social program before withdrawing key people, and he made promises to advertisers while threatening them.
Twitter buildings closed and unavailable
Many users of the social network, including former colleagues, journalists and analysts, wonder if the end of Twitter is near. “And…we just hit a new peak in Twitter usage lol!”In turn, Elon Musk joked on Thursday evening. He also tweeted a skull and crossbones pirate flag and a meme (caricature) showing a man with a bluebird face posing in front of a bluebird-masked grave as if Twitter was hilariously witnessing his own funeral.
On Thursday afternoon, Twitter warned all employees that the company’s buildings were temporarily closed and inaccessible, even with a badge, according to an internal email published by several US media outlets.
On Thursday evening, messages against Elon Musk were displayed on the facade of the company’s headquarters in San Francisco, right next to the logo. “Elon Musk, shut up“, “Stop Toxic Twitter” Where? “Onwards to Bankruptcy,” according to photos by local NBC affiliate Gia Wang. On Thursday night, dozens of current and especially former employees met in Spaces, the platform’s audio lounges, to support each other and share memories. Employees who chose to stay spoke of their unwavering attachment to the social network and their desire to see it survive and even be revived. “Thanks to everyone at Twitter. You have created an important place of connection and you deserved much better. (…) Thank you”In turn, Democrat-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted, while noting where to find it on other platforms, if ever it’s the end of the tweeting network.
Other elected officials and regulators have responded, particularly concerned that the service’s ability to moderate content is at risk. American senators have warned about Elon Musk’s plans “undermine the integrity and security of the platform”. The Multi Billionaire “He won’t be able to do what he wants” In Europe, Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for the Internal Market, announced on Franceinfo on Friday. “He knows what the conditions are for Twitter to continue operating in Europe.”he added, emphasizing the need to hire more moderators instead of firing them.
Source: Le Figaro
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.