Thursday, 19 December 2024
28.1 C
Singapore

Mullenweg confirms Tumblr’s struggles but no closure planned

Matt Mullenweg confirms significant staffing changes at Tumblr amid financial challenges, with plans to reallocate staff within Automattic, but no closure of Tumblr has been announced.

Matt Mullenweg, the head of Automattic, has confirmed a recent leak regarding , a popular microblogging platform. A leaked internal memo revealed significant changes at Tumblr, including staff reassignments within Automattic and a reduced workforce for the Tumblr team.

Tumblr’s financial difficulties

Tumblr, acquired by Automattic from Verizon in 2019 for US$3 million, has struggled to achieve the goals set by its new owners. The acquisition came after Verizon acquired Yahoo, which had previously bought Tumblr for US$1.1 billion. Despite a relatively low purchase price, Automattic invested a hefty US$100 million in an attempt to revitalise Tumblr, efforts that ultimately yielded little results.

Reallocating Tumblr staff

The leaked memo and a subsequent Tumblr post by Mullenweg revealed plans to offer 139 product team employees the opportunity to transfer to other divisions within Automattic. Meanwhile, those in Customer Support and the Trust and Safety teams are expected to remain in their current positions at Tumblr. Mullenweg’s statement clarified the internal terminology used within the company:

  • “Bumblr” refers to the product team.
  • “Happiness” denotes the customer service team.
  • “T&S” stands for the Trust and Safety team.

Mullenweg’s announcement emphasised that no layoffs are planned, focusing instead on redirecting efforts and resources within the company: “The majority of the 139 people in Bumblr will switch to other divisions. No plans for any switches in Happiness or T&S.”

Future of Tumblr

While there are no immediate plans to shut down Tumblr, the platform will continue with a leaner team. Automattic remains committed to exploring Tumblr’s potential in 2024, focusing on its performance and strategic direction.

For more detailed insights, Mullenweg’s statement on the Tumblr memo can be found on the Tumblr platform itself, offering a clearer picture of the future for both Tumblr and its employees.

Hot this week

Instagram introduces a feature to schedule direct messages

Instagram now lets you schedule text-only DMs up to 29 days in advance, offering more control over your conversations. It's easy to use and practical!

Microsoft aims to make the Xbox app the hub for PC gaming

Microsoft updates the Xbox app with 400+ new PC games, a revamped home UI, and improved features to create the ultimate PC gaming hub.

Apple’s AI mishap sparks concerns after BBC headline blunder

Apple faces backlash after its AI notification feature falsely claims a BBC shooting suspect shot himself, prompting calls for urgent fixes.

ChatGPT’s AI search engine is now available for all users

ChatGPT’s AI search engine is now available to all users, with mobile upgrades, faster searches, and exclusive features for paid subscribers.

YouTuber reveals possible first look at Nintendo Switch 2 with new magnetic Joy-Cons

YouTuber NerdNest reveals a possible dummy model of the Nintendo Switch 2, showcasing magnetic Joy-Cons, larger screen size, and new features.

YouTuber reveals possible first look at Nintendo Switch 2 with new magnetic Joy-Cons

YouTuber NerdNest reveals a possible dummy model of the Nintendo Switch 2, showcasing magnetic Joy-Cons, larger screen size, and new features.

PlayStation and AMD collaborate to revolutionise gaming with AI

Sony and AMD partner to bring AI-powered gaming innovations, enhancing graphics and gameplay on PlayStation, PCs, and cloud platforms.

Intel outlines fixes to improve Arrow Lake CPU performance

Intel rolls out fixes for Arrow Lake CPU performance issues, addressing Windows updates, gaming optimisation, and future improvements at CES.

Sandisk unveils bold new rebrand

Sandisk unveils a bold rebrand with a modern logo inspired by data and collaboration, setting the stage for its spinoff from Western Digital.

Related Articles

Popular Categories