Interim Reddit CEO Ellen Pao finally conceded to the call of the majority as she stepped down from her post, CNet reported. What prompted the clamor for her to step down as Reddit's interim CEO was her decision to axe a key staffer and colorful discussions over free speech on the world known internet message board.
Pao came into the resolution after a mutual decision was met between her and Reddit's board of directors as confirmed by a member Sam Altman. Reddit co-founder and former CEO Steve Huffman took over immediately after Pao vacated her position.
RealtyToday said that Pao went under heavy fire at the San Francisco based community forum site after an online petition, via Change.org, was launched in June that is calling for her resignation. The petition acquired more than 200,000 signatures.
Pao posted her official statement on the matter which reads, "the good, the bad and the ugly," on the site, mentioning that the good has been "off-the-wall inspiring," and the ugly "made me doubt humanity. I just want to remind everyone that I am just another human; I have a family, and I have feelings. Everyone attacked on reddit is just another person like you and me, the good, the bad and the ugly," on the site, mentioning that the good has been "off-the-wall inspiring," and the ugly "made me doubt humanity. I just want to remind everyone that I am just another human; I have a family, and I have feelings. Everyone attacked on reddit is just another person like you and me."
CNet also interviews a member of Reddit's board of directors and commented on the news that the popular social media website is struggling to control its community. The executive said that there are clearly issues with regards to the lack of attention given to the communication between the moderators and the company. However, he downplayed the control part and said that they are like any other organizations across the globe.
Pao gained instant celebrity status, even before the Reddit controversy, after her loss to a former employer about a case regarding gender equality. According to RealtyToday, Pao lost a multimillion lawsuit against venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins.
