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Patch's new owner lays off staff in 1:39 conference call

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Re: Patch's new owner lays off staff in 1:39 conference call

#81
post #19

In addition to the "firing people by conference call is a douche move", her voice is an excellent argument against hiring any non-Australian with the high rising terminal mode of speech.

That has always enraged me, thanks for putting into words.

It's not only unaesthetic, but also ^makes it harder to distinguish when people are actually asking questions^.

For example, when someone says, "So, we're going there" with the high-rising terminal, uptalkers have polluted that resource which is spoken language to the point that it makes it harder to tell if the sentence was a question or an imperative.

Re: Patch's new owner lays off staff in 1:39 conference call

#82
post #28

The next one is a gem too: ~1:55 in: "Abel, put that camera down right now. Abel, you're fired, out." https://soundcloud.com/jim-romenesko/aol-ceo-tim-armstrong-8...

Here was the HN thread on that: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=6197081

Re: Patch's new owner lays off staff in 1:39 conference call

#83
post #28

The next one is a gem too: ~1:55 in: "Abel, put that camera down right now. Abel, you're fired, out." https://soundcloud.com/jim-romenesko/aol-ceo-tim-armstrong-8...

I like how just 30 seconds prior, he mentions somewhat off-handedly that he doesn't care if anyone leaks anything to the press.

Re: Patch's new owner lays off staff in 1:39 conference call

#85
post #66
post #23

Wow. That was incredible. The monotonous way in which the message was delivered, the complete lack of emotion and empathy, is appalling. Notice she did not apologize nor express any condolences beyond declaring the new unemployed state of those people to be "unfortunate." Without knowing much about the situation (I only listened to the recording), and leaving myself wide open to be corrected by someone with more insi…

I heard it as coldly professional. What, do you think they'd want a hug? I object to your use of "appalling". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo7zkd0kRS4

My what a contrarian you are.

Re: Patch's new owner lays off staff in 1:39 conference call

#86
post #66
post #23

Wow. That was incredible. The monotonous way in which the message was delivered, the complete lack of emotion and empathy, is appalling. Notice she did not apologize nor express any condolences beyond declaring the new unemployed state of those people to be "unfortunate." Without knowing much about the situation (I only listened to the recording), and leaving myself wide open to be corrected by someone with more insi…

I heard it as coldly professional. What, do you think they'd want a hug? I object to your use of "appalling". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo7zkd0kRS4

You say "coldly professional" like it's a good thing.

Re: Patch's new owner lays off staff in 1:39 conference call

#87

This kind of behavior (promoted by HR/Legal) needs to stop. Period. It is not about firing people by conference, phone or whatever. It is about the thanklessness and the attitude that sucks. Does it really hurt to genuinely feel and say "sorry we cannot keep you any longer. Hope you understand". No one is going to sit and whine about being laid-off but the manner of layoffs (in america at least) is getting shameful,…

>May be I am overreacting but this is when Capitalism starts to bite

what on earth does harsh layoffs have to do with capitalism?

Re: Patch's new owner lays off staff in 1:39 conference call

#88
post #23

Wow. That was incredible. The monotonous way in which the message was delivered, the complete lack of emotion and empathy, is appalling. Notice she did not apologize nor express any condolences beyond declaring the new unemployed state of those people to be "unfortunate." Without knowing much about the situation (I only listened to the recording), and leaving myself wide open to be corrected by someone with more insi…

I've often heard that apologies in various contexts can be used as evidence for litigation (eg, saying "oh sorry" after an auto accident) . Its a sad state of affairs, but people have to protect themselves from idiots and the courts they convince.

I think that's more in the sense of "oh sorry, I didn't see you!" Which is an admission of guilt.

Re: Patch's new owner lays off staff in 1:39 conference call

#90
post #28

The next one is a gem too: ~1:55 in: "Abel, put that camera down right now. Abel, you're fired, out." https://soundcloud.com/jim-romenesko/aol-ceo-tim-armstrong-8...

What was the context there? Was abel part of the group being fired in the call? Or was he fired on the spot with that remark?

It seems that Abel was part of Patch and Tim Armstrong is CEO of AOL. This second call was from some time last year and not related to the OPs link other than it's the same set of companies, and another dubious action made on a conference call.
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