Reddit started the blackout idea so it could have Pao step down on the first day. ( conspiracy )

submitted by StrandedHermit

Let's say that reddit has each of it's employees create a new account to use when they start their respective job. During their entire employment they log activity on this account, to make it a believable, viable looking account.

Now they start losing ad revenue because of the diminishing user base, and discontent with Pao as a figurehead, so they instruct one of their employees to start hype about a "reddit black out day" on their personal fake account that they've been using. Hype ensues.

Now the "black out" day arrives and they make the "big announcement" that Pao is stepping down. Reddit flourishes with traffic, their manipulation a success.

Empire_of_the_mind

wahtever it is, it belongs in /v/meanwhileonreddit

DirtDog13

Not sure this is a full blown conspiracy...the decision for Pao to step down was clearly being discussed prior to yesterday. For them to announce the resignation on the "Blackout" date makes perfect sense. Give the user base a confidence boost...they got what they wanted.

Sciency

No conspiracy, it's just how business is. When you outsource massive real-world choices to a board instead of a sole person, there is no longer room for singular human morality, only utilitarianism. It so happens that a publicly owned business run by a board cannot make any decision that would sacrifice profit, because their morality is money.

With that in mind, it would be "fiscally irresponsible" for a board-member or acting CEO to pass up any opportunity to save their sinking ship.