On Twitter, Elon Musk’s ultimatum creates hundreds of takedowns

INTERNET – How many will stay? The question has surfaced on Twitter since Elon Musk issued an ultimatum to the company’s employees. Three weeks after the acquisition of the social network, the eccentric billionaire who has already fired half of the staff asked the employees who survived the first wave of layoffs to choose between giving themselves up. “absolutely, unconditionally”and left.

Since Thursday, November 17, there have been countless messages from employees who chose to leave rather than remain in this environment. “I may be exceptional, but (…) I am not unconditional”for example tweeted Andrea Horst, whose LinkedIn profile is still displayed “Supply Chain Manager (Survivor) on Twitter”. He added a hashtag “#lovewhereyouworked”meaning “dear where you worked”like dozens of other employees announcing their choice on the platform.

According to some American media, hundreds of employees chose to leave. Half of the California group’s 7,500 employees were already dismissed by the multi-billionaire two weeks ago, and about 700 employees resigned during the summer, before it was even confirmed that the acquisition would take place.

Elon Musk quips at the end of Twitter

Thursday night, many users of the social network, including former collaborators, journalists and analysts, were wondering if the end of Twitter was near.

“And…we just hit a new peak in Twitter usage, lol”quipped Elon Musk, who bought the platform for 44 billion dollars on October 27. He also tweeted a skull and crossbones pirate flag and a meme (parody image), showing a man with a blue bird face , who posed in front of a tomb also wearing a blue bird mask, as if Twitter was happily witnessing his own funeral.

On Thursday afternoon, Twitter warned all employees that the company’s buildings are temporarily closed and inaccessible, even with a badge, according to an internal letter published by several American media.

“Offices will reopen on Monday, November 21. Thank you for your flexibility. Please continue to comply with internal regulations by refraining from discussing confidential information on social networks, in the press or elsewhere”indicates the message.

Anti-Musk messages in the building

Thursday night, anti-Elon Musk messages were displayed in front of the company’s headquarters in San Francisco, right next to the logo, which “Elon Musk, shut up”, “Stop toxic Twitter” where “Towards Loss”from photos by Gia Vang, a reporter for the local NBC affiliate.

Dozens of current and especially former employees met Thursday night at a “Spaces”, the platform’s audio lounges, to support each other and evoke fond 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 reborn.

“I have no words, I’m just grateful to say that I managed to get my dream job and accomplish more than I ever thought possible. It was a great adventure”tweeted Thursday Deanna Hines-Glasgow, a “Ex-Tweep”the nickname of Twitter employees.

“To all the Tweeps who have decided today is their last day: thank you for being amazing teammates through the ups and downs. I can’t wait to see what you do next”said Esther Crawford, director of product development for the platform, one of the few managers who didn’t resign or get fired, and who still publicly supports the eccentric leader.