US media outfit Salon.com has axed 25 jobs - around 20 per cent of its workforce - in a bid to cut costs and steer the outfit to profitability.

Actually, that's not strictly true. In a statement, Salon.com said it had "eliminated" 25 jobs.

Which takes the euphemisms of dotcom sackings to new, macabre depth. What next? Those for the chop get lined up against a wall and shot?

Salon.com also said revenues for the December quarter would be $2 million to $2.3 million - down a third on what some analysts had expected, say reports.

Michael O'Donnell, Salon.com's CEO and president, said: "The market is demanding profitability and we're committed to get there as quickly as possible in 2001.

"This was a difficult decision because it involves talented people who have worked very hard to make Salon a success," he said. ®