It can happen only in the US.
Elon Musk, who will soon formally become the owner of Twitter, entered the headquarters of the firm dressed in casuals and carrying a kitchen sink. He tweeted the image later with the legend, "Let that sink in". The remark was a reference to the changes he had in mind for Twitter.
Can you imagine the CEO of an Indian company announcing his arrival in similar terms? Even if he or she had wanted to carry a sink, there would have been an orderly carrying it. Casuals are also an unlikely possibility. And the fellow would have had an army of flunkeys around him.
Musk has reassured employees that he has no plans to prune 75 per cent of the staff as has been speculated. He has also reassured advertisers:
" Twitter obviously cannot become a free-for-all hellscape, where anything can be said with no consequences! ....In addition to adhering to the laws of the land, our platform must be warm and welcoming to all, where you can choose your desired experience according to your preferences, just as you can choose, for example, to see movies or play video games ranging from all ages to mature....Fundamentally, Twitter aspires to be the most respected advertising platform in the world that strengthens your brand and grows your enterprise.”
There is scepticism about Musk's intentions. Many think that easing of content moderation means that extreme statements will become acceptable on Twitter. They believe right-wing extremists will have a free run.
It would be wise to put one's judgement on the deal on hold. Musk is too shrewd a businessman to compromise the worth of the brand. If Twitter degenerates into a platform for abuse, the brand will be seriously undermined.
It is reasonable to hope that Musk will do what he think is necessary to protect and grow the business. I am reminded of the grim prophecies that accompanied Rupert Murdoch's takeover of Wall Street Journal many years ago. People said it would be the end of the sort of journalism WSJ was known for. Well, they have been proved wrong. WSJ remains pretty much what it was- except that Murdoch managed to turn it around commercially after investing millions of dollars in the paper.
Don't underestimate the competence of top businessmen - or of top politicians.
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